Christmas in Pondicherry is easily the most bustling time of the year. The Christmas & New Year weekends bring smiles to many local businesses as the city’s economy receives a boost ! But 2020 has been tough for many local businesses. This weekend is your opportunity to spread some Christmas cheer by supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs from Pondicherry & Auroville at various Christmas markets.
4 Christmas themed pop-up markets
The Christmas Market is a European tradition that features open-air stalls featuring local and handmade products, traditional to the region. Pondicherry has been embracing this tradition with enthusiasm in the form of Marche de Noel organised by the Amicale de Pondicherry. This year, given that we are still living in the time of a pandemic , 4 pop-up markets are indeed a boon ensuring crowds remain small.
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Marche de Noel
This is the annual Christmas market featuring local and expat entrepreneurs and many non-profits too. Usually held at the Lycée Francais, there is a change of venue this year given the current scenario. But the good news is the market is held for two days instead of one – Saturday and Sunday !
Where: Réveil Social, Number 26, Rue Laporte.
When: December 19 & 20 : 10 am- 5.30 pm
What to Expect: Baked goods, decorations by non-profit organisations, clothes, accessories, lifestyle and more. Lucky draw.
Covid -19 Safety Guidelines: Entry with pass. Scan & download it here
Find location & more event details here
2. Xmas Market
If you live outside the city centre, head to this new open-air venue with sheltered stalls on ECR Road. Over 30 Pondy entrepreneurs will be displaying their wares. There are games for kids, a Zumba flash mob at 5 pm and Christmas carols by Helen & team from Domus Dei at 6 pm too!
Where: Arboretum is located on the ECR highway @ Chinna Kottakuppam, right before Rose dates store, 650 m from Shivaji statue
When: December 19: 10 am – 7 pm
What to Expect: Skincare by Sukham Handmade, terracotta, colourful cotton masks, jewellery, pottery, home-made bakes and chocolates, home garden and decor etc
Covid -19 Safety Guidelines: Mask mandatory for entry
Route to location & more details here
3. Christmas Pop-Up
Not a Christmas market but a small yet unique Christmas themed pop-up featuring home-grown brands from Auroville and Pondicherry.
Where: Umami Kitchen Auroville & Gelato Factory Auroville Main Road, Kuyilapalayam
When: December 19 & 20 ; 11 am- 8 pm
What to Expect: Auroville pottery, ceramic earrings, designer clothing, baby clothes, handmade paper stationery, home made jams and cookies etc
Find out participating brands & event details here
4. Christmas Market
Find unique handmade gifts for the season from local entrepreneurs here. Eat at live food counters and enjoy song and dance.
Where: 8, Rue Aurobindo
When: December 18- 22; 10 am- 8 pm; Closed for lunch between 2 pm- 4 pm
What to Expect: Meet Santa, taste some yummy food and shop for handmade gifts.
Find out more about this event here
Mask up, stay safe and show your support for these local businesses ! Even something small you buy means a lot to these businesses in 2020.
For photos & videos from these pop-up market check Pondylive’s Facebook or Instagram handles . Find all events in Pondicherry & Auroville here
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from another local business that counts on your support – from all of us at Pondylive.com !
FEATURE PHOTO: HARI PRASAD
