You could hardly find a destination more Christmassy than Melrose Arch this festive season with the upmarket shopping and dining precinct transformed into a Christmas wonderland with the most impressive Christmas illuminations in town. The kids will love wandering through the glow of thousands of Christmas lights along the High Street where photo opportunities abound under a festive tunnel of lights that includes life-sized illuminated reindeers, giant teddy bears, Christmas trees, elves and other dazzling illuminations.

In addition to the glittering light display, Melrose Arch is pulling out all the stops this year with a bumper programme of festive events including carol concerts, a Christmas market, a wine festival, ballet performances and a classical music concert.

On the Destination Christmas schedule look out for:
Nov 15-Nov 18 Christmas Market open 16:00-21:00
Nov 17 at 18:30 Christmas Carols by the Alexandra Harmonious Choir
Nov 30-Dec 2 Vino in Piazza. An Italian wine festival on the Melrose Arch piazza (tickets cost R150). Open Fri 12:30-20:00, Sat 11:30-18:30, Sun 11:00-16:00
Nov 30 at 18:30 Jeppe Pipe Band performance
Dec 7 at 18:30 The Johannesburg Festival Orchestra with Richard Cock
Dec 8 at 18:30 Ballet on the Piazza with performances by the Johannesburg Ballet School
Dec 10-Dec 16 Kids festivities on the piazza including virtual reality gaming and a record-your-own-song karaoke booth (note some activities cost extra). Open from 09:00-16:00