{"id":95903,"date":"2025-12-12T16:13:49","date_gmt":"2025-12-12T16:13:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/cheap-things-to-do-in-johannesburg\/"},"modified":"2025-12-12T16:13:50","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T16:13:50","slug":"cheap-things-to-do-in-johannesburg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/cheap-things-to-do-in-johannesburg\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Cheap Things to do in Johannesburg this December 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Looking for <strong>cheap things to do in Johannesburg this December<\/strong>? You\u2019re in luck. Joburg turns festive, loud, colourful and surprisingly affordable. Whether you\u2019re rolling with kids, dating someone cute, flying solo or just bored at home, here are <strong>budget-friendly things to do in Joburg in December 2025<\/strong> that won\u2019t rinse your bank account.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Updated: 12 December 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-text-align-center\"><strong>Family Friendly Things to do in Johannesburg in December 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From kids\u2019 shows and festive theatre to outdoor markets, activities and Christmas events, Joburg is packed with fun for parents and kids alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Visit the Christmas Village in Emperors Palace<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/12\/pexels-elly-fairytale-3811051-900x600.jpg\" alt=\"Christmas tree lit up at Emperor's Palace in Johannesburg during December 2025\" class=\"wp-image-105023\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/12\/pexels-elly-fairytale-3811051-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/12\/pexels-elly-fairytale-3811051-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/12\/pexels-elly-fairytale-3811051.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Adults:<\/strong> R75 <strong>Children:<\/strong> R45<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Open from:<\/strong> 4 &#8211; 31 December 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Time<\/strong>: 3 PM &#8211; 10 PM<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Watch the Jingle Belles in Sandton<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/12\/Jingle-belles.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105024\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Students:<\/strong> R180  <strong>Adults:<\/strong> R200<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Jingle Belles<\/strong> are lighting up Sandton at Theatre on the Square and it is an absolute must-see. Produced by <strong>Origen Productions<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Dates: <\/strong>3 &#8211; 14 December 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Location: <\/strong>Theatre on the Square, Sandton<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webtickets.co.za\/v2\/event.aspx?itemid=1578307335\">Get Tickets here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Festival of Lights at the Johannesburg Zoo<br><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"980\" height=\"551\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/12\/Festival-of-light-zoo-980x551.webp\" alt=\"Festival of light at the Joburg Zoo. One of the family friendly things to do this December\" class=\"wp-image-105025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/12\/Festival-of-light-zoo-980x551.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/12\/Festival-of-light-zoo-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/12\/Festival-of-light-zoo.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 980px) 100vw, 980px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: Timeout<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Adults: <\/strong>R175   <strong>Pensioners:<\/strong> R100.   <strong>Kids under 12:<\/strong> R75<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Joburg December classic. The Johannesburg Zoo transforms into a glowing night walk filled with illuminated animal displays, food stalls and live entertainment. It\u2019s outdoors, festive and perfect for families who want something different from the usual mall routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Open Thursdays to Sundays <\/strong>| 7pm \u2013 10pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-text-align-center\"><strong>Things to do in Joburg this December for couples<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Searching for <strong>romantic things to do during December 2025<\/strong>? 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Picnic at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/Walter-Sisulu-Botanical-Gardens.jpeg\" alt=\"A tall waterfall flows down a rocky cliff, surrounded by green trees in the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. There is a grassy area with a wooden fence in the foreground. Visiting this place is one of the cheap things to do in Johannesburg.\" class=\"wp-image-83805\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Adult: <\/em><\/strong><em>R100, <\/em><strong><em>Students:<\/em><\/strong><em> R50, <\/em><strong><em>Teenagers: <\/em><\/strong><em>R25, <\/em><strong><em>Children under 12:<\/em><\/strong><em> Free<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What to do:<\/strong> Picnics, walks and romantic dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> If you are over the age of 65, you get free entry on Tuesdays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5.  Go Paddle Boating at Zoo Lake<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/Paddle-boat-Zoo-Lake.jpg\" alt=\"A group of small boats docked on the Zoo Lake in Johannesburg, with various colors including yellow, red, and turquoise. The yellow boat in the foreground has the number '31' visible on it. The water reflects the boats and the surrounding trees, some of which have lost their leaves. A few people are walking along the shore in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-83806\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Free Entrance<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Paddle Boats:<\/em><\/strong><em> Adults &#8211; R100, Children R40<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t 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\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What to do:<\/strong> Picnic, swim and braai<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip: <\/strong>Bring your own speaker for sound entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Get R500 off your next domestic flight to Johannesburg with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/ts-plus\/ts-plus-benefits?https:%2F%2Fwww.travelstart.co.za%2Fts-plus%2Fts-plus-benefits=\">Travelstart+<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6.  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"718\" height=\"376\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/12\/Joseph-and-the-tech.jpg\" alt=\"Dylan Janse Van Rensburg (Joseph) on stage with Chris Jaftha (Pharaoh) at Joseph and the technicolour dreamcoat in Johannesburg.\" class=\"wp-image-105026\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cost:<\/strong> R200 &#8211; R475 (depending on seats chosen)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let&#8217;s throw some more theatre into the mix. <em>Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading alignfull has-text-align-center\"><strong>Fun Things to Do in Johannesburg during December<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Adrenaline junkies assemble.<\/strong> If you\u2019re 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7.  Acrobranch Treetop Adventures<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/12\/Acrobranch.webp\" alt=\"Acrobranch net climbing between trees\" class=\"wp-image-105027\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where:<\/strong> Melrose Arch or Centurion<br><strong>When:<\/strong> Open all December<br><strong>Price:<\/strong> From around R160 to R350 depending on course<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Think zip lines, rope bridges and just enough fear to feel alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why it works: Different courses for kids and adults, so it works for families, amatuers and thrill-seekers alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7.  Get Your Adrenaline Fix at Orlando Towers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/Orlando-Towers-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"Two large cooling towers, known as the Orlando or Soweto Towers, are decorated with vibrant murals depicting cultural and historical scenes. These towers are famous for bungee jumping. \" class=\"wp-image-83809\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Cost:<\/em><\/strong><em> Activities start at R80 per person.<\/em> Bungee Jumping: R630<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Feeling brave? Test your courage with a bungee jump or rock climbing session at the Orlando Towers. It\u2019s the ultimate thrill and a story you\u2019ll tell for years.&nbsp;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bonus:<\/strong> After your bungee jump, head to Vilakazi Street, home to two Nobel Prize laureates, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Assuming you\u2019re steady on your feet after jumping 100m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8.  Zorb around in a giant inflatable ball at Jozi X<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/zorbing-1.jpg\" alt=\"A large, transparent, inflatable ball known as a Zorb is positioned at the top of an inflatable ramp, ready to roll down a grassy hill at Jozi X. The ramp is colorful, with blue, red, and yellow sections, and is set up in an outdoor area with grass and trees in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-83810\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cost: R200 per person<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jozi X has South Africa\u2019s 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jozix.co.za\/jozi-x-activities\/\">find out more online<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s get you there faster, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/cars-city-johannesburg\">rent a car<\/a> to get around Johannesburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>There are a lot of cheap things to do in Johannesburg during Dezemba <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Johannesburg at December time has something for everyone, whether you\u2019re 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\u2019re not in Johannesburg, in that case, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/cheap-flights-to-johannesburg\">get flights to Johannesburg<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Looking for cheap things to do in Johannesburg this December? You\u2019re in luck. Joburg turns festive, loud, colourful and surprisingly affordable. Whether you\u2019re 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\u2019t rinse your bank account. Updated: 12 December 2025 Family Friendly Things to do in Johannesburg in &#8230; <a title=\"8 Cheap Things to do in Johannesburg this December 2025\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/cheap-things-to-do-in-johannesburg\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about 8 Cheap Things to do in Johannesburg this December 2025\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":105028,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_destination_ratings":[],"_destination_review_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[72,13],"tags":[127,128,129,130,131,132,133,134,135,136,137,138,45,139,140,141],"class_list":["post-95903","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-lifestyle","tag-botanical-gardens","tag-budget-friendly","tag-disney","tag-emperors-palace","tag-joburg-budget-friendly","tag-joburg-zoo","tag-johannesburg","tag-johannesburg-tourism","tag-jozi-x","tag-soweto-towers","tag-stonehaven","tag-things-to-do-in-johannesburg","tag-travel-tips","tag-vaal","tag-walter-sisulu-botanical-gardens","tag-zoo-lake","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>8 Cheap things to do in Johannesburg in December 2024<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover cheap things to do in Johannesburg during December. 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