Sandton Central is calling. The area is already bursting with exciting events and entertainment, so no one will be bored this Christmas.
From rooftop drinks, cool music vibes, and high teas to art exhibitions, whisky tastings, and comedy, Sandton Central is the best place not only to live and work, but to play, shop, and catch up with friends and family.
Picture: Jalome Chirwa from Unsplash
Everything you need to know about what’s happening in Sandton Central, including booking details, can be found at sandtoncentral.co.za. Some of the activities and events you will able to enjoy over the next few weeks and during the holidays include:
Fab food
- First Sundays at Alto234
Joburg’s next very own “First Sunday” is on the 4th of December. The Leonardo boasts its own private art collection that you can enjoy as you make your way to Africa’s Highest Urban Bar, Alto234, for an electric vibe of music, tapas, drinks, and incredible views. The cost is R400 per person and prior booking is needed.
Family fun
- The Festive City, Sandton City
From 1 – 27 December 2022, a collaboration of iconic brands – Lego, Cadbury, Chuckles, and Disney – will bring the festive season to life. Enjoy photos with Santa, gift wrapping, and entertainment throughout the centre. Extended trading hours are on 25 November until 8 pm and from 16 December until 9 pm.
- Live music on the Square: Festive edition
Nelson Mandela Square will come alive with vibrant entertainment every weekend this festive season. From now until Saturday, 24 December, it transforms into a live music stage with a host of South African and African talent to welcome the most wonderful time of the year. Every Saturday from 6 pm – 8 pm and Sunday from 2 pm – 4 pm enjoy a memorable music performance. You can even enjoy a delicious meal at any of the premier restaurants on the Square.
Experiences
- Yoga Sunday at The Leonardo Pool Deck
Beat the end-of-year fatigue with a Vinyasa Yoga Experience at The Leonardo. The remaining dates for 2022 are 27 November and 4 December. The yoga session takes place from 8:30 am until 9:30 am on The Leonardo pool deck, finishing with a soul-soothing Savasana Meditation, followed by a delicious breakfast in Leo’s Lounge from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. The cost is R250 per person and pre-booking is required. Dress casually and comfortably, and remember to bring your gym towel, yoga mat, and sunscreen.
- Jason Goliath at Theatre On The Square
Jason Goliath presents ‘Dala what you must, it is what it is’ from 15 to 27 November at the Theatre on the Square. Backed by his mantra of “Chase Your Happy”, he undresses life’s uncomfortable truths. Tickets are R200 at Webtickets.
- The Joy of Jazz Music and Lifestyle Expo at the Sandton Convention Centre
Running on only the 25 and 26 November 2022, this is the first-ever Joy of Jazz expo. Elevate your soul with this year’s Ultimate African Jazz Experience 23rd edition. Tickets are available online right now or at Computicket.
- Alto234 Art Tour
The tallest building in South Africa, boasting magnificent 360 views of Johannesburg also offers a journey through its private art collection. Discover a series of artwork experiences, showcasing the four elements (earth, fire, wind, and water) as the basis of human curiosity inspired by the famous artist and inventor, Leonardo Da Vinci. The Alto234 Art Tour takes you on a one-hour expedition culminating at Africa’s Highest Urban Bar, Alto234. The cost is R500 per person and includes a glass of Moet & Chandon on arrival, an Art Tour, and entrance to the rooftop bar. If you’d prefer to just book the Art Tour that is also possible for R200 per person. Reservations can be made here. This offer is valid until 31 December 2022.
- The ABBA-SOLUTELY Fabulous Christmas Show at Theatre on the Square
Running from 13 – 17 December, this festive ABBA Tribute Show will be performed by the renowned C’EST LA VIE – VCCV at the Theatre on the Square. This fun-filled tribute to ABBA featuring their famous hit songs is perfect for the whole family. Book through Theatre on the Square or on Computicket.
Year-end celebrations
- Year-end functions at The Maslow
You don’t have to ‘think outside the box’ to know that The Maslow Sandton’s lush gardens are the perfect city destination for hosting an end-of-year lunch or dinner. Bosses, delight your team with a sumptuous meal in the luxurious surrounds of the Lacuna Bistro. The “Hi and Braai” themed events offer a choice of three menus, priced from R320 to R495 per person.
- Celebrate your year-end event at DAVINCI Hotel and Suites
This event is available until 16 December, and you can dine with colleagues, party with friends, or reconnect with family this season. The hotel is offering a selection of three-plated menus, offering variety and deliciousness at your next event. Prices start from R275 per person and booking is required.
- Christmas Lunch at the Bull Run Restaurant
Enjoy Christmas day lunch at The Bull Run Restaurant with an a la carte dining experience. Booking is essential.
- Christmas Conservatory Carvery Menu
Christmas comes but once a year, so you can get together for some holiday cheer during a special Christmas Carvery Lunch in The Conservatory. They include all your favourite Christmas foods and some delicious desserts for R595 per person. Lunch starts at 12:30 pm. Pre-booking is required.
- Year-end Festive Fridays at Hilton Sandton
Celebrate your corporate year-end at Tradewinds Restaurant with a traditional Christmas buffet or a set menu, and ring in the season with live entertainment and festive crackers. Remember to book this package at R490 per person, because seating is limited.
- Celebrate life this festive season at Sandton Sun
Create unforgettable memories with your loved ones and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with a variety of Christmas dining options. Indulge in a festive feast for the senses on 24 and 25 December at Sandton Sun. Expert chefs have created the perfect Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus specially for you to enjoy.
- Christmas Lunch at Hilton Sandton
Celebrate this Christmas at Hilton Sandton, with a festive three-course Christmas buffet for only R595 per person, including welcome drinks and a bottle of delicious SA wine per table of four adults. Kids get their own festive à la carte menu with a soft drink included. All this is topped off with gorgeous Christmas décor and complimentary parking. Space is limited and booking is essential.
- Ring in the New Year at The Maslow
Bring your family and friends together to celebrate the start of 2023 and immerse yourself in the summer season festivities offered at The Maslow, Sandton. The celebration includes a delicious New Year’s Eve dinner and the sounds of a live band will create an evening of enjoyment and dancing as the countdown to 2023 approaches.
- Christmas Day lunch at Lettuce & Lime restaurant
Enjoy a festive four-course set menu Christmas Day lunch at Lettuce & Lime at Holiday Inn Sandton restaurant from 12:30 pm with a welcome drink on arrival and Christmas crackers, from R350 per adult and R175 per child between four and 11 years. Remember to book.
Sandton Central doesn’t only offer a holiday vibe; many people are choosing to live in Sandton for its great work, live, and play environment.
The #WFHSandton initiative reminds us that Sandton Central is known as the thinking, enterprising, and socialising centre of Africa. It is South Africa’s cosmopolitan centre of trade and ideas, central to finance, fashion, global ideas, and citizens.
‘Whether it’s for business, pleasure, or both, there has never been a better time to be in Sandton Central, especially when it comes to state-of-the-art technology, world-class facilities, safety, sustainability, security, affordability, inclusivity, convenience, conservation, connection and community within this integrated African city, where you have the world at your fingertips, and can do it all within 15 minutes,’ states #WFHSandton.
You can grab the best cup of coffee and take in the breathtaking views from the highest viewpoint in Africa and buy anything from luxury to last-minute items and everything in-between. Or you could grab a game of padel and take a walk in two green parks.
Visitors to Sandton Central will soon be able to easily access a number of events and experiences via the City of Joburg’s convenient and affordable Rea Vaya bus service.
‘It is a more affordable and environmentally friendly way of getting around. Plus, because the Rea Vaya enjoys priority lanes, it is also a faster way to travel,’ Jack says.
So, if you have never considered spending your festive holidays exploring the amazing Malls in Johannesburg, these events will surely change your mind.
Pictures: Supplied
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