This year, Christmas celebrations will be muted similar to other festivals. The pandemic has got many yearning for a little festive joy earlier than usual. However, we must not let that kill our festive spirit. Every year by this time, trees, lights, tinsel and baubles already appear in streets and houses, and people even get shopping for Christmas gifts and treat. Some people even decorate their whole front yard with lights and encourage people to walk past at night to enjoy them.
Christmas is traditionally a Christian holiday, but in modern times it has been embraced by people of all faiths and cultures around the world. Although there are many differences between the ways in which cultures celebrate Christmas, there are also many similarities too.
Meanwhile, in India, the Christian community have many Christmas traditions that would be familiar to us, such as attending church services, singing carols, visiting friends and families and exchanging gifts. Many people choose to donate to charities that support work with families who will not receive gifts at Christmas.
While as we talk about Christmas, it is requisite to note that the festival in Mumbai is an affair not to miss!
Christmas is celebrated with much fervor in the Mumbai, and it isn’t just the city’s dynamic Christian – mostly Catholic – community that makes sure it is done right. Mumbaikars from across the religious spectrum have their own ways of celebrating this special occasion. With well-attended Masses held at historic churches, citywide jolly decorations, Christmas-themed parties and events, and plenty of festive dining options.
Mumbai is home to many historic churches, most of which hold special Christmas Midnight Masses that attract thousands of faithful from across the city. The following three churches are particularly popular for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.
Apart from visiting the best churches in Mumbai, here are different ways in various parts of the city to spend your Christmas eve with your near and dear ones this year.
Christmas Street Shopping:
Many fabulous markets in the city are transformed around this time of the year to cater to all of your Christmas shopping needs – from Christmas trees and decorative ornaments to Santa costumes.
1. Hill Road in Bandra is the city’s top Christmas shopping stop. You will find streetside stalls selling decoration items, festive sweets, and treats at very affordable prices.
2. Colaba Causeway in Colaba is a causeway lined up with shops and street stalls displaying irresistible fashion pieces, Colaba Causeway is every fashion lovers dream come true. However, to find the best of the lot, you have to hunt and dig deeper into this street. So whenever you visit Colaba Causeway, look for hidden treasures. Also, do not forget to bargain!
3. Crawford Market in Fort are your best options if you are looking to shop for Christmas decorations or other items in South Mumbai.
Christmas Parties:
Many of the city’s favorite bars and nightclubs host coveted Christmas Eve parties. With celebrity DJs spinning the hippest tracks, plenty of festive-themed food and drinks, plus energetic crowds, you are sure to have a good time.
Exo at the Palladium Hotel in Lower Parel and Trilogy in Juhu host some of the most happening Christmas parties in Mumbai every year.
However, this year, there will be restrictions imposed on these parties. Even in house parties, only limited people will be allowed.
Christmas Dinner:
If you are not planning to cook or head over to anyone’s home for your Christmas meal this year. The city’s restaurants offer a range of Christmas Eve as well as Christmas day meal options.
Indigo, among the best restaurants in the city, as well as Lotus Cafe at the JW Marriott Hotel are sought-after choices for a Christmas meal splurge.
In Bandra, places like Hitchki, BKC Dive and The Little Easy are known to host a Santa-themed party! These resto-bars till last year used to have something planned from Christmas along with a slate of activities and events around the festival. Some of these places may plan something grand this year as well which one can check nearer to the date and make plans accordingly.
So get ready to make your Christmas Eve a memorable one!
Share
Tweet
