Virgin Active gyms in South Africa are closed on Christmas Day 2025. This includes all locations.
Gyms in Johannesburg, Gqeberha and other cities will be closed. You should call your local gym to make sure. Sometimes things change.
Virgin Active’s Holiday Operating Policies
Virgin Active, a popular gym chain in South Africa, adjusts its hours during public holidays to balance member needs with staff time off.
On most public holidays, clubs open later in the morning, often around 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM, and close earlier than usual, typically between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
➤ These reduced hours allow members to squeeze in a session while giving employees a shorter workday.
Christmas Day stands out as an exception. As a major public holiday, it falls under Virgin Active’s stricter closure rules. The chain prioritizes family time and rest, leading to full closures nationwide. This policy aligns with how other fitness centers handle the festive season, focusing on well-being beyond just physical exercise.
Variations in Opening Hours by Location
Not all Virgin Active clubs in South Africa follow identical schedules, even on regular days.
For example, urban spots like the Cape Town Foreshore club might extend hours on weekends and holidays to 8:00 PM, while others, such as Kenilworth Centre, could wrap up by 5:00 PM. Factors like location size, member demand, and regional regulations influence these differences.
On Christmas Eve (December 24, 2025), expect even shorter hours, possibly closing as early as 2:00 PM based on historical patterns.
✦ Boxing Day (December 26, 2025), another public holiday, usually sees clubs reopen with standard holiday timings, such as 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Always check your specific branch for precise details.
What Happens on Christmas Day 2025
Christmas Day 2025 falls on a Thursday, but that doesn’t change Virgin Active’s approach. All clubs in South Africa are expected to remain closed, following the pattern from previous years where closures occur on this date and Good Friday.
✦ This means no access to facilities like weights, pools, or classes.
If you’re a member, use this day for recovery or home workouts. Virgin Active often promotes online resources or apps for at-home fitness during closures, helping you stay active without visiting a gym.
Alternatives for Fitness on Christmas Day
Since Virgin Active won’t be open, consider other options to maintain your routine. Many public parks in South Africa, like those in Durban or Pretoria, offer free outdoor exercise areas. Home-based activities, such as yoga videos or bodyweight exercises, can fill the gap.
If you prefer a gym environment, check smaller independent fitness centers, some may operate limited hours on holidays. Apps like ClassPass or local community centers might list open spots. For long-term planning, explore Virgin Active’s membership perks, including access to digital workouts year-round.
How to Confirm Virgin Active Hours for Christmas 2025
To avoid surprises, visit the official Virgin Active South Africa website at virginactivefees.co.za and use the club finder tool to check your location’s schedule. You can also call the contact center at 0860 200 911, though note it’s closed on public holidays itself.
For the latest updates, follow Virgin Active on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram, where they post holiday announcements. If you’re near a club, stop by in advance to ask staff about festive season plans.
Related Fitness Tips During the Festive Season
The holidays can disrupt routines, but staying consistent pays off. Virgin Active encourages balanced living, so pair your workouts with healthy eating amid Christmas feasts. Consider joining group classes in early December to build momentum before the break.
For those eyeing membership, November campaigns often include deals, making it a good time to sign up before year-end. This ensures access to facilities post-holidays, like when clubs resume normal operations in January.
Wrapping up
Virgin Active gyms in South Africa are closed on Christmas Day 2025, following their policy for major holidays like Christmas and Good Friday.
Members should confirm via the official website or club finder for any updates, with most locations offering reduced hours on surrounding festive days.
✦ Plan ahead for alternatives to keep your fitness goals on track during the season.
