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. Christmas in Delhi is no different. Locals fully embrace the holiday season.
How to Celebrate Christmas in Delhi
Will you be in Delhi during Christmas? Here’s what to do:
1. Visit a Christmas Market
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 and the Tamana Winter Market (hosted by the British High Commission), but there’s more. I go to these two whenever I’m in Delhi at Christmas. I love the baking and mulled wine at the German Christmas Market.
These markets are a lot of fun, and a great place to pick up specialty artisan items, Christmas baking or local designer clothing.
2. Enjoy 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 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.
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.
4. Attend a 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.
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 Regency a couple of years ago, although the carver had no idea there was stuffing inside the turkey. He was very confused 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 Christmas meals are the Leela Palace, the Imperial, Taj Mahal New Delhi and Hyatt Regency Delhi.
6. Do Your Christmas Shopping at Saket Select City Walk
Delhi has some fantastic shopping malls and most 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.
Some of my favourite spots for hot chocolate in Delhi are Chocolateria San Churro, Cafe Dori and Choko la.
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 good 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.
Where to Stay in Delhi at Christmas
In Delhi, where you stay matters. Not only because the city is massive and you want to be near the sites, but also in terms of safety. Here are a few excellent properties that are well located for sightseeing and in good neigbourhoods:
- Imperial Hotel New Delhi (luxury): Delhi’s finest heritage hotel and my personal favourite. Excellent walkable area in Connaught Place.
- Lutyens Bungalow (mid-range): Heritage boutique property in one of the best areas of the city next to Lodhi Garden. Breakfast is included.
- Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast (budget): Family run guest house in a residential area, near the metro and easy to explore the whole city from. Home-cooked breakfast is included.
FAQs About Christmas in Delhi
These are the most common questions about Christmas in Delhi:
Yes, the city recognizes Christmas. Many Indians celebrate the holiday, and there are lots of decorations, church services and holiday dinners.
December is not the best time to visit Delhi. Pollution levels are high and it’s cold.
Christmas is not an official holiday in India, but Indians do celebrate Christmas to varying degrees. There are many decorations and Christmas events, especially in the major cities.
Last Words on Christmas in Delhi
Even though the city is predominantly Hindu, I still find it surprising how much Christmas spirit there is in Delhi. You can have a turkey dinner, eat shortbreads, go ice skating or decorate a Christmas tree!
