Sandton City kicks things up a gear this December, celebrating festive in the city with a Christmas village, performances by Joburg Ballet, an impressive exhibition of contemporary African art from across the continent courtesy of Melrose Gallery, and of course a visit from Santa Claus himself.

To give you more time and freedom to do your Christmas shopping the mall is operating extended festive season trading hours, open 09:00-21:00 from December 10 to 23 and from 09:00-18:00 on Christmas Eve.

The annual Sandton City Christmas Village runs this year from December 10 to 22 at the Rivonia Road entrance to the mall with carol singing and a feast of traditional Christmas market stalls. While you are there also make sure to donate to the Smile Foundation's Disney Charity Tree campaign which will be bringing some festive cheer to children in need this December. Santa Claus will also be joining in and kids can get a picture with Santa and his helpers at the Christmas grotto.

One of the biggest new attractions hosted at the mall this year is Introspection - Art of Contemporary Africa, a huge contemporary art exhibition presented by The Melrose Gallery in the glitzy Diamond Walk. On display are works both big  and small, by dozens of leading contemporary artists from across Africa including new paintings by the iconic Esther Mahlangu and some very impressive sculptural works. The exhibition is on show until January 30 and should interest anybody who has missed getting out to art fairs this year.

Also save the date for December 15, 17, 19 at 18:00 and December 20 at 14:00 when Joburg Ballet will present a beautiful performance in the Sandton City centre court and look out for live music on Nelson Mandela Square on Dec 22 and 23 (at 14:00) and on Christmas Eve at 18:00.