99 Design summer season — The Zoolake Swim Club

Final weekend to visit Andticks

In its six-week run, the Andticks pop-up concept store in Parktown, by Vicky Ross, has hosted an exciting line-up of chef takeovers and casual dining experiences, and with the last weekend (ending Sat, Nov 25) approaching you'll want to visit now more than ever. Dive into a world of curated food offerings, as well as fantastic art and crafts workshops for kids and adults. You can enjoy Vinyl Sessions on Friday or create your own Christmas tree decorations and learn how to draw with charcoal. It's also the chance to check out some cool, local labels that will add a unique flair to your space, make great gifts, and of course are stylish, functional and high-quality. Read our list of some of our favourite brands at Andticks and be sure to visit with your shopping bags at the ready. 

ARC store opens at Eastgate

Eastgate is honing its status as a unique shopping destination – and now there's two more reasons to visit Eastgate Shopping Centre with the opening of new stores on the lower level of the mall. Beauty and skincare one-stop-shop ARC opened its doors (Oct, 2023) with an opportunity to shop from local and international brands, from Dyson to Fenty Skin and SKOON. Then, bookworms and literature lovers will be delighted to know that Exclusive Books is back at Eastgate!

Christmas Noir in Kramerville

Christmas Noir is a celebration of more than 20 black-owned lifestyle brands that add uniqueness to South Africa's design landscape and we think it's long overdue. A weekend showcase event hosted by Moea Design in partnership with Always Welcome, there is a programme of intimate, pre-booked micro-events, such as coffee cupping, a workshop on setting a festive season table and wine tastings. You'll find local and international black-owned lifestyle brands that we love and new ones that'll soon become favourites. 

Destination Christmas at Melrose Arch

Say, "Christmas in Joburg" and most people think of Melrose Arch, where every year this upmarket shopping and dining precinct is transformed into a wonderland with the most impressive lights and festive activities. In addition to the glittering light display, Melrose Arch is pulling out all the stops for Destination Christmas with a busy programme of festive events this season launching Fri, Nov 24, and with extended retail hours in December, there's also plenty of opportunity to get all your Christmas shopping done. On Sat, Nov 25 enjoy a concert among the lights with The Drakensberg Boys' Choir in aid of the choir and SA Harvest, who do amazing work to feed the hungry. Tickets are now sold out, however, you can make reservations at The Grillhouse, MiHa and Mezepoli (restaurants located along the Piazza) to view the performance.

Marigold Beads pop-up

Dive into the beautiful world of Marigold Beads on Wed, Dec 6 and Sat, Dec 7 at 54 The Valley Road in Westcliff. These eye-catching, beaded necklaces are the outcome of a special collaboration between Johannesburg-based artist Joni Brenner and the Marigold women's co-operative in Zimbabwe. Crafted by dedicated women in Bulawayo, Marigold necklaces boast the artistry of hand-loomed Japanese and Czech glass beads woven into ribbon-like strands – contact them as it's by appointment only and a pop-up you won't want to miss. 

Food, Arts and Crafts Lifestyle Market

Enjoy a delightful day out at the Food, Arts, and Crafts Lifestyle Market in the beautiful James and Ethel Gray Park. Whether you come with your children or bring along your furry friends, this event promises a fun experience for everyone. Get into the spirit of the season with the offerings of local small businesses, savour delicious snacks, and sip on fresh organic juices. Elevate your style with the latest fashion trends available for purchase, and support local entrepreneurs while you're at it.  

Russell Kaplan breaks the 5,000-item mark

The final art and antiques auction of the year from Russell Kaplan Auctioneers, Grande Wunderkammer, is happening live online from Thu, Nov 23 – Sun, Dec 3, and it's is one of the biggest online auctions ever, featuring around 5,000 items. As always there's a fantastic offering of collectable treasures, period furniture and beautiful artworks included in the sale that are guaranteed to add character to any home. There's everything from vintage designer luggage to old-fashioned cameras, gorgeous glassware and contemporary artworks on sale, making it the perfect place to look for special and festive gifts. Our advice: download the app, register, then browse the catalogue and check out the items you have your eye on at the showroom preview. You'll find them by lot number or ask the super helpful team. Then head back online to put in your bid. 

Black Friday at Sandton City 

Black Friday is a shopping day to look forward to where discounted retail therapy for savvy shoppers awaits, and Sandton City is the place to be on Fri, Nov 24. Home to more than 300  brands, Sandton City stands as the epitome of shopping in Joburg, from the trendy enclave of 69 Belmont to Lacoste and True Religion, there is an array of exclusive offers not to be missed. The centre has extended its shopping hours and is open from 09:00 – 20:00 and with free parking on the day, you'll have no excuse not to spend a while. And be sure to visit in December for festive fun for the whole family with productions of Momo's Magical Adventure, starting on Fri, Dec 8. 

The Linden Market Festive Edition

The Linden Market is all about supporting small businesses, using materials that are sourced ethically and sustainably, and showcasing artisanal techniques. You'll find stalls of handmade crafts, stylish fashion and décor, beautiful jewellery and thoughtful gifts. And let's not forget the amazing gourmet food stalls, along with a variety of wines, bubbly, craft beers and craft gin bars. It's the perfect way to kick off the festive season in Joburg. The market is on this weekend from Sat, Nov 25 – Sun, Nov 26. Plan your visit here and book for a family sip and paint or a flower crown workshop.  We love the thinking around the Denim Upcycle stall, too, where you can bring your old denim along to be upcycled or donate a pair at the market.

Plus don't miss your chance to win an incredible prize hamper from The Linden Market worth just over R5,000. Enter our competition on Instagram. The prize hamper includes a bunch of goodies from Moosel Hats, Silver Magpie Clothing, Radical Care Shop, Bree Probiotics, The Fountain of Youth, Differently, Mia Mi Brand, Lynda Marion Jewellery and limited-edition market merchandise. Find out more about how to enter and details on the prize hamper as well as participating makers. The competition closes on Fri, Nov 24 at 12:00 midday so don't miss out!

Shop Cassina at True Design 

Black Friday is the day to get those products you've had your eye on at reduced prices. On Fri, Nov 24 head to True Design at Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank and purchase selected products by stylish Italian furniture brand Cassina at never-seen-before prices. The 96-year-old brand combines high-tech design with true artisan craftsmanship. Email True Design at info@truedesign.co.za for enquiries. True Design's Black Friday offerings will run until Fri, Dec 1. 

Shop for treasures at the Antique Fairs

From furniture and homeware to decorative arts and collectable memorabilia, there is something for every interest, whether you just enjoy browsing or looking to add something special to your collection. Every month, head to Brooklyn Mall in Pretoria on the first Saturday (Sat, Dec 2) and Nelson Mandela Square on the first Sunday (Sun, Dec 3) for a superb collection of high-quality, vintage pieces to shop, ranging from period jewellery to beautiful tableware, collectable ceramics and unusual treasures from yesteryear such as antique snuffboxes, old-fashioned cameras and even gramophones.

Wizards Vintage Trunk Show

The Makery in Parkview

In the heart of Parkview, The Makery, founded by the Johannesburg-based design duo Heidi Gresty and Jacquie Myburgh Chemaly, celebrates the timeless love of adornment. Specialising in beaded necklaces and a contemporary selection of gold-plated sterling silver and brass jewellery, The Makery is a new haven for those seeking unique pieces. 

Festive markets

The countdown to the holidays has begun (we're spotting decorations going up all over town) and to celebrate, we have a list of Christmas markets and festive fairs to keep things interesting. On Fri, Dec 1, head to the Parkview Christmas Market and immerse yourself in the spirit of giving, and starting Fri, Dec 15, the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden turns into Christmas Town. Read more about all the Yuletide happenings in Joburg. We update this every week so keep the link handy.