December is all about magical lights, festive outings, and quality time with family. Whether you’re planning a fun day out or a cosy evening activity, these confirmed events across Gauteng offer safe, child-friendly experiences perfect for little ones of all ages.
Here is a list of 10 confirmed events happening this December — each with dates, times, locations, and family-friendly details to help you plan the perfect outing.
1. Emperors Palace — Christmas Village
The Christmas Village transforms Emperors Palace into a magical festive wonderland. Expect a sparkling Tunnel of Lights, Snow Town play area, Santa’s sleigh photo spots, themed activity zones, a North Pole town, plus crafts and festive treats. Because it’s fully covered, it’s the perfect outing for unpredictable summer weather. Families can stroll the decorated walkways, shop at festive market stalls, and enjoy relaxed, child-friendly entertainment throughout the day.
Date: 4 – 31 December 2025
Time: Multiple daily time-slots (afternoon & evening sessions)
Location: Emperors Palace, Kempton Park
Details & Tickets
Website: www.emperorspalace.com
2. Cape Ballet Africa — The Nutcracker (Teatro at Montecasino)
This beloved Christmas ballet brings Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Nutcracker Prince to life through breathtaking choreography and Tchaikovsky’s classic music. Children will love the colourful costumes, festive scenery, and magical storytelling. The production is designed to be family-friendly, making it a great cultural introduction to theatre for kids aged 5 and older.
Date: 4 – 20 December 2025
Time: Matinee & evening performances (schedule varies)
Location: Teatro, Montecasino, Fourways
Details & Tickets
Website: www.montecasino.co.za
3. Joburg Family Picnic & Kids Festival (Johannesburg Zoo)
This one-day festival turns the Zoo into a lively outdoor celebration. Families can enjoy carnival rides, live performances, play zones, food stalls, a kids’ picnic area, and plenty of animal encounters. It’s designed as a full-day outing where children can play, explore, and learn in a safe environment. Parents can bring picnic blankets or purchase food onsite.
Date: 16 December 2025
Time: 10:00 – 18:00
Location: Johannesburg Zoo, Parkview / Zoo Lake area
Details & Tickets
Website: www.computicket.com
4. Joburg Zoo — Festival of Lights 2025
This annual favourite turns the zoo into a glowing nighttime park filled with festive light installations, illuminated animal sculptures, soft music, and gentle live performances. Families can stroll the lit pathways, enjoy food stalls, and take beautiful photos. The slow pace makes it perfect for toddlers in prams, while older kids will love spotting glowing animal displays.
Date: 27 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 (Thursday–Sunday evenings)
Time: 19:00 – 22:00
Location: Johannesburg Zoo, Parkview / Zoo Lake area
Details & Tickets
Website: www.joburgtheatre.com
5. Montecasino — Festive Holiday Market (The Ballroom)
Held indoors in The Ballroom, this market offers a relaxed shopping experience for parents and fun festive touches for kids. Expect decorated stalls, handmade gifts, seasonal treats, photo spots, and occasional live entertainment. Because it’s climate-controlled and fully indoors, it’s ideal for little ones who may get tired or overwhelmed in outdoor markets.
Date: 15 – 23 December 2025
Time: 12:00 – 21:00 daily
Location: Montecasino Ballroom, Fourways
Details & Tickets
Website: www.montecasino.co.za
6. Fourways Mall — Santa Land: The Jingle Bell Academy
This year’s Santa Land transforms into a playful “Jingle Bell Academy” where little ones join elves-in-training. Activities often include craft stations, cookie decorating, soft play, storytelling corners, and a special Santa meet-and-greet. Photo backdrops are colourful and interactive, making it great for Christmas family photos.
Date: 10 – 24 December 2025
Time: Multiple daily session slots (approx. 10:00–20:00)
Location: Fourways Mall, Sandton
Details & Tickets
Website: www.fourwaysmall.co.za
7. Melrose Arch — Destination Christmas & Festive Fun Zone
Melrose Arch becomes a festive village during December, complete with twinkling lights, giant decorations, themed walkways, live entertainment, and roaming characters. Families can enjoy the outdoor Fun Zone, which often includes child-friendly rides like glow scooters and roller experiences. Pop-up holiday markets run on select dates, and the whole precinct is free to walk, making it perfect for an evening stroll, photos, and casual family fun.
Date: 14 November – 31 December 2025 (selected dates throughout the season)
Time: Fun Zone evenings approx. 18:30 – 22:00
Location: Melrose Arch Precinct, Melrose
Details & Tickets
Website: www.melrosearch.co.za
8. Prison Break Market — Festive Season Operating Days
This popular market offers a fun mix of indoor and outdoor crafts, festive food stalls, themed events, and kid-friendly activities. Children can enjoy creative stations, entrepreneur-style kids’ stalls, pop-up performances, and festive competitions. The market is beautifully decorated, spacious, and great for relaxed browsing. Some days include special activities like night markets or a Christmas Night Run.
Date: 4 – 31 December 2025 (selected operating days)
Time: Various hours (usually 09:00 – 21:00)
Location: Prison Break Market, Midrand / Glenferness
Details & Tickets
Website: www.prisonbreakmarket.com
9. The Lion & Safari Park — Day Safari & Holiday Outing
Just outside Johannesburg, this family-friendly wildlife park offers bush drives, self-drives, game viewing, and picnic options. Kids can spot lions, giraffes, wild dogs, and more while enjoying the open air. The mix of adventure and nature makes it a great day trip for families needing a break from the city, perfect for a one-day outing full of excitement and wildlife wonder.
Date: Daily – check park calendar for holiday season 2025
Time: Daytime (park opens in the morning; check website for drive times)
Location: The Lion & Safari Park, near Lanseria / Johannesburg
Details & Tickets
Website: www.lionsafaripark.co.za
10. The Jingle Belles — Theatre Show (Sandton)
A nostalgic, feel-good Christmas musical full of classic holiday songs, comedy, and heartwarming performances — perfect for families who enjoy live theatre. It’s a shorter show than full ballets, making it ideal for younger children who may find long performances challenging. A fun introduction to theatre with festive cheer.
Date: 2 – 14 December 2025
Time: Evening performances (typically 19:00 start, weeknights & weekends)
Location: Theatre on the Square, Sandton
Details & Tickets
Website: Origen Productions / Theatre on the Square
✅ Final Notes for Parents
All events listed above are confirmed for December 2025 based on official public schedules at the time of writing.
Event programmes, time slots, and operational hours may change closer to the date, so we encourage you to check the event website before making final plans.
This guide focuses on fun, safe, and family-friendly outings — with a mix of indoor and outdoor options to suit every age, energy level, and weather.
🌟 A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Parents
As we wrap up the year, we want to say a huge thank you to all our incredible parents for your support, trust, and partnership throughout 2025.
Your dedication, involvement, and encouragement have made this year full of growth, joy, and meaningful learning moments for your children. We truly appreciate you.
We look forward to welcoming you and your little ones back in 2026 — a new year full of exciting adventures, kreative learning experiences, and wonderful memories still to come.
From our entire team:
Happy Holidays, and see you in 2026!