Johannesburg is turning up the festive cheer this weekend with an incredible mix of events for every taste — from open-air brunches and Christmas light displays to whisky tastings, live jazz, and musical theatre. Whether you’re planning a date night, a family outing, or a girls’ day, here’s what’s happening around the city and where to book your spot.
Dikeme Farms Brunch Club
Take a scenic drive to the Cradle of Humankind for a luxury brunch experience surrounded by the Magaliesburg Mountains. Expect beautifully set garden tables, seasonal dishes, and a peaceful farm atmosphere — the perfect way to unwind from the city rush.
Cost: R1250 per adult; R400 per teen; kids under 12 eat free
When: Saturday, 15 November from 10am to 3pm
Where: Dikeme Farms, Krugersdorp
Hyde Park Corner
The festive season officially begins at Hyde Park Corner with a night of music, lights, and holiday magic. Enjoy performances by Swing City, The Soweto Gospel Choir, and Mzansi Ballet’s scenes from The Nutcracker and The Jungle Book. The Moët & Chandon pop-up offers bubbly tastings for adults, while kids can meet Christmas Fairies handing out treats.
Cost: Free entry
When: Thursday, 13 November from 5:30pm
Where: Hyde Park Corner, Johannesburg
Destination Christmas at Melrose Arch
Melrose Arch flips the switch on its iconic Christmas lights this Friday. Enjoy a family-friendly night filled with dazzling displays, kids’ activities like roller rinks and glow bikes, plus open-air dining at some of Joburg’s best restaurants.
Cost: Free entry
When: Friday, 14 November, lights switch on at 7pm
Where: Melrose Blvd, Johannesburg
The Music and Lifestyle Expo
For music lovers, the Sandton Convention Centre hosts a two-day celebration of sound, fashion, and culture. Expect star performances by Thandiswa Mazwai, Lira, Major League DJz, and Dr Jonathan Butler, plus fashion shows, food stalls, and lifestyle talks.
Cost: R800 (day pass), R1440 (weekend pass)
When: Friday and Saturday, 14–15 November, from 12pm to midnight
Where: Sandton Convention Centre
Book: Ticketpro
The Whisky Live Festival
Indulge your palate at the Whisky Live Festival — a three-day experience featuring rare international whiskies, tasting masterclasses, and expert-led sessions. It’s a must for collectors, connoisseurs, or anyone who loves a smooth sip.
Cost: From R495pp
When: Thursday to Saturday, 13–15 November, from 6pm
Where: The Galleria, Sandton
Book: Ticketpro
Chicago The Musical
Step into the roaring 1920s with Chicago, the award-winning Broadway hit at Montecasino. Expect glittering costumes, sultry choreography, and the legendary songs All That Jazz and Cell Block Tango.
Cost: From R200pp
When: Until Sunday, 16 November
Where: Teatro, Montecasino, Fourways
Book: Ticketmaster
Pantone Sundays: Midnight Black Edition
Fashion and music collide at this month’s Pantone Sundays, themed Midnight Black. Guests are encouraged to dress in their sleekest black ensembles for an afternoon of live DJs, street style, and community energy.
Cost: From R150pp
When: Sunday, 16 November, from 1pm to 7pm
Where: Kromdraai Creativity & Impact Hub, Krugersdorp
Book: Quicket
Rosebank Sunday Market Christmas Sundays
The Rosebank Sunday Market transforms into a festive wonderland this month. Shop handcrafted gifts, enjoy live music, and grab a drink from the craft bar — perfect for early Christmas shopping or a relaxed Sunday out.
Cost: Free entry
When: Every Sunday, 16 November–21 December, 9am to 4pm
Where: Level 4, Rosebank Mall
Dumza Maswana Presents EZIKO – The Village Tour
Experience Dumza Maswana’s soulful EZIKO concert — an evening of jazz, traditional sound, and storytelling that feels like a warm gathering around a village fire.
Cost: From R350pp
When: Saturday, 15 November from 6pm
Where: Untitled Basement, Johannesburg
Book: Quicket
The Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation: Structures Exhibition
Don’t miss the final weekend of Structures at JCAF — a stunning exhibition exploring identity, migration, and memory through the works of artists like Igshaan Adams, Kader Attia, and David Goldblatt.
Cost: Free (booking required)
When: Until Saturday, 15 November
Where: JCAF, Forest Town
Book: JCAF website
Melomania at Hotel Sky
Music lovers will adore Melomania — a high-energy quiz-meets-show packed with sing-along moments and friendly competition. Perfect for groups of friends looking for something different.
Cost: From R200pp
When: Friday and Saturday, 14–15 November, 8pm to midnight
Where: Infinity Auditorium, Hotel Sky, Sandton
Book: Quicket
Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra: Spring Symphony Concert 3
Enjoy an evening of classical excellence as conductor Daniel Boico and pianist Albert Mamriev lead the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra in their third Spring Symphony concert.
Cost: R180pp
When: Thursday, 13 November, 7:30pm–9:30pm
Where: Linder Auditorium, Parktown
Book: Quicket
What Santa Sees at the Wits Digital Dome
Families can enjoy What Santa Sees, a heartwarming planetarium show that takes kids on a journey through the stars on Christmas Eve — seen through Santa’s eyes.
Cost: R70 adults, R40 kids/pensioners
When: Saturdays, 15 November–20 December, 10am
Where: Wits Digital Dome, Braamfontein
Book: Webtickets
Sisters Shop-Up Festive Edition
Get your holiday shopping started at the sisters. Shop-Up — a curated pop-up featuring 50+ local brands in fashion, beauty, decor, and gourmet goods.
Cost: Free entry
When: Saturday and Sunday, 15–16 November
Where: San Quentin Venue, Glenferness
From festive lights and soulful sounds to stylish pop-ups and brunch under blue skies, Joburg is serving up plenty of magic this weekend. Grab your tickets early, get your friends together, and soak up the best of the city before the festive rush begins.
Source: What’s on in Joburg
Image Source: Dikeme Farms on Facebook
