LIGHT UP THE FESTIVE SPIRIT IN STYLE
Melrose Arch’s magical Christmas lights have been illuminated and will continue to twinkle until 4 January 2026. It’s set to shine brighter than ever this year with the addition of bigger, brighter and bolder installations, and come rain or shine, the twinkling displays create the perfect backdrop for festive strolls, dining under the stars and live music moments to take in the wonder of the season. Pick up a colourful complimentary umbrella to explore the breathtaking European-style Christmas lights, and return it before you head home for the evening.
Letters to Santa
Encourage the little ones to write their 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 Destination Christmas gifts.
JOIN THE JAMESON FESTIVE MARKET
The Jameson Festive Market will open its doors on the Piazza on Saturday, 6 December 2025, and will be open from 16:00 – 22:00 daily on Thursdays and Fridays, and 12:00 – 21:00 daily on Saturdays and Sundays until 27 December 2025.
Entry is complimentary, and guests can enjoy exclusive whisky 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.
SHOPPING AT MELROSE ARCH
Speaking of seasonal magic, unwrap your perfect gift and spoil yourself or someone you love with something special this season. There is even more reason to shop at Melrose Arch, with an exciting Spend, Spin and Win retail competition. Shoppers who spend R1 000 and more at any participating retailers stand a chance to win a selection of incredible prizes at the Spin & Win Wheel, from 28 November to 23 December 2025, between 12:00 and 16:00 in the Woolworths Court on the Middle Level of the Retail Galleria.
Prizes include vouchers, products and hampers from a host of retailers and restaurants, including cash vouchers from OMODA and JAECOO, designer jerseys from Charles Tyrwhitt, David Tlale’s new Emoji boxy t-shirts, shopping vouchers from Forever New, Nicci Boutique and Virgule, as well as curated hampers from The Flower Market, health and beauty vouchers from Camelot Spa, Waxit, Sorbet and Sorbet Man, and meal vouchers from Tashas, The Grillhouse, Mezepoli and more. Visit melrosearch.co.za for more details.
If you prefer to do your Christmas shopping outdoors, meander through The Melrose Arch Market - a festive outdoor market set on The Square from 10 to 15 December 2025, between 15:00 and 21:00. Discover the perfect gift with a curated selection of gifts for him and her this festive season, and explore unique Christmas spoils, seasonal treats, décor and customised Christmas goodies in a magical atmosphere, brought to life by twinkling lights and Christmas decorations.
MELROSE ARCH: FUN FOR EVERYONE
This season, Melrose Arch also introduces the Destination Christmas Fun Zone- a new and exciting concept for the whole family - running from 5 to 31 December 2025 from 06:30 – 22:00 daily. Featuring a Retro Rolla pop-up roller-skating rink for all ages, including beginners, alongside Glo Riders, a fun glow-in-the-dark cycling experience for all ages, these activities offer a thrilling evening for kids of all ages.
Accessible from upper High Street and located in the basement below Moove Motion Fitness Gym, this unique activation will also feature whimsical-themed characters that will roam the precinct every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from the first week of December. Spot Mia the Pixie, the Magical Ballerina, the Toy Soldier, the Gingerbread Man, Nuala the Fairy and Santa Claus.
In addition, there will also be face painting for kids and a selection of stalls on the High Street selling snacks and sweet Christmas treats, as well as festive finds, toys and décor. Enjoy candyfloss on glow sticks, mini glazed doughnuts, smashed and rolled ice cream, gourmet popcorn, toys, matcha, chocolate-covered strawberries and soft serve.
SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER AT DESTINATION CHRISTMAS, MELROSE ARCH
The precinct is the perfect place to spread holiday cheer. Bring the whole family to come and celebrate Destination Christmas at Melrose Arch, with a host of holiday activities, activations, spoils, surprises and something for visitors of all ages.