By Selloane Ntshonyane
- The festival runs from 22 to 24 August with snowflakes, music, rides and lights from 2pm until 10pm each day.
- Early bird tickets start from R120 for kids and R180 for adults, but door sales will cost R300 per person.
Johannesburg is getting a festive makeover next month when the Christmas in July and Market event hits town.
The three-day festival will take place from 22 to 24 August 2025 at Mzansi Happy Island Theme Park. It will run daily from 2pm to 10pm, with the lights switched on at 7pm each evening.
Families can expect a mix of artificial snowflakes, glowing gardens, colourful lanterns, interactive sculptures, amusement rides and Christmas music. There will also be plenty of shopping, food and family-friendly fun.
The event is inspired by a tradition that began at a girls’ camp in the United States. It has since become popular in Europe and Australia, where the mid-summer winter reminds people of December Christmases.
Guests will be guided through ten themed light zones, including the rainbow sycamore, magical flower power, Christmas wildlife, and the galaxy tunnel. Kids can bounce on the jumping castle, while Santa will be on hand for photos.
Extra activities like pedal boats, a pirate ship ride, and photos with Santa cost R50 each.
Early bird tickets were available until 16 July: R120 for kids, R180 for adults, and R560 for a family of four. Prices go up to R150 for kids and R220 for adults afterwards. Tickets at the gate will cost R300 per person.
Children under two enter free, while anyone aged 13 and older pays adult prices. Group packages are also available.
Local vendors can apply to sell food, toys, clothes, gifts, face painting and balloon art at the event.
Pictured above: glowing lantern display at the Christmas in July event.
Image source: Facebook
