While Joburg tends to get very quiet over the festive season, perhaps you find yourself home for the holidays. We've compiled a list of things to do in Joburg to spread the Christmas cheer.
Christmas light Displays:
- Melrose Arch – 24 Nov – 31 Dec
The kids will love wandering through the thousands of lights that illuminate the precinct. Photo opportunities abound in a festive tunnel of lights that includes life-sized reindeer, giant teddy bears, Christmas trees, elves and other dazzling delights. Every year, the precinct adds even more illuminations and decorations, making this Joburg's biggest display of Christmas lights.
- Joburg Zoo Festival of Lights – 1 Dec – 7 Jan (Thursdays – Sundays)
The Festival of Lights at Joburg Zoo lights up every evening from Thursday with the zoo's main pathways decorated with an enchanting light display, complemented by a night market and a programme of live music, theatre and dance performances. This highly-anticipated event hosted by Joburg Theatre in partnership with Joburg City Parks and Zoo, and City Power is always a festive season highlight.
R75 Kids | R175 Adults | R100 Pensioners
- Christmas Village at Emperors Palace – 1 Dec – 31 Dec
The size of this Christmas extravaganza spans over two rugby fields! Stroll through this authentic Christmas wonderland that offers three different areas to explore, namely Snow Town, The Village Square, and the Tunnel of Lights and Winter Wonderland, where guests can enjoy a beautiful light display featuring fairies, elves, gnomes, goblins, and reindeers peeking out from their fantasy forest.
- LiggieFees – 1 Dec – 30 Dec
Support the Jakaranda Children’s Home, a non-profit organisation, as they host their biggest annual fundraising event – LiggieFees. You’ll find these dazzling lights in Pretoria. Visitors will be able to experience a magical display of the most beautiful Christmas lights.
R50 p.p. | R 30 Kids 3-17 p.p.
Christmas Markets:
- Melrose Christmas Market – 29 Nov – 2 Dec
The market features an array of 40 stalls that offer a diverse range of gifting and treats. Whether you're searching for the perfect holiday gift, unique crafts or simply looking to indulge your taste buds in seasonal delights, the Christmas Market has something for you.
- Christmas market at Sandton Sports Club – 3 Dec (10:00 - 15:00)
Treasured Times presents a delightful outdoor Christmas Market hosted at Sandton Sports Club. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with live music and fantastic shopping opportunities for the whole family. Explore a diverse range of high-quality gifts, clothing, jewellery, accessories, and delectable artisanal treats and enjoy some time in the beer garden.
- Fourways Farmers Market Festive Makers Market – 16 Dec – 17 Dec (08:00 – 18:00)
Fourways Farmer's Market is spreading festive cheer with their annual festive market. This time of year, the spacious picnic park is adorned with Christmas lights and you get to catch up on Christmas shopping and explore holiday-themed products, gifts, and gourmet food vendors. Spread out the picnic blankets and enjoy the live music entertainment. The kids will love taking pictures with Santa Claus and the elves.
R20 p.p. | Children under 12 and pensioners free
- The Wanderers Christmas Market - 10 Dec (09:30 – 16:00)
Join the Wanderers Club this festive season for a cheerful and oh-so jolly holiday market that’s sure to delight and dazzle all ages. There will be everything from festive foodies treats and gifting ideas galore, to thrills for the kids and much more. There’s sure to be something for the whole family to enjoy.
Christmas Activities:
- Christmas Town at Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens – 15 Dec – 24 Dec
This enchanting event offers a joyful experience, making it the perfect family outing to celebrate the holiday season. With activities to suit every age and interest, including a candy cane hunt, decorating cookies, and meeting Santa and his delightful friends. There will also be a craft market where local artisans showcase one-of-a-kind gifts and ornaments that add authenticity to your holiday celebrations, and of course, festive food won't be in short supply from steaming cups of hot chocolate to freshly baked gingerbread.
R110 – R660 p.p.
- Santa Land at Fourways Mall – 1 Dec – 22 Dec
An experience your children will not forget. Come and enjoy the magic of the season in a life-size adventure for the whole family. Kids can write letters to Santa, have a peek into his living room, take a photo with Santa and look at where the elves get busy making all the toys. You are guaranteed to have a magical experience.
R40 p.p. |Tickets sold at the door, or online at Quicket.
- Momos Magical Adventure at Sandton City – 8 Dec – 7 Jan
A show set to delight the whole family through song and dance, experience a proudly South African story of joy, friendship and generosity through 8-year-old Momo’s whimsical wonderment and enchanted encounters.
R50 p.p. | 4 live shows Tuesdays - Sundays (10:30 | 12:30 | 15:30 | 17:30)
Christmas Carols:
- Spar Carols by Candlelight – 6 Dec (19:00 – 21:00)
Join Jacaranda FM for a beautiful evening of Carols by Candlelight, where the melodies echo the love and joy of being home for Christmas.
R65 pp | Kids under 3 – free
- Carols in The Garden - 8 Dec (16:00 – 21:00)
Feel free to bring along your picnic baskets and blanket and immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit hosted by Liberty Church.
- Christmas Carols by Candlelight – 17 Dec (18:00 – 20:00)
Join the festive cheer at Farrarmere Congregational Church – a night for the whole family to enjoy.