When moving from the industrial suburbs of Asansol to the City of Joy, Riddhi was carrying a
mixed bag of emotions inside. He had visited Kolkata during his school and college days, mostly
for the Durga puja revelry but those days were different.
After bagging a plum job in an IT firm in New Town, relocating to Kolkata was the only logical
option. After moving to a rented setup in Salt Lake, it took some days for him to get accustomed
to things. The bustling streets, traffic jams, cosmopolitan vibe, and hectic pace of life took some
time to soak in.
After settling in his new accommodation after Diwali, Riddhi realised this would be his first-ever
Christmas in Kolkata.
He had read and heard so many stories about it – the nostalgia-wrapped lanes of Bow
Barracks, the glitzy lure of Park Street, and the festive vibe engulfing the city streets. Being a
newcomer to the city, Riddhi has chosen to explore Christmas and New Year’s Eve with his
colleagues.
As someone new to Kolkata from the suburbs, you may feel somewhat like Riddhi, both excited
but unsure about the options and ways to usher in the New Year.
Here’s a guide to help you celebrate the first-ever Christmas in Kolkata in style.
Must-See Christmas Attractions in Kolkata for First-Timers
Park Street – The focal point of Christmas and New Year celebrations in Kolkata is Park Street.
The entire stretch gets adorned with glitzy lights and décor much before the 25th and the
celebrations continue till the New Year. The annual Park Street Carnival with its spectacular
street performances draws massive crowds. The eateries at Park Street, including the iconic
ones remain choc a block with the visitors. The Allen Park is where the revellers head to,
despite its limited dimensions.
New Market – The Christmas Bazaar- Some first-time Christmas revellers in Kolkata are
shopping addicts! If you are too, do not miss checking out the New Market bazaar during the
last week of December. The iconic marketplace dons a festive cloak and you can buy plenty of
festive decorations including decorative lights and Christmas trees. The popular bakeries are
around the place, and they draw a huge crowd too.
The Midnight Mass – A great way to soak in the Christmas spirit of Kolkata is by attending the
midnight mass at any of its iconic churches. You can head to the Gothic-styled St. Paul’s
Cathedral, made in 1847. There are other options like the St. John’s Church, known as the city’s
oldest surviving church, and the Old Mission Church, with its grandiose stained-glass artwork
depicting the life of Jesus.
Bow Barracks – Are you curious about the Christmas celebration by the Anglo-Indian
community in Kolkata? Then your ideal destination is Bow Barracks – a heritage place in its own
right. The décor is amazing and you can savour homemade cakes, pastries, and wine. The
carols and live performances will take you back to a nostalgic trip.
Festivities for Your Tastebuds
Christmas celebration in Kolkata can hardly be complete without munching on festive delicacies and quenching the thirst with special beverages. First-timers can pick from the following options
but there are many others too.
Bakeries – Known to be among the oldest bakeries in Kolkata, Nahoum & Sons started its
journey in 1902. Their plum cakes and run balls are hot sellers in the festive season and you
may try the cream-filled pastries, too. Those seeking a taste of lavish Christmas cakes and
pastries should check in at Flurys on Park Street. The iconic tearoom is ideal for enjoying fine-
quality beverages with your close ones, too.
Chinese delicacies – Do you want to taste amazing Chinese delicacies while stepping into the
New Year or on Christmas Eve? Two ideal destinations would be Golden Dragon and Bar-B-Q,
both located on Park Street. Try roast pork and Mei Foong noodles at the former or gorge on
Golden Fried Prawns and Kung Pao Chicken at the latter!
Continental – Once again, you will be spoilt for choice. Take your pick from the relative
newcomers on the culinary scene like Peter Hu? or the iconic stalwarts like Mocambo and Peter
Cat.
Making the Most of Your First-Ever Christmas and New Year in
Kolkata
Celebrating the first-ever Christmas and New Year in Kolkata can be enthralling, but be
prepared for a few rough patches, too. This will help you sail through.
● The crowd can seem overwhelming for the unversed, more so in and around Park
Street. Everything including the roads, metro, and eateries will be jam-packed.
● Try to soak in the festive spirit as Kolkata has a generally warm and cosy ambience
during these festive days.
● Checking out the community events and gatherings at neighbourhoods, smaller
churches, and neighbourhoods can offer a different type of fulfilment.
Final Words
For first-timers like Riddhi and others who have recently moved to Kolkata, experiencing
Christmas and subsequent New Year celebrations can be mesmerizing. The festive ambience,
warmth, community events, mouth-watering dishes, and amazing décor offer an eclectic blend
that is rare to find elsewhere.
