The best Christmas activities for kids in Johannesburg

Step into a glowing Christmas at the Festival of Lights, running from 27 November to 4 January at the Johannesburg Zoo. The festival features life-size illuminated animals, live music, entertainment, and plenty of festive treats. It’s the perfect way to spoil your little ones this Christmas, and with it all happening at the zoo, it’s an ideal place to connect with wildlife while soaking up the festive spirit.

Melrose Arch's Destination Christmas is a dazzling stop renowned for its breathtaking, European-style lights that illuminate the entire precinct. This year's major highlight for families is the brand-new, neon-themed Destination Christmas Fun Zone, open daily from 6:30 pm to 10 pm, accessible from Upper High Street and located in the basement below Moove Motion Fitness Gym.

The Fun Zone offers vibrant experiences, including the Retro Rolla pop-up roller-skating rink and the thrilling Glo Riders, motorised quad bikes that glow in the dark, available for hire at the venue for R50. While entry to the beautiful light displays and markets is free, the Fun Zone offers a high-energy, unique nighttime festive adventure for all ages.

This Christmas, Mall of Africa is going all out to bring joy to young adventurers. Until 27 December, kids can step into the colourful world of the Zootropolis Mini Golf Experience, created in celebration of Disney’s highly anticipated Zootopia 2. Expect a playful mini-golf course that keeps kids entertained while offering plenty of fun photo moments. Make it a Christmas to remember.

From 10 to 24 December, Eastgate’s Candy Cane Lane (10 am 6 pm) is the place for festive family fun. Kids can try reindeer-themed ice cream, test their skills at the North Pole claw machine, play at Rudolph’s Gaming Station, or get their faces painted with holiday designs. There’s also a doughnut DIY kit and a Sweet Wall bauble-making station for some crafty fun. Tickets are R50, with optional add-ons, and can be booked at the activation area.

Step into unlimited fun at Carnival City this Christmas.Whether you want to catch a Christmas movie at Ster-Kinekor, bowl with friends, visit Laser Zone for a fast-paced combat game, or enjoy go-karting, the entertainment options are endless. And did we mention that Sun City recently welcomed new rides? The Ferris wheel offers little ones an elevated view, while thrill-seekers can enjoy the rodeo, Crazy Beach Party, Twin Rager, bumper cars, and Wild Moose. These are just some of the exciting rides kids can enjoy this festive season.  

Carnival City has also rolled out festive Christmas décor throughout the facility, making it the perfect spot for family Christmas photos and unforgettable memories.

From 5 to 28 December (closed on Christmas Day), Sandton City’s City of Enchantment turns the centre court outside Checkers into a festive playground for kids. Little ones can decorate giant gingerbread cookies at the “Sprinkle & Sugar” station, get creative with a Krispy Kreme DIY doughnut kit at “Donut & Dazzle,” or personalise baubles, festive trees, and gift boxes at “Trees & Twinkle” and “Baubles & Bliss.”

At “Words & Wishes,” children can pen letters to Santa before snapping a photo with him in a softly lit seasonal setting. Along the way, families can explore Santa’s wishing well, a drawbridge into his world, and a reindeer merry-go-round. Activities range from R50 to R200, with bookings available at the venue.

From 5 to 23 December, Bedford Centre’s Neon Glow Mini Golf is the perfect spot for some festive fun with the kids. Located on the lower level next, the 12-hole course comes alive with black lights, glowing obstacles, and colourful displays that make every putt a little more magical. Open daily with extended hours on weekends, it’s R50 per person (or R45 each for groups of four). No pre-booking is needed unless you’re heading in with a large group.

Montecasino is one of Jozi’s greatest entertainment destinations, and it always delivers during the festive season. Kids can enjoy arcade games, movies, interactive entertainment, bowling, and more for a well-rounded family outing. Adding to the magic, the venue comes alive with Christmas décor, lights, performances, and festive energy,  ensuring little ones are in for a treat.

Spark a love for golf this festive season by heading to Adventure Golf in Fourways, Hillfox, Randburg or Stoneridge. It’s one of Johannesburg’s favourite mini-golf destinations for kids. During the festive season, the course transforms into a magical playground. Whether your children are first-timers or mini pros, Adventure Golf promises hours of entertainment.

Bonus: if your little one loves pizza, you’re in luck - the venue serves great pizza and snack options.

From a kids’ play park and water activities to restaurants and scenic adventures around the dam, there’s plenty for little ones to explore this Christmas at Prime View Adventure & Leisure. Adults can relax at the venue’s spacious chill spot, which offers stunning views overlooking the dam - perfect for unwinding while the kids have fun. If your child loves cycling, there are also mountain bike trails to help them mark the festive season in adventure-filled style.