Affordable (and free) things to do in Johannesburg during December 2024

17 hours ago 2

Who says the City of Gold needs to cost gold? Johannesburg is pulsing with free activities, hidden art galleries and secret sunset spots that won’t cost you more than your morning coffee. Looking for things to do in the city? We’re spilling Joburg’s best kept secrets and hidden gems to look out for this December. After all, they say you don’t know what Christmas is until you’ve experienced a Jozi Christmas.

Let’s dive into the cheap things to do in Johannesburg

1. Visit the Christmas Village in Emperors Palace

(Christmas Village)
An indoor setup with artificial white trees covered in lights, a glowing reindeer figure, and a Santa Claus decoration. The ground looks like fake snow, and there’s a house backdrop with windows outlined in warm yellow light. A white picket fence surrounds part of the scene. This is one of the cheap things to do in Johannesburg during the festive season.

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!

Open from: 22 November 2024 – 31 December 2024

Time: 3 PM – 10 PM

2. Relive Disney Memories: The Magic Box Musical

The Magic Box)
A stage production featuring performers dressed as Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. The characters are standing with actors in regular clothes on a brightly lit stage with a plain purple and white backdrop. This live show is one of the cheap things to do in Johannesburg for families.

Cost: R250 – R550

A feast for the imagination blending puppets, dazzling costumes and jaw-dropping projections. Relive your Disney memories, brought to life by 26 performers (and yes, Mickey and friends are there too!). Expect hits like ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ (ENCANTO), ‘How Far I’ll Go’ (MOANA), ‘Circle of Life’ (THE LION KING) and ‘Let It Go’ from FROZEN, It’s pure magic for all ages, whether you’re six or just pretending to be.

Dates: 22 November 2024 – 05 January 2025

Location: Teatro, Montecasino

3. Shop at the Merry Markets at Stonehaven

(Stonehaven on Vaal)
A view of a river with boats docked at wooden jetties. The lawn next to the river has tents set up, with some large trees providing shade. A building is visible behind the lawn, and the whole area looks set up for outdoor gatherings.

Costs vary depending on activities you engage in

Stonehaven is a riverside retreat on the Vaal River, offering a mix of cruises, on-land experiences, Christmas markets, carols by candlelight, craft beer experiences, waterslides and all round fun activities.

Dates: 01, 08, 15 and 22 December 2024

Time: From 4 PM

Want to hang with the cool crowd? Check out 15 of Jozi’s coolest hangouts.

4. Visit Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens

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.

Adult: R100, Students: R50, Teenagers: R25, Children under 12: Free

Home to rare plants and over 220 bird species, these gardens have everything from tiny hummingbirds to the Verreaux’s Eagles which boast a wingspan of 2.8 m. This is about two average humans standing side by side with arms outstretched. The real star of the show, however, is the Witpoortjie Waterfall, which is almost reminiscent of the Bride’s Veil Waterfall in Peru.

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

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.

Free Entrance

Paddle Boats: Adults – R100, Children R40

Don’t let the name fool you, this is not the actual zoo. Other than ducks and birds, you won’t find many animals here. However, what it lacks in wildlife it makes up for in views and braai areas. The lake is very large and offers boat rides and a swimming pool if you are looking to cool off from Joburg’s heat.

What to do: Picnic, swim and braai

Tip: Bring your own speaker for sound entertainment.

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6. Go to the actual Joburg Zoo

Two lions rest on a wooden platform in the Johannesburg Zoo, surrounded by green trees. One lion lies on the upper level of the platform while the other is on the lower level.

Adults: R176, Children: R74

The wild is closer than you think. Just because you’re in the city doesn’t mean you can’t catch sight of the Big 5. This is a fan favourite for family outings and dates.
Tip: Yes, they are cute and all but unless instructed otherwise, don’t feed the animals.

7. Get Your Adrenaline Fix at Orlando Towers

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Johannesburg has lots of things to do 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.

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