What’s on: Johannesburg North upcoming events

The Nutcracker in Montecasino
Joburg Ballet gives Johannesburg a magnificent festive season present this summer by bringing The Nutcracker to the Teatro at Montecasino for 11 performances from December 1 to 10. The Nutcracker is set to transport audiences to a fairy tale world as Clara and her Nutcracker Prince journey through sweets, snowflakes and waltzing flowers to reach the enchanted realm of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Guest producer Angela Malan said, “The captivating music by Tchaikovsky and beautiful sets, costumes and lighting make The Nutcracker an unforgettable treat for children and adults alike. I want this production to showcase all the wonder and magic of The Nutcracker and to capture the timelessness of the great classical ballet tradition.”

• Where: The Teatro at Montecasino, Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways
• When: Friday: December 1, at 20:00 (special ticket offer: 50% off)
• Saturday: December 2, at 15:00 and 20:00
• Sunday: December 3, at 14:00 and 18:00
• Wednesday: December 6, at 11:00
• Friday: December 8, at 14:00
• Saturday: December 9, at 15:00 and 20:00
• Sunday: December 10, at 11:00 and 14:00
• Tickets: Standard prices R220 to R450; opening night 50%-off R110–R225
• Book now at www.webtickets.co.za and at selected branches of Pick n Pay.

The Festival of Lights lights up the city

Joburg Theatre is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated annual Joburg Festival of Lights set to dazzle at Joburg Zoo this holiday season scheduled to run from December 1 to January 7. Xoliswa Nduneni Ngema, CEO of Joburg City Theatres, said, “The Festival of Lights is one of JCT’s flagship events and has been curated to provide a plethora of unforgettable experiences. While the enchanting display of life-size illuminated animal characters and live entertainment takes centre stage, we have ensured that families of all ages can enjoy a diverse range of activities, such as kiddies rides, mascot entertainment, a Beer and Gin Garden, the Tree of Light picnic, and illuminated life-size animal characters, ensuring there’s something for everyone. I want to express my gratitude to our partners Joburg City Parks and Zoo and City Power, who have been with us since the very first launch of the festival.”

So get ready to immerse yourself in a world of wonder, magic, and entertainment like never before! This festival is not just an event; it’s an enchanting experience that you won’t want to miss for anything in the world with performances by Bongi Archie, Youth Russian Ballet Company – a mesmerizing Nutcracker; Comedy and DJ Nights – a night of laughter and groovy beats; The Soil, Art of Dance, Soweto Spiritual Singers, Tribhangi Dance Company, iComplete, Tamara Dey with the dynamic Mzansi Gay Choir, DaFunc and many more.

• When: From December 1 to January 7
• Where: Joburg Theatre
• Time: 19:00 to 22:00
• Tickets: R175 for adults, R100 for pensioners and R75 for children aged three to 12 years.
• Tickets can be conveniently purchased from www.joburgtheatre.com

Rock n Ride Spinathon

Kyalami Corner has teamed up with Virgin Active and Mr Price Sports, a local band, to present a one-of-a-kind spinning session of note with live music.

• When: December 2
• Where: Kyalami Corner, on the upper-level parking just outside the gym
• Time: 08:00 to 10:00
• Bookings can be made to Ongana Ntshangase Ongana.Ntshangase@virginactive.co.za

Kyalami Corner Christmas Market

Kyalami Corner is hosting a Christmas Market with a variety of crafts and curios to select from for the ideal gifts for loved ones. This promises to be a shopping extravaganza for gifting, a memorable experience of crafts, collectibles, and outdoor fun for the whole family.

• When: December 2
• Where: Kyalami Corner, at the lower-level parking
• Time: 10:00 to 16:00
• Bookings can be made at www.popping.co.za.

Night Market

The Ferndale on Republic will be hosting a night market filled with lots of fun, including local and handmade goods, gifting, deli products, gourmet food and drinks, live music, and ample and secure parking

• When: December 1
• Where: Ferndale on Republic
• Time: 16:00 to 22:00
  Free entry.

Jacksons Food and Wine Tasting Evening

Savour the best of South Africa’s wines at Jacksons Real Food Market’s Food and Wine Tasting Evening. Guests will be encouraged to immerse themseves in the rich flavours of our local, sustainably produced wines while indulging in a delightful array of gourmet dishes.

• When: December 8
• Where: Kyalami Corner
• Time: 17:00 to 20:00
• Tickets: From R95 available at Quicket.

PTA events local market and raffle
The local market is back at Blairgowrie Primary School with some of Jozi’s best vendors, small businesses and entrepreneurs. With fun activities for the children and food, join them as they raise funds for the PTA.

• When: December 9
• Where: BPS Top Field, Keith Avenue, Blairgowrie
• Time: 09:00 to 15:00
• Tickets: R10 per person

Melville Food and Farmers Market
Nothing new but always exciting. The Melville Food and Farmers Market will be hosting a Christmas Market to help you find the perfect gif. Filled with raffles and a hamper, the day will be filled with lots of fun for both the young and elderly.

• When: December 9
• Where: Melville Food and Farmers Market
• Time: 09:00 to 14:00
• Free entry.

Walk with Melville Koppies
On every Sunday, embark on a 5km scenic hiking trail at your own pace with maps provided or a self-guided heritage trail with information about the nature and history. This gives you a chance to learn about the enchanting history of the Melville Koppies. It is the last conserved remnant of Johannesburg’s ridges as they were before the discovery of gold in 1886. Its geology goes back three billion years. Stone tools show that Early Stone Age man camped here as long as 500 000 years ago. There is a Late Stone Age living floor. Within the last 1 000 years, Iron Age immigrants arrived, and remains of their kraal walls can be found on the northern slopes. In 1963 an iron-smelting furnace was excavated and can be seen today. Enjoy all this and more when you visit the koppies.

• When: Every Sunday
• Where: Melville Koppies Nature Reserve
• Time: 08:00 to 11:30.

Linden Cycles

Join the Linden Cycles afternoon Spruit Ride every Friday, This is an excellent opportunity for new riders and solo riders who don’t have people to ride with to join a group ride and explore Johannesburg’s beautiful natural scenery. Participants will meet at Linden Cycles at or before 14:00, where they will be briefed on the route, safety guidelines, and cycling etiquette. The ride will start promptly at 14:30 and will take approximately one and a half hours. The Spruit route is mostly flat, with a few moderate inclines and declines, making it suitable for riders of all skill levels.

• When: Every Friday
• Where: Linden Cycles
• Time: 14:30 to 16:00.

The Great MuttsRule Dog Walk
Join the annual great MuttsRule Dog Walk hosted to raise funds for the animal shelter. They will be helping pets with sterilisations in the coming year. They therefore need your help with your pet to go on this exhilarating walk. Bring your pups out to play with ours as we raise funds to help more.

• Where: The Botanical Gardens
• When: December 3
• Time: 08:30 for 09:00

Sibahle Market and Mingle
Cap off the year with joy, laughter, and local flair at our final Sibahle Market and Mingle of the year! Join us for a festive farewell as we celebrate community, creativity, and the spirit of the season. Don’t miss out on the last event of the year. Let’s make it unforgettable together.

When: December 3
Where: Emzini Restaurant, 12 Lewes Road, Westdene