KwaZulu-Natal, 8 December 2025: Gateway Theatre of Shopping is setting the scene for a season of imagination, sparkle and connection as it transforms into KwaZulu-Natal’s ultimate festive playground this coming holiday. From 12 December 2025 to 5 January 2026, the centre will host a one-of-a-kind LEGO® F1® experience, alongside spectacular décor, the Unity Battle fest dance competition, a special appearance by Spongebob Squarepants, charity initiatives and a line-up of entertainment that promises to delight visitors of all ages.
A Festive First with LEGO® F1®
The headline attraction this year is the LEGO® Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 performance activation, a first-of-its-kind in South Africa. The high-energy installation, that international travellers may have seen in Singapore, invites shoppers to design and build their own race cars at dedicated build stations, then put them to the test on a precision-timed ramp complete with digital leaderboards. A reflex challenge will add to the fun, letting participants measure their reaction times just like professional drivers. Exclusive LEGO® products will also be on sale, adding to the excitement for both collectors and families.
The centrepiece of the installation is a show-stopping, life-size LEGO® Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance car, the largest LEGO® build ever brought into South Africa. Crafted from 192,937 LEGO® bricks, the model measures an impressive 5.1 metres in length and 2.2 metres in width, weighing over 900 kilograms. Its sleek aerodynamic design and meticulous detail mirror the precision and craftsmanship of the real F1 car, offering visitors an unforgettable photo opportunity and a chance to witness the incredible fusion of art, play and engineering up close.
Unity Dance Battle Fest: Where Rhythm Meets Celebration
On Saturday, 13 and Sunday, 14 December, Gateway will also host the Unity Battle Fest, an exciting dance competition taking place in the Atrium (near Entrance 5, Parkade B on the ground floor). This event will see Durban’s most talented dancers go head-to-head across a range of genres and styles, from high-energy street dance to expressive contemporary performances. Spectators can look forward to a weekend packed with live music, top DJs and standout dance performances that keep the energy high from start to finish.
Open to dancers of all levels, the festival celebrates movement, creativity and community. New to this year’s line-up is a professional development division offering free workshops for disadvantaged and disabled dancers, underscoring the event’s inclusive spirit. Entry is free for spectators, and the public is encouraged to come along, cheer on the competitors and enjoy a weekend of home-grown talent in the heart of Gateway, Umhlanga. More details on how to enter will be available on the mall’s website and social media feeds soon.
A Surprise Appearance – SpongeBob SquarePants
SpongeBob SquarePants will make a stop on his South African tour as part of the celebrations for his new film The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. Families will have the chance to meet the famous sea sponge during a special meet and greet on Friday, 19 December from 3 to 6 pm, in the Gateway food court, adding a bubbly touch to the holiday season.
Giving Back With Heart
This festive season, Gateway continues its long-standing support for Reach for a Dream, once again turning generosity into magic. From 1 to 24 December, the organisation will take over Gateway’s gifting concierge service, wrapping shoppers’ presents in exchange for donations that help fulfil the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses. The partnership continues the success of last year’s campaign, which raised over R350,000, with Gateway aiming to surpass that milestone in 2025.
At the Expo Explore area, shoppers can also visit the enchanting Disney Giant Gift Box installation, which will be on display until 5 January. For a donation of R50, visitors can make a pledge towards Reach for a Dream, with all Disney plush toys from the display later gifted to children in hospitals.
Gateway, in collaboration with Cars on Sunday and Autoemotive, will host a Charity Car Run on Sunday, 7 December, between 9 am to 11 am. This event will be hosted close to Autoemotive (in parkade B, level P2) and will feature 40 to 50 high-end cars from across KwaZulu-Natal. Creating an unforgettable spectacle for visitors and car enthusiasts, Reach for a Dream will host 20 children to experience this special morning. Each child will get to choose their favourite supercar and enjoy a dream drive around Gateway together with their families.
A Revitalised Space to Shop, Play and Holiday
Gateway’s recent refurbishment has brought a refreshed aesthetic to the centre, particularly in the Great Hall and northern areas. The landmark fountain has been revitalised with six colour-changing lights and programmable sequences, creating a perfect festive photo moment. Shoppers can also look forward to extended trading hours, new store openings, and a host of seasonal experiences, including the live East Coast Radio broadcasts with Danny Guselli on 12 and 19 December.
Gateway’s Marketing Manager, Ayesha Sewbaran, said, “Gateway has always been about creating experiences that bring people together, and this festive season we’re taking that to the next level. Between the excitement of LEGO®, making memories by capturing a photo with Santa at Entrance 2 (near Sorbet), the Unity Battle Fest and the new look of the centre, this will be a truly memorable summer for our visitors. Gateway really is your festive playground.”
For more information about Gateway, its stores, experiences and promotions, visit gatewayworld.co.za or follow the centre on social media: instagram.com.