Johannesburg

Festive family fun in Joburg: Where to take the kids during the holidays

12 Nov 2025
share
post a comment
If you're spending the holidays in Joburg and wondering how to keep both your teen and your toddler entertained, we've got you covered. From twinkling light displays and festive markets to family-friendly theatre and outdoor adventures, the city comes alive with fun for all ages. This is the perfect time to explore Joburg’s best-loved attractions – from adventure zones and museums to parks and play spaces – without the usual weekend crowds. Whether you're after magical moments under the Christmas lights, a lively pantomime, or an adrenaline-filled day out, our festive family guide has everything you need to make this holiday season unforgettable.

1. Christmas lights and displays

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

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

Marvellous displays at Joburg Zoo's annual Festival of Lights. Photo: Joburg Zoo.
Joburg Zoo puts on a marvellous display each year. Photo: Joburg Zoo.
The Johannesburg Zoo becomes a festive wonderland with 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 lights. Perfect for all ages – plus, kids younger than three get in for free. Book your tickets here.

Wed, Dec 3 – Wed, Dec 31, 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.

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, open-top 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. 

Sat, Dec 21, 2025: Christmas Car Carnival on Moray Drive

Christmas lights on Moray Drive, Bryanston. Photo: 2Summers. 
Get ready for a magical evening at the Christmas Car Carnival along Moray Drive, Bryanston. From 19:00, Mrs Claus' Christmas Wonderland will dazzle with lights, photos with Santa, sweet treats for the kids, and a chance to post a letter to Santa. Bring camping chairs, bubbles, and donations like pet food or blankets for 4Paws. Entrance is free. Follow Moray Drive Bryanston Claus International on Facebook for announcements of dates and other updates.

2. Family-friendly theatre and live entertainment

Until Wed, Dec 24, 2025: Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr

Groovy fun at Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr. Photo: Supplied.

Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr is a lively stage adaptation of the DreamWorks hit, perfect for a family outing. Join Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria as they escape Central Park Zoo for a wild adventure in Madagascar, packed with humour, music, and sing-along fun. All children over one year need a booked seat. 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.

Until Sat, Jan 31, 2026: Gatsby: A Cirque Extravaganza

Not your average show. Photo: Supplied.
Step into the roaring 1920s with  Gatsby – A Cirque Extravaganza, By The Cirk at Cresta Shopping Centre. With eight phenomenal dancer-aerialists, this family-friendly spectacle combines breathtaking acrobatics with Gatsby-style glamour. Book your tickets here.

3. Christmas markets and pop-ups

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. Entry is free. Follow Hyde Park Corner on Instagram for updates. 

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

The Parkview Christmas Market returns to George Hay Park, Parkview 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.

Sat, Dec 6, 2025: Christmas Wonderland Pop-Up Boutique

Get into the festive spirit at The Secret Tea Garden Christmas Wonderland Pop-Up Boutique in Fourways. This family-friendly event offers a joyful day of activities for all ages, including photos with Santa, kids’ arts and crafts, a water slide, and a jumping castle, alongside a variety of stalls. Free entry.

4. Festive fun, all season long

Aerial escapades at Acrobranch

Action-packed fun at Acrobranch. Photo: Supplied.
Kids can burn off the excess energy and test their skills and stomachs for heights by zip-lining from tree to tree and climbing across rugged woodland at the Acrobranch aerial adventure playgrounds. Find Acrobranch at James and Ethel Gray Park in Melrose or at Huddle Park.

Hang out at Joy Jozi

Outdoor fun at Joy Jozi. Photo: Joy Jozi via Instagram.
Whether climbing, jumping, or enjoying a delightful meal, Dunkeld's Joy Jozi promises a joyous escape for families looking to make the most of their holidays. Positioned as 'a place where kids can take their adults,' Joy Jozi centres family-friendly entertainment with its innovative design and a variety of activities. The venue offers a dreamlike experience for kids, with attractions such as the action court, treehouse, bicycle track, mini splash park, and kids' vegetable garden.

Play a game of padel

Padel Labs courts at Ruimsig Country Club. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
It's the fastest growing sport in the world, and new courts seem to be popping up in Joburg every day. Incredibly fun and ideal for socialising, it's not hard to see why padel has caught on the way it has. If you haven't tried it yet or are wondering which court is close by, our list of padel clubs in Johannesburg and Pretoria has you covered. Read our intro to padel so you know what to expect and find out where to play padel. 

Spiderman fun at a trampoline arena

Jumping for joy at Bounce. Photo: Bounce Inc via Instagram.
Crazy trampoline fun for both kids and adults. Bounce off the walls, practise your flips, and generally unleash your inner Spiderman at two of the trampoline fun houses in Joburg, iJUMP in Roodepoort and Bounce at Fourways Mall and Mall of Africa. Each adrenaline-pumping location features dozens of interconnected trampolines in a giant warehouse. Space is limited, so booking your spot online in advance is highly recommended.

Rollercoasters and thrills at Gold Reef City

Gauteng's leading theme park is open throughout the holidays, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a better place to keep surly teenagers amused. Extreme rides like the Anaconda, Jozi Express and Tower of Terror are for the brave, and for toddlers, there's the option of a gentle train ride around the park with a soft-serve ice cream in hand. Note that tickets are limited, so make sure to book online in advance.

Jozi X

Catering for super-active kids from five to 75, Bryanston's Jozi X offers loads of physical fun for fans of extreme adventures. There's mountain boarding, a slack line park, big wheel trike drifting, a parkour gymnasium and the star attraction, an extreme wipeout course. 

Cool off at the pool

The Linden pool is an experience in itself. Photo: Heather Mason.
We may not have frigid tidal pools or bobbing ocean waves. However, Joburg's summer heat is undoubtedly made more bearable at one of the city's many public swimming pools. The city has just under 60 public swimming pools, and for many Joburgers, weekend mornings or afternoons spent splashing about at the local pool is one of the highlights of a city summer. Find out where to go swimming at the city's public swimming pools.

5. Day trips

Nature adventures for the whole family

 Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden. Photo: Mark Straw.
Swap screen time for sunshine this festive season with a day out in nature. Start with a wild adventure at Joburg Zoo or Pretoria Zoo, home to over 2,000 animals (and yes, both are open on public holidays). Over at Montecasino Bird Gardens, meet everything from flamboyant parrots to majestic birds of prey, and keep an eye out for the resident sloth, the undisputed king of chill. For a dose of fresh air and scenic beauty, head to the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, where waterfalls, hiking trails, and even nesting black eagles make for an unforgettable day outdoors.

All aboard the Gautrain

Gautrain, the city's pride and joy. Photo: Gautrain.
Hop on the Gautrain for a fun festive day out with the kids. This shiny gold train zips between Joburg, Pretoria, and O.R. Tambo, making it an easy (and exciting) way to explore Gauteng’s top attractions. Stop off in Sandton for jaw-dropping city views from Africa’s tallest building, or head to Rosebank to shop, eat, and wander through art-filled streets. In Midrand, the Mall of Africa and the striking Nizamiye Mosque make for a memorable family outing. With frequent trains and handy feeder buses, Gautrain makes festive sightseeing a breeze. Stay tuned for more day-trip ideas on board.

Discover your origins at Maropeng

Step back in time at the UNESCO-protected Cradle of Humankind and  Sterkfontein Caves. Photo: Supplied.
The extensive exhibition at the Maropeng Visitor's Centre in the UNESCO-protected Cradle of Humankind and Sterkfontein Caves takes an interactive approach to the history of life as we know it, from the Big Bang to the present day. A museum adventure packed with interactive and educational displays. 

Tour with City Sightseeing Bus

City Sightseeing Buses travel through Joburg's most popular attractions. Photo: Supplied.
Hop on the Johannesburg Red Tour (1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour)  from The Zone @ Rosebank and explore the city’s best attractions. Cruise through the city's leafy suburbs with stops at Melrose Arch, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and Constitution Hill. Then, dive into the city’s rich history with visits to the Mining District, Apartheid Museum, and Gold Reef City. Wrap up with cultural hotspots like Newtown, The Playground, and places of interest like Johannesburg Zoo, and the Military Museum, before heading back to Rosebank. 

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter for all the latest news and reviews.

For all the latest news of what to do around Joburg, keep up to date with our weekly events and exhibitions guides.
Food, fashion and craft markets

Bryanston Market
40 Culross Rd, Bryanston
EDITOR'S PICK
/johannesburg/bryanston-market_62273v
Bryanston Market is Joburg's original outdoor market, in existence for more than 40 years and still offering a superb range of organic goods and products in a …
see more
Editor's pick
Food, fashion and craft markets

Fourways Farmers Market
Arden Rd, Modderfontein Reserve, Modderfontein
/johannesburg/fourways-farmers-market_127015v
When landscape architect and botanist Greg Straw launched the original Fourways Farmers Market his idea was to introduce Joburg to a relaxed picnic park, in …
see more
Boutique shopping centres

44 Stanley – a visitor's guide
44 Stanley Ave, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg
EDITOR'S PICK
/johannesburg/44-stanley-a-visitors-guide_136272v
A former light industrial complex from the 1930s transformed into a boutique lifestyle destination, 44 Stanley opened in 2003 and offers a selection of …
see more
Editor's pick
Malls

Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square
Cnr Sandton Dr and Rivonia Rd, Sandton Central
EDITOR'S PICK
/johannesburg/sandton-city-and-nelson-mandela-square_123891v
With easy access to the Gautrain and hundreds of stores, the Sandton City megamall is Africa's most prestig
see more
Editor's pick
Malls

Mall of Africa
Lone Creek and Magwa Crescents, Waterfall City
/johannesburg/mall-of-africa_146577v
Mall of Africa, one of South Africa's largest shopping malls, is a home to over 300 local and international brand-name stores. The mall boasts over a whopping …
see more
Museums and places of interest

Johannesburg Zoo
Jan Smuts Ave, Saxonwold
featured
/johannesburg/johannesburg-zoo_123205v
Johannesburg Zoo, founded in 1904, houses 2,000 animals across 320 species. They offer family-friendly exhibits, conservation programmes, and interactive …
see more
Featured
Malls

Melrose Arch
Melrose Blvd, Melrose
/johannesburg/melrose-arch_123893v
Streetside cafe culture and high-street shopping mix in this popular modern urban precinct designed around a live, work and play lifestyle. Built around a …
see more
Theatres

Joburg Theatre
163 Civic Blvd, Braamfontein
/johannesburg/joburg-theatre_55796v
The city's largest theatre venue. Stages popular mainstream productions including comedy, dance, musicals, drama and musical tribute shows. The annual …
see more
Adventure Sports

Acrobranch Melrose
Melrose St Ext, James and Ethel Gray Park, Melrose
/johannesburg/acrobranch-melrose_123645v
Hidden in the forest at James and Ethel Gray Park in Melrose is the aerial wonderland of Acrobranch. The first Acrobranch park established in South Africa, …
see more
Kids activities and theme parks

Bounce
Waterfall Lifestyle Centre, Cnr Woodmead and Maxwell Drs, Midrand
/johannesburg/bounce_140353v
Crazy trampoline fun for both kids and adults. Bounce off the walls, practise your flips and generally jump around on more than 100 interconnected trampolines …
see more
Kids activities and theme parks

iJUMP
Clearwater Crossing, cnr Hendrik Potgieter and Christiaan de Wet Rds, Strubensvalley, Roodepoort
/johannesburg/ijump_141542v
This trampoline arena at the back of a nondescript shopping centre in Roodepoort consists of 1000 square metres of bouncing fun, including plenty of small …
see more
Kids activities and theme parks

Gold Reef City Theme Park
Cnr Northern Parkway and Data Crescent, Ormonde
/johannesburg/gold-reef-city-theme-park_123210v
The theme park is open Thu–Sun from 09:30 and on extended dates during school holidays. Tickets must be booked online in advance and cost R250 per person. Note …
see more
Wildlife and the great outdoors

Jozi X
Cnr Main Rd and Sloane St, Bryanston
/johannesburg/jozi-x_123644v
Catering for super active kids from 5 to 75 years old Jozi X offers loads of physical fun for fans of extreme adventures. There's mountain boarding, a …
see more
Swimming

Zoo Lake Swimming Pool
Cnr Prince of Wales and Lower Park Drv, Parkwood
/johannesburg/zoo-lake-swimming-pool_123634v
A real gem if ever there was one, the historic Zoo Lake Swimming Bath is a local favourite. Built in the 1930s the pool retains its original features and is …
see more
Museums and places of interest

Montecasino Bird Gardens
Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways
/johannesburg/montecasino-bird-gardens_123207v
With fascinating birds species, from domestic to exotic, birds of prey plus a huge pelican and a sloth who gives slothfulness a good name this is a super …
see more
Parks, Gardens, Nature Reserves & Hiking Trails

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
Malcolm Rd, Roodepoort
EDITOR'S PICK
/johannesburg/walter-sisulu-national-botanical-garden_127784v
One of Gauteng’s most beautiful nature reserves, these gardens are home to an abundance of wildlife, including an estimated 240 bird species. From the …
see more
Editor's pick
Markets, Shopping & Food

Field Berry Farm
De Deur, Walkerville
featured
/johannesburg/field-berry-farm_170627v
Pack the car with friends or family and take a drive in the warmer months (Jan – May; weekends only) to Field Berry Farm, a raspberry farm in the south of …
see more
Featured
Malls

Fourways Mall
Cnr William Nicol and Fourways Blvd, Fourways
/johannesburg/fourways-mall_148233v
Fourways Mall has been delighting visitors since its 2016 facelift, and with ongoing expansions, it’s set to double in size to 170,000m². Home to 170 stores, …
see more
Theatres

Market Theatre
Cnr Lilian Ngoyi St and Miriam Makeba St, Newtown
featured
/johannesburg/market-theatre_125041v
Historically known as 'South Africa's Theatre of the Struggle', during apartheid the Market Theatre was one of the few South African cultural institutions to …
see more
Featured
Theatres

People's Theatre
Cnr Loveday and Hoofd Sts, Braamfontein
/johannesburg/peoples-theatre_130946v
Located in the Joburg Theatre Complex (formally the Johannesburg Civic Theatre) the People’s Theatre is South Africa's flagship theatre for young people, …
see more
Kid-friendly

Joy Jozi
51 Eastwood Road, Dunkeld
featured
/johannesburg/joy-jozi_170902v
For kids, this is the best of the best. Adults will love it too. A first in Joburg – Joy Jozi is 'a place where kids can take their adults’. The family …
see more
Featured

Comments

Connect via social media
google sign in button
Leave a comment using your email This e-mail address is not valid
Please enter your name*

Please share your location

Enter your message*
POST COMMENT
Put our app in your pocket
App Store logo
Google Play logo
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more here. AGREE
Countries
Top