What’s on at Eastgate Shopping Centre: 6 Fun Highlights to Spark the Holiday Spirit

This December, Eastgate Shopping Centre transforms into a festive wonderland with ‘Be Present for the Fun’, an exciting holiday theme designed to bring joy to every visitor.

From Sunday, 1 December to Tuesday, 24 December, 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 six magical highlights that will bring the holiday spirit to life at Eastgate Shopping Centre:

1. Let the kiddos meet beloved pop culture characters

From 12 to 16 December, children can explore the Ackermans Character Shop in the Strelitzia Court, a delightful space packed with fun experiences. Young visitors will be able to enjoy activities from Barbie, Spiderman, Batman and Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

From 17 to 23 December, the festive fun continues with Cartoonito’s Batwheels activation, offering remote-control car racing, arts and crafts, and character meet-and-greets for even more holiday magic.

2. Iconic Disney-themed Christmas trees for a great cause

This year, Eastgate adds two Disney-themed Christmas trees decorated with cherished characters like Mickey, Minnie, and Elsa. These beautiful trees, located near Krispy Kreme and Edgars, come with a purpose: by scanning a QR code, visitors can donate to Reach for a Dream, helping to fulfill the wishes of children facing life-threatening illnesses.

3. Daily festive parades for all ages

From 16 to 22 December, Eastgate will host daily Christmas Parades at 4 PM and 6 PM, featuring a lively mix of a marching band, dancers, and aerial acts, with a stunning finale on the outdoor piazza. Families can enjoy this vibrant spectacle from various spots throughout the mall, with nearby restaurants like Piatto and Simply Asia offering perfect vantage points to dine and enjoy the show.

4. Little ones can write letters to Santa + cute photo-ops

Children can drop their holiday wishes in Santa’s post box near the Disney Tree outside Krispy Kreme for a chance to win an R1000 Eastgate gift card. From 6 to 24 December, Santa himself will be available for photos near Edgars, with packages starting at R200, making these the perfect mementos or gifts.

5. Extended shopping hours and lots of fun activities

Eastgate will extend its hours from 13 to 23 December, allowing visitors to enjoy shopping and dining until 9 PM. With over 200 stores and activities like Road House Roller Rink, IndyKart Go Karting, and the Air360 skate park, Eastgate offers endless fun. A gift-wrapping station at Entrance 2 from 6 to 24 December ensures all gifts look extra special.

6. Festive photo spots and décor

Eastgate’s festive décor provides perfect photo opportunities, with new attractions including a Christmas swing outside Woolworths and a mistletoe booth near Puma.

“We can’t wait to welcome families to share in the joy of this holiday season”, says Saadiyah Khan, General Manager at Eastgate Shopping Centre. “Our lineup of festive activities is all about making the season meaningful, memorable, and filled with joy!”

For full event details and updates, visit www.eastgateshops.com or follow @eastgateshoppingcentre on social media.