The thing I love most about spending Christmas in Johannesburg is the lack of traffic on the highways. This is the only time of year that “life in the Jozi fast lane” actually shows signs of slowing down. While most of the Vaalies descend upon the beaches of Durban and Cape Town, the rest of the city is taking it easy. In between mad dashes to the malls to stock up on last minute Christmas presents, there’s nothing that a Jozi citizen loves more than enjoying lazy braais at home or with friends.
Here are 3 festive things to do when you get the Jozi itch to get moving again:
Jack and the Beanstalk: a Janice Honeyman Pantomime
You know it’s nearly Christmas holiday time in Johannesburg when you start seeing the Janice Honeyman pantomime billboards go up. This year, theatregoers are raving about the much anticipated, family-friendly Jack and the Beanstalk. As usual, the pantomime is bringing tons of FEE-FI-FO-FUN! This version of the classic story is one of the craziest and most original ever. The star-studded cast boasts some of South Africa’s best creative talents, including Tobie Cronjé and award-winning actor and comedian, Desmond Dube, who will be donning the usual over-the-top frocks as Dame Dora Dimpledumpling. It’s the ultimate Christmas treat and guarantees loads of laughter for the whole family. Over 30,000 tickets have already been sold, so book now!
Where: The Nelson Mandela Theatre at the Joburg Theatre Complex, Johannesburg
When: 31 October – 30 December 2012
Tickets: R190 – R290 though the Joburg Theatre or on 0861 670 670.
Joburg Zoo
Every year the Wild Lights at Joburg Zoo create a magical atmosphere where you can enjoy an evening wandering around the zoo. The enormous Tree of Light is the centre feature. It is an initiative of the Hospice Witwatersrand to support people who are suffering, or have died, from terminal cancer. You can buy a globe for R50 to help raise funds and spread a message of remembrance and goodwill over the festive season. Tonight is the final night to see this magnificent display, so make sure you get there between 5 and 9pm!
Even if you miss the display, you can enjoy Evening Encounters to explore the zoo’s active nightlife. There are several tours to choose from, including the Sunset Tour (4pm – 6:30pm), Moonlight Tour (5:15pm – 8pm), and Night Tour (6:15pm – 9pm). All tours include entrance, parking, and a bon fire gathering where you can enjoy tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and marshmallows. Booking is essential, and since the tours are so popular, you are encouraged to book at least a month in advance. Contact +27 (0)11 66 2000 or email lebo.moalusi@jhbzoo.org.za for more info.
Garden of Lights at Emperor’s Palace
If you haven’t yet been to see the Garden of Lights at Emperor’s Palace, make sure you get there before Monday, 7 January 2013. The Gardens of Vespasian at the Peermont D’oreale Grande Hotel are cloaked in a magical 500km sea of lights, with over 200 enchanting character displays and exciting surprises around every bend. Entrance is free, so bring the kids to meet Santa and his elves at the Candy Cane Christmas Tree and make a Christmas wish. Santa’s helpers will be dishing out yummy treats at Santa’s Workshop! The Garden of Lights runs daily from 7 – 10pm, weather permitting. Donations are welcome at the gate and funds will be donated to a local charity in the New Year. For more information contact +27(0)11 928 1000 or email info@emperorspalace.com.
What are your highlights of Christmas in Joburg?
