Festive splendor awaits at Nelson Mandela Square: Shop, dine, and celebrate in style

This festive season, Nelson Mandela Square invites you to revel in a world of art, culture, exceptional shopping, and culinary delights. A landmark for elegance and excitement, the Square promises an unforgettable holiday experience. From captivating sculptures to gourmet dining and festive cheer, and opportunities to win, there’s something to enchant every visitor.

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Unwrap the Joy: Unlock Your Festive
 The spirit of giving will come alive with the Square’s Unlock Your Festive campaign, running from 25 November to 8 December. Shoppers who spend R1 500 or more in the centre are invited to visit the concierge station on the lower level, opposite Artyli. Here, participants can try their luck at unlocking instant prizes, with an additional chance to win the grand prize of R20,000.

Extended trading hours will make it easier than ever to enjoy the upmarket retail offerings, with stores open from 9 am to 9 pm between 13 and 23 December, ensuring ample time for gift shopping. 

To add a touch of goodwill, Nelson Mandela Square’s gift wrapping station will operate from 2 to 24 December. Located next to Sorbet on the lower level, this station turns gift-giving into a philanthropic act, with all proceeds benefiting the SPCA.

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A World of Retail Wonders
 Nelson Mandela Square is home to over 70 curated retailers, offering a handpicked selection of upmarket fashion, accessories, art, and more. This holiday, shoppers can explore new additions like Karl Lagerfeld, blending global sophistication with local charm. To make holiday shopping seamless, the Square’s digital gift guide provides inspiration for everyone on your list.

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Celebrate Culinary Excellence
 Dining at Nelson Mandela Square is an experience to savour. This festive season, the Square’s renowned restaurants promise to delight with a menu of flavours as diverse as South Africa itself.
 
From Sushi at The Big Mouth to South African steaks at The Butcher Shop and Grill, the options are endless. La Parada serves tapas with flair, while Calisto’s offers Portuguese-inspired dishes that tantalize the palate. For a more relaxed vibe, RocoMamas and Strada bring casual dining to the forefront, while new additions Al Hamra and Habibi offer a taste of the Middle East.  
 
Art in Every Corner
 Art lovers will be captivated by Nelson Mandela Square’s transformative public art installations. Outdoors, the new Colossal Youth, Speed Head, and Astronomer’s Head sculptures by celebrated artist Anton Smit have been added to the acclaimed Urban Echoes exhibit. This collection features eight striking heads adorned with vibrant graffiti, a collaboration between Smit and graffiti artist Mars, that symbolizes Johannesburg’s urban heartbeat.
 
Inside the retail area, visitors can marvel at Smit’s In Moment Series and Whirlwind, adding elegance and dynamism to the Square’s aesthetic. These exhibits seamlessly blend art and community, making Nelson Mandela Square an open-air gallery unlike any other.
 
A Destination Beyond Compare
 Nestled in the heart of Sandton, Nelson Mandela Square is more than a shopping and dining hub—it’s a destination where culture, luxury, and community converge. This festive season, the Square’s unique blend of world-class experiences ensures that every visit feels like a celebration.
 
Whether you’re exploring boutique retailers, indulging in delectable cuisine, or immersing yourself in the art and festivities, Nelson Mandela Square offers the perfect setting to create lasting memories with loved ones.

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