The grandeur of Durga Puja in Kolkata is renowned and remarkable, and the spectacle of Christmas is another treat that should be experienced once in a lifetime. Known as the City of Joy, Kolkata embodies a profound love and enthusiasm for festivals, and this sentiment extends to Christmas, celebrated with unparalleled zeal.
In Kolkata, Christmas is referred to as "Boro Din," the roots of the festival delving deep into the city’s colonial history and multicultural character. The city transforms with Christmas bazaars, pre-Independence era bakeries brimming with cakes and goodies, and a spectacular Christmas Carnival featuring dazzling illuminations and beautifully adorned churches. Kolkata truly embraces the holiday season with gusto. The celebration has undergone a transformative journey over the years, influenced by historical occurrences, cultural diversity, and the rich tapestry of communities coexisting within the city.
One of the most important Christmas experiences in Kolkata is to attend a midnight mass. During Christmas, these churches in Kolkata are brimming with the festive spirit and attract a significant number of visitors. St. Paul’s Cathedral stands out as the most renowned among them, making it a must-visit during the Christmas season. Additionally, other well-known churches such as St John's, St Andrew's, St Stephen's, the Portuguese Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, and the Mission Church also contribute to the city's festive spirit.
Another delightful option is exploring the Bow Barrack. Originally part of military barracks, this colony boasts red brick buildings and is home to Anglo-Indian residents. During Christmas, the Barrack hosts open-air dance parties and various other events. If you're not inclined towards parties, a leisurely walk around the neighbourhood offers a great opportunity to absorb the festive atmosphere.
Park Street is a longstanding epicentre of Christmas and New Year's celebrations. Since 2011, the state government has organised a Christmas Carnival on a section of road just off Chowringhee, extending until New Year's Day. The entire street dazzles with fairy lig
hts, while Allen Park is adorned with Christmas installations and cribs. Evenings come alive with musical performances.
Food stalls are set up, showcasing culinary delights from different communities in the city. Local Anglo-Indian, Parsi, and Chinese families offer delicious home-cooked savouries. Notable bakeries, including the renowned Flurys teashop, also join the festivities with stalls along the sidewalk.
City hotels and restaurants are renowned for hosting some of the most exquisite Christmas spreads, and a culinary adventure at Nahoum & Sons is a must. Established in 1902 by Israel Mordecai, a Baghdadi Jew, this bakery is famous for its delectable rich fruit and plum cakes, cream-filled pastries, rum balls, and walnut and chocolate brownies.
In the week leading up to Christmas, Nahoum & Sons becomes a bustling hub, drawing people from afar who patiently queue up outside its doors for hours to savour their festive treats. Nahoum’s offers three varieties of traditional Christmas cakes- rich fruit cake, special rich fruit cake, and light plum cake, all of which have earned a significant following in Kolkata over the past century. Mrs Magpie, Peter Cat and Mocambo also offer delectable spreads of traditional and fusion food.
Indulging in Christmas shopping adds to the festive joy, and Sasha on Free School Street is a must-visit for unique handcrafted Christmas decor. The collection includes cozy lights crafted from wicker threads, papier-mâché creations, and cloth tree hangings.
For more Christmas gift options, explore Good Companions on Russell Street. Established in 1934 by a British lady to cater to Brits in India, the store offers beautiful kitchen towels, home furnishings, bed linen, and more.
