The Best Christmas Markets in India

The first Christmas markets appeared in Germany in the late Middle Ages, and they quickly expanded to other countries, each of which had a unique appeal. With the holiday season in mind, Booking.com has compiled a list of some of the top Christmas markets in India for a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you’re looking for a Christmas market with traditional Christmas gift alternatives or one with modern crafts that are guaranteed to be in demand, there is one out there for everyone. In order to embrace the festive spirit this year, block off some time on your schedule.

1.PARK STREET FESTIVAL, KOLKATA

26–30 December 2022

One of the busiest and most joyful streets during the holiday season is Park Street, also known as the Kolkata Christmas Festival. Reputable eateries set up food stalls on Park Street for a three-day carnival, serving everything from Chinese and Tbetian cuisine to bakeries, hawkers, and kiosks. Some of the hottest restaurants are already located on Park Street. The Park Street Festival offers food, shopping, incredible Santa goods, and a variety of engaging activities for anyone looking to get into the holiday mood. If that isn’t enough to make you feel festive, there is also a sizable Christmas tree that has been decked out with lights, ornaments, gifts, and more.

2 .Bangalore’s Sunday Soul Sante

18th December 2022

Around Christmas, Bengaluru has a festival known as Sunday Soul Sante. This vibrant Christmas market is the pinnacle of design, art, craft, and entertainment, starting with Kenisha Francis’ peculiar arrival! At Sunday Soul Sante, The Thaikkudam Bridge, a well-known Keralan band, will also play. People can buy gifts, eat delectable food, and indulge in intriguing holiday shopping at this market.

3.POLICE BAZAAR, SHILLONG

1 December 2022–1 January 2023

Shillong, popularly known as Pine City, is home to the renowned Police Bazaar. The Police Bazaar is transformed into a Santa Town during the Christmas season with festive pop-ups like Santa Claus present distribution, glee groups, entertainment, and a tonne of shopping alternatives like customary handcraft stores, regional ornaments, and oxidised jewellery. The site offers scrumptious street food and lavish Christmas dinners for everyone to enjoy in addition to shopping.

4. ARPORA NIGHT MARKET, GOA

Every Saturday

In December, Goa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, is exceptionally happy and festive. One of Goa’s most well-liked Christmas markets is the Arpora Night Market. The all-inclusive market, which is only held on Saturdays, features the tastiest Christmas treats and live music performances to get you in the holiday spirit. Whether you’re a frequent shopper or not, or even if you’re just a casual shopper, you’ll undoubtedly fill your backpack with some unusual Christmas-themed items.

5. KOCHI’S COCHIN CARNIVAL

25th December - 1st January

Ten days long and held in Fort Kochi, the Cochin Carnival is one of India’s oldest Christmas festivals. It include protests as well as events in sports like beach football, boxing, wrestling, cycling, and marathons. Throughout the holiday season, the town is attractively decorated and lit up with Christmas lights, holiday decorations, and graffiti art. Parades, parties, and processions in garishly coloured costumes animate the streets. There is a lot of joy and celebration, as well as performances of music and dance, festivals of food, and exhibitions of art. One of the biggest draws of the carnival is the midnight burning of the gigantic Papanhi monument, which stands for all negativity and brings in the new year with joy, cheers, and happiness.