The 7 best Christmas markets in Johannesburg

A true Joburg-community bash, the Parkview Christmas Market turns George Hay Park into a sparkly, feel-good festival. The Nicarela Charity team goes all-out with dozens of craft and food stalls, while music and outdoor bars fill the park. There's bubbly and an oyster bar for the adults, a Champagne Lounge with wines and cheese, and a big pancake stand….arguably for both the young and young at heart. 

Kids get a "Tinker Colour Studio" zone, silent night-movie screenings and jumping castles. Live bands, choirs and even the Springbok rugby match on big screens keep the vibe buzzing. In short, it feels like a giant neighbourhood picnic and market rolled into one joyous weekend.

Need to know:

When: Fri 21 – Sun 23 Nov 2025

Where: George Hay Park, Parkview, Johannesburg (corner Oxford/Mulberry Ave)

Entry: R60 per adult (children enter free)

Time Out Tip: It's a cashless event, so pay by card. Come hungry, because local foodies set up legendary stalls. Weekends get busy after sunset, but you could visit Friday evening or Sunday afternoon to avoid the peak. There's ample parking on nearby streets. But arrive early if you want a close spot! 

The Grand Pop Up: Christmas Is in the Air is a joyful celebration of local talent, beautiful gifting, and holiday cheer. It brings together a mix of local makers, designers, and food vendors for a holiday shopping experience that’s actually fun (yes, really).

Expect curated stalls packed with handmade gifts, décor, accessories, treats, and those little “I didn’t know I needed this” finds that markets do best. Grab something to sip, wander around at your own pace, and let the festive spirit sneak up on you, whether you’re hunting for the perfect present or just avoiding mall chaos.

Need to know:

When: Saturday 22 November to Sunday 23 November 2025 

Time: 10 am –6 pm and 9 am–3 pm slots 

Where: Royal Johannesburg 

Entry: Tickets at the door

Prices: R20

For a Christmas market experience that celebrates Jozi’s beautiful summer and truly champions local talent, head to the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens at Emmarentia. The Linden Market's Festive Edition brings together over 150 hand-picked local artisans and creators, making it the ultimate destination for supporting small businesses and finding unique, high-quality gifts.

Set on lush lawns, this market is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, offering a diverse range of products, from bespoke jewellery and local fashion to artisanal foods and unique home décor. It's perfectly designed for a relaxing summer day out: enjoy gourmet street food, sample craft beers and cocktails, and listen to live local music. Best of all, it's family-friendly and pet-friendly, so you can bring everyone along to soak up the Highveld festive cheer.

Need to know:

When: Saturday 29 November to Sunday 30 November 2025

Where: Botanical Gardens, Emmarentia

Entry: R60 on Quicket or at the door.  

If you're looking for a relaxed, late-night shopping escape that perfectly wraps up the festive season, the Bedfordview Night Market’s Holiday Edition is the place to be. This popular market is hosting its final event of the year, bringing a fun, feel-good night of shopping and feasting under the stars.

This market is the ideal spot to find those last few thoughtful gifts. You’ll find a vibrant array of pop-up stalls showcasing unique, handmade gifts crafted with love, providing a fantastic alternative to crowded shopping malls.

As you shop, you can feast on a variety of street food favourites, indulge in sweet festive treats, and enjoy the evening atmosphere with a refreshing drink. Complete with live music and an unbeatable community vibe, it's a family-friendly, feel-good event to end 2025 on a high note.

Need to know:

When: Friday, 28 November

Time: 5- 10 pm

Where: Corner of 5th Avenue & 17th Avenue, Edenvale

Entry: Tickets at the gate

Prices: R30 fr adults and R10 for unde 18s

Time Out Tip: It's outdoors, and it can be chilly at night, so be sure to wrap up warm. 

Escape the frenzy of high-street shopping at the iconic Bryanston Market’s annual Moonlight Markets. This festive experience is a must-do for anyone looking for that truly magical Christmas atmosphere. Lit up by thousands of fairy lights, the market transforms into a joyful space perfect for the entire family.

Browse a creative collection of hand-crafted gifts, unique decorations, and festive foods from both new and regular local traders, perfect for finding presents no one else will have.

While the adults enjoy live music flowing through the tea garden and buskers circulating throughout the stalls, the little ones are thoroughly entertained. The Children’s story time takes centre stage (6 pm to 7 pm) with complimentary mini hot chocolate & kettle corn. Little ones can get creative at Craft Your Christmas, where they’ll make their very own Advent Calendar.

Need to know:

When: Every Tuesday from 18 November to 16 December 2025

Time: 5 pm - 9 pm

Where: 40 Culross Road, Bryanston

Every year, Emperors Palace in Kempton Park transforms its resort gardens into a sprawling, enchanting Christmas Village. While the overall experience is a festive extravaganza, the market stalls are the true centrepiece for gift hunters. 

Forget generic mall finds; here, you'll find over 90 dedicated festive stalls set up throughout themed zones like the "Enchanted Forest" and the stone "Santa's Village." These merchants offer a diverse selection of high-quality artisan crafts, bespoke gifts, unique jewellery, and festive foods like freshly baked gingerbread. 

The entire village is set up for shopping enjoyment, complete with lights strung through the trees and constant Christmas tunes, creating an atmosphere where you truly feel you've left Joburg behind.

Need to know:

When: Daily from 3 Dec through 31 Dec 2025

Time: 2–5 pm and 6–9 pm slots (arrive before 6 pm for the evening show).

Where: 5th Level, Emperor's Palace parking deck

Entry: Book online via Webtickets

Prices: R75–R90 per adult (13+), pensioners R65–75, children (3–12) R45–60

Time Out Tip: Book your time slot early, as this event often sells out on weekends. It's outdoors, and it can be chilly at night, so be sure to wrap up warm. 

Melrose Arch transforms its upmarket precinct into "Destination Christmas" every year, making it a spectacular one-stop shop for festive gifting. While the entire centre becomes a winter wonderland, draped in thousands of twinkling fairy lights and giant illuminated décor, the focus for savvy shoppers is the curated pop-up market stalls, primarily located on the central Piazza.

These temporary festive stalls, typically running from late November, offer a high-quality alternative to the permanent boutiques. They are carefully selected to provide unique crafts, bespoke gifts, and speciality goods that you won't find in regular stores.

You can stroll down the glowing High Street, perhaps with a craft beer or gourmet hot chocolate, and browse the pop-ups while enjoying the relaxed, party-like ambience. The atmosphere is perfect for lingering over dinner on a patio table, admiring the festive glow, and making your way slowly through the stalls to find that perfect, memorable Christmas present.

Need to know:

When: Late Nov 2025 through early Jan 2026

Where: Melrose Arch

Entry: Free.

Time Out Tip: The display is at its best after dusk, so aim for around 8 pm. Restaurants and shops in Melrose Arch run extended hours in December, but book ahead if you plan dinner.