Finding the flickering festive lights in Johannesburg this holiday season

With the countdown to Christmas in full swing, we’ve rounded up all the places in Joburg where you can be dazzled by the Christmas lights and feel the magic of the season. 

The Festival of Lights at Joburg Zoo

The Joburg Zoo has a lineup of events to take you through the festive season. From jazz and dancers to fun for the kiddies, throughout it all, visitors will be treated to a display of light displays. The walkways are decorated with lighting displays, and extended hours will mean that these can be enjoyed under the night skies. A nigh-time visit to the zoo means you can see some nocturnal animals. 

• Entrance for adults is R120, R60 for children and free for children under 3.
• Open every night except Mondays, you can visit between 19:00 and 22:00.
• The festival of lights will be on until 5 January 2020. 

The much-loved display at Melrose Arch

Melrose Arch has earned a name for itself as the ultimate destination for Christmas lights magic. Each year, the larger than life displays draw in many happy faces. Walk through the lit bauble and pose with Santa and his reindeer, or a gigantic teddy if you wish. It’s dubbed the ‘Fantasy Garden’ for good reason, and is definitely worth checking out. 

• Entrance is open and free to all. 
• The Fantasy Garden will be on until 5 January 2020. 

The Garden of Lights at Emperor’s Palace

Visit Emperors Palace’s to see this year’s Garden of Lights display. 

This is a fun festive display of lights for the whole family, with the gardens decorated and the chance to extend your visit at the market with food and drinks available. Children are sure to be entertained with rides and photos with Father Christmas.

• The entrance fee is R25. 
• The Garden of Lights is open 19:00 to 22:00 until 5 January 2020. 

The Wonderland of Lights at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens

Visit the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens to see the Wonderland of Lights. Fun for the whole family awaits, from shopping for everything festive, to carols and over 100 Christmas illuminations spread over 13 unique themed stages. This wonderland will aim to bring the magic and Christmas spirit, with an 11 Foot Gingerbread Man, an army of Nutcracker Soldiers, Santa’s reindeer and a Christmas grinch.

Children will enjoy themed areas, decorated to recreate the worlds of Frozen (with fake snow) and Paw Patrol. There will also be food stalls available, serving a variety of cuisines from around the world. Topping off the entertainment is Santa’s Toy Workshop, Santa’s Bakery and the super-sweet Candyland.

• The Wonderland of Lights is open 08:00-22:00 during the week and 16:00-22:00 over the weekend. 
• Entrance costs R80 for adults, R60 for pensioners R60, R40 for kids R40, free for children kids under 6.
• The display will be on until 5 January 2020. 

Which of these sparkling destinations will you be visiting this festive season?