Festive Activities: The Magic Is Happening At These Properties This Season
The festive season is upon us and what better way to welcome it than visiting some of the leading venues around the country. Whether it be Christmas markets, lights, wonderlands or concerts, there is a lot to do even when there’s only little time. No matter which big city you find yourself in, we have something to recommend to you. Browse options for Joburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban.
Festivities in Joburg
Emperors Palace Christmas Village
When: 22 November – 31 December 2024 | 15:00 – 22:00 (90 minute slots)
What: This annual festive wonderland is back at Emperors Palace to woo Johannesburg with its lights, characters, shops and games, promising to keep young and old entertained. The village is more immersive than it has ever been and offers many opportunities to make unforgettable memories.
Tickets: www.ticketpros.co.za
Montecasino Christmas Village And Market
When: 16 – 23 December 2024 | 12:00 – 21:00
What: Montecasino has embraced the Christmas magic with their Magical Italian Village of Lights and Festive Market. Their light show lit up on 23 November 2024 and is all around the centre of the property. The market is being held within the ballroom and promises to be a treasure trove of handcrafted items, festive foods, premium beverages and keepsakes.
Tickets: N/A
Momo's Magical Adventure
When: 5 December 2024 – 5 January 2025
What: From 5 December, Joburgers and those visiting can meet up with Momo and feel the magic during the all-new theatrical production at Sandton City. The feel-good performance is meant for the whole family, exploring new adventures, the power of imagination and friends. This year’s live show comes with a bold new storyline and will have young and old sitting on the edge of their seats!
Tickets: sandtoncity.com
Joburg Zoo Festival of Lights
When: 28 December 2024 – 5 January 2025 | 19:00 – 22:00 (Thursday – Sunday)
What: Joburg Theatre in collaboration with Joburg Zoo and Joburg City Parks lights up the city with their annual Festival of Lights. Bring the family for a stroll amidst enchanting, life-sized animal characters while enjoying an evening of entertainment, food and refreshments, as well as crafts.
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
Carnival City’s Swinging Christmas Spectacular Concert
When: 14 December 2024 | 12:00 and 16:00
What: Watch as the stage lights up in holiday spirit with the Johannesburg Big Band, Kurt Darren, Kwai Bala, Harry Sideropoulos, Monique Steyn and the Mzansi Youth Choir. This show promises to capture the magic of the season in December, leaving you feeling merry and bright. There will only be two performances, so be sure to book your tickets soon!
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
Rosebank Sunday Market Christmas Edition
When: 8 December 2024 | 09:00 – 16:00
What: Open every Sunday of the year, the Rosebank Sunday Market turns red and green for their spectacular Christmas Edition. Wonderful crafts, delightful food and thirst-quenching beverages are available to visitors throughout the day. Known for its unique, affordable and local talent, the market will be the perfect place for Christmas shopping. Live music entertains visitors throughout the day, whilst kiddies can live their best lives in the play zone.
Tickets: N/A
Field Market Christmas Edition
When: 14 December 2024 | 09:00 – 15:00
What: The Field Market’s Christmas Edition in Parkmore is showcasing local arts, crafts, food vendors and beverages this December. Visitors will get a taste of Johannesburg’s festive spirit whilst interacting with local talent. This is a family and pet-friendly area, so the whole family can join in on the festive cheer.
Tickets: N/A
Serengeti Estate’s Sunset Christmas Market
When: 6 December 2024
What: The Sunset Christmas Market at Serengeti Estate in Kempton Park is known for its festivity and spirit during the holiday period. Visitors can kick back on the lawn and listen to live music or they can shop ’til they drop with local arts and crafts. Of course, there is also gourmet food stalls and beverages for your enjoyment.
Tickets: N/A
Bryanston Christmas Moonlight Market
When: 3 – 20 December 2024 | 17:00 – 21:00 | Tuesdays and Fridays (and Monday, 16 December)
What: Christmas shopping has just gotten even better with Bryanston’s Christmas Moonlight Markets. Whether you are looking for a Christmas gift, gourmet food, delicious drinks or just a night out, this market is perfect for everything. On 3 December, the market will feature Drum Circle led by Klitsgras Drumming ensemble. On 10 December, the market hosts a Secret Sunset experience and, on 16 December, there will be a Christmas puppet show and candle dipping sessions.
Tickets: www.quicket.co.za
Mall of Africa's 'Find The Fun'
When: 11 – 24 December 2024 | 09:00 – 18:00
What: Mall Of Africa is hosting Dreamwork’s Find The Fun this festive season. Situated outside Spur in the Centre Court of the mall, this activation is open to kiddies, with special appearances from Dreamworks characters. There is also a Troll Rainbow slide, a memory game, mini trampolines, colouring zone, interactive games and a custom treasure hunt.
Tickets: N/A
Festivities in Pretoria
Jacaranda FM & Spar Times Square Carols By Candlelight
When: 5 December 2024 | 19:00 – 20:30
What: Join Spar and Jacaranda FM for an unforgettable evening filled with carols and candlelight. Hosted at the SunBet Arena at Times Square Casino in Menlyn, it promises to be a magical event filled with musical wonders and festive delights. If you missed out on tickets to the event, you’d be happy to know that it will also be live streamed and you can watch the show from the comfort of your own couch on jacarandafm.com. The live stream starts at 19:30.
Tickets: www.jacarandafm.com
Brooklyn Mall & Mzansi’s Ballet Performance
When: 7 December 2024 | 11:00
What: In celebration of the start of the holiday season, Mzansi Ballet is offering a free performance to all shoppers at Brooklyn Mall’s Main Atrium. The performance offers a sneak peak into their latest ABBA Show and other special choreography, all to the sound of your favourite Christmas carols. Audience members can also view the spectacular Christmas tree that makes Brooklyn Mall a must-visit attraction this season.
Tickets: N/A
Boeremark Christmas Night Market
When: 18 December 2024 | 14:00 – 21:00
What: Pretoria’s iconic Boeremark is going all out for their Christmas Night Market, or as they call it: Kersfees Aandmark. There will be Christmas lights, gift stores, arts and crafts and festive cuisine. Embrace the festive spirit at this open air informal trading platform that was established for farmers and local artisans to connect with their community.
Tickets: N/A
Menlyn Park’s Christmas Extravaganza
When: 6 – 9 December 2024
What: The Menlyn Park Shopping Centre is hosting their Christmas Extravaganza once again. This event will be showcasing stunning gifts and products from various vendors. A truly magical shopping experience can be expected during this three day extravaganza.
Tickets: N/A
Irene Village Festive Market
When: 7, 14, 15 & 16 December 2024
What: The Irene Village Festive Market at The Big Red Barn embraces the holiday cheer with local arts and crafts, gift shops and food stalls, all in the wonderful outdoors. Hosting more than 150 individual stalls, there is something for everyone. Live music provides entertainment for the day, so the entire family can make memories to remember.
Tickets: N/A
Vintage Christmas Décor and Gift Show
When: 14 – 16 December 2024
What: Irene Village Mall hosts the Vintage Christmas Décor and Gift Show this festive season. Tables are piled high with the best gifts imaginable. Browse over 140 stalls for décor, gifts, toys, jewellery, clothing, accessories, baked goods and gourmet food. Take a whirl on the carousel, gaze at Christmas lights and sing along to Christmas carols.
Tickets: N/A
Festivities in Cape Town
V&A Waterfront Christmas Lights
When: December 2024
What: Being the most visited place in Cape Town, it makes sense that the V&A Waterfront is lighting up for Christmas. It has recently launched its Joy From Africa Festive Campaign, which was created to give more than 130 local designers the chance to contribute to the sustainable decorations of the campaign. The Christmas lights have been switched on and you can expect heaps and heaps of festive activities and cheer here.
Tickets: N/A
Galileo Open Air Cinema Christmas Edition
When: 14 – 26 December 2024
What: The Galileo Open Air Cinema will be screening the most loved Christmas movies throughout the holiday season. Movies showing will include The Holiday, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Die Hard and Arthur Christmas, to name a few. Additionally, The Polar Express will screen on 24 December and Home Alone 2 on 25 December.
Tickets: www.thegalileo.co.za
Kirstenbosch Carols by Candlelight
When: 12 – 15 December 2024 | 17:30
What: The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is set to host their annual Carols By Candlelight yet again. Festive displays will light up the gardens whilst families and friends spend quality time together. Picnic under the stars before singing along to your favourite carols this December.
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
Spier Wine Farm’s A Summer Dream
When: 13 – 15 December 2024 | 18:00 – 21:00
What: Returning this December, Spier’s A Summer Dream enchants all ages with its Christmas spectacle. With lights, dancers, clowns, actors and musicians, the Spier Werf will be transformed into a magical wonderland.
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
Canal Walk & Disney’s Holiday Ice Slides
When: 6 December 2024 – 12 January 2025 | 10:00 – 20:00 (closed on 25 December 2024)
What: In collaboration with PEP, Canal Walk’s famous holiday ice slides are back. This year’s slides are inspired by Disney’s newly released Moana 2, bringing the magic of tropical islands and oceanic landscapes to life. Families can also expect sand play and Disney-themed activities and photo booths at Canal Walk this Festive Season.
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
All Star Christmas Market in Durbanville
When: 13 – 22 December 2024 | 09:00 – 19:00
What: The All Star Christmas Market in Durbanville will host over 220 stalls this year. These include arts and crafts, gifts, food vendors and more. Spend a day in the sun and absorb the festive spirit.
Tickets: N/A
Pinelands Craft & Gift Fair
When: 8 – 23 December 2024 | 09:00 – 19:00 (17:00 on Saturday and Sunday)
What: This cashless, family-run market offers the perfect opportunity to do your Christmas shopping this festive season. With over 200 craft stalls showcasing handmade jewellery, ceramics, soaps, traditional treats and more, it is perfect for discovering local talent. The event is hosted annually at Pinelands High School.
Tickets: N/A
Tyger Valley Festive Market
When: 16 November – 29 December 2024
What: Held annually in November and December at Tyger Valley Shopping Centre, you can browse a variety of locally-made products. These local creators set up shop near the food court on the lower level of the mall, and boast the perfect gifts for giving this Christmas.
Tickets: N/A
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
When: 1 December 2024 – 15 January 2025 | 08:00 – 21:00
What: Visitors to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway can expect an array of holiday activities and entertainment. From 14 December to 3 January, Hilton Carlse will welcome guests, share mountain trivia and spread the festive cheer. From 23 December, visitors can get their faces painted with glittery festive designs and take memorable holiday photos. You can also embark on a free guided walk and audio tour here this season – a wonderful experience for nature lovers and curious adventurers. Plus, there will be twelve days of festive giveaways, kicking off on 10 December.
Tickets: www.tablemountain.net
Festivities in Durban
Christmas Carols Concert at The Playhouse
When: 14 December 2024
What: Featuring The Playhouse Chorale and Juan Burgers as accompanist, the theme of the concert is to spread the joy and excitement of the festive season. Audiences are invited to sing along to all the traditional Christmas songs and more.
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
Durban Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights
When: 6 December 2024 – 3 January 2025
What: A magical celebration of the most wonderful time of year awaits you at the Durban Botanic Gardens. Just as fantastic as ever, the Trail of Lights transports you to a wonderland of decorations, live entertainment and great food. Here, trees will be illuminated, landscapes will be transformed and you’ll catch the Christmas cheer in the air.
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
I Heart Market Christmas Edition
When: 7, 14 & 21 December 2024 | 09:00 – 14:00
What: The power of local shopping is emphasised this Christmas at the I Heart Market at Northlands Primary. It will be a magical scene filled with handcrafted, artisanal, organic, repurposed and up-cycled items. The I Heart Market is the perfect place to do some Christmas shopping this December.
Tickets: N/A
Shongweni Market Christmas Edition
When: 7, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 28 & 29 December 2024 | 07:00 – 13:00
What: This weekly market upon a hill in the Shongweni Valley overlooking Kirk Falls is transforming into a Christmas wonderland this December. With more dates, more vendors and more cheer, visitors are welcomed to the picturesque cane fields for a unique Christmas shopping experience. Expect live entertainment, fresh produce and lots of arts and crafts.
Tickets: N/A
Ballito Farmer’s Market Christmas Edition
When: 7 December 2024 – 6 January 2025 (Closed on 25 and 26 December, as well as 1 January)
What: Eat fresh, shop local, listen live at the Ballito Farmer’s Market Christmas Edition. Nestled within KwaZulu-Natal’s rolling hills, this market offers visitors a chance to stroll through over 150 stalls. Local exhibitors, fresh produce, nurseries, local retailers, arts and crafts and various activities are all taking on the Christmas spirit this December.
Tickets: N/A
Wild Coast Sun Christmas Circus Spectacular
When: 15 December 2024 – 5 January 2025 | 14:00 – 19:00
What: The Christmas Circus Spectacular at the Tropical Nites Theatre is bound to offer an afternoon and evening of festive delight. Gravity-defying human pyramids, aerial acrobatics, rhythmic hula hoop artistry and spectacular juggling will leave everyone in awe. Between shows, there will be numerous activities to partake in, including scenic golf courses, serene nature walks, relaxing spa treatments and electrifying water sports.
Tickets: www.computicket.com
This December, there will be something going on in each of South Africa’s popular cities. These are just a few options to get you into that festive mood. Let’s get festive! After all, it only happens once a year.
