There’s always something new in Joburg. Each week we hunt down the latest pop-ups, parties, talks, tours, concerts, markets and other happenings so you don’t miss them.
For a full guide to what’s on in Joburg, check out our online events calendar and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter guide to Joburg published every Thursday morning.
As we head into a December long weekend, here’s a look at the freshest Joburg events that caught our eye.
Brooklyn’s Annual Vintage and Collectables Fair
THU DEC 16 AND FRI DEC 17 If you love hunting for treasures and collecting antique bric-a-brac this huge annual antiques fair in Brooklyn, Pretoria is always a must-visit event. There is an incredible array of unusual antique toys, books, jewellery, furniture, kitchenware, collectible glass, porcelain, vintage fashion and and more on sale as well as lots of delicious Christmas treats. Takes place at Brooklyn Mall in Pretoria, open 08:30–16:00. Entrance is free.
Free entrance to Constitution Hill Reconciliation Day
THU DEC 16 In commemoration of the Reconciliation Day public holiday on Dec 16, Constitution Hill in Braamfontein is offering free entrance to all of the site’s museums including free guided tours and parking. The museum is open 09:00- 17:00, and prior booking online is essential to get free entrance.
Joburg Places Storytelling Dinners
FRI DEC 17 AND SAT DEC 18 The most recent travel ban has clipped the wings of many businesses that depend largely on international tourists. In order to stay afloat through the festive season, local tour company Joburg Places is offering discounts on their storytelling dinners and tours. The next Storytelling Dinners are taking place on Fri Dec 17 and Sat Dec 18 at their Town Treasures venue in the historic City Centre, The dinner costs T725 including a three-course dinner. Check out their website for details on all tours and experiences here and email gerald@joburgplaces.com or whatsapp +27 82 894 5216 to book.
Victoria Yards Holiday Market
THU DEC 16 In celebration of the public holiday, the maker’s community Victoria Yards hosts a special holiday market with local artists selling books, fashion, art, crafts and decor pieces. There are also plants on sale from the yard’s gardens. A great place to pick up last-minute Christmas gifts there are also great food and drink stalls and DJ Zwi and DJ Tomby on the decks. Open 10:00-16:00, entrance is free.
Bryanston Market Christmas Markets
WED DEC 15, THU DEC 16, FRI DEC 17 AND SAT DEC 18 The last chance to catch this year’s annual festive night market series from Bryanston Market. A fantastic place to bring the kids there’s a range of festive-themed arts and crafts activities to join in plus plenty of great Christmas gift shopping and the most delicious organic food stalls. The market is open 15:00-19:00 on Dec 15 and 17, from 09:00-19:00 on Dec 16 and 18. Entrance costs R10.
The City Drive-In at Sandton City – Christmas Edition
UNTIL SUN DEC 19 Back by popular demand, the Sandton City rooftop drive-in cinema is showcasing Christmas classics and the latest blockbusters this weekend including Home Alone, Frozen and Fast and Furious 9 . Payments are cashless so make sure to purchase your tickets, snack, and refreshments online via Quicket. Tickets from R220 per car. Book your tickets online here.
Festive Live on the Square – Nelson Mandela Square
THU DEC 16, FRI DEC 17, SAT DEC 18, SUN DEC 19 Nelson Mandela Square’s free live concert Festive Live on the Square continues this weekend with performances by Mi Case (Thu) and Dez Petersen
Kyle September and Veronique Laloutte Duo (Fri, Sat, Sun). Head down beforehand to grab a table at one of the restaurants on the square. Performances start from 18:00, entrance is free.
Secret Sunday at Spier Tasting Room at Indaba Hotel
SUN DEC 19 The Spier Tasting Room at The Indaba Hotel in Fourways hosts the Secret Sunday afternoon with bottomless bubbly and live entertainment on the venue’s tree-shaded courtyard from 15:00-17:00. Ticket cost R200, to book call +27 11 840 6600 or email tastingroom@indabahotel.co.za.
FAMILY FUN
Festival of Lights at Joburg Zoo Explore Joburg Zoo by night and enjoy a glittering festive light display every evening from 19:00. Tickets cost R150, kids under 12 R75, pensioners R90 and can be bought online here.
Toyland Factory at Sandton City Take the kids to Sandton City for a meeting with Santa at Toyland Factory. There’s also a live daily acrobat show (at 12:00 and 16:00) and live ballet dance performance (daily at 14:00 and 18:00). Entrance is free.
ART EXHIBITIONS
Many of Joburg’s top contemporary galleries close next week for the Christmas break so don’t miss your last chance this year to catch these exhibitions
Underscape – Clive van den Berg at Goodman Gallery (Closed Dec 23–Jan 9, 2022)
Wings that soar — Aida Muluneh at David Krut Projects (Closed Dec 23–Jan 4, 2022)
Through the window — Group exhibition at Gallery 2 (Closed Dec 18–Jan 10, 2022)
Andrzej Urbanski — Irregular at Everard Read (Closed Dec 22–Jan 3, 2022)