Jozi Journeys
Candy Cane Lane and Carols: Eastgate’s Festive Season Is Here
A sweeter kind of December at Eastgate
December in Johannesburg has its own rhythm. School shoes are kicked off, traffic thins out just enough to breathe, and shopping centres quietly turn into holiday meeting points. This year, Eastgate Shopping Centre leans fully into that spirit with a festive programme designed around families, nostalgia, and a little bit of playful indulgence.
From 5 to 24 December 2025, Eastgate becomes a holiday destination rather than just a stop for last-minute gifts. At the heart of it all is the debut of Candy Cane Lane, a colourful festive attraction that adds a sense of wonder to everyday shopping.
Candy Cane Lane brings the magic indoors
Candy Cane Lane feels like a small escape from the heat and the rush. Set up in Strelitzia Court, the experience invites kids and grown-ups to wander through interactive stations that include reindeer-themed ice cream, festive face painting, a North Pole claw machine, and a gaming zone inspired by Rudolph himself.
For families wanting something extra, two add-on experiences raise the excitement. The Christmas Cottage, presented by Krispy Kreme and Lotus Biscoff, lets visitors decorate their own doughnut using a DIY kit packed with toppings. Just around the corner, the Sweet Wall station allows guests to design a personalised bauble filled with sweets, which doubles as a keepsake long after the decorations come down.
The basic Candy Cane Lane experience costs R50 per person, with each add-on priced at an additional R50. Tickets are available at the activation area, making it an easy decision once you arrive.
Santa returns for those once-a-year photos
Alongside Candy Cane Lane, Eastgate brings back one of its most popular traditions. Photos with Santa return to Strelitzia Court, giving families a chance to capture a moment that often becomes part of the annual album.
Photography packages start from R200 and run from 5 to 24 December. Social media chatter around these sessions usually picks up fast, especially from parents keen to keep the tradition alive while children are still young enough to believe.
Wrapping gifts while giving back
One of the quieter highlights of Eastgate’s festive season is the gift-wrapping station near Krispy Kreme. It solves a very real December problem and does it with heart. Gifts are wrapped for a small fee ranging from R10 to R40, depending on size, with all proceeds donated to Merchants of Light.
It is a simple way to tick off another task while supporting a local organisation, and it has become a popular stop for shoppers juggling long gift lists.
Carols, food, and an open-air December evening
On selected evenings, the outdoor piazza fills with music as live Christmas carols return. These performances mix traditional songs with live musicians, dancers, ballerinas, and a skating act that adds a touch of theatre to the experience.
The timing is intentional. With performances starting at 6 pm, diners at restaurants like Piatto, News Cafe, Zor, Comida, Gelato Mania, and Pizza Hut can enjoy dinner with a festive soundtrack in the background. Dates include 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, 23, and 24 December, making it easy to plan around work and family commitments.
Longer hours for calmer shopping
From 12 to 23 December, Eastgate extends its trading hours from 9 am to 9 pm daily. For many Joburg shoppers, this is the real gift. The extra time means less pressure, easier parking, and space to enjoy more than 200 stores at a relaxed pace.
The centre’s entertainment offering also stays busy during these hours, with attractions like the Magic Company, IndyKart Go Karting, Road House Roller Rink, Ster Kinekor, and Air360 giving families reasons to linger a little longer.
Why Eastgate’s festive season stands out
What makes Eastgate’s December programme work is how layered it feels. There is something imaginative for children, practical help for stressed shoppers, moments of nostalgia for adults, and even opportunities to give back. It reflects how Johannesburg celebrates the season now. Busy, family-focused, and still keen on a little magic.
For full details, Eastgate Shopping Centre is located at 43 Bradford Road, Bedfordview, Germiston. More information is available via eastgateshops.com or by calling 011 479 6000.
Also read: The Jameson Festive Market Is Back at Melrose Arch This December
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For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: What’s On In Joburg
Featured Image: Shutterstock
