After a long year, the festive season is finally here and while some South Africans are gearing up for amazing travel destinations, some will be planning to stay home for the family period. Consequently, Cresta Shopping Centre has planned special festivities for the holiday season to ensure that those staying in – or visiting – have an equally special time.

“Cresta Shopping Centre is committed to creating special experiences for our shoppers and we’ve got some beautiful plans to entertain families who are staying home this festive period. We know budgets are tighter for some this year so we want to ensure that those not travelling can still make magical memories at Cresta this holiday season,” says Virginia Bester, General Manager at Cresta Shopping Centre.

What’s On…

Magical Music – Cresta is bringing visitors vibrant unique entertainment this season with performances by The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) who will deliver a series of the Festive Symphony Season, consisting of the best international and local soloists and conductors.

JPO is known to challenge the prevailing perception of classical music performances being elitist and Euro-centric. Visitors can expect a festive sound that incorporates the greatest examples of both classic and South African styles on Saturday, the 14th of December. Separate performances will take place around the centre in the MTN Court, Aquarium Court, Lower Food Court and FNB Court from 10h00 – 14h00.

The talented Amakhonto We Sintu choir will deliver performances on Saturday, 21st of December starting at 11h00 – 13h00 by the FNB Court, Aquarium Court and Upper Food Court. The group consists of 7 vibrant artists, most of them emerging from renowned productions such as Umoja the Spirit of Togetherness, The Lion King (France) and Drum Struck NY. The choir has shared professional stages with legends such as the late Hugh Masekela and international artists like Ishmael Lo and Dianne Reeves. Their performances are best known for giving audiences goosebump moments.

Kiddies Fun – Cresta has once again partnered with the Johannesburg Academy for Theatre Arts (JATA) to host kids classes in diverse forms of dance, singing and storytelling. The JATA Holiday Club will start running from Monday 9th December to Saturday the 21st of December near the upper-level food court next to Mugg ‘n Bean. Children can be dropped off from 08h00 and picked up by 13h30, however, the classes will run from 08h30 – 13h00. Classes are presented by accredited teachers and industry professionals. This feature will be a hit for parents working throughout the festive holiday and for parents who want to focus on festive shopping without the stress of worrying over their bundle of joy. For ease and convenience, parents can pre-book by email on info@jata.co.za or book directly at the venue with one of the onsite facilitators for R250 per class.

There will also be individual hour-long classes that can be booked directly at the venue in the afternoons for R50 per class. Parents or guardians will be required to stay with their children during these classes.

After successful sessions last year, Young Engineers will be back at Cresta with their cool edutainment Young Engineers Holiday Programme suitable for children 6 years and older. Young Engineers offers engaging, hands-on learning activities using uniquely designed LEGO® and K’nex® assembly kits. The activities are fun and fashionable. Young Engineers will be available at Cresta from 9th December to 22nd December offering 1.5-hour session at R100 per session. Book here…

Giving Back – This time of year is all about giving, which is why Cresta has made giving back so much easier with their Charitable Festive Tree. This kindness corner (near the Loads of Livings Court) is a bookshelf tree and reading corner that allows shoppers to donate new or pre-loved books that will be donated to a children’s home – Abraham Kriel Bambanani and to the Robin Hills Primary School in the Cresta Community. Moreover, shoppers can also donate preloved or new educational materials and toys such as building toys and picture books to stimulate learning and development. Stories for children will be read to those looking for a moment to pause and relax in between shopping – at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 and 17:00.

Win BIG – Shoppers who spend R500 or more in single or multiple transactions at Cresta stand a chance to win a Cresta Shopping Centre voucher worth R1000 to spend at any store at Cresta. To be entered in a lucky draw, shoppers can produce receipts at the Festive Advent Calendar located at the Loads of Living Court available from 09:00 until 19:00 over the month of December. Winners will be selected and contacted to claim their voucher of worth R1000.

Selfies with Santa – The bells are ringing which means Santa is on his way to Cresta to hear all your kids’ Festive wishes. Bring the little ones to the FNB Court to pose for pictures and create unforgettable memories for R30 from 14 – 24 Dec at the FNB at 11h00 – 18h00.

Give to Others – In the spirit of giving, Cresta wants to make Festive wishes come true. We’re gifting two R10,000 Cresta vouchers to families in need of some extra joy this year. Nominate a family or friend by sharing their story to (email here) by 16 Dec. Recipients will be announced on 18 December.

Find out more about Cresta Centre and all their festive offerings here…