Pleasures of presence

As the year draws to a close, we delight in the simple joys of the season – time spent with the ones we love, water on warm skin and the sweet, messy pleasure of summer fruit. The farm is humming – along the walkways, in the gardens and restaurants and in every bud and tree – yet there’s a softening in the air. Smiles linger a little longer and laughter carries through the leaves. 

The only way to gift …

If we may say so, Babylonstoren might just be the most delightful place to shop for gifts. Wander the laterite walkways, explore the Farm Shop’s selection of oils, wines, preserves, traditional bakes and bespoke kitchenware, then step into the fragrant embrace of the Scented Room with its abundant festive display. Stop by the wrapping station on your way out – or linger beneath the Farm Shop pergola while your gifts are wrapped in a touch of Babylonstoren magic.  

Seasonal hours

15–23 Dec: 09h00–19h00 
24 Dec: 09h00–15h00 
25 Dec: Closed 
26–30 Dec: 09h00–18h00 
31 Dec: 09h00–15h00 
1 Jan: 09h00–18h00 (return to normal hours)

Handmade heirlooms

If you fancy a quiet browse, Jonkershuis Farm Shop at Soetmelksvlei is balm for the soul. Step back in time for slow-crafted treasures that will stand the test of time. Embroidery, knitting, leathercraft, ironware, woodwork, boerseep, scented tallow, flower presses, books, cordials and old-fashioned baked goods. Soetmelksvlei’s handcrafted nativity scene, complete with handstitched figures, a donkey, cow and sheep, is a precious antidote to the season’s fast festive trinkets. If you can’t visit the farm, we’ll bring the farm to you. Browse our festive selection online.

Let the children play

Even better – join them. The garden is a joyous space for kids to explore. With Mother Nature front and centre, thoughts of screens evaporate. The Bullfrog with its hidden waterspouts is a thrilling experience! Parents can enjoy a leisurely breakfast or lunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant while kids splash in the farm’s leivoor system. And a sensory feast awaits at the newly opened Byzantium, our temple to bees and their delicious labours. Find your way through the Moestuin towards the copper shingled roof – that’s where the buzz is. 

Old-school outdoor

Soetmelksvlei gives kids the sort of sensory stimulation that harks back to a bygone era. The life-size indoor dollhouse is a treasure trove for little escapists, while the outdoor play area behind the Old Stables Restaurant is an explorer’s dream. Aspiring farmers can practise “milking” our wooden cows – their water-filled udders result in shrieks of delight. Soetmelksvlei is open daily during school holidays, with added workshops and activities to keep kids active, engaged and exploring. Please book online, as space is limited and costs may apply. 

Monday – kite making 
Tuesday – survival day (age 10+ only) 
Wednesday – boeresport (free) 
Thursday – arts & crafts 
Friday – wire art 
Sunday – treasure hunt 

Little ones will have the opportunity to create Christmas cards on handmade paper, to be delivered to an old-age home in Franschhoek. 

Edible treasures

We’re besotted with tomatoes and downright obsessed with the heirloom tomatoes grown on the farm. With names like Blue Beauty, Berkeley Pink Tie Dye, Copper River, Orange Flute and Brad’s Atomic, heirloom tomatoes are as diverse and flavourful as they are beautiful. Oddly shaped and colourful, they look enticing on the plate – and we eat with our eyes first, don’t we? 

 December is a riot of juicy flavour, from cherries, apricots and peaches to pears, apples, grapes and mangos. Lavender holds its lilac head high, while the elderflower bushes are draped in delicate blossoms to infuse, distil and ferment for posterity. 

C’est si bon-sai!

Bonsais are always a captivating sight, but there’s something magical about seeing the mighty African baobab in miniature. On display in the Puff Adder walkway this December, these living sculptures have been cultivated in South Africa for many decades, using exotic and indigenous trees like the white stinkwood and baobabs currently on display. 

The swing of summer

On 6 December, a gathering of kindred spirits will step out in shades of summer red for a seasonal celebration in a quiet corner of the garden. Our Summer Harvest Table promises to be a feast from the soil, where laughter, stories and Babylonstoren’s finest flow freely. We’re delighted that tickets to this gathering were snapped up so fast. Please visit our events page to secure your seat at one of our quarterly long tables in 2026. 

Christmas comes early …

Treat yourself to an early festive getaway at the Babylonstoren Farm Hotel. Book two nights between 1 and 16 December and get 20% off. For availability, contact  [email protected]

Weave wonder 

Get into the festive spirit with Constance Stuurman, our floral artist, as she guides you through the garden to fill your basket with seedheads, flowers, foliage and whatever piques your interest. Inspired by Constance, you’ll create your own festive piece to take home or to gift a loved one. 

Still unsure what to get that person for Christmas? Why, a workshop at Babylonstoren or Soetmelksvlei, of course! 

Workshops in December 

Babylonstoren 

02 Dec – Christmas decor from the garden  

03 Dec – Christmas decor from the garden 

09 Dec – Lavender harvest & essential oils 

10 Dec – Christmas decor from the garden 

11 Dec – Christmas decor from the garden 

Soetmelksvlei 

04 Dec – Pickle & preserve summer’s abundance  

05 Dec – Make farm butter & bake buttermilk rusks 

11 Dec – Family fun: make sun prints 

12 Dec – Hands-on kids: bake & ice festive biscuits