We love Live Art on The Square, an unlikely collaboration between sculptor Anton Smit and graffiti artist MARS that has resulted in Urban Echoes, an outdoor exhibition on the square of eight larger-than-life Easter Island-inspired sculptures. The works are available for purchase from Artyli Gallery at Nelson Mandela Square, which is worth a visit on its own.
The kids will love the 10m-long lighting tunnel that turns the square into a magical backdrop for festive selfies. Plus there's a 7.2m-tall Dior Christmas tree as a centre-piece. On the tree are custom-made trinkets, gold vinyl flowers and the iconic Dior logo, all channelling quintessential Sandton bling.
When it comes to great gifts you'll have plenty of choices. Check out new stores from Café Coton, Mario Casas, X-ceptions and Lou Lou Boutique, alongside the newly revamped Aeronautica Militare.
And when all that shopping (and window-shopping) is done, there are plenty of stops at Nelson Mandela Square to refuel – from La Parada to the recently renovated Butchershop & Grill, plus popular restaurants like Cilantros, Nonnas Italian Kitchen, Pappas on the Square, Tang, Tashas, The Big Mouth, The Raj, Trumps Grillhouse & Butchery, and many more.
There are also several live festive experiences on the go. Follow Nelson Mandela Square here for updates.
