Christmas in Delhi: How to Celebrate the Festive Season

The first time I experienced Christmas in India was in Mumbai. There were Christmas decorations everywhere! I wasn’t expecting that at all, since India is predominantly Hindu. But Indians love to celebrate, especially a religious holiday. Delhi is no different, locals fully embrace the holiday season. Here are the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Delhi.

Will you be in Delhi during Christmas? Here’s what to do!

How to Celebrate Christmas in Delhi

1. Visit a Christmas Market

You probably didn’t think Delhi has Yuletide markets, but they have a lot! Many embassies and cultural centres host special Christmas markets in Delhi. They start in mid November and the last ones are a day or two before Christmas.

The most famous holiday markets are the German Christmas Market, Tamana Winter Market (hosted by the British High Commission), Swiss-German Christkindl Market, AWA Holiday Mela and Sorbet Soiree Christmas market at Sunder Nursery.

These markets are a lot of fun, and a great place to pick up specialty artisan items, Christmas baking or local designer clothing.

Do a little shopping, have something to eat or drink and enjoy the holiday vibe.

I try to make it to a couple of Christmas markets every year, especially the Tamana Winter Carnival because my friends usually have booths there, and the German Christmas Market for the mulled wine and German baking!

Check the sites below for dates, location and timings. Announcements are usually posted a week or two before the event.

* The AWA Holiday Mela is only open to diplomatic ID holders. But ID holders can bring guests. It’s held at the American Embassy School, which has tight security – I’m guessing that’s the reason it’s not open to the general public.

2. Enjoy Delicious Christmas Cookies and Plum Puddings

Let’s me just preface this with a warning – the plum puddings in Delhi are more like cakes and not what my British Grandmother made every year, but they’re still pretty good!

In December you’ll notice the best Delhi bakeries sell plum puddings, chocolate Santas and shortbread cookies. They’re all pretty good, but I think the best and most authentic Christmas baking is at Defence Bakery in Defence Colony, South Delhi and Ye Old Bakery at the Claridges Hotel.

Just because you’re visiting Delhi during the holidays, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Christmas goodies!

3. Shop for Christmas Decorations at Khan Market

Khan Market is the place to shop and hang out if you want to experience Christmas in Delhi.

The market transforms into a winter wonderland (minus the snow) with all kinds of Christmas ornaments, Christmas trees, bakeries selling cookies, and restaurants offering traditional Christmas foods.

This is one of the most popular markets in Delhi and it gets particularly busy around holidays – try to go early in the afternoon to avoid the worst crowds.

It’s conveniently located in South Delhi, near many other famous sites like India Gate, Safdarjung Tomb and Lodhi Garden, so make a day of it and do some sightseeing.

I think Khan Market is the best market for Christmas ambience, but most of the Delhi markets will have Christmas decorations and items for sale.

4. Attend Christmas Service at Church

Even I was completely surprised at how many Christian churches there are in Delhi. You will have no problem attending a midnight mass or a service on Christmas day.

Delhi has beautiful and famous churches, of all denominations.

The most prominent church in Delhi is Sacred Heart Cathedral. It was built in the 1930s by the British Raj. This is the church I usually go to for mass. Pope John Paul II visited this cathedral twice on his visits to India.

It’s a lovely Italian style church and at Christmas it’s magical with hundreds of colourful lights and a nativity scene.

Another option is the chapel at the Embassy of the Holy See Vatican. Mass is in English and open to diplomats, expats and their guests.

5. Feast on a Traditional Christmas Dinner or Brunch

You can enjoy a sumptuous holiday feast at one of Delhi’s best 5 star hotels. Several of these hotels put on a Christmas Eve dinner and/or a Christmas Day brunch. Check with the hotel ahead of time to make a reservation.

I had a fantastic traditional Christmas Eve dinner at the Hyatt a couple of years ago, although the carver had no idea there was stuffing inside the turkey. He was quite perplexed when I requested he dig into the bird’s cavity!

The Taj Mahal New Delhi is really nice too, they go all out with the decorations.

The best hotels for a fantastic Christmas meal are (and their phone numbers for reservations):

6. Do Your Christmas Shopping at Saket Select City Walk

Delhi has some fantastic shopping malls and most will decorate for Christmas.

Saket Select City Walk is a great one. You’ll be able to easily reach it in South Delhi, and they always put on a big Christmas display.

This is also a great mall for shopping. They have lots of Western and Indian brands – whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here!

7. Warm up with Hot Chocolate

There’s no better time to have hot chocolate than Christmas time in Delhi. December is on the cooler side, and having a festive hot chocolate is a great way to warm up.

These aren’t your Nestle Quick versions, these are serious hot chocolates, made with good quality chocolate. Some are so rich you almost need a spoon.

These are my favourite spots for hot chocolate in Delhi:

8. Skate with Santa at ISKATE

Every Christmas ISKATE celebrates the season with special foods, decorations, themed music and of course a skating Santa Claus. This is a lot of fun for adults and kids, and it’s a great way to get active.

I love skating at ISKATE in the summer (it’s a great way to keep cool), but skating with Santa would be so much more fun!

ISKATE is located in one of Delhi’s best shopping malls, Ambience Mall Gurugram, so make an afternoon of it. Do a little shopping, have lunch and catch a movie at the cinema.

ISKATE website

FAQs About Christmas in Delhi

These are the most common questions about Christmas in Delhi:

The Wrap-up on Christmas in Delhi

Even though the city is predominantly Hindu, there are lots of ways to celebrate if you find yourself in Delhi at Christmas. You can have a turkey dinner, eat shortbreads, go ice skating or decorate a Christmas tree!

Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing.

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