Experience the beauty of Christmas in these Mumbai neighbourhoods this year

Itrsquos time to grab your Santa hat and set off to experience the cityrsquos merriest neighbourhoods From Borivli to Malad to Carter Road and Girgaon the Christmas spirit has taken over streets and their corners We tell you where to go what to eat and what to seeThe North Pole of the cityIf Christmas had an official suburban headquarters in Mumbai it would undoubtedly be IC Colony in Borivli This neighbourhood stages a massive collective display of festive prideThe lights shine bright for Christmas in IC Colony Borivli File PicNIMESH DAVEHead to The central lanes are where yoursquoll be enveloped by an electric contagious joy Nearly every home is brightly lit creating a continuous dazzling canopy overhead Beyond the residential light displays the main streets transform into a Christmas bazaarFor some Christmas goodies there are numerous cold storage establishments and bake shops where you can find treats for the season Head to Hot Buns Mount View Chic or Marvel They stock the traditional highlyprized Goan and Mangalorean sweets that define the season Think rich dark plum cake soft baath coconut cake crescentshaped neurios braided kulkuls creamy marzipan delicate milk cream and vibrant jujubesA community hub of lightsChembur is a cherished area for locals known for its vibrant streetlevel organisation that brings the festive spirit home For the lack of a better word itrsquos a hidden gem for those looking to see authentic residentled Christmas decorHead to The key hotspot is near Sahyadri Ground in Tilak Nagar This residential area is known for vibrant locally organised lights music and decorations that transform the lanes into a welcoming hub of festive activity The communityrsquos pride is evident in the scale and quality of the displaysFor a more traditional spiritual experience the Our Lady of Perpetual Succour OLPS Church is the central focus It offers a beautiful church setting complete with elaborate lights and traditional nativity scenes serving as a powerful hub for the wider communityrsquos spiritual celebrationsA colonial ChristmasStepping into Khotachiwadi in Girgaon is like tumbling back in time These quaint historic Portuguese bylanes sneak through the modern city It is an area defined by oldworld charm and community resilienceHead to Khotachiwadi is only steps away from Charni Road station So you are better off leaving your vehicle at homeThe architecture of the homes is so striking it seems like they are the decoration Houses with intricate balcatildeos balconies are decked up to the ninesThe walk is sensorial mdash you can hear the carols and smell the delicious scent of East Indian delicacies wafting through the air from kitchens preparing festive feastsDespite a continually dwindling local population the community ensures that the annual Khotachiwadi Christmas market draws significant footfall Join in the revelry this year on December 21Santa comes to the lsquoburbsThane represents the largescale planned and commercial embrace of the Christmas season offering themed experiences perfect for families and shoppers The celebration here is grand and expansiveHead to Hiranandani Estatersquos The Walk is famous for its vibrant Christmas atmosphere This central promenade is lit up with twinkling lights often accompanied by live music and performers creating an exciting backdrop for evening strollsFor family fun Lake Shore Mall hosts a special Santa Land a festive zone featuring themed decor photo opportunities with Santa an immersive North Pole Express ride and carnival games making it a spectacular experience for younger visitors Keep an eye out for specific community events like the Christmas Carnival Craze that often pop up in the wider Hiranandani Estate area adding to the sheer abundance of festive activitiesWhere every street is lit for St NickBandra remains the undisputed champion of Mumbairsquos Christmas light displays effortlessly merging its historic village charm with modern spectacular commercial zeal This is where guaranteed holiday magic happensBandra is the champion of Mumbairsquos Christmas light displays PicGetty ImagesHead to Begin your journey with the historic Village Walk Head into Waroda Road turn onto Veronica Street and find yourself in the heart of Ranwar Village Here the village square hosts a magnificent annual Christmas tree often accompanied by local carollersNext follow the lights along Chapel Road where the glow leads you toward the beautiful St Carmel Church with intricate cribs and decorated homes lining your pathThe true showstopper however is often the unassuming Convent Road near the famous Pali Hill Candies This short small street is transformed as every single house and building is wrapped entirely in lights On Christmas Eve the Crescent building often puts up an elaborate show complete with music and community singalongs that draw the entire street out for a festive celebrationFor a modern spectacle head to Carter Road The famous Christmas Wonderland on Carter Road features massive commercialgrade installations breathtaking light tunnels and festive backdrops perfect for capturing the ultimate holiday photoThe grand facades of Mount Mary St Peterrsquos Church and St Andrewrsquos Church are also worth checking out as they are dressed in their holiday bestTo grab those Christmas goodies you can get all you need at American Express Bakery or Venus Bakery Alternatively stalls near Balaji Restaurant on Hill Road are reliable spots for quick bakes and goodies and traditional Mangalorean Goan and Malayali sweetsCarols and community cheerMaladrsquos Christmas spirit is deeply rooted in its tightknit communities offering an inclusive experience that extends warm hospitality to everyone The soundscape of a Malad Christmas is defined by carolling Every evening leading up to Christmas Day the air is filled with music often performed by groups travelling in a brightly deckedout truck with children and a few guitarists strumming along to beloved hymns This mobile concert spreads cheer across the entire areaHead to To truly experience the area you must walk the lanes in Lourdes Colony Tank Road and Sunder LaneOrlem in Malad is the host of all things festive File PicNIMESH DAVEMidnight Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church is the central spiritual event Itrsquos a huge community affair enjoyed by Christians and nonChristians alike drawing large crowds that linger after the service to socialise and share the joyIn a beautiful display of local care MLA Aslam Shaikh even organises horsedrawn carriages to drop senior citizens safely home after Mass concludes in the early hours of the morningFor those seeking a different kind of festive energy local bars embrace the holiday season by hosting lively Christmas Eve parties and jam nights that continue right up to the New Year welcoming anyone who wants to bring a guitar and sing along