Welcome to Johannesburg, a city bursting with energy and a vibrant spirit. Joburg offers an array of exciting activities and experiences for everyone, whether you're new to the city (check out our list of best Joburg tours and experiences) or a nature admirer (visit Joburg's most beautiful parks). If you love to shop for interesting items, see our round-up of Joburg's best markets.
Joburg's galleries are always active, with new shows opening weekly. You can read our exhibitions guide here. If you're a jazz lover, check out our list of places to listen to jazz in Joburg. For movie lovers, there are many cinemas in the city, plus stage productions including ballet, theatre and opera if that's your style. And if you have kids or want to find family-friendly activities (check out our fun Gauteng attractions for families guide), there are plenty of options from which to choose.
For all your holiday season inspo, like where to shop, play, or take the kids, check out our ultimate festive fun guide.
For a full guide to what’s on in Joburg, explore our events calendar and subscribe to our weekly newsletter published every Thursday morning. Follow us on Instagram, where we publish daily updates on events in our Instagram stories.
Note: While we update this information regularly, Johannesburg is an ever-changing city, so make sure to click on links, follow our booking advice, and if in doubt, call ahead, as venues do not always communicate changes.
Our top picks for the week ahead (Thu, Dec 11 – Wed, Dec 17, 2025)
Wed, Dec 10 – Thu, Dec 11 – Feel the soul of South Africa with the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra as Voices of Home tour, blending classical, jazz, and amapiano-inspired rhythms at Linder Auditorium.Fri, Dec 12 – Sun, Dec 14 – Celebrate the heartbeat of Soweto at Makhelwane Festival in Orlando West, celebrating township culture, local creatives, and the true spirit of ubuntu.
Fri, Dec 12 – Channel streetwear, football flair, and a whole lot of bounce at Prime’s Laduma Party, serving R&B, Hip Hop, House, and Gqom at Mamakashaka & Friends in Braamfontein.
Fri, Dec 12 – Sat, Dec 13 – Something Good Studio opens its new Nine Yards store with bubbles, surprises, and design worth celebrating.
Fri, Dec 12 – Mon, Dec 22 – Toast the season in style with bubbles, boutique finds, and festive flair at Celebrations on the Square at Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton.
Sat, Dec 13 – Experience the energy of Pretoria’s 012central as Spotify's Wrapped Pitori takes over with three stages of amapiano, hip hop, lekompo, afro‑soul, maskandi, 3‑step, and Bacardi-fuelled fun.
Sat, Dec 13 – Sip, swirl, and wander through a world of local talent at the Art & Wine Fair at Joburg Artist Market (formerly 27 Boxes) in Melville, where good wine, good art, and good energy flow all day.
Sat, Dec 13 – Get hands-on with culture, craft and conversation at Tee Therapy at A42 Art House in Parktown North, turning secondhand tees into wearable art with beading, embroidery, appliqué, and weaving.
Sat, Dec 13 – Kick off your weekend with beats and bites at Until Until’s Good Morning, the ultimate Saturday celebration in Joburg at Constitution Hill.
Sat, Dec 13 – Brunch, bikes, and art connect on a social ride through Joburg with Cycling Cnr and artist Njabulo Hlophe.
Sat, Dec 13 – Close out the year the right way at Pussy Party’s year-end bash at Club A.M., with glitter, friendship, and a dancefloor built for women and queer joy.
Sun, Dec 14 – Dress your Sunday best in all white at the final 2025 edition of Never Rush A Sunday at Mea Culpa, Kew.
Sun, Dec 14 – Lace up for the Zoo Trot at Joburg Zoo! Enjoy a 5km run or walk through the sounds and sights of the wild.
Wed, Dec 10 – Tue, Dec 24 – Santa Land returns to Fourways Mall with The Jingle Bell Academy, inviting kids to play, scoot down chimneys, explore Christmas houses, and graduate with the ultimate Santa pic.
Until Sat, Dec 27– Swing into festive fun at Mall of Africa as a Zootropolis-inspired mini golf adventure takes over Waterfall City Park, with colourful obstacles and school-holiday magic.
Until Sun, Dec 28 – Embrace the spirit of the season at Sandton City’s City of Enchantment, where kids decorate cookies, craft baubles, and write letters to Santa.
Until Sun, Jan 4, 2026 – Destination Christmas transforms Melrose Arch into a wonderland, with luminous lights and festive family activities.
Until Sat, Jan 31, 2026 – Go back in time to the Roaring Twenties with dazzling acrobats, swirling dancers, and jaw-dropping circus feats at Gatsby: A Cirque Extravaganza by The Cirk at Cresta Shopping Centre.
Ongoing – Relive movie magic with Ster-Kinekor’s Throwback Cinema. From Shrek and Madagascar 3 adventures to James Bond’s high-octane thrills, iconic rom-coms, and chilling classics hit the big screen for just R50.
Day of Reconciliation
Photo: Everyday People via Instagram.
Mon, Dec 15 – Live music, global grooves, and holiday energy collide for the ultimate Joburg December shutdown at Everyday People at Empire, Parktown.
Tue, Dec 16 – Celebrate the sound of South Africa with DJ DBN Gogo as she takes over Constitution Hill with Kwa Gogo 2025, serving amapiano, art, and fashion in one unforgettable night of beats, culture, and energy.
Tue, Dec 16 – Soak up the summer energy as house music trio Micasa performs live at The Greenhouse, Sandton for a sunny public-holiday Tuesday of music, fun, and good times.
Tue, Dec 16 – Wed, Dec 24 – Shop unique gifts and festive treats with The Verge's boutique Christmas Market in Linksfield.
Tue, Dec 16 – Wrap up the year on a jazzy high at The Tuesday Funk 2025 Finale at The Green Fork in Melville, with smooth sounds, festive energy, and all the holiday feels.
Tue, Dec 16 – Pedal into the festive spirit with the Homies x Girlies Day Ride from 44 Stanley, Milpark.
Tue, Dec 16 – Grab your blankets, snacks, and most colourful outfits for Deconform’s Queer Picnic at Delta Park, Blairgowrie.
What's happening at The Troyeville
Sun, Dec 14 – Step into festive swing at The Hangout, Troyeville, with Graeme Watkins & Nathan Ro of the Swing City Duo, serving Christmas classics and jazz to fill your afternoon with holiday cheer.
Hot Tickets
Sat, Dec 20 – Take the family out to Norwood Mall’s Drive-In Movie Night and catch Inside Out 2 on an 11-metre screen, with pre-show fun, mini driving adventures, and all the popcorn, bubble tea, and sweets.
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