Famous Christmas markets in India
In the name of holiday spirit
It’s the time of the year when we bring out the shiny stars, the fairy lights and streamers and don our reindeer horns or white and red caps. Here’s a list of the markets in India to fill up your Christmas socks!
Thinking of what to get your loved ones this Christmas? We have a list of Christmas markets in India to fulfil every wish of your shopping list while indulging in the little pleasures of the season of joy. Be it fancy decorations or fairy lights to adorn that lonely window or even a giant Christmas tree, these bustling markets in India, will make your holiday shopping a fun experience. Couple it up with the butter-soft cakes and aromatic cookies to enrich the experience.
- Delhi
Christmas shopping starts in Delhi, the sprawling capital of the country. With Chanakyapuri being the diplomatic enclave, the city gets a fair share of Christmas Markets organised by the embassies. For example, the German and Australian embassies host Christmas markets every year for the revellers, which is attended by locals and tourists alike. Other places such as Dilli Haat, Connaught Place, malls and convention centres like Select Mall in Saket, also host Christmas day celebrations and markets.
The city also witnesses, one of the grandest Christmas carnivals in Rajouri Garden; a cocktail of culture, heritage, food, music, fashion, shopping and family entertainment. With more than 300 shopping booths to choose from, the carnival ensures that attendees spend their money well. Old Delhi is also filled with many markets that sell Christmas decorations at pocket-friendly prices.
- Kolkata
When it comes to Christmas celebrations, Kolkata leaves no stones unturned. The vintage New Market is filled with all sorts of decorations and dessert treats to indulge in. Christmas shopping in New Market is incomplete without halting at the Nahoum and Sons, the oldest Jewish bakery in town, (oh the irony!).The bakery’s most famous offering is a rich fruitcake. At Christmas, queues span three streets to buy it, which the current owner, Issac Nahoum maintains, “is internationally recognised and famous.”
Christmas in Kolkata is also symbolised by the overwhelming crowd at Park Street, rushing towards Allen Park, a hub of Christmas carnival and shopping. You may also opt to enjoy the bright, colourful vibes at Mirza Ghalib Street, filled with enthusiastic shoppers looking for anything from a Christmas Tree to a Santa costume.
- Mumbai
Closely following a tradition of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce to bring the countries together, economically and culturally, the institution organises a Christmas Market in Mumbai, which goes by the name Mumbai Christmas Fest. The environment and display are such that makes it ideal for Christmas shopping or simply ‘gift’ shopping.
In addition to this, Bandra Hill Road, Linking Road and Bandra Village, Crawford Market, Cuffe Parade, has high-end stores while Elphinstone College has a small hub, where markets are organised especially for Christmas and stores stock up on Christmas decorations.
- Goa
For anything that involves celebrations, Goa cannot be far left out! They say that a true Goan holiday experience is incomplete without a visit to Anjuna’s famous flea market; held every Wednesday. The market lights up before Christmas, with revellers bargaining to get the best bets. Revellers can choose from an abundance of local handicrafts, spices, clothes, footwear, beachwear, artificial jewellery and accessories for that perfect Christmas gift.
It is also recommended to visit the markets in Calangute, Tibetan, Arpora Night Bazaar and Margao which sell fascinating Christmas embellishments along with silken gowns, jewellery, handicrafts, tuxedos, dancing shoes and wine to complete the holiday feeling.
- Kerala
Down south, the Christmas fever is strong with several carnivals and markets popping up, dedicated to the Yuletide spirit. Kochi is one of the most happening places for Christmas shopping with the Broadway Market being the crowd favourite. Strips of local shops also crop up at Bazaar Road and from Marine Drive to Menaka. Jew Street in Fort Kochi is also popular with the locals and tourists alike, for its ambience and shopping pleasures.
When in the capital, Thiruvananthapuram, finish your Christmas shopping at Chalai Market and Palayam Market while sipping wine from the Connemara.
In addition to the above, Shillong and Bengaluru have Christmas markets that truly re-define the term ‘Christmas Shopping’ with their buzz-filled activities while the Lycee Francais in Puducherry has Christmas markets organised with a European flair.
A typical Christmas holiday in Shillong
