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Published on: November 30, 2024
Christmas in India is celebrated by the 25 million Christians in the country, as well as the large numbers of international tourists staying on holiday over the festive period.
Christmas traditions in India are not unlike those in Western countries. Families celebrate together, great feasts are eaten and gifts are exchanged. Midnight mass is a popular custom and in predominantly Christian States, such as Goa, mass is attended every day for the week preceding Christmas, or even the whole of advent. Christmas trees may be decorated in homes and lights lit to represent Jesus, the Light of the World.
Hotels welcoming international tourists adorn their lobbies, restaurants and bars with Christmas decorations, Christmas trees and twinkling lights. Christmas hotel deals present good value, and often include grand Christmas dinners and entertainment for children.
Home to one of the largest Christian populations in India, Mumbai is a fantastic place to spice up your Christmas while staying cool in pleasant temperatures that range between 19 and 25 degrees Celsius.
For a Christmas extravaganza, “World of Christmas” at Jio World Drive is a must. With Christmas markets inspired by their European cousins, Christmas-themed entertainment and food stalls serving everything from hot chocolate and gingerbread to live grills, you can truly immerse yourself in Christmas.
Midnight mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Name is an unforgettable Christmas experience in Mumbai. Attended by over 3,000 people, the service is livecast across India and watched by millions. The centrally located St. Thomas’s Cathedral and Afghan Church also hold traditional, candlelit midnight masses to welcome Christmas Day in India. At each, carol singing, candles and an uplifting service are guaranteed to warm your heart and spread peace and joy.
Wrap up warm if you are heading to Delhi for Christmas. Temperatures here can drop as low as 1 degree Celsius and rarely get above 10 degrees Celsius. The city’s parks and gardens are beautiful in the morning mists at this time of year.
For authentic Christmas gifts, food and exciting live entertainment, you can head to the annual German Christmas Market (30th November and 1st December) or Sorbet Soiree at Sunder Nursery (20th and 21st December).
The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart near Connaught Place in New Delhi is the best place to experience Christian traditions in India’s National Capital. With a candlelit carol concert, midnight mass and Christmas Day services in English and Hindi. The exterior glows with sparkling fairy lights that can be seen for miles around.
Head north to Himalayan Shimla and you will almost certainly be treated to a white Christmas in India. Shimla experiences large snow falls in the winter months, making it the picture-perfect destination for Christmas holidays in India.
As well as traditional mass at Shimla’s iconic Christ Church, you should try ice skating at the annual festival and shopping at the late-night open-air bazaars. Handmade woollen socks, hats and shawls will keep you cozy in the below-freezing temperatures.
Christmas is a time for everyone to relax and make merry, and the only way to do that is by eating out on Christmas Day. The best hotels offering Christmas Day lunch are often booked well in advance, so be sure to reserve your table early.
At Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, we host gala dinners on Christmas Eve and lunches on Christmas Day. These include lavish hot and cold buffets of traditional roast turkey, ham and all the trimmings, as well as classic international and Indian favourites to suit everyone’s palate. On the dessert counter, Christmas puddings and mince pies sit alongside gulab jamun, Stollen and more. We welcome our guests with mulled wine, spiced hot chocolate and carols by the Christmas tree. So that you can take your time feasting, we also arrange for Santa to pay a special visit to your little ones.
Our Christmas hotel deals are curated to suit your needs, with accommodation, dining, spa therapies and hotel credit included. We want to treat you, as well as the ones you love, when you stay with us at Christmas.
Should you be looking for the perfect Christmas gift, Giftwrapped by Oberoi is an excellent choice. Starting at INR 5,000, our prepaid vouchers can be redeemed against stays, spa therapies during a stay, or food and beverages at any time.
Wishing you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas!
