Things To Do in Mumbai This Christmas Holidays: From Races & Raves to Quiet Joys

CHRISTMAS is that magical pause button Mumbai desperately needs — a time when the city exhales, dresses up, and finds joy in both spectacle and stillness. From world-class music festivals and iconic horse races to café hopping in heritage bylanes and quiet acts of kindness, Mumbai’s Christmas holidays offer something for every kind of celebrant.

After an adrenaline-packed year of mega concerts, cricket fever, and global tours, this festive season invites you to choose your pace. Loud or laid-back, glittering or grounded — Mumbai lets you celebrate Christmas your way.

The City Is Buzzing: Races, Concerts & Live Experiences

If your idea of Christmas comes with crowds, lights, and thumping music, Mumbai has you covered. The city’s social calendar is stacked with high-energy events — from prestigious horse races like the Indian 2000 Guineas Derby at Mahalaxmi Racecourse to music festivals catering to every genre imaginable.

International festivals, electronic dance spectacles like Sunburn, immersive experiences such as Circus Festival 2025, AP Dhillon concert, indie gigs, local jams, and even intimate house sessions are popping up across venues. Platforms like BookMyShow and District.in are packed with listings — making it easy to plan your festive nights, whether you’re chasing bass drops or soulful acoustics.

Burnt out from big-ticket spectacles earlier this year? This might just be the perfect time to switch gears.

Walk It Off: Bandra & Colaba by Christmas

Sometimes, the best way to celebrate Christmas in Mumbai is simply to walk.

Stroll through the bylanes of Bandra to experience the Christmas revelry of traditional decor, churches, and street vibes;Hill Road, Reclamation Road, Carter Road, or visit Colaba for the classic charms and market, where fairy lights spill onto pavements, cafés glow warmly, and Christmas décor blends seamlessly with colonial charm. Order that extra cup of coffee, linger over conversations, soak in street music, click a few Insta reels if that’s your thing — or don’t.

It’s about being present. Laughing with friends. Sharing moments with family. Letting the city’s festive rhythm slow you down.

Midnight Mass: A Timeless Mumbai Tradition

For many, Christmas begins with the serenity of Midnight Mass. Even if you’re not religious, witnessing this tradition is deeply moving and beautifully Mumbai.

Visiting iconic churches such as St John’s Church and Holy Name Cathedral (Colaba), St Thomas’s Cathedral (Fort), Gloria Church (Byculla), Our Lady of Victoria Church (Mahim), Mount Mary’s Basilica (Bandra) and Holy Trinity Church (Powai) offers a deeply atmospheric experience. Expect candle-lit interiors, soulful carol singing in the late evening and a serene Midnight Mass that marks the spirit of the season. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and respectfully — as these are places of worship. Arriving early is advisable, as services tend to be well attended, and the calm, reverent setting provides a beautiful pause from the city’s festive buzz.

Christmas Shopping: From Clicks to Crawford

Christmas shopping in Mumbai is equal parts chaos and charm. If you’re short on time, online platforms like Amazon and Flipkart make gifting effortless. But if you’re chasing the festive vibe, nothing beats Mumbai’s local markets in December.

Head to Crawford Market, Hill Road, Lokhandwala, or IC Colony — where ornaments, décor, sweets, and gift trinkets spill into the streets till late evening. It’s shopping, yes — but also storytelling, people-watching, and pure festive immersion.

Malls, Magic & Instagram Moments

Mumbai malls go all out for Christmas — Jio World Plaza, Infiniti Mall, Phoenix Palladium/Marketcity & R City for larger-than-life trees, Santa sightings, pop-up bazaars, live performances, and kid-friendly workshops make them perfect for family outings.

Hamleys Wonderland at Jio World Garden, BKC is Mumbai’s much-loved Christmas carnival, transforming the expansive venue into a festive playground with Ferris wheel rides, themed zones like LEGO, Barbie and Haunted Circus, character parades featuring Hamley Bear, games, food stalls and dazzling lights — with a Flying Santa adding to the holiday magic. Running from December 19 to 30 (3 PM–10 PM), it offers an immersive, family-friendly experience, though visitors should expect large crowds.

Dress up. Smile. Pose. Explore the most Instagrammable corners while enjoying festive entertainment, shopping deals, and cheerful chaos. Whether you’re with friends, family, or flying solo, malls become warm, glittering community spaces during Christmas week.

Christmas Bakes & Festive Feasts

No Mumbai Christmas is complete without good food and sweet indulgences, and the city truly comes alive this time of year. Enjoy festive meals at Amaru (Bandra) for a special chef-led Christmas menu, soak in cosy European vibes at Moxy Sky rooftop lounge (Andheri) or head to SMAA (Andheri) for cheerful décor and comforting food.

Old favourites like Cafe Leopold and Prithvi Café (Juhu) add to the charm with seasonal specials, while bakeries across the city tempt you with plum cakes, gingerbread cookies, brownies and classic Christmas desserts. Share a bite with loved ones, pack some treats to take home, and let the simple joy of the season do the rest — because Christmas in Mumbai is all about togetherness.

Paint the Town Red — Or Keep It Cosy

Want to party? Host a house gathering, head to a club, or plan a quick festive getaway. Places like Imagica add a touch of wintery fun just a short drive from the city, making for a memorable Christmas outing.

Prefer something quieter? Stay in. Light candles. Play carols. Cook together. Sometimes, simplicity wins.

The Season of Giving

Beyond lights and parties, Christmas is also about kindness. Visit a senior citizen, help a neighbour, donate time or simply share a smile. These small, human moments often become the most meaningful memories.

Santa notices. And even if he doesn’t — your heart will.