During Christmas, Kolkata’s Park Street ushers in the merry vibes every year. With the festive jingles lingering in the air and the stars twinkling overhead, this long stretch has garnered lovers from far and wide. But ever wondered why it’s so special? Scroll down for answers!
Every December, The Kolkata Christmas Festival lights up the bustling Park Street. Themed decorations take to the streets, while twinkling LED ornaments sparkle after sundown. The streets chime in harmonious carols, while a beautiful Christmas tree decked in baubles awaits at the end of Allen Park. As the city’s signature yellow taxi meanders its way through the sweater-draped crowds, the reflections of fairy lights on the surface entice.
If this isn’t enough food for thought for you to visualise what makes Park Street so iconic, we’re here to help! So, don your Christmas hats, slide into your reindeer stockings, prepare the background carols as we take you through Kolkata’s iconic Park Street virtually.
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Visiting Park Street, Kolkata during Christmas
Merry vibes all around
Initially, stretching from St Xavier’s College to Jawaharlal Nehru road, the festivities have now spread to Mullick Bazar and St Paul’s Cathedral on either side. Over the years, an offshoot of the celebrations have also extended till Vardaan Market on Camac Street.
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Formerly a day-long celebration reserved for the actual Christmas day, the festivities now last till the end of year. After all, who has the heart to take down such beautiful decorations so quickly?
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Despite this extension, the festive spirit remains infectious as ever. Each inch of the street finds itself covered in layers of thematic lighting, courtesy artisans of Chandannagar. Hanging overhead baubles, mistletoes, mini Santas, and stars add to the merriment.
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Ordinarily, people from all across the city walk along these streets to capture a snippet of the mesmerising beauty. While the inception of the Christmas festival at Park Street is as recent as 2011, it has garnered lovers across regions.
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During this time, reindeers (including Rudolph) take to the streets, with the lovable Santa trudging along on his sleigh. Despite the warm climate Kolkata enjoys, cotton balls and faux snow make up for the lack of chilly days.
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Ordinarily set up in the walkers-only zone of Allen Park, the magnificently decorated tree is a sight to behold—during the day and after dark, both. Doubling as the ideal merry backdrop for any festive photo, this space often transforms as a space for events as well. Think carol competitions, food stalls, Christmas parades and more.
Shops selling mini reindeers, stars, and Santas find a space on the roads, with many kids eyeing the ideal treetop to take home. Smells of plum cakes whiff through the air, while the bustling shoppers tussle for the best deals.
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This merry vibe extends to the indoor spaces as well, particularly at St Paul’s Cathedral on Cathedral Road. Considered the largest church in Kolkata and Asia’s first Anglican cathedral, the solemn space adorns itself in wreaths, lights and trinkets.
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During the pandemic-induced lockdown in 2020, while Park Street Christmas celebrations might have been relatively dull, the lights continued to shine bright, nonetheless. In 2021, the crowds once again resurfaced with many streets facing traffic restrictions and a 50-foot tall lit-up tree shadowing the premises. After all, Christmas is all about spreading the joy and happiness!
Park Street in 2022
This year, Park Street in Kolkata is expected to ring in the Christmas fervour once again. Scheduled to kickstart on December 20—according to Utsav, an online directory of events and festivals that is managed by India’s Ministry of Tourism —the Kolkata Christmas Festival 2022 will see bands and choir groups perform in Allen Park on Park Street. Touted as one of India’s largest carnivals dedicated to Christmas, this five days long gala will continue till December 30 (with the exception of December 24 and 25 when Allen Park is closed). During this period, the streets come to life with a two-hour long parade wherein around 500 school children participate, multiple choirs, and live musicians including the Kolkata Police band.
Related: Celebrate Christmas In Kolkata With This Ultimate Guide For A Magical Holiday Season
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