Bernie Van Der Linde- Bernie Van Der Linde
- Last Updated 01/12/2025
Christmas Market and Lights 2025
Melrose Arch – Destination Christmas
The star of Johannesburg’s festive season. Light tunnels, giant teddy bears, reindeer installations, evening markets and live entertainment — all free, all dazzling. Perfect for an evening stroll and family photos.
Joburg Zoo – Festival of Lights
A calm, magical walk under illuminated trees, with giant glowing animal sculptures, live performances and food stalls. Limited nights (Thu–Sun), so book early.
Emperors Palace – Christmas Village
Indoor winter-wonderland vibes with themed zones, a tunnel of lights, vendors, food, and an enchanted light forest. Great for kids and shopping.
Jakaranda Kinderhuis Liggiefees
Pretoria’s most loved charity lights festival. Thousands of lights, live music, food stalls, a carnival zone and a heart-warming community feel.
Time Square Festive Lights
Relaxed, modern outdoor lights display at Menlyn Maine. Perfect for dining + lights in one evening.
Kersfees Liggies
At new venue this year (previously known as Kersliggies Oppi Plaas). This family festival with live local musicians, light trails, food trucks and Father Christmas photo spots. A Pretoria East tradition.
Neighbourhood Lights (Moray Drive, Lawley Street, Weltevreden Park)
Nostalgic, free, homely, and full of festive spirit. A wonderful low-key outing for families.
2025 Christmas Lights Calendar — Johannesburg & Pretoria
🎄 2025 Christmas Lights Calendar — Johannesburg & Pretoria | ||||
VENUE / EVENT | LOCATION | DATES (2025) | OPENING HOURS | TICKETS |
Melrose Arch – Destination Christmas | Melrose Arch Precinct, Johannesburg | 24 Nov – 31 Dec | 18:00–22:00 | Free |
Melrose Arch Christmas Market (Outdoor, The Square) | Melrose Arch | 10 – 15 Dec | Varies by vendor | Free entry, retail purchases |
Melrose Arch Retail Galleria Market (Indoor) | Melrose Arch | 18 – 21 Dec | Free entry | |
Joburg Zoo – Festival of Lights | Parkview, Johannesburg | 27 Nov – 4 Jan 2026 | Thu–Sun 19:00–22:00 | R175 adults; R75 kids; R100 pensioners |
Emperors Palace – Christmas Village | Kempton Park, Johannesburg | 1 – 31 Dec | 18:00–22:00 | From ±R90–R150 (per TicketPro) |
Montecasino – Piazza Christmas Trees & Indoor Décor | Fourways, Johannesburg | Late Nov – Early Jan | All day | Free in public areas |
Montecasino Christmas Market (Ballroom) | Fourways | Expected: 1 – 7 Dec | 10:00–21:00 | Free entry |
44 Biesies Street Christmas House | Weltevreden Park | 1 Dec – 1 Jan | 19:00–22:00 | Donation to CANSA |
Moray Drive Christmas Lights | Bryanston | Early Dec – 31 Dec | 19:00–22:00 | Free |
Jakaranda Kinderhuis Liggiefees | Derdepoort, Pretoria | 28 Nov – 23 Dec | 18:00–22:00 | R60 adults; R40 kids; <3 free |
Time Square Festive Lights | Menlyn Maine, Pretoria | 5 Dec – 4 Jan 2026 | 18:00–22:00 | Free |
Lawley Street Christmas Lights | Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria | Mid-Dec – 31 Dec | 19:00–22:00 | Free |
Pretoria National Zoological Gardens – Holiday Nights | Pretoria | 16 Dec – early Jan | 18:00–21:00 | ±R110 adults; ±R70 children |
Where to find the best Christmas lights in Pretoria and Johannesburg
When I think of Christmas, I imagine twinkling lights on reindeer, stars, candy canes, bells, gingerbread men, Santas, and of course giant Christmas trees covered in tinsel and other elaborate decorations.
As a child, I loved Christmas and everything that goes along with it (and that has not changed). I remember going with my mom and brother to shopping centres to admire the festive lights. The atmosphere always changed — any sombre mood transformed almost instantly. I still recall how excited we were to see a “Father Christmas” with a letterbox where we could post our letters of gift wishes.
Later, when I had my boys (about twenty-seven years ago), I visited a shopping centre decked out in lights with the boys for a photo with Father Christmas. That tradition lasted until the boys refused to be photographed with a stranger. I secretly look forward to the day when I can continue the tradition with grandchildren.
I still enjoy wandering through streets and shopping centres with ornate displays of Christmas lights, trees, garlands and wreaths — it transports me back to those warm childhood memories. If you are like me and want to know where the most magical displays are, then read on. I share the best places to visit, plus where to find Christmas markets, seasonal parades and festive music.
Christmas lights for children
Where to see the best Christmas lights in Pretoria and Johannesburg
Best places to see Christmas lights in Johannesburg
Christmas Lights at Melrose Arch
This stylish precinct transforms into a festive wonderland each year. There are new light installations this year, and the overall look is more magical than ever. The festive precinct stays beautifully lit for the season — a perfect spot for an evening stroll, festive dinner, or just soaking up the holiday sparkle. Entry is free.
Where is the Melrose Arch Christmas lights festival?
Melrose Arch Precinct, Corlett Drive, Melrose North, Johannesburg.
When does the Melrose Arch Christmas lights festival start?
For 2025, the lights officially switched on at 19h00 on Friday, 24 November.
Is there parking near the Melrose Arch lights?
There is a large under-ground parking garage nearby.
Christmas activities at Melrose Arch
- Melrose Arch Precinct, Corlett Drive, Melrose North, Johannesburg
- Open-air archway, lights along a path
- Large light scupltures
- Free access
- Christmas Parade
- Childrens Entertainment
- Christmas market
- Festive Food stalls
- Live music on selected days
Christmas Lights at Johannesburg Zoo: Festival of Lights
The Festival of Christmas Lights at the Johannesburg Zoo is always a spectacular treat for everyone. Visitors can enjoy the life-size animal characters illuminated with magnificent lights as they walk on a designated lit route. Expect illuminated life-size animal sculptures, a lit walking route through the zoo under trees strung with festive lights, live entertainment, and food & craft stalls.
The path is away from the animals under large trees decorated in enchanting lights. Exciting entertainment, such as live performances, a night craft market, stalls with delicious nibbles, and several other children’s entertainment options, are available.
Christmas lights activities at Johannesburg Zoo
- Corner Jan Smuts Avenue and Upper Park Drive (M16), Parkview Johannesburg
- Path away form animals under large decorated trees
- Childrens Entertainment
- Christmas market
- Festive Food stalls
- Tickets must be purchased in advance
Where is the Johannesburg Zoo?
Corner Jan Smuts Avenue and Upper Park Drive (M16), Parkview Johannesburg
Opening hours of the Johannesburg Zoo over December
Thursday to Sunday, 19:00 to 22:00
When does it the Festival of Lights start at Johannesburg Zoo?
The 2025 “Festival of Lights” at the zoo runs from 27 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.
Is there an admission fee for the Johannesburg Zoo’s Festival of Lights?
Yes, R175 per adult, R75 per child (ages 3 to 12), and under three years enter free. R100 per person for pensioners. Booking essentials, buy from Webtickets.
Where to park at the Johannesburg Zoo?
Free, secure parking is available next to both entrances.
Private Houses decorated with Christmas Lights
Christmas Lights in Weltevreden Park
44 Biesies Avenue is a private house decorated with beautiful Christmas Lights. The Christmas lights will be visible from the 1st of December until the New Year. Visitors enter the house from a side gate of the house. There is no entrance fee, but visitors are encouraged to make a small donation in aid of CANSA.
Before you go, consult the ESKOM se push application to see when the area has load shedding. The lights are also weather-dependent. For more updates about events (live music on certain dates) at 44 Biesies Street, visit their Facebook, “Christmas Lights House Weltevreden Park.
Christmas lights at Moray Drive, Bryanston
The meticulously decorated (20 +) houses in Moray Drive in the Bryanston suburb are the work of ‘Mrs Clause’ (Danielle Golf). Santa’s helper took it upon herself to bring festive cheer to her neighbourhood for the last two decades with their magnificent display of Christmas Lights.
From a wonderland sleight to twinkling trees and a Christmas throne. There is even a letterbox for children’s wishes to Santa. This festive street will surely delight big and small and bring a smile to everyone when they experience the magic of ‘Santa’s Kingdom’.
For more info visit their Facebook Page
Moray Drive Christmas lights
It is worth taking a drive to Moray Avenue to show your children. The benefit of the street’s decorations and Christmas lights is that you don’t have to get out of the car. There are a massive amount of decorations on the sidewalk and not so many Christmas lights.
Mrs Clause did an amazing job to bring the spirit of Christmas to her neighbourhood. What stood out for me was the detail she put into decorating the street. This is not a project that you complete in a week. It took at least a month or more to decorate the houses like this. Due to the many years that this has been going on, the neighbourhood has collected a vast selection of Christmas lights and decorations.
You can read more about this fascinating Christmas Lights project of Mrs Claus on the Good Things Guy’s website.
Christmas Lights at Montecasino
Christmas Village at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park
If you can only visit one Christmas Display this year, THIS is the one! Although there are different time slots, they will allow you in (like they did for us) when you arrive early or later. Several people complained that the venue did not have sufficient cooling in previous years. This year, there are many large fans and air conditioners to keep the venue cool.
Watch our TikTok Video Emperors Palace to see what this is about.
Best Christmas Village display in Johannesburg
I was very fortunate to run into the stage director, Juan Boshoff, in 2025, who told me that this magical display took three and a half months to complete. It is astonishing to see how much effort the creators put into the finest detail to turn a parking garage into one of the best Christmas Villages to date.
What to know before you go to the Christmas Village at Emperors Palace
On our social media platforms, we received several questions about the time slots. In our case, we arrived at 7 pm, although our slot was only booked for 8 pm. The event organisers let us in as it was not so busy. This might change during the peak of the event, closer to Christmas. Each group receives a 45-minute time slot, but I did not notice anyone telling people to move faster or that their time slot is up.
Where is the Christmas Village located at Emperors Palace?
The Village is on Level 5 of the Emperor Palace’s covered parking garage.
The display is under-roof and bigger and better in 2025 than when it debuted in 2022 (with 10,000 visitors).
What to expect from the Christmas Village at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg
The Stone Town Stalls (which we loved) consist of 90 festival vendors offering exceptional tastings of pizzas, curries, samoosas, doughnuts, and many more delicious foods. The food stalls are absolutely worth visiting, and adequate seating is available.
Upon entering the Tunnel of Light, visitors can wander through three sections called the North Pole, Forest of Fables, and Santa’s Village. There is also a Tom Bola’s Funfair alley with fun games for the kids, where they also win small prizes.
Where to buy tickets from the Christmas Village at Emperors Palace
You can purchase your tickets from Ticket Pro. The Christmas village will be open from the 22nd of November to the 31st of December, 16H00 to 22H00. Visit their website for more info. Tickets are R75 per person, and children 3 to 12 years old pay R45. There is even a pensioner’s fee. Read more about the Christmas Village on their website.
Montecasino' Christmas Village, Fourways
It is argued that Montecasino offers Johannesburg’s largest (debatable) Christmas Indoor Lights display.
This year, Monti has upped their game for staging an awesome Christmas Display. With a multitude of Christmas displays this year, I would not place this one high on the list of places to visit.
What to expect from the Montecasino festive market
The Christmas Festive Market is hosted in the Ballroom next to the piazza from in December. Several vendors sell anything festive or Christmas-related. Montecasino’s Christmas market is worth visiting for special Christmas items such as homemade Christmas cakes and decorated biscuits. There are also little elf dresses for your little princess and reindeer hats for babes.
Christmas productions in Johannesburg
Disney’s The Magic Box production will be in full swing from November 22nd until January 5th, 2025, in the Teatro at Monte Casino. The Magic Box’ features more than 75 well-known Disney songs.
Christmas Lights Jacaranda Liggie Fees
For 2025, the Jacaranda Liggies festival runs from 28 November to 23 December 2025, with gates opening at 18:00 and closing at 22:00.
The event features a spectacular display of lights, live entertainment every night, food stalls, rides and a family-friendly festive ambience — and all funds support the children cared for by Jakaranda Kinderhuis. A great community-driven, heartwarming option for Pretoria visitors wanting a cosy, charitable festive experience.
Visitors are treated to a magical display of thousands of Christmas lights.
There is a Christmas market and over 30 delicious food exhibitions. Children can enjoy the special carnival area, pose for photos with Santa, or ride the giant carousel. Visitors can view the lights in the comfort of the Train of Thought.
Support this worthy cause by purchasing a ticket to attend the fairy-tale festivities.
You can buy ticket for their official website for the Liggies Fees
Activities at the Liggie Fees (translated as Lights Festival)
- 1 Talitha Kumi Street, Derdepoort 326-Jr, Pretoria
- Open-air show
- Childrens' Entertainment
- Christmas market
- Festive Food stalls
- Live music by popular musicians (musicians change daily)
- Tickets must be purchased in advance
Where is the Liggie Fees?
1 Talitha Kumi Street, Derdepoort 326-Jr, Pretoria
Opening hours of the Liggie Fees
Monday to Sunday, 18:00 to 22:00
Is there an admission fee for the Liggie Fees?
Entry fees: Adults R60, Children (3–12) R40, Pensioners R40, children under 3 free.
Time Square Festive lights
The Time Square festive lights display runs from 5 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. Entry is free.
It offers a festive garden walk, photo-ready spots, a relaxed vibe and access to family-friendly restaurants. Kids under 12 also receive free Candylicious popcorn & slushy during certain hours — a nice little perk. A good casual option if you prefer a more laid-back outing rather than a big production.
Pretoria Christmas Lights: Kersliggies Opp-plaas
The previous Kersliggies Oppi-Plaas (Christmas Lights on the Farm) supports the HELP-net Fund. Kersliggies Oppi-Plaas was one of the biggest festivals. This year Kersfees Liggies has a new home.
Visitors can look forward to thousands of spectacular lights, artists, and costume characters that create a fairy-tale atmosphere. One of the biggest attractions of this festival is the performance of several local musicians on different evenings. Kids can pose for photos with Father Christmas and post their letters to the North Pole.
Activities at Kersliggies Oppi-Plaas
- Eastside Community Church& School, Garsfontein Ave, Moreletapark Pretoria
- Open-air show
- Childrens' Entertainment
- Festive Food stalls
- Live music by local musicians (change daily)
- Tickets must be purchased in advance
- Costume charaters, Father Cristmas letter box
Click on their Facebook link for more information.
Christmas lights in Pretoria, Lawley Street
Lawley Street is well—known in the Pretoria community for its joyous Christmas decorations. This street has recently become a gated community. However, the main gate is still open for visitors to admire the magnificent Christmas lights in the neighbourhood.
Visit Ludwig Roses Christmas Market’s website.
You can either drive down the street or find parking on the side of the road and stroll along in admiration. There are some vendors on the side of the road and bands playing Christmassy music.
Christmas Lights with Market: Ludwig's Roses
Ludwig’s Roses Christmas Market
This year, Ludwig’s Roses is hosting a Christmas Market at their farm, next to the N1, North of Pretoria. Free admission.
Opening: Sat 12 Dec – Sun 21 Dec 2025 – 09:00 AM – 17:00 PM
Step into a festive wonderland at Ludwig’s Roses this holiday season. The Rose Shed transforms into a bustling market filled with an incredible variety of products, perfect for ticking off your Christmas gift list. From handmade treasures to unique finds, this exhibition-style market offers something special for everyone.
While you shop, savour the flavours of the season with Hazeldean Craft Beer and Wilderer Gin, or enjoy light meals and drinks at The Rose Kitchen. Kids will love the dedicated play area, and families can hop aboard free tractor train rides through the breathtaking rose fields for a magical holiday experience.
The Rose Shed is filled with many different stalls displaying a wide variety of products that are for sale, including Christmas gifts. It is an exhibition-style market.
– Hazeldean Craft Beer & Wilderer Gin
– kids play area
– drinks and light meals at The Rose Kitchen
– free tractor train rides through the rose fields
Conclusion: Wrapping up the Christmas glow
Christmas is such a remarkable time of the year. It is the season to spend precious, memorable time with your friends and family. May this season allow you to create unforgettable memories! Please tag us on Instagram if you visit any of the above locations.
Please leave a comments if you know of a special venue not covered in this Christmas Lights Article.
Please give us feedback on this travel blog
Did you find the information in this travel blog helpful? Please leave a comment below. Your comments ensure that we give you all the information you need to know before visiting a destination.
If you know of any other Christmas activity in Johannesburg or Pretoria that we missed, please send us an email with the information so that we can add it to our list.
Here is to wishing you a memorable Christmas season with your friends and family,
Best Christmas Wishes, xx
Bernie and Petra
2 Comments
Hello i wane ask we olso have a house full off chrismas lights every December. I can send you pictures if you wane see because if you happy with it you can putt in your website olso.
Hi Janco
Please send us an email about your house with Christmas lights (inlcude address, description and what makes it unique, as well as entry fees). Please provide high-resolution photos with your email that we can publish with your description. Thank you for following our adventures and reading our articles.