Festive Things To Do in Joburg This Year

Share the love of the most magical time of the year with a host of festive things to do in Joburg. There’s so much on offer, from theatre shows and musical performances to Christmas markets and entertainment of all sorts. It’s all about the cheer and sharing the love of Christmas by spoiling the kids, family and friends with the magic of the holiday season.

A Swingin’ Christmas

Johannesburg audiences are in for a special holiday treat as the Johannesburg Big Band presents A Swingin’ Christmas, a festive concert promising an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

For one weekend only this musical showcase lights up Carnival City’s Big Top Arena with spirited holiday classics, joyful harmonies, and South African flair. The showcase also brings together an extraordinary line-up of South African musical icons, including Mzansi Youth Choir, Kurt Darren, Zwai Bala, Harry Sideropoulos, and Monique Steyn.

Audiences can expect favourites like ‘Santa Baby’, ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’, and local treasures like ‘Christmas in SA’ and ‘Somer Kersfees’, ensuring a diverse selection that reflects the holiday spirit in all its forms.

Cost: R280pp to R550pp | Early bird and group discounts apply | Tickets available via Webtickets

When: 14 and 15 December 2024 | Shows start at 12 noon & 4pm (on both days)
Where: Big Top Arena, entury Rd, Elsburg Road, Carnival City, Brakpan Johannesburg

Fun things to do this Christmas at Fourways Mall

Looking for activities and events in Johannesburg to keep the entire family in the festive spirit this festive season? Look no further than the Santa Land Adventure at Fourways Mall, an opportunity to dive into interactive experiences at five fantastical zones.

The fun does not stop at the Santa Land Adventure. There are so many more festive activities taking place at Fourways Mall, from making memories with Father Christmas, to festive markets, live music, tasty bites, and opportunities to give back.

Cost: R40pp per two-hour session from 4 to 12 December | R50pp per two-hour session from 13 to 22 December | Book via Quicket

When: Running from 4 to 22 December 2024 | 10am to 7pm from 4 to 12 December | 10am to 8pm from 13 to 22 December | Note that final slots are for the day are 1.5 hours long.
Where: Fourways Mall, 11 Ruby Cl, Witkoppen, Fourways, Sandton

A spectacle of wonder at Circus Galassia

Relive the golden age of authentic circus with a captivating series of two-hour matinee and evening shows staged in a traditional tented circus setting.

The unique charm of Circus Galassia showcase is their intentional focus on human-only entertainment – no real animals feature in any of the acts. What’s more, the acrobats, jugglers, clowns and daredevils are all world-class talent from various parts of the globe that serve up breathtaking and death-defying stunts under the masterful eye of the ringmaster.

While you’re there, round out the festive feels with candy floss and freshly popped popcorn, and wash down warm hotdogs with a range of slushies while you and the family are transported through the wonders of the circus.

Cost: R170pp to R350pp, book online via Circus Galassia. What’s on in Joburg readers receive a 15% discount on tickets purchased by 12 December 2024. Use code 24WJ15 at checkout

When: 12 December 2024 to 12 January 2025 | Various days, from 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm
Where: Sandown High School, Rivonia Drive, Sandown, Sandton

Festive season at Nelson Mandela Square

Nelson Mandela Square is curating fuss-free festive season shopping in Sandton this year with their signature selection of art, culture, exceptional shopping, and dining. Whether you’re popping in for some retail therapy or looking to try some of Joburg’s best restaurants, there’s much on offer including a chance to win amazing prizes.

Their festive season also includes extended shopping hours, so you can take your sweet time enjoying all the square has to offer.

Where: Nelson Mandela Square, 5th St, Sandown, Sandton

Carols on the Piazza at Melrose Arch

Melrose Arch is headlining their annual Destination Christmas celebration with another stellar edition of Carols on the Piazza. This year’s event features the Mzansi Youth Choir, and more importantly, the funds raised for the concert will help bring a touch of sparkle to those who face challenges with vision.

Set in Melrose Arch’s vibrant piazza, Carols on the Piazza will offer audiences the chance to sing along to cherished Christmas classics with the beloved choir, whose powerful voices captivate audiences. Surrounded by the stunning glow of Melrose Arch’s renowned festive lights – the biggest and brightest display in Johannesburg – attendees can expect a truly enchanting evening as the choir’s harmonies blend with the twinkling night sky.

Cost: R200pp, book via Computicket

When: 23 November 2024 from 6.30pm to 8pm
Where: The Piazza at Melrose Arch, Birnam Avenue, Sandton

Eastgate Shopping Centre’s festive season highlights

This December, Eastgate Shopping Centre transforms into a festive wonderland with ‘Be Present for the Fun’, an exciting holiday theme designed to bring joy to every visitor. Eastgate invites families to experience a season packed with thrilling entertainment, special appearances, and opportunities to give back—perfect for creating unforgettable memories together.

Highlights include opportunities for the kiddos to meet-and-greet beloved pop culture characters, iconic Disney-themed Christmas trees, daily festive parades for all ages, letters to Santa + cute photo-ops, extended shopping hours and lots of fun activities, and festive photo spots and décor.

Cost: Free entry

When: 1 to 24 December 2024 | 9am to 7pm, daily | 9am to 9pm, Friday
Where: 43 Bradford Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston

Tuff Nutterz is South Africa’s largest inflatable obstacle course

Joburg families and fun seekers are in for an action-packed adventure this summer as Tuff Nutterz brings South Africa’s largest outdoor inflatable obstacle course to Zoo Lake Sports Club. Designed to create lasting memories, Joburg Jumps promises an unforgettable day of fun, fitness, and family-friendly excitement for all ages.

Cost: R150 per toddler (under 5) | R200pp (Adult) | Book via Quicket

When: 5 to 8 December 2024 | From 9am to 5pm on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday | 9am to 8.30pm on Friday | 9am to 10am daily (Toddler Hour)
Where: Zoo Lake Sports Club, CNRS Westwold Way / Lower Park Drive, Prince of Wales Dr, Parkwood, Randburg, Johannesburg

Christmas comes alive at the Festival of Lights

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) | R75 pp (kids aged 3 to 12) | R100pp (pensioners) | Free entry for kids u/3 | Book via Webtickets

When: From 28 November 2024 to 5 January 2025 | Thursdays to Sundays from 7pm to 10pm
Where: Johannesburg Zoo, Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview, Randburg

A festive fire dining and wine experience at Dikeme Farms’ Fire Long Table Lunch

Explore your senses in a setting of natural wonder this weekend in Joburg. Secure your spot and enjoy an experience that sees you seated at a long table and connecting with other guests, whilst enjoying a multi-course ‘farm to table’ meal. Award-winning sommelier Victor Okolo returns to share his knowledge and passion with carefully selected South African wines paired for each course, with bubbles on arrival.

For this festive edition, Dikeme Farms welcomes new chefs and artisans to cook on the fire in a special outdoor field kitchen, with a focus on preparing a bespoke, festive feast. The meal features quintessential South African platters of lamb, beef and chicken coupled with an abundance of freshly harvested fire roasted vegetables and vibrant seasonal salads for your culinary pleasure.

You will also be treated to a special, live musical journey and nostalgic Sunday sounds for the perfect ambience, plus you have the option to wander through the landscaped gardens and fruit orchard at any time during the afternoon.

Cost: R2 000pp, book via Quicket

When: 1 December 2024 from 11.30am to 6pm
Where: Dikeme Farms, 2MMQ+FX Krugersdorp

The Youth Russian Dance Company cast in The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker ballet by The Youth Russian Dance Company

Enter the enchanting world of The Nutcracker ballet, gracefully performed by the Youth Russian Ballet Company (YRBC). The YRBC are a South African youth ensemble lovingly trained in the heart of Johannesburg, dedicated to the captivating artistry of the Russian Ballet method.

Step into a world of holiday wonder and be swept away by the captivating story, breathtaking choreography, and the grace of talented ballerinas as they use movement to tell the tale of the battles and triumphs of a young girl who befriends a Nutcracker that comes to life.

The ballet is all set to the magical melodies of the legendary composer, P.I. Tchaikovsky.

Cost: R150pp to R350pp, book via Webtickets

When: 7 and 8 December 2024 | Saturday at 12pm and 5pm | Sunday at 11am and 4pm
Where: Main Theatre at Roodepoort Theatre, 100 Christiaan de Wet Rd, Florida Park, Roodepoort

A heartfelt holiday stage story for all ages with Momo’s Magical Adventure

This holiday season, Sandton City is upping the feel-good, magic-filled factor for the whole family, with an all-new ‘Momo’s Magical Adventure’ theatrical production, in collaboration with Standard Bank Private.

With a bold new storyline, Momo’s imagination once again takes centre stage, where everything shimmers a little brighter and anything is possible. The story takes audiences on a journey, lunging them into the depths of the luminous sea before flying them to space for a totally surreal cosmic odyssey.

Cost: R60pp, book online via Sandton City

When: 5 December 2024 to 5 January 2025 | Tuesdays to Sundays from 11am to 5.30pm (showings are 30 minutes each). There are no showings on Christmas or New Year’s Day.
Where: Sandton City, 83 Rivonia Rd, Sandhurst, Sandton

The Field Market Christmas Edition

The popular Field Market is showcasing more of its local artisans, crafters, and food vendors for two special Christmas editions this festive season!

Visitors have the opportunity to interact with the creators and learn about their crafts in an atmosphere filled with Christmas cheer, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking for a taste of Johannesburg’s vibrant artisanal scene. There are also kids’ activities and a play area.

The location is dog-friendly and encourages dogs to be kept on a leash at all times.

Cost: Free entry, with parking at R10 per car

When: 9 November and 14 December 2024 from 9am to 3pm
Where: Field & Study Park, 11 Louise Avenue, Parkmore, Sandton, Johannesburg

Check out these other Festive Markets in Joburg

Disney’s The Magic Box brings music from Disney’s beloved songbook

Disney’s The Magic Box makes its English-language production world premiere in the motherland. The show, featuring an all-South African cast and crew, opens in Johannesburg in November before embarking on an international tour.

The musical, which originally premiered with great success in January 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, immerses the audience in an unprecedented theatrical adventure that combines puppetry, elaborate costumes, and projections in an innovative and large-scale staging.

The show is a sensory experience that pays tribute to the art of animation and invites the audience to reconnect with the legacy of Disney music through the stories, songs, and characters that have accompanied them through the different stages of their lives.

Cost: R200pp to R550pp, book via FeverUp

When: 22 November 2024 to 5 January 2025 | Wed, Thurs and Fri at 7.30pm | Sat at 1.30pm, 4.30pm and 7.30pm | Sun at 2pm and 5pm
Where: The Teatro, Montecasino, Teatro Road, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg

Christmas with Richard Cock is a merry music occasion

The Symphony Choir of Johannesburg and conductor Richard Cock host their annual Christmas with Richard Cock concert this December.

Guests can join them along with The Phoenix Orchestra at the Linder Auditorium in Parktown for a joyful symphony of sound.The programme features Christmas Carol favourites from ‘Silent Night’ to ‘Jingle Bells’ and more.

Cost: R300pp (adults) | R230pp (pensioners, students and scholars) | Book via Quicket

When: 7 and 8 December 2024 | Saturday from 5pm | Sunday from 3pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, 27 St Andrews Rd, Parktown, Johannesburg

Red One is a must-see Christmas movie meets action comedy

Check out this festive movie with flair this holiday season. In this unique take on the traditional Christmas movie, after Santa Claus (code name: Red One) is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.

When: Red One is screening from 8 November 2024
Where: The movie will be showing in SterKinekor, Numetro and CineCentre cinemas across the nation

A timeless production with Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol returns to Montecasino having played to sold-out audiences for many years now.

This beloved classic transports audiences into the heart of Victorian London to follow the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge as he discovers the true meaning of Christmas, kindness, and the importance of giving back.

Described as “a sumptuous banquet for the eyes, ears, and imagination; a sensory delight for any tired soul,” this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless story is a heartwarming celebration of humanity, family, and the boundless generosity of the human spirit.

Cost: From R150pp to R230pp, book via Webtickets

When: 27 November to 8 December 2024 | Times vary
Where: Pieter Toerien Theatre, 1 Montecasino Blvd, Magaliessig, Johannesburg

Emperor's Palace Christmas Village installation - festive things to do

A Christmas wonderland at Emperor’s Palace

The Christmas Village at Emperor’s 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 offering a diverse range of food, gifts and goodies await you.

Cost: R40pp to R75pp, book via TicketPro

When: From 22 November to 31 December 2024 | Daily from 3pm to 10pm with 90-minute slots
Where: Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg

Phillip Dikotla’s unforgettable one-man stand-up special

Big Comedy Live presents Phillip Dikotla in his brand-new comedy special, LIVE (HERE), set to hit Johannesburg this December. Known for his sharp wit and compelling storytelling, Dikotla’s latest show promises audiences a holiday escape with a healthy dose of laughter and a fresh look at the festive season’s ups and downs.

Combining hilarious takes on relatable holiday moments with his signature observational humour, Dikotla riffs on the awkwardness of family gatherings, the struggle of navigating holiday expenses, and the quirks of surviving a South African December.

Cost: R250pp | Tickets available exclusively via phillipdikotla.live

When: 6 December 2024 from 7pm
Where: Nu Metro Cinema, Cnr Jan Smuts Ave and, 6th Rd, Hyde Park, Johannesburg

A celebration of song & cuisine inspired by Madiba with Jazz Sundays at Sanctuary Mandela

Sanctuary Mandela hosts Jazz Sundays, a Jazz session celebrating the genre while guests indulge in delicious cuisine. While staying or visiting at the hotel, guests can immerse themselves in the spirit of a leader known to the world as Madiba.

Celebrating the life of iconic freedom fighter, peacemaker, statesman, and father of the South African nation, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. On Sundays, guests have the opportunity to immerse in a jazz experience with local or international talent while indulging in dishes inspired by Nelson Mandela’s favourites.

Cost: R350pp for the show only | R800pp including 3-course meal, book via Sanctuary Mandela

When: Every Sunday from 12pm to 3pm
Where: Sanctuary Mandela, 4 13th Ave, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg

SPAR Carols by Candlelight

For the past two decades, Jacaranda FM and SPAR have proudly produced an annual Christmas show that features some of South Africa’s most prominent musicians.

Join for a beautiful evening of Carols by Candlelight, where the melodies echo the love and joy of being Home for Christmas. Expect nostalgic carols sung by talented SA artists, illuminating the night with the magic of music, family fun, delicious holiday treats and warm beverages, and some special surprises.

The event takes place live in Pretoria at the SunBet Arena Time Square, whilst simultaneously being streamed for those who want to watch the soul-stirring concert with their families at home.

Cost: R75pp, kids under 3 enter free, book via iTickets

When: 5 December 2024 from 4.30pm to 9pm
Where: SunBet Arena at Time Square Casino, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria

Irene Farm Year-end Braai

Irene Farm is giving you the perfect opportunity to bring your colleagues, friends or family together for a year-end lunch, to celebrate the festive season. Their ever-popular year-end braai at the Barn Restaurant is now available for groups no bigger than 25 pax, every Friday during their festive period.

Cost: R480pp, book via Irene Farm

When: Every Friday between 1 November and 13 December 2024 | 12pm to 3pm
Where: The Barn Restaurant, Irene, Centurion

epicARTS Christmas Exhibition

Gauteng-based artists showcase their talent at the 11th epicARTS Christmas Exhibition ’24. Almost 30 artists come together to share their art with fellow art-lovers, with all art on display being put up for sale at reasonable prices directly from the artists themselves.

The exhibition officially opens on Friday, 15 November with live music from the amazing Anna Davel in a picnic style celebration, so bring a chair or a blanket and pack a delicious picnic basket to enjoy the evening with friends and family.

Opening night guests also have the opportunity to view the exhibition before it opens to the general public on Saturday, 16 November until Saturday, 23 November.

Cost: R250pp (opening night. u/7s enter free) | Free (16 to 23 Nov) | Book via Quicket

When: 15 to 23 November 2024
Where: epicARTS Studio, 314 Sandalwood Dr, Newlands, Pretoria