Events: What’s on in Johannesburg

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Joburg Zoo from 27 November to 4 January during the Joburg Festival of Lights, presented by Joburg Theatre in association with Joburg City Parks and Zoo and City Power.

Visitors can look forward to a dazzling display of illuminated life-size animal characters, entertainment, and a food and craft night market perfect for the whole family.

Time Out Tip: Children under 3 years of age enter for free.

Nothing says 'summer' quite like an outdoor picnic, a carefully curated basket, and a bottle of bubbly to take the edge off the Jozi heat, and The Maslow Hotel’s Sunday Society Picnic delivers exactly that.

Set against the backdrop of The Maslow’s beautifully manicured lawns, guests can bid farewell to the Sunday scaries as live entertainment sets the tone on 30 November, 7 December, and 14 December. Each picnic comes with its own dress theme, adding a splash of colour and creativity to the occasion.

What a bright time, it’s the right time. To rock the night away at Prison Break Market’s Christmas Night Run on 5 December!

This year’s run promises even more magic, twinkling lights, and festive fun for everyone. Guests can enjoy food stalls, live music, and holiday festivities perfect for the whole family. Runners can choose between a 5km, 10km, or 16km race, with prizes for the best-dressed participants adding extra cheer to the evening.

And, of course, no festive season would be complete without giving back. Each participant is encouraged to bring a wrapped present for a child aged 3 to 16, valued between R20 and R100, to support Oliver’s Village.

Santa Claus is coming to town, Carnival City, to be exact!

From 15 to 25 December, he’ll be making his list and checking it twice while little ones share their wishlists and snap a festive photo. Best of all, the experience is completely free.

‘Tis the season! Cape Ballet Africa brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker, to life at the Teatro at Montecasino from 4 December. Audiences will be swept into a magical world of twinkling snowflakes, the enchanting Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the heroic tale of the Nutcracker Prince on his quest to save his Princess.

This timeless production is choreographed by London-based artist Maina Gielgud, with set design by Michael Mitchell, promising a festive spectacle for the whole family.

If the sight of slithering snakes and scaly creatures sparks excitement, then the Xmas Reptile Expo at Emperors Palace’s Convention Centre is not to be missed. On 13 December, visitors can explore a fascinating array of reptiles, including tarantulas, scorpions, corn snakes, milk snakes, king snakes, boas, pythons, and more. Tickets are priced at R40 for children under 12 and R80 for adults.

Time Out Tip: Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

Dezemba is here, and the heat is on! Deep In The City, curated by THEMBA and Euphonik, returns with South Africa’s biggest deep house festival this summer. Taking place on 14 December at Montecasino, this highly anticipated event promises an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and good vibes.

With a stellar lineup of top local artists, mouthwatering food, and a vibrant atmosphere, this is the ultimate summer experience. Tickets are selling fast, so don’t say you weren’t warned.

Milk + Cookies is more than a festival; it’s an outdoor, multigenre celebration of music, food, and community, and this year’s lineup truly reflects that spirit.

On 10 January, the festival returns with an impressive roster featuring international acts such as Canadian-Bahraini R&B duo Majid Jordan and American rapper and singer Gunna, who will share the stage with top local talent, including Blxckie, DJ Speedster, and more at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. What better way to ring in the new year?

For an evening of spicy confessions, brutally honest advice, and laugh-out-loud commentary, look no further – ShxtsNGigs is coming to The Goldrush Dome on 24 January 2026.

Hosted by best mates James and Fuhad, the wildly popular UK podcast delivers outrageous stories, big belly laughs, and the kind of awkward audience moments that make live shows unforgettable.

One of Hollywood’s most beloved love stories, Pretty Woman: The Musical, makes its highly anticipated debut on the Teatro stage at Montecasino from 24 April.

Supported by an all-South African cast, crew, and band, and guided by a collaboration between local and international creatives, missing it would be a big mistake. Big. Huge.