Christmas Baking
One of the best things about Christmas is all the delightful treats! From mince pies and sugar cookies to gingerbread and trifle, Christmas baking makes our hearts, and tummies, happy. The fun and delicacies makes all the mess worth it. So grab the kiddos, put on those aprons and get baking! And, don't forget the best part - licking out the mixing bowl!
To see our favourite festive baking recipes, click here.
Christmas Treats
If baking isn't your thing, we don't blame you. It's hard work baking up a storm in the sweltering Joburg summer. But that doesn't mean you'll miss out on the delightful Christmas treats and snacks! Instead, have festive-themed confections like popcorn snowmen and strawberry Santas. Or, why not let the kids decorate ready-made cupcakes, brownies or cookies in the festive spirit?
To see our tastiest Christmas treats, click here.
Christmas Decorations
Store-bought Christmas decorations aren't only expensive, they're also low quality. For more affordable and special decorations, why not DIY them? The kids will have a blast crafting their own creations. Snowflakes, mini Christmas trees, ornaments, garlands and wreaths can all be made with items already around your home. And the kids will sure be thrilled when they see their crafts proudly displayed on the tree.
To see our great Christmas craft guide, click here.
Christmas Movies
What better way to get into the festive spirit than with a few classic family Christmas movies? Not only are these enjoyable for the whole family, but it will get mom, dad, the kids and the grandparents spending quality time together. With the likes of Home Alone, How The Grinch Stole Christmas and The Nutcracker, your family will be in the spirit of the season humming Christmas carols in no time.
To see our most beloved Christmas movies, click here.
Christmas Villages
There is nothing that's sure to delight the little ones quite as much as a Christmas village, complete with merry music, sparkly lights, sweet indulgences and a visit from Santa Claus himself! Luckily, Joburg is packed with villages offering all this and more. Delight your whole family with these magnificent light displays, giant Christmas trees, a visit to Santa's Workshop or even a magical carnival, Christmas style.
To see our list of Christmas villages to take the kids to this December, click here.
Christmas Events
It's Christmas. And no one wants to be cooped up in the house all December long. So, pack up the family and head to one of these joyous events. The kids can give Santa their Christmas wish lists or spend an evening marveling at enchanting light displays. While they're occupied, you can finish all your shopping for the holiday season without stepping foot inside an overcrowded mall!
To see our top Christmas events for kids, click here.
Christmas Stocking Fillers
Speaking of Christmas shopping, what are you getting the kids for Christmas? No idea? Don't worry, we've got you covered. We took a sneak peek inside Santa's Workshop and found the best stocking fillers for the little ones. What kid wouldn't love a bubble gun, gooey slime, water balloons or chalk bombs? Gift the children with these, and they'll be set for a summer of fun.
To see what Santa has hidden in his bag of toys, click here.
We at Joburg.co.za wish you and your family a safe and merry Christmas.
What Is It?
Join 27 Boxes in Melville for an awesome month of Christmas celebrations. Kicking off with Carols at the Boxes, this chic urban market will host two Christmas movie nights and shopping events over December. So, bring the kids for a fun night out. Not only is there great artisan food here, but there is tons of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Plus, you can get all your Christmas shopping done! Pick up some truly unique handcrafted gifts here, or have your gift custom made by 27 Boxes' talented makers and traders. Christmas at 27 Boxes is not to be missed, so mark your diaries now!
When Is It?
Saturday, 7 December 2019 - Carols at the Boxes
Thursday, 12 December 2019 - Christmas Night Market
Saturday, 14 December 2019 - Christmas Movie Night
Thursday, 19 December 2019 - Christmas Night Market
Saturday, 21 December 2019 - Christmas Movie Night
Where Is It?
27 Boxes, 75 4th Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg.
How Much Is It?
Entry is free.
For More Information
Follow 27 Boxes on Facebook for more information or email [email protected] for further details.
Home Alone
This 1990 comedy follows the story of the McCallister family. On the night before a trip to Paris, the McCallister boys get into a fight and ruin the family dinner. Kevin McCallister is sent to the attic as punishment. He spends the night wishing that his family would disappear. The following morning, the McCallisters head to the airport, accidentally leaving Kevin behind. Kevin is overjoyed with his freedom. But, the young boy soon starts missing his family when he has to take care of himself. Hearing two criminals planning a burglary at his house, Kevin sets booby traps throughout the house to dispel the petty thieves. The ensuing drama will leave the family in stitches.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas is a stop-motion animated fantasy film from 1993. Often considered a Halloween movie, this animation makes a great Christmas time treat, too. It follows the story of Jack Skellington, the "Pumpkin King" of Halloween Town. The resident ghosts, ghouls, zombies, mummies, vampires and monsters of the town all look to Jack for leadership. Despite this, Jack's only friend is his dog, Zero. Tiring of the town's antics, Jack and Zero go in search of something more. This journey leads Jack to discover several other towns, including Christmas Town. Enthralled by all the magic of Christmas Town, Jack devises a plan to take over Christmas but his attempts go horridly awry. In the end, Jack must learn to accept who he is, a task aided by his new found love, Sally.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
This film is based on the 1957 book of the same name, written by popular children's author, Dr Seuss. Taking place in Whoville, the story follows The Grinch - the only resident of the fictional town that hates Christmas. The Grinch is a genius inventor who uses his inventions to play vindictive pranks on the other residents of Whoville. One day, a little girl, Cindy Lou Who, discovers Grinch's tragic past. Cindy tries to envoke the spirit of Christmas in The Grinch but her plan in thwarted by a resentful Maywho, Grinch's childhood bully. Grinch lashes out at Whoville, trying his best to ruin Christmas. When he realises that the spirit of Christmas can't be destroyed, after stealing the town's gifts, decorations and food, he finds a little Christmas cheer of his own.
The Nutcracker
Released in 2018, this fantasy film stars the likes of Mackenzie Foy, Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren and Morgan Freeman. Based on the short story by E.T.A Hoffmann, the film follows the Stahlbaum family. On Christmas Eve, Clara Stahlbaum receives an egg shaped box from her late mother. Unable to open it, she asks her godfather and skilled inventor, Drosselmeyer, for help. He gives her the key, which is stolen by a mouse. Trying to retrieve it, Clara enters a magical world. She soon discovers that her mother had created this world and that it is up to Clara to save it from evil forces seeking power of the realm. After her adventures, Clara learns the true meaning of family and believing in yourself. This is a wonderful Christmas treat for the whole family.
Rise Of The Guardians
The Rise Of The Guardians not only makes a great Christmas time treat, but is a wonderful movie to enjoy year round. The story follows Jack Frost, a winter spirit who uses his staff to create winter fun for people around the world. Jack is inducted as a Guardian, a group of powerful spirits who protect little children and bring them joy. Jack, along with the rest of the Guardians, Nicholas St. North (Santa Claus), E. Aster Bunnymund (The Easter Bunny), Sandy (The Sandman) and Tooth (The Tooth Fairy) attempt to stop Pitch Black (The Boogeyman) from threatening the children of the world with his nightmares. But first, Jack needs to learn to believe in himself.
Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer
Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer is the ultimate movie for the whole family. From Grandma and Grandpa to the little children, everyone will love this adorable film. Days before Santa is due to make his round-the-world trip on Christmas Eve, one of the reindeers, Blitzen, announces his retirement. When Santa and his elves hold try-outs for Blitzen's replacement, Elliot has his chance to make his lifelong dream come true. There's only one problem - Elliot is a miniature horse and not a reindeer. Watch as the littlest reindeer tries his best to overcome the obstacles standing in his way of fulfilling his dreams.
What's your favourite family Christmas movie? Let us know about it in the comments section below!