Where to see Christmas lights and sing carols in Pretoria this festive season

• Where: SunBet Arena, Time Square, Menlyn 
• When: 19 December 2026
• Cost: TBC

One of Pretoria’s biggest festive concerts is heading back to SunBet Arena for another evening of Christmas music performed by some of South Africa’s best-known artists.

Presented by Jacaranda FM and SPAR, the concert combines live performances with a charitable cause, with proceeds supporting Santa’s Shoebox. A nationwide online stream is also planned for anyone who cannot attend in person.

• Where: Jakaranda Kinderhuis, 1 Talitha Kumi Street, Derdepoort
• When: 27 November–23 December 2026, gates open at 6pm
• Cost: R60 for children aged three to 18 and pensioners; R100 for adults. Special pricing applies on 15 December on Tixsa.

Pretoria’s original Liggiefees returns for its 16th year, bringing 27 evenings of Christmas lights, food stalls, fairground rides and live entertainment to Jakaranda Kinderhuis.

The attraction is open in wet weather, and visitors are advised to wear closed shoes and bring camping chairs if they plan to settle in for the performances. Each standard ticket grants admission on one evening, excluding 15 December, which is ticketed separately. 

• Where: Carousel Area, Irene Village Mall, Centurion
• When: Sunday, 6 December 2026, 3pm–5pm
• Cost: Free

Bring the little ones along for a relaxed afternoon of Christmas carols and a visit from Santa at Irene Village Mall.

Hosted by Pretoria’s Vintage Décor and Gift Show, this free family event takes place in the mall’s Carousel Area. It’s an easy daytime option for families with younger children who may not be up for a late-night carols concert.

• Where: Nazareth House Chapel, 290 Florence Ribeiro Avenue, Waterkloof
• When: Sunday, 6 December 2026, 3pm–4.30pm
• Cost: Early-bird tickets from R142 on Quicket.

The Chanticleer Singers take audiences on a musical journey through Christmas traditions from Eastern Europe, the United States, Southern Africa and beyond.

The programme features works by composers including Gabrieli, Tchaikovsky and Poulenc, performed inside the atmospheric Nazareth House Chapel. Refreshments will also be served. 

• Where: Fairtree Atterbury Theatre, Lynnwood Manor
• When: Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 December 2026, 3pm
• Cost: R250 on Seatme.

Multi-award-winning violinist Scheppel returns to the Fairtree Atterbury Theatre with two performances that mix traditional carols, cinematic scores and contemporary festive favourites.

Expect a full band and guest vocalists performing music from The Nutcracker and Home Alone, alongside favourites such as O Holy Night, Silent Night and The Little Drummer Boy. There may even be a little Thunderstruck on Santa’s playlist. 

• Where: Voortrekker Monument, Eeufees Road
• When: Saturday, 19 December 2026, 6pm and 8pm
• Cost: From R395 on Fever.

See the Voortrekker Monument illuminated by candlelight as a string quartet performs a mix of classical carols, festive pop songs and favourites from Christmas films.

The hour-long programme ranges from Carol of the Bells and O Holy Night to Last Christmas and All I Want for Christmas Is You. The concert is suitable for guests aged eight and older; anyone under 16 must attend with an adult. 

• Where: SunStar Plaza, Time Square, Menlyn Maine
• When: 2026 dates to be confirmed
• Cost: Free 

Time Square traditionally transforms SunStar Plaza into a sparkling festive garden filled with illuminated installations and Christmas photo spots.

It’s an easy evening outing for families, couples and friends, with restaurants nearby if you want to add dinner or drinks. 

The 2026 programme and dates are still to be confirmed.