Johannesburg, 27 November 2025: Eastgate Shopping Centre is preparing to welcome the festive season, this time with its most delightful activation yet. Introducing Candy Cane Lane, a playful and imaginative holiday experience that is set to bring Johannesburg all the sweetness it needs and more, this upcoming holiday. Running from 10 to 24 December in the Strelitzia Court, the Candy Cane Lane will offer families a space to enjoy interactive entertainment, delicious treats and creative activities during this magical time of year, every day from 10 AM – 6 PM.
A Delectable Festive Escape
Shoppers will get to sample reindeer-themed ice cream, try their luck at the North Pole claw machine, step into Rudolph’s Gaming Station or enjoy festive face painting. Each activity is light-hearted and engaging, creating an atmosphere that feels relaxed, cheerful and welcoming for all ages. Entry costs R 50 per person, and tickets can be purchased at the activation area.
Two optional add-on experiences will give visitors the chance to create something extra special to take home. At the Christmas Cottage, presented by Krispy Kreme and Lotus Biscoff, guests can decorate a doughnut using a DIY kit that includes toppings and treats for R50. Nearby, the Sweet Wall bauble-making station will enable visitors to fill and design a personalised sweet-filled bauble, also priced at R50, which makes a lovely keepsake or gift.
Meaningful Moments and Festive Traditions
In addition to Candy Cane Lane, Eastgate has a vibrant array of festive activities planned to celebrate the season wholeheartedly across the centre. Photos with Santa will be available from 5 to 24 December in the Strelitzia Court next to Candy Cane Lane. Photography packages start at R200 and offer families a warm, thoughtful way to capture a moment together.
The gift-wrapping station, located in front of Krispy Kreme from 8 to 24 December, will once again help shoppers take home their gifts already beautifully wrapped so that nobody gets a peek before the big day. Costs vary depending on the size of the item, and all proceeds will be donated to Merchants of Light, offering shoppers an easy way to embrace the spirit of giving during the holiday period.
Live Carols and Extended Shopping Hours
Live Christmas Carols will take place on selected evenings in the outdoor piazza area. A mix of beloved carols, live musicians, dancers, ballerinas and a graceful skating act will create a beautiful performance for visitors to enjoy. Guests can also settle in at restaurants such as Piatto, News Cafe, Zor, Comida, Gelato Mania or Pizza Hut and take in these performances while dining. The carols will take place on 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 23 and 24 December at 6 PM on each date.
To give shoppers more time to find the perfect gifts, Eastgate will extend its shopping hours from 12 to 23 December. These longer hours will give visitors even more time to shop over 200 well-known brands, enjoy a meal or spend time at the centre’s numerous entertainment offerings, including the new Magic Company, IndyKart Go Karting, Road House Roller Rink, Ster-Kinekor or Air360.
“Our Candy Cane Lane is set to bring such a lovely sense of festive cheer to Eastgate, and we hope it encourages families to enjoy time together in a way that feels relaxed and meaningful this holiday,” said Saadiyah Kahn, General Manager at Eastgate Shopping Centre. “The season is always a special one at Eastgate, and we can’t wait to welcome shoppers, not just to shop but also to enjoy the generosity of the season,” she added.
For more details and regular updates on the events, activations and live performances, visit eastgateshops.com or follow Eastgate on social media: @eastgateshoppingcentre.