Destination Christmas at Melrose Arch

Name: Destination Christmas at Melrose Arch
Start: 2025-11-14
End: 2025-12-31
Location: Melrose Arch

Nov 14 - Dec 31 2025 Melrose Blvd, Melrose

Christmas lights at Melrose Arch. Photo: Melrose Arch.

Festive delights at Melrose Arch. Photo: Melrose Arch.

We may not have snow in Joburg over Christmas, but we have one of the biggest light displays at Melrose Arch. Photo: Melrose Arch.

Say the words "Christmas in Joburg" and most people will think of Melrose Arch. Every year, this upmarket shopping and dining precinct is transformed into a wonderland with the most impressive lights and festive activities. Melrose Arch is a walkable district with plenty of stores, including premium label shops, luxury stops for spoils, pavement cafés, restaurants, and bars for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and, of course, dessert. Celebrate the season as Destination Christmas enlivens Upper High Street.

Holiday cheer comes alive at Melrose Arch. Photo: Melrose Arch.

Here's the lineup:

Sat, Nov 29 from 12:00 – Melrose Arch hosts the Black Coffee Foundation Benefit Concert, with R20 from every ticket supporting youth empowerment through the Black Coffee Foundation.

Fri, Dec 5 from 19:00 – One of the country’s oldest and most celebrated school bands, The Jeppe Pipe Band performs, blending Christmas carols with pipe band classics.

Sat, Dec 6 – Sat, Dec 27 – The Jameson Festive Market offers complimentary entry, whiskey tastings, personalised gifting, mixologist showdowns, cocktail specials, live entertainment, and interactive games. Running Thu – Fri, 16:00 – 20:00 and Sat – Sun, 12:00 – 21:00.

Wed, Dec 10 – Mon, Dec 15 – The outdoor Christmas Market on The Square offers curated festive gifts, décor, seasonal treats, and customised Christmas goodies. Open from 15:00 – 21:00.

Thu, Dec 18 – Sun, Dec 21 – The indoor Festive Market in the Retail Galleria features festive décor, artisanal foods, sweet treats, crafts, accessories, and bespoke gifting. Open from 12:00 – 19:00.

Fri, Nov 28 – Tue, Dec 23 – Spend, Spin & Win gives shoppers who spend R1,000+ the chance to win prizes at the Woolworths Court, including OMODA and JAECOO vouchers, Charles Tyrwhitt jerseys, David Tlale emoji tees, fashion and spa vouchers, curated hampers, and restaurant meals.

Fri, Dec 5 – Wed, Dec 31 – Destination Christmas Fun Zone has a Retro Rolla rink, Glo Riders cycling, roaming characters on weekends, kids’ face painting, snack stalls, and treats like glow-stick candyfloss, doughnuts, rolled ice cream, and gourmet popcorn. Open nightly from 18:30 – 22:00.

Melrose Arch is glowing with festive markets, music and Christmas magic all season long. Photo: Melrose Arch.

Get there with the Gautrain

Melrose Arch is easily accessible from the Rosebank Gautrain station. To get there, catch the RB2 Gautrain midi-bus from Rosebank (weekdays only) and hop off at the "playground for the cosmopolitan". See our guide to the Gautrain here and download the Gautrain app for real-time updates on when the next train and midi-bus is due. Visit G autrain's website for more information on the timetable and fares.