The festive season is fast approaching, and few experiences herald the start of the holidays like a tree lighting ceremony. The dazzling lights, the collective countdown to the flip of the switch and a sense of anticipation in the air.

There’s a reason why from New York’s Rockefeller Centre to Palace Square in St.Petersburg, tree lighting ceremonies attract thousands of revellers each year, and none now more eagerly anticipated than that of Cape Town’s Moët & Chandon Golden Tree. Capetonians and visitors alike are once again invited to bring their festive cheer to the Moët & Chandon Golden Tree Lighting Ceremony – taking place on Friday the 29th of November from 6:30pm at the V&A Waterfront Silo District.

In honour of the Springbok Rugby team’s epic World Cup 2019 win, several members of the legendary winning team will be in attendance. SA stars Boity Thulo and Katleho Sinivasan will also be there to declare the festive season officially open.

“The Moët & Chandon Golden Tree has become a symbol of festive celebration and marks the opening of the holiday season in South Africa. Moët & Chandon Impérial also celebrates its 150th anniversary this year and the Springboks have brought the World Cup Rugby trophy home – there are so many reasons to join us and celebrate!” says Pascal Asin, Moët Hennessy Managing Director Africa & Middle East.

Indeed, 2019 is also the 150th anniversary of the Moët Imperial, the Maison’s flagship champagne and a global symbol of celebration. Indeed, from the world’s sporting podiums to Hollywood’s red carpet, Moët Impérial has marked personal and public milestones and launched celebratory traditions. Now in its third year, South Africa’s Moët & Chandon Golden Tree Lighting Ceremony has too found its rightful place in the festive history books.

Built with over 2000 recycled champagne and sitting at an awe-inspiring four-storeys high, the Moët & Chandon Golden Tree is wrapped in a shimmering gold ribbon created using over 2000 discs. Expect an unforgettable lighting display to themed festive music, with 230 metres of dazzling LED lights individually programmed to illuminate in time with the music.

Visitors to the Moët & Chandon Golden Tree Lighting Ceremony will enjoy performances by internationally revered opera singers Given Nkosi and Magdalene Minnaar – a voice you may recognise from opening of the Cape Town Stadium for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, as well as the Cape Town Youth Choir.

This year’s ceremony will also include unforgettable dance performances. The lighting ceremony this year takes place on Friday the 29th of November and those hoping to attend are advised to arrive at the V&A Waterfront Silo District well in advance of the 7pm start, as this experience attracts a crowd of thousands. For the first time, visitors will be able to purchase Moët & Chandon minis from dedicated bars around the tree and festive specials will be available at selected restaurants.

And this year, for those that miss the opening ceremony, in the spirit of festive generosity Moët & Chandon have organised an additional 3 Festive Fridays: 6th, 13th and 20th December, which will include a Golden Tree lighting experience.

The Moët Golden Tree will be situated in the Silo District until 6th January.

Event information:

• Public event: The Moët Golden Tree Lighting Experience is open to the general public at no cost
• Date: The Golden Tree Lighting Opening Ceremony will take place on Friday the 29th of November
• Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm
• Location: The Moët & Chandon Christmas Tree is located in front of Zeitz MOCAA at the V&A Waterfront Silo District.
• Christmas shopping: The design-driven district is home to a host of retailers including Lindt, Kirsten Goss and Kat van Duinen. With shops open until 8pm, visitors are also invited to indulge in some late-night Christmas shopping on the 29th of November, as well as delicious Moët & Chandon festive specials at participating restaurants in the Silo District.
• Festive Fridays: which include a tree lighting experience will take place on: 6th, 13th and 20th December

#moetmoment ABOUT MOËT & CHANDON Founded in 1743, Moët & Chandon contributed to introduce champagne to the world by offering a range of unique wines for every occasion. From iconic Moët Impérial to the Grand Vintage Collection, from the extroverted Moët Rosé Impérial to the innovative Moët Ice Impérial, each champagne dazzles and delights with bright fruitiness, an enticing palate and an elegant maturity. Moët & Chandon celebrates the thrill of living. With a bottle of its champagne opened every second around the globe, Moët & Chandon knows that every second is an experience, and every experience is a #moetmoment to live now.