Hamilton Park Christmas Picnic 2026: A Festive Community Fundraiser Event in Craighall Park

The Craigpark Residents Association (CRA) and the Parkhurst Residents and Business Owners Association (PRABOA) have joined forces to host the inaugural Hamilton Park Christmas Picnic on Thursday, 3 December 2026.

This community gathering is both a celebration of the people that make Craighall Park great, as well as an initiative to keep the community great by raising funds for Hamilton Park maintenance and support for The Salvation Army.

Hamilton Park Christmas Picnic | What's on in Joburg

Close out 2026 at the Hamilton Park Christmas Picnic

The festive celebration will feature festive lights and music under the summer sky as well as children’s activities and Christmas-themed activations for young and old: bounce on the jumping castle, get creative with arts and crafts and gift-making, try face painting, design your own picnic blanket, and make a wish on the Make a Wish Tree. There’s also Santa’s Letterbox for your Christmas wishes, and Santa might even make a surprise appearance!

Guests get to shop from local food and drink vendors, and a limited selection of gift vendors have your Christmas shopping sorted. Inspired by a Craighall resident who decorates his home with festive lights and hosts carols each year, the organisers hope Hamilton Park will become a welcoming home for this much-loved tradition.

Plus, the Christmas Picnic is pet-friendly, with dogs on leashes welcome. A portion of the donations will be shared with The Salvation Army. The remaining proceeds will be allocated to Hamilton Park maintenance projects, with nonprofit service providers Jozi Trails and Bubele Africa engaged to assist with contributions towards the tools and consumables needed for the work.

The Salvation Army Soweto Corps Band | What's on in Joburg — The Salvation Army Soweto Corps Band

A community-led initiative

The collaboration between CRA and PRABOA is supported by the Parktown North Residents Association volunteers and Deansgate Retirement Village.

The organisers thank headline sponsor Nan Roberts Estates for their continued support, fellow top-tier sponsors Bootlegger Parkhurst and Executor Law, and all the local businesses helping to continue this much-loved tradition and build a lasting fundraising legacy for the community.

As a volunteer-led pilot with limited resources, the initiative relies on careful use of available funds. CRA and PRABOA the organisers invite neighbours, families, local businesses and volunteers to help make the Hamilton Park Christmas Picnic a special and memorable celebration of community spirit.

Bubele Africa at work in Hamilton Park | What's on in Joburg — Bubele Africa at work in Hamilton Park

Need to know before you go

Pre-order a Christmas picnic hamper here, bring a picnic blanket and basket or buy from the food and drink vendors. Note that no alcohol or glasses are allowed into the park, but you can purchase drinks from the bar and soft drink stands.

It is advised that guests arrive on foot or use ridesharing services such as Uber or Bolt where possible. Parking is curb side, along Herpo, Hamilton Road and 21st Street.

Cost: From R65pp (adults); from R45pp (kids o/6); from R35pp (pensioners); kids u/6 enter free. Picnic boxes are from R395. Pre-book your entry via this Google form; higher rates apply for entry at the door