What’s on at Eastgate Shopping Centre: 5 Festive Highlights to Spark the Holiday Spirit

This December, Eastgate Shopping Centre transforms into a festive wonderland with the introduction of Candy Cane Lane, a playful and imaginative holiday experience set to bring Johannesburg all the sweetness it needs and more this holiday.

From 5 to 24 December 2025, Eastgate invites families to experience a season packed with thrilling entertainment, special appearances, and opportunities to give back, perfect for creating unforgettable memories together.

Here’s a look at some of the magical highlights that will bring the holiday spirit to life at Eastgate Shopping Centre:

Candy Cane Lane at Eastgate Shopping Centre in Johannesburg | What's on in Joburg

1. Take a trip through Candy Cane Lane

In this exciting Christmas escape, shoppers of all ages 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.

To take the fun up a notch, choose from two optional add-on experiences! At the Christmas Cottage, presented by Krispy Kreme and Lotus Biscoff, visitors can decorate a doughnut using a DIY kit that includes toppings and treats. Nearby, the Sweet Wall bauble making station enables visitors to fill and design a personalised sweet-filled bauble, making for a lovely keepsake or gift.

Cost: R50pp for the basic Candy Cane Lane experience (plus an additional R50 for each add-on activity). Purchase at the activation area

When: Running from 10 to 24 December 2025 from 10am to 6pm daily
Where: Strelitzia Court, Eastgate Shopping Centre, 43 Bradford Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston

2. Capture holiday memories with Photos with Santa

Additional to Candy Cane Lane, Eastgate Shopping Centre is also bringing back their popular Photos with Santa, offering families a warm, thoughtful way to capture moments together.

Cost: Photography packages start at R200

When: Running from 5 to 24 December 2025
Where: Strelitzia Court (next to Candy Cane Lane), Eastgate Shopping Centre, 43 Bradford Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston

3. Wrap gifts for your loved ones

The gift-wrapping station will once again help shoppers take home their gifts already beautifully wrapped for those special people in their life. 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.

Cost: Costs range between R10 and R40 per gift, depending on the size of the item

When: Gift-wrapping is available from 8 to 24 December 2025
Where: Near Krispy Kreme, Eastgate Shopping Centre, 43 Bradford Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston

4. Live carols on the Piazza

Live Christmas Carols also make a holiday return to Eastgate, taking place on selected evenings on the outdoor piazza area. A mix of beloved carols, live musicians, dancers, ballerinas and a graceful skating act 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.

When: Carols take place on 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, 23 and 24 December 2025 at 6pm each night
Where: Outdoor Piazza, Eastgate Shopping Centre, 43 Bradford Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston

5. Extended hours for stress-free shopping and dining

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 and Air360.

When: From 12 to 23 December. Extended hours from 9am to 9pm daily
Where: 43 Bradford Rd, Bedfordview, Germiston