Christmas markets, lights, fairs and festive fun in Joburg

05 Nov 2025

Melrose Arch's Destination Christmas. Photo: City Sightseeing.

Munro Drive photo stop as part of the Sunset and Christmas Lights Tour. Photo via @citysightseeingsa on Instagram.

Get lit with the Big Five at the Joburg Zoo. Photo via TimeOut website.

The festive countdown has begun, and there's already a hint of holiday cheer sweeping the city, with markets, theatre shows, and twinkly light displays. Here's our round-up of Joburg events to make this season a truly memorable one, from now into the new year. Save this, as we'll be updating it on the go.

Festive Fun

Until Sat, Jan 31, 2026. Soar with The Cirk

Step into the roaring 1920s with The Cirk’s, Gatsby – A Cirque Extravaganza, at Cresta Shopping Centre. With eight phenomenal dancer-aerialists, this family-friendly spectacle combines breathtaking acrobatics with Gatsby-style glamour. Book your tickets here.

Until Wed, Dec 24, 2025. Panto magic for everyone

Janice Honeyman's 2025 pantomime 'Pinocchio' shows at Joburg Theatre. Photo: Supplied.

It wouldn’t be the festive season in Joburg without a Janice Honeyman pantomime! This year’s Pinocchio at the Joburg Theatre promises music, dance, circus magic, and laugh-out-loud fun for the whole family. Book your tickets now.

Always-on. Ster-Kinekor's Throwback Cinema

Use the jolly season to catch up on some of your old favourites at Ster-Kinekor. Photo: Supplied.

The movies are always a good time, especially over the festive season. Ster-Kinekor celebrates cinematic nostalgia by offering classic films for just R50 per ticket at its Rosebank and Sandton theatres. It’s the perfect opportunity to revisit your favourite movies at a classic price. Book your tickets here.

Sat, Dec 13 – Sat, Dec 27, 2025: Sunsets, city lights, and Christmas magic with City Sightseeing

The City Sightseeing Red Bus is a regular sight around Joburg. Photo: City Sightseeing via Facebook.

With its iconic double-decker, topless Red Bus, City Sightseeing offers a special, three-hour tour to celebrate the festive season. The sunset and Christmas lights tour begins at the City Sightseeing ticket office at The Zone @ Rosebank, journeying to savour sunset views at Munro Drive with a complimentary snack, then moving on to explore shopping, dining, and festive events at Melrose Arch. Book your tickets now.

Christmas Lights

Fri, Nov 14, 2025 – Sun, Jan 4, 2026: Destination Christmas at Melrose Arch

Melrose Arch lights up with holiday cheer and fun. Photo: Supplied.

Magical moments await at Melrose Arch! Destination Christmas at Melrose Arch turns the precinct into a festive wonderland with dazzling lights, a roller rink, sweet treats, kids’ activities, and al fresco dining under the stars.

Open from Wed, Dec 3 2025: Christmas Village at Emperors Palace

Step into a world of wonder and delight at the Christmas Village at Emperors Palace. Expect to be enchanted by the lights, festive characters, charming shops, games, and entertainment. Tickets are available here or at the Box Office at Emperors Palace.

Thu, Nov 27, 2025 – Sun, Jan 4, 2026: Joburg Zoo’s Festival of Lights

The Johannesburg Zoo transforms into a wonderland of glowing life-size animal sculptures, live music, and a food and craft market. Take a peaceful stroll along the well-lit paths, surrounded by trees twinkling with festive lights. Perfect for all ages – plus, kids younger than three get in for free. Book your tickets here.

Fri, Dec 5, 2025 – Sun, Jan 4, 2026: Family delights and lights at Time Square

Time Square shines brightly at night this holiday season. Photo: Sun Time Square via Facebook.

For festive family fun in Pretoria, Sun International's Time Square festive lights are back. Stroll through eye-catching light displays, snap beautiful holiday photos, and enjoy a meal at one of the family-friendly restaurants. Kids under 12 get a free Candylicious popcorn and slushies from 19:30 – 21:30 every evening.

Christmas Markets

Thu, Nov 13 – Sun, Dec 7, 2025: Hyde Park Corner lights up

Hyde Park Corner provides fun for the whole family this festive season. Photo; Supplied.

Hyde Park Corner officially launches their festive celebrations on Thu, Nov 13, 2025, with a tree lighting ceremony in the Centre Court and performances by Swing City, the Soweto Gospel Choir, and Mzansi Ballet, plus bubbly from the Moët & Chandon Personalisation Pop-Up (until Sun, Dec 7). Kids can meet Christmas Fairies, explore the giant teddy bear installation, and join the Build-A-Bear fun with Toy Kingdom. Follow Hyde Park Corner for updates. Entry is free.

Fri, Nov 21 – Sun, Nov 23, 2025: Parkview Christmas Market

The Parkview Christmas Market returns to George Hay Park for its 15th year of festive cheer. Enjoy over 75 artisan stalls, live music, a Champagne & Oyster Bar, and a colourful kids’ zone. All proceeds support local charities, making this beloved market a true celebration of community and Christmas spirit.

Sat, Nov 29 – Sun, Nov 30, 2025: The Linden Market Festive Edition

Start saving because you're going to want to buy everything at The Linden Market.
Photo via @thelindenmarket on Instagram.

’Tis the season for supporting all things local. The Linden Market (TLM) returns for a final 2025 Festive edition for two days. TLM is a great spot for gift shopping, with a focus on ethically sourced materials, sustainable goods, and artisanal creations. Get creative with craft workshops for kids and grown-ups alike. Buy your tickets here.

Sun, Nov 16 to Sun, Dec 21, 2025: Rosebank Sunday Market Festive Edition

You'll find all manner of antique and vintage items here. Photo: Rosebank Sunday Market.

This festive season, the magic of Christmas infuses the Rosebank Sunday Market. From 09:00 – 16:00 each Sunday, Level 4 of Rosebank Mall comes alive with handcrafted gifts, décor, live music, and delicious food. Don’t miss the final Christmas Market on Sun, Dec 21, 2025, for those last-minute gifts.

Sat, Dec 6 – Sat, Dec 7, 2025: Double the treasures at Brooklyn Mall and The Firs

The Firs Antique Fair. Photo: Antique Collecting via Facebook.

Discover a world of treasures and delights at the Brooklyn Antique Fair, held on the first Saturday of each month at Brooklyn Mall, where you’ll find unique accessories, ceramics, home décor, and more – the perfect spot to find that one-of-a-kind Christmas gift. For treasures closer to home, visit the The Firs Antique Fair at The Firs in Rosebank, on the first Sunday of every month.

Sun, Dec 7, 2025: First Sundays at Victoria Yards

Wear comfortable shoes and spend the day exploring and creating at Victoria Yards. Photo: Supplied.

Refresh your spirit at First Sundays at Victoria Yards in Lorentzville. On Sun, Dec 7, from 10:00 – 16:00, enjoy Christmas-themed workshops, artisan markets, live music, and family-friendly crafts. Explore art, food, and holiday fun in this vibrant, creative hub.

Sat, Dec 13, 2025: Field Market Christmas Edition

Let Santa know whether you've been naughty or nice at the Christmas Edition of The Field Market.
Photo via @thefieldmarket on Instagram.

Celebrate the season the South African way: with sunshine, live music, and good food at The Field Market Christmas Edition. Join the fun on Sat, Dec 13, 2025, from 09:00 - 15:00, with more than 160 stalls offering gifts, local goods, food, and drinks. There's also a “Find the Elf” challenge, Santa’s letter box, and a visit from Father Christmas!

What to look forward to in 2026

Sat, Jan 10, 2026: Milk + Cookies Festival headlined by Gunna

Catch Gunna at Nasrec Expo Centre. Photo via @gunna on Instagram.

Cure those post-holiday blues on Sat, Jan 10, as Joburg's inaugural Milk + Cookies Festival kicks off at Nasrec Expo Centre, headlined by renowned American rapper, singer, and producer, Gunna. The festival blends local culture with global sounds, promising an energetic start to the new year. Book tickets here.

Note: This list is updated regularly. Check back for new additions.