Celebrate the Holiday Season with Exciting Events across Mzansi
Mzansi is gearing up for the holiday season with big and wonderful events all over. From Joburg and Pretoria to Cape Town and Durban, these cities have something to offer residents and visitors alike this December and beyond. Be sure to mark these dates in your diary so you don’t miss out on memorable events.
Festival Of Lights
Date: 1 December – 5 January
Where: Johannesburg Zoo
What to expect: Joburg Theatre in collaboration with Joburg Zoo and Joburg City Parks lights up the city with their annual Festival of Lights event. 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.
Price: R175 (Adults), R75 (Children 3-12), R100 (Pensioners)
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
Christmas Village
Date: 1 December – 31 December
Where: Emperors Palace, Johannesburg
What to expect: This annual event brings holiday magic to life with a village filled with characters, Christmas lights, shops and games that promise to keep young and old entertained. In this village, the holiday spirit is bound to come alive, offering Joburgers the opportunity to dive into the holiday season headfirst!
Price: R75 (Adults), R45 (Children 3-12), R65 (Pensioners)
Tickets: www.ticketpros.co.za
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Date: 10 December – 14 December
Where: Theatre On The Bay, Cape Town
What to expect: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol – an enchanting story for the festive season – takes to the stage in Camps Bay this December. In essence, this nostalgic Christmas play celebrates humanity, family and generosity of spirit and we believe there’s no better time than this time of the year to spread this message. Starring Zak Hendrikz and Angela Sparks, the event promises to be timeless and unforgettable.
Price: From R150
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
Christmas Carols Concert
Date: 14 December
Where: The Playhouse Company, Durban
What to expect: Featuring the The Playhouse Chorale and Juan Burgers as accompanist, the theme of the event 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.
Price: R50
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
A Swingin’ Christmas: A Festive Concert Spectacular
Date: 14 December
Where: Carnival City Big Top Aerna, Johannesburg
What to expect: 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 event 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!
Price: From R280
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
Christmas Day Lunch
Date: 25 December
Where: The Oyster Box, Durban
What to expect: Each of The Oyster Box’s beautiful dining venues will be offering delicious lunch events on Christmas Day. The afternoon from 12:00 to 16:00 will include live music, a welcome drink on arrival and a range of menus to tantalise the taste buds.
Price: R3200 per adult and R2200 for children under 12
Tickets: www.reservations.oysterboxhotel.com
Mzansi Ballet’s ABBA Show
Date: 26 December – 18 January
Where: Montecasino, Johannesburg
What to expect: Mzansi Ballet’s highly anticipated return of The ABBA Show: A Cinderella Story is not to be missed. Choreographed by Angela Revie and featuring costume designs by David Hutt, the event innovatively blends the music of ABBA with the timeless classic of Cinderella. Guest stars include Javier Monier Joyce Jr. and Ariel Mejica, alongside the Mzansi Ballet Company.
Price: From R200
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
Ballito New Year’s Eve Street Party
Date: 31 December
Where: Sandra Road & Crush Nightclub, Durban
What to expect: One of South Africa’s most popular street parties is back in Durban for New Year’s Eve. They are celebrating with people from all over the country for the fifteenth year in a row this year. Your body will be beating to the drums of over 40 DJs at this event – one not to be missed.
Price: R350 – R550 (No under 18s)
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
V&A New Year’s Eve Party
Date: 31 December
Where: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
What to expect: Celebrity artists like Blackbryd, Dr Victor, Matthew Mole and Mi Casa will be leading the line-up at the V&A Waterfront’s free New Year’s event this year. Attendees are invited to have dinner at one of the surrounding restaurants or hotels before watching fireworks light up the sky. The evening promises to be filled with music, dancing and celebrations as the clock ticks over to 2025.
Price: Free
Tickets: N/A
Milk + Cookies Festival, featuring Kaytranada
Date: CPT: 5 January | JHB: 11 January
Where: CPT: Cape Town Ostrich Ranch | JHB: Old Park Station
What to expect: The first-ever Milk + Cookies Festival in South Africa welcomes world renowned Kaytrandada, set to headline both the Cape Town and Johannesburg events. The international event offers a dynamic fusion of music, art, fashion, culture and technology. Yes, South Africans are being celebrated for their dedication to immersive cultural experiences, including global sounds.
Price: From R1050
Tickets: www.howler.co.za
Robbie Williams
Date: 25 January
Where: SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
What to expect: One of the world’s most famed musicians is coming to South Africa and he will be performing in Pretoria on 25 and 26 January 2025! He will be taking to the stage at the SunBet Arena, Time Square, but he will also be performing in Cape Town on 22 January. Doors will be opening at 19:00. This event is not to be missed!
Price: From R1195
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.co.za
