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.
Until Wed, Dec 31, 2025: Christmas lights on Moray Drive
Christmas lights on Moray Drive, Bryanston. Photo: 2 Summers.
Get ready for magical December evenings along Moray Drive in Bryanston, where the whole street lights up with festive charm. Drawing families from all over Joburg. Stroll or drive through to enjoy twinkling displays, Grinch characters, sleighs, nativity scenes and plenty of Christmas charm. The best part? It’s all lovingly created by the residents, led by Bryanston’s very own Mrs Claus, Danielle Goff, making it a true celebration of neighbourhood spirit and holiday cheer. Entrance is free. Follow Moray Drive Bryanston Claus International on Facebook for announcements of dates and other updates.
Until Wed, Dec 31, 2025: Lawley Street lights up Pretoria
A brightly lit house on Lawley Street, Pretoria. Photo: Lawley Street Lights via Facebook.
Every Christmas, Lawley Street in Waterkloof, Pretoria, transforms into a dazzling wonderland straight out of a holiday film, drawing fun-seekers from near and far (it's worth the drive for us Joburgers). Whether you drive through or explore on foot, you’ll find snack vendors and festive displays – some even courtesy of foreign embassies. But the real magic? It’s all brought to life by the residents, a true celebration of Christmas spirit and community cheer. You can view the lights on Lawley Street daily from Wed Dec 31 from 19:00 – 23:00.
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 in Parktown brings a dose of festive fun with its Grinch-themed Holiday Camp. Kids aged seven to 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. Book your tickets here.
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
Tue, Nov 18 – Tue, Dec 16, 2025: Bryanston Night Market
Loads of pre-loved goods available at The Bryanston Moonlight Christmas Market. Photo: Bryanston Market via Facebook.
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 tradition during the week.
Fri, Nov 28 – Sat, Dec 27, 2025: Zootropolis-inspired mini golf
Swing into the festive season with Mall of Africa’s Zootropolis-inspired mini golfexperience, open daily from 09:00 – 20:00. Tickets are available online or at the gate, but booking in advance is encouraged. Get your tickets here.
Tue, Nov 25 – Thu, Dec 11, 2025: Learn AI + Coding with Copy Paste Tech
Copy Paste 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 Uprising Hub, the programme offers a practical, inspiring way for young people to build confidence in tech.
Fri, Dec 5 – Sun, Dec 28, 2025: Sandton City's City of Enchantment
Make memories with the whole family at Sandton City's City of Enchantment. Photo: Supplied.
Sandton City is spreading festive cheer with City of Enchantment. Little ones can get creative at Sprinkle and Sugar, decorating oversized cookies, and at Donut and Dazzle with DIY doughnut kits, before crafting ornaments and festive trees at Trees and Twinkle and Baubles and Bliss. At Words and Wishes, kids can pen letters to Santa and snap a photo with the big man himself, who is in residence until Wed, Dec 24. Along the way, families will discover charming surprises like Santa’s wishing well, a drawbridge, and a reindeer merry-go-round, while Château Gâteaux serves up festive cakes and treats to keep everyone fueled for fun.
Tue, Dec 10 – Tue, Dec 24, 2025: Fourways Mall's Santa Land
Festive fun at Fourways Mall's Santa Land. Photo: Supplied.
Fourways Mall is stepping into the festive season with a dose of pure holiday magic thanks to the return of Santa Land, with the theme of The Jingle Bell Academy. From Tue, Dec 10 – Tue, Dec 24, 2025, kids can train to become Santa’s little helpers as they decorate cookies, scoot through chimneys, stack presents, write elf letters, enjoy face painting, and wind their way through charming Christmas houses before “graduating” with a photo with Santa. The fun doesn’t stop there; the mall is packed with family adventures, from Bounce and Adventure Golf to Total Ninja, Xtreme Go-Karting, cinemas and more.
Sat, Dec 13, 2025: The Pastry Playhouse Festival
Indulge your sweet tooth (or teeth!) at The Pastry Playhouse Festival.
Photo: Pastry Playhouse via Instagram.
The Pastry Playhouse Festival brings Joburg its sweetest day out in Parktown. From 09:00 –18:00, expect live music, pastry tastings and bake-offs, food stalls, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Sat, Dec 20, 2025: Norwood Mall's drive-in movie night
Grab your snacks and bean bags. Photo: Supplied.
Get ready for a family-friendly night under the stars at Norwood Mall’s Drive-In Movie Night. From 18:00, catch this year’s fan-voted film, Inside Out 2, on an impressive 11-metre screen while the kids enjoy pre-show fun like a Zoom with Zebra activity and a mini driving adventure. Tickets start at R150 per car, R120 per bean bag pod, or R130 for a snack package of popcorn, bubble tea, and candy.
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.
Comments