Sandton has never shied away from elegance — but this December, it steps into a new realm of festive sophistication. Nelson Mandela Square has officially unveiled Celebrations on the Square, a boutique Christmas experience designed to elevate the season with curated luxury, sensory indulgence, and impeccable style. It’s more than an event — it’s a holiday escape, crafted for South Africans who appreciate beauty, refinement, and the magic of meaningful moments.
Running 12 to 22 December, from 4pm to 9pm daily, the experience transforms the iconic Square into a sanctuary of festive glamour. With only 200 guests allowed per day, this is a limited-edition celebration — intimate, immersive, and intentionally special.
And the welcome? Pure indulgence.
Your R75 entry includes a chilled glass of Laurent-Perrier champagne and a beautifully assembled charcuterie board, inviting you to step out of the rush and into a world designed for leisurely browsing and seasonal wonder.
A Seasonal Escape in the Heart of Sandton
Guests enter through a sculptural archway guarded by luxurious lifestyle nutcrackers — a statement entrance hinting at the spectacle inside. Beyond it stands a custom glass marquee, its ceiling adorned with an artfully curated installation that dances with light.
Inside, the space blends elegance with comfort. Plush lounge pockets, cocktail tables and warm festive décor create a gentle flow that encourages visitors to sit, sip, savour and slow down. Overhead, the Square’s signature sparkling lights reflect against glass and champagne bubbles.
And then the soundtrack:
From 6pm to 8pm daily, a violinist fills the marquee with soft, melodic notes — turning the evening into a scene from a modern festive fairytale.
Boutique Gifting Worth Savouring
The heart of Celebrations on the Square is its marketplace — a thoughtfully selected ensemble of local artisans, luxury producers, culinary favourites and creators who transform gifting into an artform.
Featured vendors include:
🌿 Babylonstoren – bringing their famed farm experience to Sandton with curated hampers, lifestyle goods and artisanal produce from their iconic Franschhoek farm.
🌸 Veldmeisie – offering exquisite floral arrangements and handcrafted Christmas wreaths.
🍬 Oooh La La – presenting handcrafted confectionery perfect for gifting (or keeping).
🏺 Casa LV – showcasing bespoke glass décor and timeless design pieces.
🇮🇹 Le Perline – adding European finesse with imported Italian treasures.
🏺 Storm Ceramics – offering hand-crafted ceramics with an artistic, contemporary touch.
🕯️ Chapters Home Fragrance – featuring hand-poured candles crafted to elevate any space.
🥗 Lemoni Food Studio – retailing their festive favourites plus a traditional Panettone merchant.
🍵 Matcha Pod – ensuring a gentle flow of premium matcha and tea blends.
🍨 Gelato Mania – delighting guests with their signature artisanal gelato.
☕ Kaldista Coffee Company – serving top-tier coffee to complete the indulgence.
Bookworms and food lovers aren’t left out:
A curated collection of local cookbooks from Naqiyah Mayat and Angie Durrant adds thoughtful, practical gifting options for the season’s tastemakers.
In the Laurent-Perrier Champagne Lounge, visitors can enjoy tastings, purchase bottles from the collection, and receive personalised luggage tags as gifts with selected purchases — the perfect keepsake for a luxurious holiday.
To complete the experience, the marquee features exclusive Christmas décor and ornaments from the Grandiflora Christmas shop, along with premium packaging by Wrap It, perfect for those who want gifts that dazzle before they’re even opened.
A Space Designed with Heart & Holiday Magic
“Celebrations on the Square has been crafted to feel intimate, polished and adorned with seasonal flair,” says Charis Claasen, Asset Manager of Nelson Mandela Square.
“We wanted to create a festive experience that invites people to slow down, sip something special and enjoy the beauty of the Square during this time of year.”
The experience adds to the destination’s already vibrant lifestyle offering — with recent arrivals Gelato Mania and the Standard Bank Art Lab gallery bringing even more cultural and culinary depth to the Square’s lineup.
A Festive Must-Experience for Johannesburg
More than a market, Celebrations on the Square is a sanctuary — a place to breathe, browse and rediscover joy during the busiest time of the year. It’s refined, heart-warming and visually stunning — a modern celebration wrapped in timeless holiday charm.
Whether you’re shopping for gifts, collecting special memories, or simply seeking a moment of elegance this season, Nelson Mandela Square’s festive marquee is the place where the magic lives.
For more information on stores, opening hours, events and promotions, visit Nelson Mandela Square or follow @NelsonMandelaSquare on social media.
