Christmas has fast become a much-awaited holiday with the winter joy that it brings to millions around the world. In recent years, many non-Christians in India have begun to celebrate the festival with much aplomb and good cheer. Houses are decked up in glam red and green lights, shopping malls are vibrantly donned with the best of glitter and life-sized snowflakes, and Christmas trees become the hottest selling product of the winter months!
A blanket of joy and calm engulfs the entire country during the month of December, which is partly due to the cold/pleasant weather and in part due to the festivities. Friends hosting Christmas parties is now the highlight of the year, with themed-red attires, Santa hats galore, and lavish display of Christmas lights.
Apart from the time spent with friends and family at home, many have made it a ritual to visit churches on Christmas Eve to light a candle, eat Christmas cake, and revel in a harmonious spirit. What’s more, Christmas markets are a-buzzin’ once December rolls around, and you will see stalls selling Christmas ornaments, pastries, and other intriguing objects! Looking for Christmas markets in India? Here’s our list of the best Christmas markets that are definitely a great way to celebrate with loved ones!
1) German Christmas Market in Delhi and Mumbai
The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce organises a German Christmas Market each year in Delhi and Mumbai, at the beginning of December. The primary function the markets serve is to enable a unified business and commercial relationship between the two countries, but at the same time to promote the exchange of cultures and values!
Arranged in a massive indoor area, this well-known Christmas market in India is a place where one can find many things of interest including select Christmas shopping for tree ornaments, lights, Santa Claus miniatures, etc. Apart from that, there are famous independent bakers selling mouth-watering treats like chocolate brownies, plum cakes, and cake pops!
German Christmas Market in Delhi
Date: December 8-9, 2018
Time: 11:30-19:30
Location: Bikaner House, Pandara Road, New Delhi-110003
2) Christmas markets in India’s various shopping malls
Shopping malls celebrate Christmas in their own unique ways since they see the most amount of people during this time of the year. People window shopping while sipping on hot chocolate to get in the Christmas mood has fast become a common sight! To add to the spirit of the festival, you are sure to find exciting and beautifully decorated flea markets during Christmas, where you can buy anything from apparel to houseplants.
Don’t forget to taste test the many sweets and things that are on offer, especially by the most renowned bakeries of the city! In Delhi, Select Citywalk does Christmas in a grandiose way with the most elaborate decorations each year.
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3) Cochin Carnival in Kochi
Due to its history with the Portuguese during the 16th century, Kochi (previously Cochin) holds a Cochin Carnival each year during the last two weeks of December to herald the New Year. Held at Fort Kochi, the carnival is looked forward to by many including travellers visiting Kochi. Celebrating India and its diverse cultures, the carnival sees an avid display of many forms of art and dance.
Although the festival is significantly for New Year’s Eve, it actually starts in mid December, covering Christmas Day as well, making it all the more exciting for people who are visiting. With many competitions and events that bring together hundreds of people, the Cochin Carnival is one event you don’t want to miss!
Favourite shopping spots include The Broadway Market, Bazaar Road, Jew Street as well as Lulu Mall and Convent Street.
4) Street Markets in Goa, Puducherry and Shillong
Many cities in India – Goa, Puducherry, Shillong – celebrate Christmas with gusto and enthusiasm that draws in people from around the country. With street markets spanning almost entire cities, these open-air Christmas markets are a true delight to witness and partake in. Stunning decorations can be seen far and wide as the entire city lights up for the festival.
A vibrant and bustling display of Christmas lights welcome travellers and locals to these superbly curated Christmas markets. Shillong Christmas Market and Puducherry’s Christmas market – organized by Lycee Francais – should be on your to-do list for their abundant European goods and events!
Other spots in Shillong include Police Bazaar, Khyndailad, Barra Bazaar and GS Road.
5) Light a Candle on Holy Night
Okay, okay, this isn’t quite shopping, but there is one more essential thing you must do during Christmas time and that is to attend a church service at the stroke of midnight. The Sacred Heart Cathedral in Delhi or Mount Mary Church in Mumbai and many churches are visited by many Christians and non-Christians for their bedazzling Christmas decorations, midnight mass, and scrumptious plum cakes.
Lighting candles on Christmas Eve is a holy event that many participate in as it signifies the illumination of the world by Jesus Christ. More and more people each year visit churches and light these candles together with family as well as strangers for a unified moment!
Also Read: Best places in India to celebrate Christmas & the holidays
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