Nothing says festive season quite like a gander or taking pictures at extravagant Christmas lights in Johannesburg. And when it comes to this year’s twinkly festive additions, we’re hard-pressed for choice.
Whether you, your kids or your mates want to get out in Joburg and surrounds, we have you covered with our guide to all the best places to see lights, stunning trees and other incredible festive light displays.
Festival of Lights at the Johannesburg Zoo
The annual Johannesburg Festival of Lights opens just in time for December in Joburg and features an enchanting collection of illuminated life-size animal characters, harmonious entertainment, and a food and craft night market for visitors at the Johannesburg Zoo.
Patrons can enjoy a tranquil walk in the zoo on a designated lit route away from the animals under trees decorated in enchanting lights.
Cost: R175pp (adults); R75pp (kids aged 3 to 12); R100pp (pensioners); free entry for kids u/3. Book via Webtickets
When: Running from 27 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 | Thursdays to Sundays from 7pm to 10pm
Where: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview, Randburg
Destination Christmas at Melrose Arch
The festive season at Melrose Arch begins with their Official Annual Christmas Lights Launch, marking the start of Destination Christmas, a season filled with wonder and celebration running until 4 January 2026.
Stroll through dazzling light displays and enjoy engaging activities for children, from glow bikes, a roller rink, toys, sweets and treats stalls, and face painting to creative play; and experience the joy of alfresco dining under the stars in the heart of the precinct.
Cost: Free entry
When: Running from 14 November to 4 January 2026. Light switch-on is on Friday, 14 November from 7pm
Where: Melrose Blvd, Johannesburg
The Christmas Village at Emperors Palace
The Christmas Village at Emperors Palace is a festive wonderland that brings holiday magic to life for visitors of all ages. This is the ultimate holiday spectacle with lights, characters, shops, games and even Santa himself.
There are various attractions at The Christmas Village, including The North Pole, the Magical Enchanted Forest, The Garden of Light, Tombola Alley, where guests stop and have some good, old-fashioned fun and games, and Stone Town, where 90 Christmas merchants offer a diverse range of food, gifts and goodies await you.
Cost: R75 to R90pp aged 13+; R65 to R75pp for pensioners; R45 to R60pp for kids aged 3 to 12. Book via Webtickets
When: Running from 3 to 31 December 2025. Time Slots: 2pm to 5pm & 6pm to 9pm
Where: 5th level of the Emperors Palace Parking Structure, 64 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg
Nelson Mandela Square
The Christmas tree installation has been a standing affair at Nelson Mandela Square over the past years. This year, a majestic 7.2-metre-tall Dior Christmas tree decorated with bespoke craftsmanship will add a touch of luxury to your visit.
There’s also a mesmerising 10-metre-long lighting tunnel that will be illuminated throughout December. Gather your friends and family and snap your festive-themed photos at this picture-perfect backdrop. READ MORE
Cost: Free entrance
When: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 7pm. Friday and Saturday, 9am to 8pm. Sunday and Public Holidays, 9am to 6pm
Where: Nelson Mandela Square, 5th Street, Sandton
Website: nelsonmandelasquare.co.za | Tel: 011 217 6000
Gold Reef City
Gold Reef City transforms into a festive wonderland this December, offering a mix of Christmas lights, decorations, and family-friendly entertainment. The theme park’s streets come alive with sparkling displays, colourful garlands, and joyful seasonal touches that create a magical backdrop for day and night visits alike. Expect festive characters, live entertainment, and plenty of merry moments as you wander through the park’s Victorian-style setting.
From twinkling photo spots to cheerful music and themed décor, Gold Reef City’s festive makeover adds an extra layer of excitement to its rides, restaurants, and attractions.
Cost: Free entry
When: Running from 14 November to 4 January 2026. Light switch-on is on Friday, 14 November from 7pm
Where: Melrose Blvd, Johannesburg
Moray Drive Christmas Lights in Bryanston
Moray Drive in Bryanston is a community-run Christmas light display in Johannesburg, drawing families from across the city each festive season. Throughout December, residents transform their homes and gardens into a glowing wonderland of twinkling lights, cheerful characters, and imaginative décor, creating a magical evening walk or drive for visitors of all ages. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and proudly neighbour-powered, making it a standout stop on any Christmas lights outing.
This year, the festivities get an extra dose of cheer on 21 December, when Moray Drive hosts a special evening featuring photos with Santa and a lively Christmas Car Carnival, adding even more excitement for little ones. Entry is completely free, and the display is best enjoyed after sunset.
Cost: Free to view
When: From Sunday, 21 December
Where: Moray Drive, Bryanston, Johannesburg
The Magical Italian Village of Lights at Montecasino
Montecasino’s charming Tuscan village brings Italian summer spirit to Joburg this festive season with its Magical Italian Village of Lights. Home to one of the largest indoor festive light displays in the city, this year’s showcase features over 285,000 custom-made LED lights illuminating the walkways, arches, and cobbled streets of Gauteng’s beloved “village”. Because the display is entirely indoors, visitors can enjoy the magic come rain or shine, making it a guaranteed holiday highlight for families.
The festive experience continues outdoors on the Piazza, where state-of-the-art 3D projection storytelling lights up Montecasino’s iconic façade – a first for Joburg. These enchanting shows run daily and can be enjoyed from any of the surrounding restaurants or simply while standing beneath the night sky.
Cost: Free entry
When: Daily from 7:30pm
Where: Montecasino, Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg
The Christmas Lights House in Weltevreden Park
A much-loved neighbourhood tradition is the Christmas Lights House at 44 Biesie Avenue, which brings festive cheer to Weltevreden Park every December. This family home transforms into a glowing spectacle of colourful lights, joyful characters, and heart-warming displays that delight visitors of all ages. The lights are usually switched on daily from 7:15pm to 10:15pm, weather permitting, creating the perfect evening outing for families looking to soak up the season’s magic.
There’s no entrance fee, but visitors are encouraged to make a donation in support of CANSA at the house, adding a meaningful touch to the experience. Throughout the month, the Christmas Lights House often hosts extra festive live music – so it’s worth keeping an eye on their Facebook page for updates.
Cost: Free entry
When: Daily from 7:30pm
Where: 44 Biesie Avenue, Weltevreden Park, Johannesburg
Time Square
The Time Square Festive Lights are back, bringing sparkling cheer to Menlyn for the holiday season. Families can wander through the beautifully illuminated festive garden, filled with glowing displays, whimsical décor, and plenty of picture-perfect spots ideal for capturing those treasured holiday memories.
Make an evening of it by enjoying a meal or drink at one of Time Square’s many family-friendly restaurants, all just steps away from the lights. The experience is relaxed, welcoming, and designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy at their own pace.
There’s also a special treat for younger visitors: children under 12 receive a free Candylicious popcorn and slushy between 7:30pm and 9:30pm daily, adding extra excitement to the outing.
Cost: Free entry
When: Daily from 7:30pm
Where: 209 Aramist Avenue, Menlyn, Pretoria
See the most stunning Christmas trees in Johannesburg
The Moët & Chandon tree and festive installations at Hyde Park Corner
Beautiful festive lights are brightening up Hyde Park’s Centre Court Corner, and the highlight is a towering Christmas tree curated by Moët & Chandon. A sophisticated pop-up at the centre offers guests the opportunity to experience the renowned French brand in an intimate setting, with complimentary tastings of Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial on the evening of the Tree Lighting Festival. Thereafter, the pop-up will run until early December.
In partnership with the Teddy Bear Clinic, the shopping centre features a giant illuminated teddy bear installation, offering interactive fun for the little ones and spreading warmth and kindness this festive.
Toy Kingdom also joins the festivities with a Build-A-Bear activation in Poetry Court from 13 November, coinciding with their new store opening. Visit the brand-new store and get the perfect kids’ Christmas gift!
Cost: Free entry
When: Thursday, 13 November 2025 from 5.30pm
Where: Centre Court at Hyde Park Corner, Cnr Jan Smuts Avenue and William Nicol Drive, 6th Rd, Hyde Park, Johannesburg
