The trees are up, the lights are on and the festive season is officially underway at Melrose Arch. Following sold out performances by the Drakensberg Boys Choir and the Chamber Orchestra of Johannesburg this past weekend, Melrose Arch is ready has unveiled Destination Christmas 2025, its annual celebration that transforms Johannesburg’s most stylish precinct into a whimsical wonderland.
Famous for its breathtaking European-style Christmas lights that turn the entire precinct into a sparkly village, Melrose Arch is shining even more brightly than ever this year with the introduction of brand-new light installations that will delight visitors of all ages. The twinkling displays create the perfect backdrop for festive strolls, dining under the stars and live music moments throughout the season.
Markets, magic and festive flair
Festive shoppers will enjoy finding the perfect gifts with the Destination Christmas Market on The Square from 10 to 15 December, where one can discover unique Christmas gifts, seasonal treats, festive décor, and customized items in a joyful outdoor setting. The celebration continues with the retail galleria market from 18 to 21 December. This indoor market offers delightful gourmet food, arts, and crafts.
The Jameson Festive Market will take place on the Piazza from 6 to 27 December. Here, with free entry, one can enjoy whisky tastings, mixologist showdowns, cocktail-of-the-week specials, exclusive branded gifts, live entertainment and fun interactive games, all adding an extra sparkle to the shopping experience. Live music lovers can look forward the Jeppe Pipe Band marching through the streets on 5 December at 7 PM.
Family favourites and festive fun
The Destination Christmas Fun Zone, a brand-new concept set up with neon colours and bright lights, running from 5 to 31 December from 6:30 PM to 10 PM daily, will be a major highlight for families, Accessible from Upper High Street and located in the basement below Moove Motion Fitness Gym, this unique activation will feature whimsical themed characters, a pop-up roller-skating rink for all ages called Retro Rolla, and Glo Riders. The Glo Riders is an enthralling experience offering the thrill of motorised quad bikes that glow in the dark, at R50 per ride.
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from the first week of December, whimsical characters will roam the precinct including Mia the Pixie, Magical Ballerina, The Toy Soldier, Ginger breadman, Nuala the Fairy, Santa Claus and a face painter. Photos are welcome! Plus, food treats will be available to enjoy on the go, from stalls on the High street, such as candyfloss on glow sticks, mini glazed doughnuts, smashed and rolled ice cream, matcha, gourmet popcorn, toys, fresh strawberries covered in chocolate, chicken strips, boerewors rolls, tacos and soft serve.
More reasons to shop and convenient parking
There is even more reason to shop this season, with an exciting Christmas shopping promotion offering wonderful prizes to be won. Shoppers who make purchases in Melrose Arch’s stores stand a chance to win prizes such as cash vouchers from OMODA and JAECOO, designer jerseys from Charles Tyrwhitt, David Tlale’s new Emoji boxy T-shirts, shopping vouchers from Forever New, Nicci Boutique and Virgule, as well as curated hampers from The Flower Market, health and beauty vouchers from Camelot Spa, Waxit, Sorbet and Sorbet Man, and meal vouchers from Tashas, The Grillhouse, Mezepoli and more. Terms and conditions apply.
The “Spend, Spin & Win” wheel will be positioned by the Middle Level Retail Galleria, Woolworths Court, running from 28 November to 23 December, 2 PM – 4 PM daily. The Retail Galleria will be beautifully decorated, from shop fronts to golden pendants suspended from the glass roof, along with festively adorned gift box installations, creating Instagram-mable moments throughout the space.
To make the festive experience even smoother and enable families to make the most of everything the precinct has to offer, there will be a flat parking rate of R25, valid from 14 November to 4 January, 6PM daily, via the Parket system.
For more information on Melrose Arch’s Destination Christmas festivities, visit melrosearch.co.za or follow @MelroseArch on social media.
