Local Smiles & Holiday Energy

This week, we’re grinning a little wider than usual - because our Local Spotlight falls on Dr Frans Kruger of iSmile Orthodontic Rooms, the man bringing digital orthodontics, Olympian-level dad energy, and a whole lot of heart to Hermanus. As December edges nearer and the town begins its slow transformation from “peaceful coastal village” to “festive season circus,” we’ve gathered your weather, weekend plans, and everything else to keep you smiling through the week.

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Hermanus Scoop
December 10, 2025

👋 Hello Hermanus - another week, another round of local stories worth smiling about!

Our Hermanus Holiday Guide is coming soon, and it’s shaping up beautifully. If you’re hosting an event, offering a festive-season special, running a market, or have something worth shouting about, send it our way - we’d love to include it. Drop us a mail at [email protected].

In this week’s edition, we’re dishing up:

😄 Local Spotlight: Dr Frans Kruger & iSmile Orthodontic Rooms - meet the man pioneering digital orthodontics in Hermanus. From advanced tech to true community care, Frans is shaping smiles and elevating local healthcare one patient at a time.

🍷 New in Town: Bouchard Finlayson POP UP - as the estate in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley temporarily closes to undergo a world-leading transformation the Bouchard Finlayson team brings their award-winning craft to the heart of Hermanus.

📆 What’s On in Hermanus: your guide to markets, live music, festive happenings, and everything buzzing around town this week.

🌤️ Your Weather: a quick snapshot to help you plan those perfect early-summer days by the sea.

Here’s to local passion, community champions, and the people who make Hermanus shine all year round.

The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Love local stories? Share The Scoop with a friend at hermanusscoop.co.za - it’s free and it’s lekker.

Property of the Week - Presented by Greeff Properties

Looking for ocean views or a mountainside retreat?

Each week, we spotlight a standout listing that captures the unique charm and lifestyle of the Overberg. From ocean-view escapes to tucked-away treasures, these are the homes that inspire imagination - and maybe even your next move. Brought to you by Greeff Properties, trusted specialists in exceptional real estate across the Overberg.

🏡 Property of the Week: Your Golden Years Await at Fynbos Park

Transitioning to a retirement village does not necessitate downsizing your living space. We are excited to introduce this bright and spacious top-floor unit, accessible via a lift or gentle stairs. Recently refreshed with a new coat of paint, this 93 m² residence features two north-facing, wheelchair-friendly en-suite bedrooms, a generous lounge and dining area, a sunroom and a thoughtfully designed kitchen, ensuring that your retirement years are truly enjoyable. The fully enclosed sunroom offers a warm and inviting space for entertaining family and friends without feeling cramped. Additionally, the unit comes with two automated lock-up garages for your convenience

🦷 Local Spotlight: Dr Frans Kruger & iSmile Orthodontic Rooms

Hermanus’ Digital Orthodontics Pioneer

If you’ve lived in Hermanus long enough, you’ve probably heard of Dr Frans Kruger - dental surgeon, orthodontic practitioner, founder of iSmile Orthodontic Rooms, and one of the friendliest dentists in town.

Dr Frans Kruger opened iSmile 16 years ago

Frans opened iSmile 16 years ago, choosing Hermanus not just as a business location, but as home. Since then, the practice has grown into a regional orthodontic hub, with Frans running two satellite rooms as well: Bredasdorp every second week, and Stellenbosch, where he runs a once-a-month digital orthodontic practice.

Dentistry isn’t just his profession - it’s in his DNA. Frans grew up in a dental household, working in his father’s practice straight after matric to test whether the field truly resonated with him. It did. He studied dentistry at Stellenbosch University, and halfway through his degree watched his father transition into full-time orthodontics. That shift sparked something, and after community service Frans spent six months treating orthodontic patients alongside him.

That was the turning point. He never looked back.

Four and a half years of part-time orthodontic work, advanced training, and a postgraduate diploma later, iSmile Orthodontic Rooms was born - a practice built on precision, patient comfort, and genuine passion for the craft.

Beyond the Practice

Frans is a dad of three, an enthusiastic traveller, and a lifelong sports fanatic. His youngest child’s Grade 1 class even claims he “competed in the Olympic Games last year” - a rumour he has absolutely no intention of correcting.

He trains at two of our local gyms, stays active outdoors, and always has a new challenge lined up, this year ending with a five-day Tsitsikamma hike. And thankfully for him (and all of us), Hermanus is home to exceptional coffee - one of his great joys.

Recently, Frans spoke at the first South African Sports Dentistry Conference in Stellenbosch, presenting on how digital orthodontics can improve performance and comfort for athletes.

Frans also is a key player for the the iSMILE Strikers.

So… What Exactly Is Digital Orthodontics?

It’s orthodontics powered by technology rather than traditional braces - using ultra-accurate digital scanners to create detailed 3D models of the mouth and plan tooth movement with exceptional precision.

Twelve years ago, brace-less treatment was slow, inefficient and limited. Silicone impressions had to be shipped overseas. Aligners took weeks. Predictability was low.

Today, everything has changed. Digital scanners stitch together thousands of microscopic photos to build a 3D model with accuracy far beyond old impressions. Planning is precise. Movements are predictable. Case complexity is no longer a barrier.

At iSmile, Frans uses Invisalign exclusively for digital orthodontics, and for good reason. The system offers remarkable predictability, with data from over 21 million patients refining accuracy and highlighting movements that may be tricky. Real-time tracking allows him to compare expected versus actual progress at any stage of treatment, making early corrections easy and effective. Tooth-coloured attachments allow true three-dimensional movement, enabling orthodontic correction that previously would have required braces. It’s a game-changer - and Frans has completed many cases that would have been impossible with early aligner technology.

What iSmile Offers

iSmile now provides a full suite of orthodontic options, ensuring something for every need and budget. These include traditional braces, self-ligating braces that reduce friction and discomfort while improving efficiency, and Invisalign’s fully digital, fully customised brace-less system - the most precise option available. Payment plans have also been extended, with longer-term options now offered for all orthodontic treatments.

Emergency Dental Care for Hermanus

As Hermanus grows, so does the pressure on local dental practices, and many patients struggle to get urgent appointments. To help bridge this gap, iSmile now offers a dedicated emergency dental service with time reserved each day to relieve pain, treat infections and sepsis, and manage urgent dental emergencies. Patients are stabilised before being referred back to their regular dentist for follow-up. iSmile’s role is simple: support the community when they need it most.

A Practitioner Rooted in Hermanus

From pioneering digital orthodontics to improving access to emergency dental care, Dr Frans Kruger has become a cornerstone of the Hermanus health community - blending cutting-edge treatment with small-town warmth.

Learn more or book an appointment at: https://www.ismile.co.za/

 🍷 New in Town: Bouchard Finlayson POP UP

As the estate in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley temporarily closes to undergo a world-leading transformation the Bouchard Finlayson team brings their award-winning craft to the heart of Hermanus - opening tomorrow!

⏰ 11:00 - 20:00, 7 days a week
📍Ground Floor, Harbour Square Hotel, 5 Harbour Road

Photo: Nicole du Toit Photography

🌿 This Week in Hermanus 🌿

🎶 Stanford Hills Summer Concerts - Your 2025 Guide to Music Under the Overberg Skies

Summer at Stanford Hills Estate means golden afternoons, music drifting over the vineyards, and friends gathering on the lawns to celebrate the season. Their open-air concert lineup brings together South Africa’s favourite artists and international icons for unforgettable evenings outdoors.

Pack a picnic blanket or camping chair, arrive early, and enjoy the sunset with great food, wine, and live music.
No outside food or drinks. Picnic-style seating.

The Parlotones - Live at Stanford Hills

Sunday, 14 December 2025 | Gates open 15:00
🎟 Get tickets here:
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/347204-the-parlotones-live-at-stanford-hills-estate#/

Anthemic indie rock meets spectacular scenery as The Parlotones return for a golden-hour summer show.

Spoegwolf with Deon Meiring

Kick off the public holiday with Spoegwolf’s soaring choruses, preceded by the warm storytelling of Deon Meiring.

Sunset Sessions with Watershed

Friday, 19 December 2025 | Gates open 15:00 | Show at 18:00
🎟 Get tickets here:
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/342508-stanford-hills-sunset-sessions-with-watershed/#/

Watershed brings melodic pop and shimmering harmonies to a dreamy vineyard backdrop.

Boney M featuring Maizie Williams - 50th Anniversary Tour

Saturday, 20 December 2025 | Gates open 15:00 | Ends 20:00
🎟 Get tickets here:
https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1580747433

A glittering, high-energy celebration packed with timeless disco hits.

Matthew Mole - Live at Stanford Hills

Sunday, 21 December 2025 | Gates open 15:00
🎟 Get tickets here:
https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1580539984

Sunshine pop, singalongs and festival joy - the perfect Sunday outing.

Jeremy Loops - Coastal Sunset Sessions

Tuesday, 23 December 2025 | Gates open 15:00
🎟 Get tickets here:
https://jeremyloops.howler.co.za/events/jeremy-loops-live-at-stanford-hills-8a8c

Loops, harmonies and foot-stomping rhythms just before Christmas.

Arno Carstens & Albert Frost with Droom Sindroom

A Boxing Day collaboration of iconic vocals, fiery guitar work, and nostalgic flair.

Jesse Clegg & Will Linely

Sunday, 28 December 2025 | Gates open 15:00 | Music from 17:00
🎟 Get tickets here:
(Webtickets link was not provided - happy to add once you share it.)

Two standout singer-songwriters sharing one glowing summer stage.

Dreaming Out Loud - Neon Dreams, Ross Learmonth, Majozi, Booshle G

A festival-style celebration to close out the year with big melodies and hands-in-the-air energy.

You Are Invited: Chinese Concert Pianist Jiali Wang Practice
📍 Hermanus Civic Auditorium
📅 Thursday, 11 December 2025
⏰ 14:00 – 16:00
🎶 A free opportunity to listen to a renowned international concert pianist at work.

The Garden Party - A Summer Day on the Lawn
📍 The Quad, Hermanus (host venue details as per Quicket link)
📅 Saturday, 13 December 2025
⏰ 10:00 – 17:00
🌿 A full day of sunshine, live music, good food, and great company. Expect picnics, oysters, bubbly, and long, lazy lawn vibes.

🍽️ On the menu:
• Mosbolletjie breakfast sandwich
• Picnic boxes with smoked snoek paté, local cheeses & handmade pork rillette
• Sandwich bar with 12-hour roast lamb, charcoal-seared sirloin & buttermilk-fried chicken

🎉 For the kids:
Marimba band, cookie decorating, treasure hunts & frog fishing.

🎟️ R100 per person
🥗 Picnic boxes: R575 (2-4 pax) - pre-booking essential
🔗 Tickets: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/340149-the-garden-party-2025/#/

Christmas with Richard Cock Orchestra & Choir
📍 NG Church Onrus
📅 Sunday, 14 December 2025
⏰ 15:00
🎶 This is a fund-raising concert for IZIBUSISO. For any details about the home, contact Sheila Lyle on 073 778 2777.

🎉 More Events This Week & Beyond

Hermanus Cliff Path Fun(D) Walk

16 December · 07:30
📍 From Ficks to Dutchies

A festive, family-friendly morning walk along one of the most beautiful coastal paths in the country. Lace up, bring the kids, and enjoy the holiday spirit while supporting a good cause. Finish strong at Dutchies with refreshments and ocean views.

🎄 Celebrating 10 Years of the Gift Market - Curro Christmas Market

12–28 December 2025
📍 Curro Hermanus
🕒 10:00 – 18:00 daily (including weekends)

A Hermanus favourite returns for its 10th anniversary! Browse dozens of curated stalls featuring décor, gifts, handmade goods, Christmas treats, kids’ items, homeware and more. Perfect for holiday shopping without the mall chaos. Family-friendly, air-conditioned, and beautifully festive.

James Stewart & John Ellis - Live Performance

12 December · 18:00
📍 Hermanus Golf Club

Two iconic voices of South African music come together for an intimate, open-air evening at the Golf Club. Expect nostalgic hits, acoustic magic, and a relaxed sunset atmosphere. Ideal for a Friday-night outing to ease into the weekend.

Annual Vintage 2025 - Dinner & Dance

13 December · 18:30
📍 Benguela Cove

An elegant evening of fine dining, live entertainment, and dancing at one of the region’s most scenic wine estates. Dress up, indulge, and enjoy a festive night out as the estate lights up for the season.

Movies Under the Stars - Shrek (2001)

13 December · 18:30
📍 Benguela Cove

A family favourite on a big outdoor screen! Bring blankets, low chairs and a sense of fun as Shrek, Donkey and the whole gang light up the lawns. Snacks, wine and warm December vibes guaranteed.

🌿 The Usuals

Mikro Coffee 6am Run Friday Run Club

🗓 Every Friday · 06:00
📍 Mikro Coffee, Aberdeen Street

Join us every Friday at 6am for a relaxed 5KM fun run

Hermanus Country Market

🗓 Every Saturday · 09:00 – 14:00
📍 Hermanus Cricket Club

Artisan stalls, live music, great food, fresh produce, local crafts and a warm, family-friendly vibe - a staple Saturday tradition for both locals and visitors.

Additional December Market Days

To celebrate the festive season, the Hermanus Country Market is hosting extra markets this month:

🗓️ Friday, 12 December — Night Market
🗓️ Saturday, 13 December — Day Market
🗓️ Wednesday, 17 December — Night Market
🗓️ Friday, 19 December — Night Market
🗓️ Saturday, 20 December — Day Market

Perfect for last-minute gifting, holiday treats, sunset strolling, and soaking up the festive Hermanus atmosphere.

Local Thrift Market 🛍️
🗓 Saturday, 09:00 - 13:00
📍 De Wet Saal / De Wet Hall

Browse a variety of stalls and discover unique pre-loved treasures at the Local Thrift Market. Bring your fur-friend along (on a leash) and enjoy a relaxed, community market day.

Saturday | Hermanus ParkRun 🏃
🗓 Every Saturday · 08:00
📍 Hermanus Forest, Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Start your weekend with a scenic 5km trail run (or walk). Free to join.

Saturday | Benguela Cove ParkRun 🏃 
🗓 Saturday · 08:00
📍 Benguela Cove, R43, Botriver Lagoon, Hermanus Another beautiful 5km trail run (or walk) along the lagoon. Free to join - just register online at parkrun.co.za.

🎓 Schools Update

It’s the update the learners have been waiting for - there is none and the schools are officially closed!

Well done to all our learners (and their parents) for going big in 2025 - rest up, enjoy the Summer and see you back here in 2026!

🌤️ Weather Forecast for Hermanus

Hermanus eases into another gentle summer stretch this week - warm days, soft breezes and the familiar dance of cloud and sunshine over Walker Bay. It’s the kind of weather that never hurries you along: perfect for long swims, cliff-path strolls, and those easy December mornings when the town feels both relaxed and quietly preparing for the festive rush.

⸻

Thursday 11 December
Bright and warm with steady sunshine throughout the day. A classic early-summer mood. ☀️
23°C / 16°C Winds 7 / 3 m/s

Friday 12 December
Warm with scattered clouds and a chance of light showers in the afternoon - still a beautiful day outdoors. 🌦️
23°C / 15°C Winds 12 / 5 m/s

Saturday 13 December
Cooler and cloudier, with brief rain spells passing through. A quieter, softer Saturday. 🌧️ 18°C / 13°C Winds 9 / 5 m/s

Sunday 14 December
Sun-filled and crisp. A calm, golden Sunday perfect for beach time or brunch in the sun. ☀️
19°C / 12°C Winds 4 / 1 m/s

Monday 15 December
Clear and warm with gentle breezes - a beautifully balanced summer day. 🌤️
23°C / 15°C Winds 6 / 3 m/s

Tuesday 16 December
Bright and warm again, lightly clouded but ideal for outdoor plans. 🌤️
22°C / 15°C Winds 6 / 1 m/s

Wednesday 17 December
Cloudy with periods of rain expected - a refreshing midweek cool-down. 🌧️
19°C / 15°C Winds 6 / 2 m/s

⸻

The days ahead bring a soft mix of warmth, cloud, and the occasional shower - summer at its most effortless. A week that asks very little of you, except to step outside and enjoy Hermanus in all its easy December beauty.

🍔 Restaurant Specials:

Here are some of the best deals from all over town for you to enjoy during the coming week:

Spotted in the Overberg: Photo of the Week

Each week, we feature one special snap submitted by someone who calls this place home. From misty morning walks to playful pups on the beach - we want to see what you see.

And here’s the perk: every featured photographer gets a free flat white on us - in partnership with Molo Coffee. So send in your best shot to [email protected], and you might just sip your way to local fame.

Moody Old Harbour

That’s a wrap for this week’s Scoop!

Stay festive and curious and we’ll catch you next week!

- The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Want to be featured in the Scoop? Drop us a mail at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you.

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