The festive season is in full swing, and if you find yourself in Johannesburg for the holidays, why not bring the whole family to take part in the seasonal festivities at Melrose Arch? Come and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Destination Christmas, and experience a host of activities, activations, spoils, surprises and something for visitors of all ages.
Enjoy the magical Christmas lights at Melrose Arch
Make a date with loved ones to soak up the festive cheer in a safe and secure environment, and indulge in sweet and savoury treats on the High Street, while meandering through the twinkling pedestrian-friendly precinct. Our furry friends are also always welcome, as long as they are on a leash. Spot Santa and the whimsical roaming characters, and be captivated by the festive spirit in the air at a host of family-friendly restaurants.
Whimsical characters and Santa
This festive season, we have something extra special for the adults on The Piazza. The Jameson Festive Market is open from 4 – 10pm daily on Thursdays and Fridays, and 12 – 9pm daily on Saturdays and Sundays until 27 December 2025. Entry is complimentary, and guests can enjoy exclusive whiskey tastings, personalise the perfect festive gift, experience mixologist showdowns, enjoy cocktail-of-the-week specials, live entertainment and take part in interactive games, all adding some seasonal magic to the festive shopping experience. Make magical moments at Melrose Arch with family and friends, and shop seasonal gifts for the whiskey lovers in your life.
The Jameson Festive Market at The Piazza
If you’re home for the holidays and looking for activities and entertainment for your little ones, look no further than Destination Christmas Fun Zone, a new and exciting concept for the whole family, running until 31 December 2025, from 6:30 – 10pm daily. Enjoy a Retro Rolla pop-up roller-skating rink for all ages, including beginners, as well as pro skaters pulling out all the impressive moves. Kids can also enjoy Glo Riders, a fun glow-in-the-dark cycling experience for all ages.
There is so much to see, do and experience for our younger visitors, including face painting, and a selection of stalls on the Upper High Street such as the novel candyfloss on glo sticks from Candy Delight or mini donuts and chip twister from Forks & Fingers. Share a selection of seasonal strawberries dipped in chocolate, while browsing last-minute gifts for little ones with a selection of toys, games and gadgets from Toys and More, perfect for stocking fillers or to wrap and place under the tree. End the evening off with a soft serve from the ice cream truck, with a variety of delicious toppings, which also caters to our Halaal guests.
Upper High Street: Sweets, Treats & Toys
Creating a sense of seasonal warmth and excitement, encourage the little ones to write their last-minute letters to Santa, distributed by Santa himself and the host of whimsical Destination Christmas characters stationed at the Santa installation on High Street and on the Piazza. Children can delight in posting their letters in Santa’s Post Box, located at the entrance to Destination Christmas Fun Zone, in the basement below Moove Motion Fitness Gym, and stand a chance to win 1 of 5 incredible Destination Christmas gifts, designed for kids. This activity is for children aged 12 years old and below. Or, your little ones can keep the letters to hang on the tree next year, to make sure that Santa can complete his list.
Santa’s Post Box at the entrance to The Fun Zone
For those looking to treat themselves and their families to a sumptuous Christmas lunch, there are a host of restaurants offering delicious festive menus designed for the whole family. Get the details to make your booking at: https://bit.ly/4jfYd7d, and enjoy all the trimmings and treats without any of the festive fuss.
A reminder that the magical Christmas lights will continue to twinkle until 4 January 2026, and are shining brighter than ever this year with the addition of bigger, brighter and bolder installations, casting their festive magic and delighting visitors of all ages, come rain or shine. This is the perfect experience to share with family and friends on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.
As the year draws to a close, on behalf of Natalie Stewart, Managing Director at Melrose Arch, and the entire Melrose Arch team, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our tenants, partners, visitors and the Melrose Arch community for being part of another remarkable year together. Melrose Arch continues to thrive because of the palpable energy of the people who bring this precinct to life every day.
Natalie Stewart
Managing Director at Melrose Arch
Together, we have shared meaningful moments, celebrated milestones, and with people at the core of everything we do, we appreciate the community we have created in the precinct, powered by the people we serve, passion and purpose. As we look ahead to the new year, we remain committed to creating unforgettable experiences, supporting our partners and tenants, and enhancing everything that makes Melrose Arch Joburg’s favourite lifestyle destination.
Season’s Greetings to you and yours from all of us at Melrose Arch, and thank you for your patronage and support in 2025. We wish you a joyful festive season, and look forward to making many more memories together in 2026.
Happy Holidays.