Sandton City welcomes the 2025 festive holiday with its most delightful activation yet, introducing the City of Enchantment for the very first time.
The centre’s iconic centre court will transform into a whimsical festive world, shimmering with sparkle and overflowing with joy. In addition, the season will also feature photos with Santa, extended shopping hours, and exquisite new décor and gift wrapping in aid of the SPCA.
Introducing the City of Enchantment at Sandton City
From 5 to 28 December, the City of Enchantment will be open to visitors, allowing them to step into a festive world shaped by imagination and creative wonder. Expect numerous interactive activities for you to enjoy this holiday to the fullest.
Children can roll up their sleeves at the Sprinkle & Sugar station where giant cookies shaped as gingerbread figures, teddy bears, baubles and trees are ready for decorating. The Donut & Dazzle spot will bring the joy of a Krispy Kreme DIY kit, where each doughnut can be transformed into something personal.
The creative corners at Trees & Twinkle and Baubles & Bliss will invite kids to personalise baubles, decorate festive trees and make their own boxes that the trees will go into, to add to their holiday displays at home.
Further to this, children can write letters to Santa at the Words & Wishes section before meeting him for a photograph in a setting filled with soft, seasonal light. Along the way, families will also discover sweet touches including Santa’s wishing well, a drawbridge that leads them into his world and a charming reindeer merry go round.
Adults in need of a quiet pause can visit the Château Gâteaux pop-up where hot and cold drinks will be available, along with indulgent slices of cake. Whole cakes can also be purchased to take home, making festive gatherings with loved ones a little sweeter.
Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, guests will simply need to choose the activities that inspire them most, register and pay at the City of Enchantment entrance, and let the magic begin. Activities range from R50 to R200 for the full experience.
Indulge in Festive Moments Throughout Sandton City
From 5 to 24 December, Santa and his cheerful elves will be ready to greet visitors in the centre court daily from 09:00 to 18:00. Capture festive keepsake photographs against twinkling décor with photo packages starting at R100 with various payment options available.
Sandton City has installed exquisite new décor for this holiday. Admire the striking balloon, tree and glass façade display in the Protea Court, magnificent giant pendants in the centre court and other captivating displays throughout the centre.
Sandton City’s Extended Shopping Hours
Sandton City’s extended shopping hours begin on 5 December and offer shoppers the freedom to enjoy the centre at an unhurried pace. With over 380 of South Africa and the world’s leading brands, the centre offers unrivalled gifting across fashion, lifestyle, beauty, technology, wellness and more. Most stores will be open from 09:00 to 20:00 from 5 to 14 December and from 09:00 to 21:00 between 15 and 23 December. On 24 December the centre will be open from 09:00 to 18:00 with selected stores open on 25 December and 1 January.
For those who enjoy staying abreast of trends, the Sandton City digital gift guide, filled with curated inspiration, will soon be available on the centre’s social media pages. Or, if you prefer to give the gift of choice, Sandton City gift cards give any recipient a world of options to explore.
Festive Gifting With Heart
From 1 to 24 December, Sandton City will host its popular gift-wrapping stations on level 4 (opposite Incredible Connection) and on level 6 (opposite Naartjie). Each luxuriously wrapped gift supports the SPCA and helps the organisation continue its much-needed care work with animals. These stations will operate during festive trading hours, providing a beautiful and heartfelt way to share kindness during the holiday.
Dimitri Kokinos, Asset Manager of Sandton City, says the debut of the City of Enchantment marks an exciting moment for the iconic centre. “We are thrilled to introduce something completely new to our festive calendar this year. The City of Enchantment has been intentionally created to bring families together in a space filled with warmth, imagination and heartfelt moments. We look forward to welcoming our shoppers into this new festive experience and sharing a season that feels creative, colourful and memorable.”
*Children visiting the City of Enchantment must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
The City of Enchantment will be closed on 25 December and reopen from 26 – 28 December.
For more information
Address: Sandton City Centre Management Offices, Atrium on 5th, Sandton City
Contact number: 011 217 6000
Website: sandtoncity.com
Instagram: @sandtoncitymall
