‘Tis the season to sparkle as Gateway transforms into a festive wonderland.
It’s time to shop, snap, wrap and make magical memories as Gateway Theatre of Shopping transforms into a festive wonderland, all decked out to delight families, friends, shoppers and holidaymakers.
“Last year we went all-in, and the response was phenomenal. This year we’ve added even more fun and festivity,” says Michelle Shelley, Gateway’s Marketing Manager.
Picture-perfect festive installations located throughout the mall are a “must-visit” for anyone sharing the joyful seasonal spirit. Visitors can measure up to SA’s largest bauble on the ground floor outside Truworths; send off your Christmas wish list at Santa’s Post Office outside Steve Madden; join the Teddy Toybox party near Ted Baker; head for a romantic interlude of Jolly Wishes and Nutcracker Kisses near the Adidas store, and stop for a snap Under the Mistletoe outside @home.
PICTURE-PERFECT POSTCARDS
‘Tis also the season to up your festive feed on social media. Six of the best festive photo booths will have you surrounded by snow one minute and peeking through ravishing ribbons the next. Style your pics with a timeless red and white Santa or choose the striking stripes of sweet candy sticks as props for your perfect shot.
“Visitors can expect a completely different snow globe this year,” says Michelle. “We’ve had such fun with World of Illusions and then the Bloom Room booths on the Entertainment level, and now have added some festive magic to the area. Summer holidays are always special, and this year’s awesome line-up takes inspiration from holiday postcards,” says Michelle.
ACTION-PACKED MUSEUM
Not an ordinary museum, the Museum of Memories is an abundance of interactive stations for kids, teens and adults. Situated at Expo Explore, the activity-based “museum” recalls fun times at the mall as part of its ongoing 21st birthday celebrations.
Kids (and in some places, adults) can “surf” on an inflatable wave, balance on a hanging skateboard and whizz down into a bath of balls. Trendy teens will want to pose at the black-and-white line-drawn fashion cafe.
The grand finale is the Gateway to the Galaxy, an audio-visual blast into space surrounded by visuals including the latest images from NASA’s James Webb space telescope.
“We have kept the museum up for the thousands of seasonal visitors to enjoy a fun throwback to the mall’s early days.
”From our family to yours – Disney’s bringing their Chari-tree to Gateway once again. A towering 8m high tree full of generosity – visitors can make a cash donation towards the purchase of a Disney plush character and both the plush and the money will help Reach for a Dream make a child’s dream come true.
Giving back to the community and saving wrapping presents at home, the wish-granting charity will also have a gift-wrapping station set up in the mall, opposite Starbucks.
FOR MORE INFO:
From December 16-23 the mall will be open from 9am to 10pm, and close at 9pm on Christmas Eve, as well as from December 26-30.
Please see Gateway’s social media, or www.gatewayworld.co.za for updates.