Nelson Mandela Square is taking sophistication up a notch this December with Celebrations on the Square, which invites guests to sip, shop and spoil themselves and their loved ones in an environment shaped for refined seasonal enjoyment.
The Square is also curating fuss-free festive season shopping with their signature selection of art, culture, exceptional shopping, and dining. Whether you’re popping in for some retail therapy, looking to try some of Joburg’s best restaurants, or check out the mall’s latest activations, there’s much on offer!
The Celebrations on the Square experience
Visitors to Nelson Mandela Square can step into a custom crafted glass marquee designed for leisurely browsing and exquisite indulgence this holiday season. The entry fee includes a glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne and a sumptuous charcuterie board to enjoy, while soaking in the splendour of the season.
The marquee opens with an impressive archway framed by luxury nutcrackers, leading into a space dressed with a statement ceiling installation and elegant décor. Soft Christmas touches anchor comfortable lounge pockets and cocktail tables for a bit of relaxation under the Square’s signature sparkling lights.
Inside the glass marquee, an array of local vendors offer thoughtful festive gifting and classy artisanal treats.
Featured vendors
- Babylonstoren – offering a rich farm experience with a host of farm produce, curated hampers and gifting, as well as lifestyle goods from their historic Cape Dutch farm in the Franschhoek Valley
- Veldmeisie – where visitors can browse boutique floral arrangements and Christmas wreaths
- Oooh La La – offering handcrafted confectionery
- Casa LV – selling bespoke glass décor
- Le Perline – giving you a taste of imported Italian pieces
- Storm Ceramics – for that perfect ceramic gift for yourself or your loved one
- Chapters Home Fragrance – offering hand poured candles
- Grandiflora Christmas – offering exquisite Christmas décor and ornaments
In the food and drink department, Lemoni Food Studio retail their festive favourites, and traditional Panettone merchant and Matcha Pod keep the popular tea flowing. A special activation by the square’s new artisanal gelateria, Gelato Mania, offers delicious icy specialties, and the baristas from Kaldista Coffee Company ensure that only the best coffee is served.
Pick out the perfect gift
Plus, if you’re looking for gifts for your loved ones, a curated selection of local cookbooks can be purchased from tastemakers like Naqiyah Mayat and Angie Durrant, simplifying gifting choices for foodies. Laurent-Perrier are also on hand offering tastings, with their champagne collection up for purchase and personalisable luggage tags added as gifts with selected purchases.
For those who love beautiful packaging, Wrap It also retail their boutique packaging, designed to leave gift recipients in awe.
Entry to this exclusive meander is limited to 200 visitors per day, so be sure to secure your spot! And for a melodic touch, a violinist performs daily from 6pm to 8pm.
Cost: R75pp for the full Celebrations on the Square experience
When: Celebrations of the Square is running from 12 to 22 December 2025
Where: Nelson Mandela Square, 5th St, Sandown, Sandton
Shop sought-after fashion and accessories
Shoppers can look forward to over 70 curated retailers at Nelson Mandela Square this festive season, offering a handpicked selection of upmarket fashion, accessories, art, and more. New boutiques include classic and edgy high looks and accessories from the Karl Lagerfeld namesake label.
Additional to its already popular eclectic ensemble of retail and lifestyle offerings, Gelato Mania and the Standard Bank Art Lab gallery both recently opened on Nelson Mandela Square, adding to the vibrant mix that shapes the destination’s year-round appeal.
Dine at some of the city’s leading restaurants
From sushi at The Big Mouth to top-tier South African steaks at The Butcher Shop and Grill, the dining options at the Square are endless. La Parada serves tapas and small plates with a dash of effortless style, while Calisto’s serves up Portuguese-inspired dishes that tantalise the palate.
For a more relaxed and lively vibey festive season, secure a reservation at one of the dining spots overlooking the piazza with festive twinkles. Don’t forget to try new additions at Nelson Mandela Square, Al Hamra and Habibi which both offer a taste of the Middle East. See our full guide to the top restaurants at Nelson Mandela Square.
Get in touch
Website: nelsonmandelasquare.co.za
Tel: 011 217 6000
Instagram: @nelsonmandelasquare
Facebook: @nelsonmandelasquare
