5 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Pondicherry

This article originally published in 2018 has been updated in 2023

Christmas is the best time to be in Pondicherry- there is a cold nip in the air, there are twinkling lights everywhere and a general feeling of goodwill and cheer! Here’s how to make the most of your Christmas in Pondicherry:

NEW : Christmas dinners, parties and brunches in Pondicherry for 2023

See the lights on Mission Street:

Fairy lights, Christmas trees, inviting shop windows and Christmas music streaming from stores-  Mission Street in Pondicherry is easily at its merriest during Christmas. The stretch of Mission Street right opposite the Immaculate Conception Cathedral is where you can pick up paper stars to hang from your roof, red and gold tinsel or special Christmas ornaments. Look out for the handmade Nativity scene figurines and cribs of different sizes made by local artisans from neighbouring villages in Tamil Nadu.

 

Shop for Pondy-made goods at Christmas Markets

One of the European traditions that Pondicherry embraces annually is the Christmas Market or the Marche de Noel. Designers, bakers, boutique owners, NGOs and local businesses sell Christmas themed decor, jewellery, clothes, cookies, gourmet food and more ! Most of the markets are held on the first or second weekend of December.

 

Sit down to a feast on Christmas in Pondicherry

Hotels and restaurants around town host sumptuous Christmas Eve dinners and brunches with five course meals and traditional favourites from turkey and chicken to mulled wine and plum cake.

Christmas Brunch in Pondicherry at The Spot Pondi White Town and christmas dinner buffet
Sumptuous Christmas brunch close to the sea
Reservations: 97917 26362 THE SPOT

Sing carols by the sea!

Light up your candles and sing ‘Silent Night’ or swing with Santa Claus to Jingle Bells! There are beach-side concerts in mid-December and carols by candle light in churches. 2024 Christmas carols concert here 

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Ring in Christmas in Pondicherry at Midnight

Join the devout before the clock strikes 12 for a special Christmas mass in any of Pondicherry’s churches, particularly the popular trio of churches inside the heritage town area.

The decorations and lights at Christmas only add to the centuries-old beauty of these churches like Our Lady of Angels on Rue Dumas; Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Mission Street, and Sacred Heart Basilica, South Boulevard.

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