The countdown to Christmas has begun, and the festive spirit is sweeping the city with markets, theatre shows, and twinkling light displays to enjoy. Here's our round-up of Joburg events to make this season a memorable one, from November 2024 into the new year.
Fri, Nov 1 – Sat, Dec 21, 2024: Soaring with The Cirk
Feel like you're in the roaring 20s with The Cirk's latest production, Gatsby: A Cirque Extravaganza, showing at Cresta Shopping Centre from Fri, Nov 1 – Sun, Dec 15. Imagine stepping into one of Jay Gatsby's legendary parties from F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1925 novel The Great Gatsby, but with acrobats flying overhead, contortionists bending reality, and dazzling dancers swirling about. Stage a daring circus act in the height of America's jazz age, and you have The Cirk's rip-roaring new production – replete with all the glamour, excess, and tragic romance you'd expect. With a cast of eight spectacularly talented dancer-aerialists, this family-friendly show is sure to sweep you off your feet. Book tickets here.
Wed, Nov 6 – Sun, Dec 22, 2024: Panto magic with beloved characters
From Wed, Nov 6 – Sun, Dec 22, Joburg Theatre presents Janice Honeyman's annual pantomime, Beauty, the Beast and the Enchanted Castle. Honeyman, renowned as the "panto queen of South Africa", brings a fresh, comedic twist to the classic tale of Belle and the Beast, blending humour, dazzling costumes, and engaging choreography. The show promises to be a magical experience for all ages, with a talented cast delivering laugh-out-loud moments and interactive fun. Book tickets here.
Fri, Nov 8, 2024 – Fri, Feb 7, 2025: Ster-Kinekor's Throwback Cinema
Ster-Kinekor celebrates the festive season with the Throwback Cinema series from Fri, Nov 8 – Fri, Feb 7, offering classic films for just R50 per ticket at its Rosebank and Sandton theatres. Every Friday, a new film is released, with multiple screenings each week. It’s the perfect opportunity to revisit your favourite movies at a classic price.
Fri, Nov 15, 2024 – Sat, Jan 9, 2025: Destination Christmas at Melrose Arch
Destination Christmas at Melrose Arch runs from Fri, Nov 15 – Sat, Jan 9, transforming the centre into a festive wonderland with dazzling light displays and a variety of seasonal events. Highlights include the launch of the Christmas lights on Fri, Nov 15, and a chalet pop-up experience from Wed, Nov 20 – Fri, Dec 20. Visitors can enjoy a festive market from Tue, Nov 26 – Sat, Nov 30 with more than 40 stalls, delectable sweets, food trucks, and family activities throughout December. Other festive highlights include a roaming Santa, face painting, and live music, making it a super fun family holiday destination in the city.
Fri, Nov 22 – Tue, Dec 31 2024: Christmas Village at Emperors Palace
Step into the magic of the holidays at the Christmas Village at Emperors Palace, running from Fri, Nov 22 – Tue, Dec 31 2024, with 90-minute slots from 15:00 – 22:00. Packed with twinkling lights, festive characters, charming shops, games, and even Santa himself, it’s a holiday experience like no other. Tickets are priced at R75 per person, R45 for children aged three to 12, R65 for pensioners. Book tickets here.Sat, Nov 23 – Sun, Dec 22, 2024: Festive Forty Four
From Sat, Nov 23 – Sun, Dec 22, 44 Stanley becomes a holiday haven every weekend with Festive Forty Four, brimming with family-friendly fun, artisanal markets, and seasonal cheer. Discover unique vendors, sip wine at Vinosity, and enjoy workshops like coffee cupping, and floral arranging. With magical performances, art sessions, and a Chommies pop-up, there’s something for everyone.
Mon, Nov 25 – Tue, Dec 24, 2024: Festivities on the Square
This festive season, Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton is your go-to destination for shopping, dining, art, and exciting prizes. From Mon, Nov 25 – Tue, Dec 24, Nelson Mandela Square: Festivities on the Square allows you to shop until you drop and stand a chance to win your share of R180,000 in prizes, or even the grand prize of R20,000. Get your gifts wrapped for a good cause, explore impressive art installations by Anton Smit, enjoy extended shopping hours from Fri, Dec 13 – Mon, Dec 23, and explore more than 70 retailers and indulge in festive eats.
Thu, Nov 28 – Sun, Jan 5, 2025: Joburg Zoo’s Festival of Lights
The Johannesburg Zoo transforms into a wonderland of glowing life-size animal sculptures, live music, and a food and craft market. Take a peaceful stroll along the lit paths, surrounded by trees twinkling with festive lights. Perfect for all ages – plus, kids younger than three get in for free. Book tickets here.Fri, Nov 29 – Thu, Jan 2, 2025: Family delights and lights at Time Square
For those of you in Pretoria, Sun International's Time Square festive lights are back, lighting up gardens with thousands of sparkling displays. From Fri, Nov 29 – Thu, Jan 2, don’t miss seven magical photo ops around the gardens and snap your favourite festive memories. Hungry? Enjoy free Candylicious popcorn and slushies for kids younger than 12 from 19:30 – 21:30 every night. Plus, choose from nine family-friendly restaurants and stand a chance to win Magic Company vouchers by posting a selfie.
Sun, Dec 1 – Tue, Dec 31, 2024: Lawley Street lights up Pretoria
Every Christmas, Lawley Street in Waterkloof, Pretoria, transforms into a dazzling wonderland straight out of a holiday film, drawing fun-seekers from near and far (it's worth the drive for us Joburgers). Whether you drive through or explore on foot, you’ll find snack vendors and festive displays – some even courtesy of foreign embassies. But the real magic? It’s all brought to life by the residents, a true celebration of Christmas spirit and community cheer. You can view the lights on Lawley Street daily from Sun, Dec 1 – Tue, Dec 31 from 19:00 – 23:00.
Wed, Dec 4 – Mon, Dec 23, 2024: A Santa Land Adventure at Fourways Mall
It’s the most wonderful time of the year as Fourways Mall transforms into a Christmas wonderland from Wed, Dec 4 – Mon, Dec 23, with five different themed interactive activity zones. There's plenty of holiday fun in store, from family portraits and story sessions to games galore. Plus, the mall's extended festive schedule has you covered with gift wrapping, a market, and live music throughout the month. Find out what to look forward to at Santa Land Adventure. To ensure you get your desired timeslot, book your tickets here.
Thu, Dec 5, 2024 – Sun, Jan 5, 2025: Momo's Magical Adventure
Momo's Magical Adventure returns to Sandton City from Thu, Dec 5 – Sun, Jan 5, bringing Momo and her friend Mack the Meerkat on a magical journey through starlit skies, deep seas, and cosmic realms. Expect dazzling choreography, original music, and imaginative set design. Performances take place in a custom-built tent in the mall's centre court (opposite Checkers). Tickets are R60 p.p. There are four daily shows from Tue – Sun. Book tickets here.
While you're at it, there's joy around every corner at Sandton City this December with festive lights, a 12 days of Christmas competition, photo ops with Santa Claus, a gift-wrapping station, and extended shopping hours. Get the details here.
Wed, Dec 11 – Tue, Dec 24, 2024: Find the Fun at Mall of Africa
For a bit of holiday season joy, kids will love DreamWorks' immersive activation space at Mall of Africa (in the centre court, near Spur) from Wed, Dec 11 – Tue, Dec 24. A popular attraction in 2023, Find the Fun returns this festive season with a kids' play area packed with activities. Look forward to a Trolls rainbow slide, a treasure hunt trail, mini trampolines, a soft play area, screenings, and a colouring zone, with exciting spot prizes to be won. Live appearances from beloved DreamWorks characters are a highlight from 13:00 daily. Entrance is free.
Sat, Dec 14 – Sun, Dec 15, 2024: A feel-good musical spectacular
A Swingin' Christmas brings big band energy to the Big Top Arena at Carnival City on Sat, Dec 14 and Sun, Dec 15. Expect a spectacular stage, beautiful voices, and a fabulous band. Take your family to this festive performance by the acclaimed 18-piece Johannesburg Big Band, led by Adam Howard. Enjoy special guest performances by Kurt Darren, Zwai Bala, Harry Sideropoulos, and Monique Steyn, as well as the renowned Mzansi Youth Choir. Those who remember last year's Swingle Bells concert and the more recent Swingin' Las Vegas, which had audiences in raptures (both conducted by Howard), know this is not to be missed. Book tickets here.
Sun, Dec 15 and Sun, Dec 22, 2024: Rosebank Sunday Market car boot sales
The expansive rooftop market at Rosebank Mall specialises in colourful, unique gifts with plenty of tasty food stalls, homemade deli items, local fashion, and thrift shopping. Visit the Rosebank Sunday Market every Sunday from 09:00 – 16:00. On Sun, Dec 15 and Sun, Dec 22, the monthly car boot sale happens alongside the regular market, and is perfect for lovers of vintage and collectible treasures. Enjoy live music too – saxophonist Dominique Hlongwane and the Salvation Army Band (Dec 15) and the Soweto Family Band (Dec 22) perform from 13:00.
Note: The Rosebank Sunday market will be closed on Sun, Dec 29, 2024, and Sun, Jan 5, 2025.
Fri, Dec 20 – Sun, Dec 22, 2024: Makhelwane Festival
Makhelwane Festival is back, celebrating 10 years of Soweto’s rich culture and neighbourly spirit. From Fri, Dec 20 – Sun, Dec 22, Poka Street in Orlando West comes alive with street food, music, and local art. Highlights include live performances by artists like Boisanza and Mawhoo, Sunday’s New Age Street Party, bike tours with Thesis Lifestyle, bubbly tastings, and a kiddies’ market. Don’t miss this showcase of Soweto’s creativity, resilience, and the spirit of ubuntu. Book tickets here.
Sat, Dec 21, 2024: Christmas Car Carnival on Moray Drive
Get ready for a magical evening at the Christmas Car Carnival on Sat, Dec 21 at Moray Drive, Bryanston. From 19:00, Mrs Claus' Christmas Wonderland will dazzle with lights, photos with Santa, sweet treats for the kids, and a chance to post a letter to Santa. Bring camping chairs, bubbles, and donations like pet food or blankets for 4Paws. Entrance is free.
Fri, Dec 27 – Sun, Jan 12, 2025: Dance non-stop at Disco City
Sunsets, city lights, and Christmas magic with City Sightseeing
Joburg's Christmas light displays heighten the city's iconic sunsets at this time of year. In their double-decker, roofless Red Bus, City Sightseeing offers a special, three-hour tour to celebrate the season. The sunset and Christmas lights tour begins at the City Sightseeing ticket office at The Zone @ Rosebank and ends at Melrose Arch, where you can marvel at the precinct's annual lights display and enjoy all that Destination Christmas has to offer. Also included is a stop (and fabulous photo op) on Munro Drive to enjoy a view out over the city while the sun sets. Book tickets for this festive adventure here.
Sat, Jan 11, 2025: Milk + Cookies Festival headlined by Kaytranada
Cure those post-holiday blues on Sat, Jan 11, as Joburg's inaugural Milk + Cookies Festival kicks off at Old Park Station, headlined by renowned producer, DJ, and rapper Kaytranada. The festival is part of Milk + Cookies Music Week South Africa, which takes place from Tue, Dec 31 – Sat, Jan 11. The festival blends local culture with global sounds, promising an exciting start to the new year. Book tickets here.
Note: This list is updated regularly, check back for new additions.
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