Looking for cheap things to do in Johannesburg this December? You’re in luck. Joburg turns festive, loud, colourful and surprisingly affordable. Whether you’re rolling with kids, dating someone cute, flying solo or just bored at home, here are budget-friendly things to do in Joburg in December 2025 that won’t rinse your bank account.
Updated: 12 December 2025
Family Friendly Things to do in Johannesburg in December 2025
From kids’ shows and festive theatre to outdoor markets, activities and Christmas events, Joburg is packed with fun for parents and kids alike.
1. Visit the Christmas Village in Emperors Palace
Adults: R75 Children: R45
Step into a festive wonderland spanning two rugby fields where Christmas dreams come to life. Snow Town sets the festive mood with its winter magic, while the Village Square and Tunnel of Lights create perfect moments for your holiday photos. This place has enough festive cheer to make even the Grinch crack a smile. Perfect for the whole family! This is proof that cheap things to do in Johannesburg can be fancy too.
Open from: 4 – 31 December 2025
Time: 3 PM – 10 PM
2. Watch the Jingle Belles in Sandton
Students: R180 Adults: R200
The Jingle Belles are lighting up Sandton at Theatre on the Square and it is an absolute must-see. Produced by Origen Productions, with slick choreography by Hannah Van Lennep, this high-energy musical stars Emma Amber, Jo-Mari Malan, Taylyn Miller and Katey Measures bringing big voices, bold moves and serious Christmas vibes. Nostalgic, feel-good and ridiculously fun. Go for the music, stay for the wonder, leave fully jingled.
Dates: 3 – 14 December 2025
Location: Theatre on the Square, Sandton
3. Festival of Lights at the Johannesburg Zoo
Adults: R175 Pensioners: R100. Kids under 12: R75
A Joburg December classic. The Johannesburg Zoo transforms into a glowing night walk filled with illuminated animal displays, food stalls and live entertainment. It’s outdoors, festive and perfect for families who want something different from the usual mall routine.
Open Thursdays to Sundays | 7pm – 10pm
Things to do in Joburg this December for couples
Searching for romantic things to do during December 2025? Joburg has all the answers to get your herat flirting with adventure. Think cute date night ideas, waterfall picnics, live music and all the couples activities your heart could desire.
4. Picnic at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
Adult: R100, Students: R50, Teenagers: R25, Children under 12: Free
Say hello to the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. It is perfect for couples, yes, but also families, third wheels and the hopelessly single just here for the views. Home to rare plants, over 220 bird species and the legendary Verreaux’s Eagles with a 2.8 m wingspan, it is a whole moment. Add the dramatic Witpoortjie Waterfall and suddenly everyone is falling in love, with nature at least.
What to do: Picnics, walks and romantic dates.
Tip: If you are over the age of 65, you get free entry on Tuesdays.
5. Go Paddle Boating at Zoo Lake
Free Entrance
Paddle Boats: Adults – R100, Children R40
Don’t let the name fool you, Zoo Lake is less wild animals and more soft-launch romance. Boat paddling on the lake is a top-tier Joburg date idea, whether you’re coupled up, rolling deep with the kids or single and just here for the cardio. There are ducks, birds, great views and prime braai spots, plus boat rides and a swimming pool to cool off when the Joburg heat starts acting brand new.
What to do: Picnic, swim and braai
Tip: Bring your own speaker for sound entertainment.
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6. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Cost: R200 – R475 (depending on seats chosen)
Let’s throw some more theatre into the mix. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat delivers every time. It is colourful, catchy and feel-good, making it perfect for everyone. Big voices, iconic songs and pure nostalgia of Biblical proportions (pun fully intended). This live theatre reenactment of the Genesis story delivers date-night entertainment and an easy win night out in the city.
Fun Things to Do in Johannesburg during December
Adrenaline junkies assemble. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Johannesburg this December, the city brings the heat with go-karting, indoor skydiving, ziplining, adventure parks and outdoor activities perfect for summer.
7. Acrobranch Treetop Adventures
Where: Melrose Arch or Centurion
When: Open all December
Price: From around R160 to R350 depending on course
Think zip lines, rope bridges and just enough fear to feel alive.
Why it works: Different courses for kids and adults, so it works for families, amatuers and thrill-seekers alike.
7. Get Your Adrenaline Fix at Orlando Towers
Cost: Activities start at R80 per person. Bungee Jumping: R630
Feeling brave? Test your courage with a bungee jump or rock climbing session at the Orlando Towers. It’s the ultimate thrill and a story you’ll tell for years. Whether you are an adrenaline junky or not, this is one of the cheap things to do in Johannesburg that will test your bravery but in a very fun way.
Bonus: After your bungee jump, head to Vilakazi Street, home to two Nobel Prize laureates, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Assuming you’re steady on your feet after jumping 100m.
8. Zorb around in a giant inflatable ball at Jozi X
Cost: R200 per person
Jozi X has South Africa’s longest Zorb ride, a 200-metre downhill roll in a 3-metre inflatable ball. Try slacklining to boost your balance or go wild with Bubble Soccer. The Big Air Krush Kushion Jump is perfect for practising flips and tricks on skateboards BMX bikes or snowboards. Call ahead to book during the week and find out more online.
Let’s get you there faster, rent a car to get around Johannesburg.
There are a lot of cheap things to do in Johannesburg during Dezemba
Johannesburg at December time has something for everyone, whether you’re a tourist discovering the city or a local exploring your own backyard. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore! Unless you’re not in Johannesburg, in that case, get flights to Johannesburg.
