Bernie Van Der Linde- Bernie Van Der Linde
- Last Updated 25/11/2024
Do you want to know where to find the best places to view Christmas lights in Pretoria and Johannesburg? This article lists each location plus a short description.
When I think of Christmas, I imagine the twinkling lights on reindeer, stars, candy canes, bells, gingerbread men, Santas, and, of course, giant Christmas trees covered in tinsel and other elaborate decorations.
Christmas lights in Pretoria and Johannesburg
As a child, I loved Christmas and everything that goes along with it (PS, nothing has changed since). Moreover, I recall going with my mom and brother to the shopping centres to admire the festive Christmas lights. I remember the vibe. I was so excited if there was a ‘Father Christmas’ with a letterbox where I could ‘post’ my letter of wishes to Santa.
Christmas lights for children
Later, when I had my sons (about 28 years ago), we would visit a shopping centre with beautiful decorations and ‘Father Christmas’ to take a photo with Santa and the boys. This tradition lasted until the boys refused to be photographed with some stranger pretending to be Santa. Nevertheless, I now secretly look forward to the day when I can continue this tradition with my grandchildren.
I still enjoy wandering on sidewalks and shopping centres with ornate displays of Christmas lights, trees, garlands and wreaths, transporting me back to those warm childhood memories.
Where to see the best Christmas lights in Pretoria and Johannesburg
If you are anything like me and want to know where the best Christmas light displays, or Christmas Villages are, then keep on reading.
In this article, I share information about where to find the best Christmas markets, seasonal parades, Christmas Villages and where to enjoy festive Christmas music.
This travel blog is updated annually to ensure you have a great experience no matter where you go.
Best places to see Christmas lights in Johannesburg
Christmas Lights at Melrose Arch
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?
Melrose Arch is an upmarket shopping centre that transforms into a Christmas wonderland each year with an impressive Christmas lights display and activities.
Destination Christmas – Melrose Arch
This year’s theme is Destination Christmas. The display was opened on the 24th Of November 2024. On the 25th of November the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir will perform on the piazza at 18H30. This year several brands are enhancing Destination Christmas with displays from Jameson and Johnny Walker.
Dates of Christmas lights in Melrose Arch
Between the 8th and the 31st of December, visitors can enjoy sweet treats, snacks, and drinks while strolling through the illuminated High Street from 18h30 to 22h00. Highlights include the Pringles x Fanta Playground for kids, between the 11th and 31st of December, offering a playful mix of flavours and fun, and the Jeppe Pipe Band’s performance on 15 December at 19h00, blending carols with pipe band classics. The event supports CHOC with donation boxes available for contributions.
Shoppers will love the Melrose Arch Christmas Market on the Piazza from the 15th to the 16th of December, which features handcrafted gifts, Christmas décor, and treats.
Is it worth visiting the Christmas lights in Melrose Arch?
Absolutely YES! The lights are set up in a walkable alley. Here, you can wander through thousands of lights that illuminate the precinct. The festive tunnel of lights provides excellent photo opportunities, which include a life-size reindeer, a giant teddy bear, Christmas trees, elves and other extraordinary light sculptures.
New decorations are added each year to make the precinct the most admirable place to witness Christmas lights. Various stalls (operating from 18:30 to 22:00) sell a selection of sweet delights.
Visit their website to find out what is in the stall for you this year.
Since 2017, we have been annually visiting this awesome display of Christmas Lights.
We highly recommend visiting this spectacular sight. The only thing to keep in mind is that it gets quite busy over the weekend. If at all possible, try to visit the Christmas light display during the week.
Usually from the 24th of November to 31st of December each year.
What is the admission fee for the Melrose Arch lights festival?
Access is free
What are the opening hours for the Melrose Arch lights festival?
Monday to Sunday, 18:00 to 22:00
Is there parking near the Melrose Arch lights festival?
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 Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
You can enjoy the astonishing world of Christmas Town this festive season at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.
The gardens are set in a serene natural area. Green rolling lawns invite you to picnic beneath giant trees while birdwatching and admiring the indigenous plants and wildlife. The garden is the perfect location to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Christmas Town offers several events, including candy cane hunting, gingerbread decoration, meeting the Santa characters, a craft market, and festive foods.
Christmas activities at the Botanical Gardens, Johannesburg
- The botanical gardens are near Ruimsig, Johannesburg.
- Tickets must be purchased in advance
- Childrens' Entertainment
- Christmas market
- Festive Food stalls
- Live music on selected days
Where is the Walter Sisulu (Johannesburg) Botanical Gardens?
The botanical gardens are near Ruimsig, Johannesburg.
Extended opening hours of the Jo'burg Botanical Gardens
Monday to Sunday, 8:00 to 22:00
When do the Christmas lights festivities start?
15th of December to 24th of December 2024
Is there an admission fee to view the Christmas lights at the Botanical Gardens?
Is there parking near the Botanical Gardens entrance?
There is free and secure parking near the entrance.
Christmas Town at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
The Christmas Town allows big and small to step into the magical world of Christmas Town. It is a festive event brimming with activities for the whole family!
From candy cane hunts and gingerbread decorating to charming craft stalls and visits with Santa characters, there’s something to delight every age.
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.
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?
28 November 204 to 5th of January 2025
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 letter box 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’.
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 Clause 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.
Best Christmas Village display in Johannesburg
I was very fortunate to run into the stage director, Juan Boshoff, 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 Emperor Palace’s covered parking garage.
The display is under-roof and bigger and better this year (2024) 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 form 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 December 16th to 23rd from 12 to 9 p.m. daily. 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 in Pretoria
Christmas Lights Jacaranda Liggie Fees
“Liggie Fees 2024” (meaning “Light Festival” in Afrikaans) in aid of Jakaranda Children’s Home is always an annual highlight not to be missed by any Christmas enthusiast. 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.
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
When does the Liggie Fees start?
29th of November to 31st of December 2024 (not open of the 24th, 25th of December)
Opening hours of the Liggie Fees
Monday to Sunday, 18:00 to 22:00
Is there an admission fee for the Liggie Fees?
Yes, R40 for everyone and under three years enter free. This year there are 100 VIP tickets available at R200. Booking essentials for VIP tickets. Phone Florah at 082 394 4550. All other tickets available at gate.
Christmas Lights at Menlyn Maine
Menlyn Maine Christmas Lights, Market, and Carols by Candle Light
Time Square at Menlyn Main offers a Festival of Lights at SunStar Plaza from November 29th until January 2nd, 2025. There is no entry fee, but parking costs R20. Seven spots are available to take memorable photos of kids against magical backdrops.
Besides the Festival of Lights at Menlyn on Main, there is also a Christmas Night Market at Sun Star Plaza. Operating hours are from 5 pm to 10 pm daily from November 29th until December 8th. There is also no entry fee to the market.
Christmas Lights in Potchefstroom
This Christmas Light Festival, in aid of the Abraham Kriel Children’s home, is held in Kruis Street Potchefstroom. This festival is breathtakingly beautiful and worth a visiting.
The Lights festival start on the 29th of November and ends on the 31st of December. The entry fee is only R40 and it goes for a very good cause. 100 VIP tickets available at R200 per person.
Disabled parking available near the main gate.
Pretoria Christmas Lights: Kersliggies Opp-plaas
Kersliggies Oppi-Plaas (Christmas Lights on the Farm) supports the HELP-net Fund. Kersliggies Oppi-Plaas is one of the biggest festivals. Last year, the festival attracted 10,000 visitors, so it is an event not to be missed. Legends Adventure Farm, where the festival is being held, is just east of Pretoria on the R515 Road.
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
- R515 Donkerhoek, Legends Adventure Farm (also known as Rhino Park), Pretoria East
- 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
Opening hours of Kersliggies Oppi-Plaas?:
Monday to Sunday, gate opens at 18:00, last round at to 21:30
Where is Kersliggies Oppi-Plaas?
R515 Donkerhoek, Legends Adventure Farm (also known as Rhino Park), Pretoria East
When does the Kersliggies Oppi-Plaas start?
The display is on from the 10th of November to the 30th of November 2024.
The farm will be CLOSED on the 29th of NOVEMBER for the Jesus First show. Book your tickets by clicking on the link.
Note that the gates open an hour later than last year, at 6 pm, and the last round is at 9:30 pm.
Steve Hofmeyer will perform on the 16th of November, 2024.
Is there an admission fee for the Kersliggies Oppi-Plaas?
Yes, adults R80 per person, children under 12 R50 per person. Kids under three R5 per child. Booking essentials, buy your tickets NOW on their website to avoid disappointment.
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.
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.
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.
Don’t miss this new enchanting market – it’s the perfect way to get into the festive spirit!
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.