For the past eight years, Disney-themed Chari-Trees have become a holiday tradition. These installations, including a hot air balloon, will this year extend its reach, in addition to Gauteng, Western Cape and Durban, to a further four provinces — Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Free State and Eastern Cape — giving moments of delight to more shoppers than event before, Disney says.

Participating malls include:

  • Gauteng: The Glen, Rosebank Mall, Fourways Mall, Melrose Arch, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Woodlands Mall, Centurion Mall, Clearwater Mall
  • KwaZulu-Natal: Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Midlands Mall and Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre
  • Western Cape: Canal Walk, Cape Gate Shopping Centre, Somerset Mall and Table Bay Mall
  • Eastern Cape: Baywest Mall and Vincent Park Mall
  • Free State: Mimosa Mall
  • Mpumalanga: Ilanga Mall, and
  • Limpopo: Mall of the North. 

The installations are presented by FNB, PEP and ToysRUs, Disney adds.

Disney says that it invites shoppers to spread further joy by donating to Reach for a Dream, helping fulfil the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. Simply head down to your nearest mall, purchase a plush at ToysRUs where R5 from your purchase will be donated to Reach for a Dream, along with all the plush on the Chari-Trees at the various locations.

In addition to these installations, various malls have additional 'Spark Joy This Holiday' themed activities for children. The ice slides return to Canal Walk, with a tropical Moana 2-inspired tree as an anchor, while Capegate Shopping Center will feature a Disney Spark Joy-inspired ice rink, Disney adds.

Disney says that shoppers can expect various arts and crafts activities at Clearwater Mall, Woodlands Mall and Somerset Mall, while brand-new addition Table Bay Mall is hosting an advent calendar activation where amazing prizes can be won. The centre court at Liberty Midlands Mall will feature a Festive Artspace where children can colour in their own shopper bags and wall murals, decorate cookies and engage in sensory, soft-play activities.

Eastgate Mall's Strelitzia Court will turn into a festive wonderland, complete with a  Spider-Man climbing wall, Disney adds.

'Spark Joy This Holiday' is Disney's largest festive campaign to date. Throughout the season, fans can experience the holiday magic with Disney, with the Disney Chari-Tree initiative in malls across the country in support of Reach For A Dream, which helps bring joy to children in need during this season of giving, Disney says.

As the holiday season approaches, Disney says that it invites everyone to experience the magic and make a difference. 

For more information, visit www.disney.co.za. You can also follow Disney South Africa on Facebook, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor