City of Enchantment Makes Its Debut at Sandton City

A fresh festive world of sweet creativity, family moments and heartfelt seasonal magic arrives at Sandton City this December as the iconic mall introduces the City of Enchantment for the very first time.

Welcoming the 2025 festive holiday season in unforgettable style, Sandton City will transform its centre court into a whimsical wonderland shimmering with sparkle and joy. From interactive children’s activities and enchanting décor to photos with Santa, extended shopping hours and gift wrapping in aid of the SPCA, the City of Enchantment promises a festive experience designed to delight all ages.

Step into the City of Enchantment

Running from 5 to 28 December, the City of Enchantment invites visitors to step into a world shaped by imagination and creative wonder. Families can enjoy a variety of interactive experiences, choosing from activities that celebrate creativity, sweetness and festive cheer.

Young visitors can roll up their sleeves at the “Sprinkle & Sugar” station, decorating giant cookies shaped like gingerbread figures, teddy bears, baubles and trees. At “Donut & Dazzle”, a Krispy Kreme DIY kit lets kids transform doughnuts into their own edible masterpieces. Creative corners such as “Trees & Twinkle” and “Baubles & Bliss” encourage children to personalise festive baubles, decorate mini trees and design their own gift boxes to take home as keepsakes.

At “Words & Wishes”, children can write heartfelt letters to Santa before meeting him for a magical photograph in a softly lit seasonal setting. Along the way, families will discover charming festive details including Santa’s wishing well, a drawbridge leading into his world and a delightful reindeer merry-go-round.

Festive Treats and Relaxed Moments

Adults looking for a quiet festive pause can visit the Château Gâteaux pop-up, offering hot and cold beverages alongside indulgent slices of cake. Whole cakes will also be available to take home, adding an extra touch of sweetness to festive gatherings.

Open daily from 9am to 6pm, guests can simply select their preferred activities, register and pay at the City of Enchantment entrance, and immerse themselves in the magic. Activities range from R50 to R200 for the full experience.

Festive Magic Throughout the Centre

The festive cheer continues with photos with Santa, available from 5 to 24 December in the centre court. Santa and his cheerful elves will welcome visitors daily from 9am to 6pm, capturing special festive keepsakes against twinkling décor. Photo packages start from R100, with various payment options available.

Sandton City has also unveiled exquisite new festive décor this season. Visitors can admire striking balloon, tree and glass façade displays in Protea Court, magnificent giant pendants in the centre court and captivating festive installations throughout the mall.

To make holiday shopping more enjoyable, extended shopping hours begin on 5 December. Most stores will trade from 9am to 8pm between 5 and 14 December, and 9am to 9pm from 15 to 23 December. On 24 December, the centre will be open from 9am to 6pm, with selected stores trading on 25 December and 1 January. With over 380 local and international brands, Sandton City offers unrivalled gifting across fashion, beauty, lifestyle, technology and more.

Shoppers can also look out for the Sandton City digital gift guide, launching soon on the centre’s social media platforms, or opt for the ultimate present of choice with a Sandton City gift card.

Gifting with Heart

From 1 to 24 December, Sandton City’s popular gift wrapping stations return on level 4 opposite Incredible Connection and level 6 opposite Naartjie. Each beautifully wrapped gift supports the SPCA, helping the organisation continue its vital work caring for animals. The stations will operate during festive trading hours, offering shoppers a meaningful way to give back this holiday season.

“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.”

Dimitri Kokinos, Asset Manager of Sandton City, shares his excitement:

For more information and regular updates, visit www.sandtoncity.com or follow @sandtoncitymall on social media.