Celebrate the season in Sandton Central
01 December 2022

Forget about escaping to the beach or mountains this festive season; Sandton Central is the place to be.

The area is already bursting with exciting events and entertainment, and the holidays have not even begun.

From rooftop drinks, cool music vibes, and high teas to art exhibitions, whisky tastings, and comedy, Sandton Central is the best place to not only live and work, but to play, shop, and catch up with friends and family.

The precinct is a hive of activity and entertainment, and, as the country’s financial hub, Elaine Jack, City Improvement District Manager of the Sandton Central Management District, says the area attracts many people for business, tourism, shopping and pleasure.

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. Cost is R400 per person and prior booking is needed.

Living the Sandton Central experience is not only about high teas and food – there is a variety of activities and experiences that appeal to everyone. Some others include:

Family fun
· The Festive City, Sandton City
From 1 to 27 December, 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 being on 25 November until 8pm and from 16 December move until 9pm.

· 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 6pm. to 8pm and Sunday from 2pm to 4pm, enjoy a memorable music performance perfectly tuned for the whole family. You can even enjoy a delicious meal at any of the premier restaurants on the Square while taking in the live music.

Experiences

· Yoga Sunday at The Leonardo Pool Deck
Recharge those batteries and beat the end-of-the-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 8:30am until 9:30am on The Leonardo Pool Deck, finishing with a soul-soothing Savasana Meditation, followed by a delicious breakfast in Leo's Lounge from 9:30am to 10:30am. The cost is R250 per person and pre-booking is required. Dress casual and comfortable, 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.

· The Joy of Jazz Music and Lifestyle Expo at the Sandton Convention Centre
Running on only the 25 and 26 November, 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 through the building, culminating at Africa’s Highest Urban Bar, Alto234. The cost is R500pp and includes a glass of Moet & Chandon on arrival, Art Tour and entrance to the rooftop bar. If you’d prefer to just book the Art Tour that is also possible for R200pp. Reservations are essential. This offer is valid until 31 Dec 2022.

· The ABBA-SOLUTELY Fabulous Christmas Show at Theatre on the Square
Running from 13 to 17 December, you can end the year in song with this festive ABBA Tribute Show 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.

Let’s not forget, however, that the next few weeks are all about the office Christmas party, and if you are still looking for a venue and menu to suit your team, take note of the following offerings.

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, excite and 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 tempting 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 are including all your favourite Christmas foods and some delicious desserts for R595 per person. Lunch starts at 12:30pm. 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 for this package at R490 per person, because seating is limited.

· Celebrate life this festive season at Sandton Sun
This festive season create unforgettable memories with your loved ones and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with a variety of Christmas dining options. At this time for sharing, 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 win 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 set the mood for 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 12.30pm with welcome drink on arrival and Christmas crackers, from R350 per adult and R175 per child between four and 11 years. Remember to book.

Live, work, and play in Sandton Central

But it is not only the holiday vibe that people visiting Sandton Central want; many are choosing to set up home in the area due to its great work, live, and play environment. The offerings are so inviting that people will not want to work from home – although they certainly can.

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, and central to finance, fashion, global ideas and global citizens. It is central to Gauteng, South Africa and the southern hemisphere; and the most important business and financial node in sub-Saharan Africa.

“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 breath-taking views from the highest viewpoint in Africa, buy anything from luxury to last-minute items and everything in-between, dine at internationally-acclaimed restaurants and indulge in high tea at a selection of gorgeous setting. Or you could grab a game of padel, take a walk in two green parks, book the best boardroom, secure your seat in a shared work space, experience the very best in live entertainment and get to the airport – and all of this by car, bike, bus, train, or within a 15-minute walk.

Visitors to Sandton Central will soon be able to easily access a number of events and experiences via the City of Joburg’s fast, convenient, and affordable Rea Vaya bus service. This bus service will also support the growing greater public transport culture in Sandton.

“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 in Sandton, these events will surely change your mind. Yes, some people may still head to the coast these holidays, but Sandton Central is the real place to be this year.

Image: Credits to The Maslow, Sandton