Christmas is fast approaching and schools will soon be out, which means families will be on the lookout for things to do. Every year a variety of activities – both traditional and unique – pops up in celebration of this happy time of year. The following are a just a few of the family-friendly events taking place in Joeys this year.
Carols by Candlelight and Christmas Market:
The SA Guide Dogs Association will be hosting a family-friendly day of Christmas fun at the Gladys Evans Training Centre, situated at 126 Wroxham Road, Bryanston, on 22 November. A Christmas market will be held between 2pm and 6pm, and Christmas carols will be sung between 6pm and 9pm. Those interested in attending are encouraged to bring chairs and picnic baskets. Entry will cost R30 for adults and R15 for pensioners and children under the age of 12.
Janice Honeyman’s Peter Pan:
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the pantomime! This year’s show tells the story of Peter Pan – and has been hailed as Janice Honeyman’s best production to date. In this year’s panto, cars drive onto the stage, stages separate and Father Christmas is delivered in a red helicopter. Don’t miss out on this great Christmas tradition. The panto opens at the Joburg Theatre’s Nelson Mandela stage on 19 November and concludes on 28 December. Ticket prices start at R85.
Beauty and the Beast:
Another not-to-be-missed theatrical production is Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. This production is also being held at the Joburg Theatre, from 15 November until 24 December and is being brought to life by a spectacular set and great cast of actors. Make sure you don’t miss this happily-ever-after tale. Tickets cost R110
Silverstar Casino and Tutankhamun:
Silverstar has been redeveloped to resemble an open air village square surrounded by family-friendly leisure and entertainment facilities. The complex now boasts six high-tech cinemas, an expanded and enhanced casino, a 12-lane bowling alley, six new restaurants, a large outdoor screen and beer garden, laser games, an impressive outdoor domed events arena, an upmarket indoor multipurpose events venue and additional parking. The majority of the existing facilities such as Soulstice Spa, Silverstar Hotel and “Steak” restaurant have been integrated into the development, which is well worth a visit over the festive period.
In line with its new family-friendly and entertainment approach, Silverstar will bring the world famous “Tutankhamun – His Tomb and His Treasures” travelling exhibition to Joburg from 2 December. The exhibition is a first for SA and the continent, and is guaranteed to captivate audiences of all ages over the festive period and well into 2015. Ticket prices start at R100.
Monte Casino Christmas Village:
Monte Casino is also getting into the festive spirit this December. From 3 to 24 December Monte’s Piazza will play host to a Christmas village, and a European-inspired Christmas market will be open from 3 to 7 December. All manner of beautiful Christmas-themed gifts, décor and food, as well as real Christmas trees will be on sale. Christmas-themed movie nights will also be held on market days and the Mzanzi Youth Choir will sing Christmas carols on 6 December. Entry is free.