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
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
Mon, Dec 8 – Fri, Dec 12, 2025: National Children's Theatre Holiday Camp
Holiday fun at National Children's Theatre. Photo via @nctheatresa on Instagram.
National Children’s Theatre brings a dose of festive fun with its Grinch-themed Holiday Camp. Kids aged 7–17 can spend the week singing, dancing, and acting their way through Whoville, ending in a special showcase for friends and family. It’s a joyful, creative way for children to shine this holiday season.
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.
It wouldn’t be the festive season in Joburg without a Janice Honeyman pantomime! This year’s Pinocchioat 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
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.
Tue, Nov 18 – Tue, Dec 16, 2025: Bryanston Night Market
Loads of pre-loved goods available at The Bryanston Moonlight Christmas Market. Photo via @bryanstonmarket on Instagram.
Catch The Bryanston Moonlight Christmas Market over five festive Tuesday evenings, spanning across November and December. Expect twinkling lights, relaxed night-time browsing, stocking fillers, gifting stalls, craft-your-Christmas activities for the whole family, plus plenty of great food. A lovely midweek tradition.
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.
Tue, Nov 25 – Thu, Dec 11, 2025: Learn AI + Coding with Copy Paste Tech
CopyPaste Tech’s holiday bootcamp invites teenagers aged 13 – 19 to dive into coding, creativity, AI, and future-focused skills across three short, hands-on sessions this November and December. Hosted at Constitution Hill’s Transwerke Creative Hub, the programme offers a practical, inspiring way for young people to build confidence in tech.
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, Nov 29 – Sun, Nov 30, and Sat, Dec 6 – Sun, Dec 7, 2025: Festive Forty Four
44 Stanley returns with Festive Forty Four, celebrating local creativity in a fun, family-friendly way.
Photo: Supplied.
Festive Forty Four 2025, a family-friendly holiday celebration, takes place over two weekends at 44 Stanley: Sat, 29 Nov – Sun, 30 Nov and Sat, 6 Dec – Sun, 7 Dec 2025. Enjoy workshops, festive crafts, artisanal shopping, live music, and pop-up markets – a fun, family-friendly way to support local makers and soak up the holiday spirit.
Fri, Dec 5, 2025: Prison Break Christmas Market
Get ready for a night of festive fun full of lights, music, treats, and holiday buzz at Prison Break Market.
Photo via @prisonbreakmarket on Instagram.
Prison Break Market lights up Joburg with festive shopping, carols under the stars, tasty treats, and the dog-friendly Christmas Night Run. From 17:00 – 21:00, enjoy pop-up gift shops, food, music, and holiday fun for the whole family.
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.
Sat, Dec 6, 2025: The Pastry Playhouse Festival
Indulge your sweet tooth (or teeth!) at The Pastry Playhouse Festival. Poto via @pastryplayhouse on Instagram.
The Pastry Playhouse Festival brings Joburg its sweetest day out at James & Ethel Gray Park. From 09:00 –18:00, expect live music, pastry tastings and bake-offs, food stalls, and plenty of family-friendly activities under the summer sun.
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.
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