Hyde Park Corner is Opening a New, Monthly Rooftop Drive-In Cinema in Johannesburg

Hyde Park Corner is giving us one more reason to get into the festive spirit with their monthly Rooftop Drive-In cinema in Johannesburg. Watch some of the most popular and family-friendly Christmas movies on the big screen under the stars and create new memories on selected weekends each month. The shopping centre transformed the Woolworths Rooftop Parking for a fresh, new experience space where films will be screened.

These outdoor cinemas make for a cute date night idea, or for a fun way to hang out with friends (or treat the kids). Move nights start at 6pm where guests can stock up on freshly popped popcorn, soft drinks, and nibbles from the snack bar.

What’s on at Hyde Park Corner’s Rooftop Drive-In cinema

Friday, 24 November 2023

Looking for fun things to do with kids in Johannesburg? The rooftop drive-in is screening two classic family comedy films on Friday, 24 November. Home Alone was released in 1990, and the story revolves around an 8-year-old boy named Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, who accidentally gets left behind when his large and chaotic family leaves for a Christmas vacation in Paris.

Initially enjoying the freedom of being home alone, Kevin soon realises that two burglars are planning to rob the house. As Kevin outsmarts and outwits the burglars with a series of clever and comical traps, the film explores themes of family, independence, and the true meaning of Christmas.

The second movie for the evening is Tim Burton’s magical hit, The Nightmare Before Christmas. The Nightmare Before Christmas is a unique and imaginative stop-motion animated musical about Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who becomes bored with the same old routine of scaring people every Halloween.

One day, while wandering in the woods, Jack stumbles upon the entrance to Christmas Town and is captivated by the joy and festivity of the holiday. Inspired, he decides to take over Christmas and put his own spooky and macabre spin on it. Jack kidnaps Santa Claus and attempts to deliver his own version of Christmas, complete with Halloween-themed gifts.

Both movies are known for its humour, heartwarming moments, and memorable quotes, making them festive favourites for audiences of all ages.

6pm – Drive-in opens
6:30pm – Home Alone (1990) screening starts
8:30 – The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) screening starts
10:30 – Screenings end

Cost: R300 per car to watch both movies, book via Quicket

When: Friday, 24 November from 6pm to 10:30pm
Where: Hyde Park Corner Centre Court, corner of William Nicol Drive and Jan Smuts Avenue in Hyde Park, Johannesburg

Saturday, 25 November 2023

Keep Saturday evening free for Elf, the delightful Christmas comedy film starring Will Ferrell as the main character, Buddy. Buddy is a human who, as a baby, accidentally crawled into Santa Claus’s sack and was unknowingly transported to the North Pole. Raised by elves, Buddy grows up thinking he is one of Santa’s little helpers.

The film follows Buddy’s comedic and heartwarming attempts to connect with his father and navigate the complexities of the human world, all while spreading Christmas cheer.

The remake of The Grinch (released in 2018) is a visually vibrant and entertaining film that maintains the essence of Dr. Seuss’s original story while adding some modern elements. In this version, Benedict Cumberbatch voices the Grinch, a green, grouchy creature who lives in isolation on Mount Crumpit with his loyal dog, Max. The Grinch despises the festive cheer and celebrations of the nearby Whoville, especially Christmas. To put an end to the holiday spirit, he devises a plan to steal Christmas from the Whos by impersonating Santa Claus and taking away their decorations, presents, and holiday joy.

6pm – Drive-in opens
6:30pm – Elf (2003) screening starts
8:30 – The Grinch (2018) screening starts
10:30 – Screenings end

Cost: R300 per car to watch both movies, book via Quicket

When: Saturday, 25 November from 6pm to 10:30pm
Where: Hyde Park Corner Centre Court, corner of William Nicol Drive and Jan Smuts Avenue in Hyde Park, Johannesburg

How to book tickets to the Rooftop Drive-In cinema experience

Tickets can only be booked online and in advance via Quicket at quicket.co.za. The cost is R300 per car, valid to watch both movie screenings for the evening only. There is also a snack bar where you can order popcorn, drinks, and other sweet and savoury snacks.