If you're spending the holidays in Joburg and wondering how to keep both your teens and your toddlers 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 from Munro Drive with a complimentary snack, before 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 a magical December evening along Moray Drive in Bryanston, where the whole street lights up with festive charm, drawing families from across 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
Pinocchio
at the
Joburg Theatre
promises music, dance, circus magic, and laugh-out-loud fun for the whole family.
Book your tickets now
.
Until, Sun, Dec 28, 2025: Cape Ballet Africa’s The Nutcracker
Step into a world of festive magic as Cape Ballet Africa brings
The Nutcracker
to the
Teatro Montecasino
. This brand-new production sparkles with South Africa’s finest classical dancers and international guest stars, transporting audiences into a dreamscape of twirling snowflakes, the Sugar Plum Fairy’s shimmering kingdom, and the brave Nutcracker Prince’s enchanted adventure.
Book your ticket here
.
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.
And, while you're there, why not catch Zootropolis 2 on the big screen at Ster-Kinekor Mall of Africa.
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 with holiday-themed activities, from decorating cookies and doughnuts to crafting ornaments and festive trees. At the letters-to-Santa station, kids can pen their wishes and snap a photo with the big man himself, who will be in residence until Wed, Dec 24. Along the way, families will discover charming surprises, including Santa’s wishing well, a drawbridge, and a reindeer merry-go-round. Festive cakes and treats from Château Gâteaux are also on hand to keep everyone fueled for fun.
Tue, Dec 09 – Tue, Dec 23, 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
