Canal Walk is shimmering with festive energy, offering a rich line-up of holiday experiences designed for families seeking moments of joy, play and shared celebration. From the return of the much-loved Disney-inspired Holiday Slides to heartwarming charitable initiatives and extended shopping hours, the festive season at Canal Walk promises something special for every visitor.
Two Slides, Endless Smiles
The annual Canal Walk Holiday Slides have returned with fresh flair, this year in association with Pep and inspired by the playful spirit of Disney’s Lilo and Stitch. Two impressive slides set the excitement in motion. Slide 626 delivers the thrill of a dual-lane ice race, while the Akatoo-kee Slide offers a swift rush with a soft landing at the end. Younger children are catered for with the ever-popular mini slide, along with snow play and a kinetic sand zone designed to keep little hands entertained.
According to Vanessa Herbst, Marketing Manager at Canal Walk, the Holiday Slides have become one of the centre’s most anticipated festive attractions. She explains that families are increasingly seeking carefree, joyful moments, and the Disney-inspired theme adds an extra layer of excitement, ensuring that both children and parents feel the magic of the season from the moment they arrive.
Running from 5 December 2025 to 11 January 2026 at Centre Court, the Holiday Slides offer a variety of ticket options suitable for all ages, including full rider, mini rider, mini plus rider and non-rider access. Early bird family packages provide excellent value, with tickets available via Webtickets or from the on-site box office. Sessions run for 45 minutes, starting on the hour, and the event operates on a cashless basis.
Festive Giving Shines Bright
Festive cheer at Canal Walk extends beyond the slides. A towering Stitch-themed Christmas tree, located in the Food Court from 13 November to 9 January, invites visitors to support Reach for a Dream. Plush toys displayed on the tree will be donated to young dreamers supported by the foundation. Visitors can also contribute through QR code donations or the coin spinner, with a R50 donation entering guests into a draw to win a 1.2-metre Mickey Mouse plush. In addition, a portion of plush toy sales from Toys R Us will be donated to the foundation, supported by sponsors Pep, FNB, LEGO and Toys R Us.
Herbst notes that giving back forms an important part of Canal Walk’s festive programme, adding that the partnership with Reach for a Dream creates a meaningful opportunity for the community to support children who need encouragement during challenging times.
Wrap with Heart and Help a Child
Families can also enjoy meeting Santa, making use of charity gift-wrapping services and benefitting from extended trading hours that allow more time for festive shopping. Gift wrapping, located opposite Checkers and Pick n Pay from 5 to 24 December, donates all proceeds to Reach for a Dream. Santa will be available for photos during the same period, with extended hours closer to Christmas.
Canal Walk’s Kids Club Express will be open on the upper-level bridge, providing additional entertainment for children during the school holidays.
Holiday Hours That Keep the Cheer Going
Canal Walk offers extended festive trading hours, giving shoppers more time to enjoy the season:
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5 – 23 December: 09h00 – 22h00
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24 December: 09h00 – 21h00
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25 December: Optional trading
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26 – 31 December: 09h00 – 21h00
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1 January: 09h00 – 19h00 (optional trading after 19h00)
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2 January onwards: 09h00 – 21h00
Shoppers are advised to contact individual stores directly for store-specific trading hours.
With lively entertainment, a strong charitable focus and activities designed for all ages, Canal Walk sets the stage for a festive season filled with colour, connection and unforgettable holiday memories.
