Bhubaneswar embraces festive cheer: markets and malls decked for Christmas and New Year celebrations
Bhubaneswar: With Christmas around the corner, markets in Bhubaneswar are alive with festive fervour as shoppers throng these markets to prepare for the New Year celebrations. Starting from decorative items to baking essentials, everything is in high demand. Several malls and shopping complexes in the city have been transformed into winter wonderlands, adorned with sparkling lights, Christmas trees, and themed decorations. Adding to the excitement are musical shows, Santa Claus meet-and-greet sessions, and reindeer displays, which are drawing revellers in large numbers.
“Every year, we wait for this time to deck up our homes and prepare special cakes and treats. The energy in the markets is so contagious, as it truly feels like the spirit of Christmas. The best thing about the festival is that it is not limited to any particular community,” said Rosy Digal, a homemaker busy shopping at the Christmas market at Unit-1.
Shops selling decorative items and baking supplies are seeing brisk business. Items like ornaments, streamers, baubles, fairy lights, wreaths, stockings, and artificial Christmas trees are selling like hotcakes. Baking accessories, especially cake molds and frosting kits, are also in high demand. However, customers said the prices of all items increased significantly compared to last year.
“No doubt the variety of decorative items in the market is more than last year, so are the prices. Christmas tree prices start from Rs 700 to 1000, while other decorative items are almost double. Since children are insisting on decorating the home and tree during Christmas and New Year, I got some,” said Namrata Das, a shopper.
Shopkeepers said the quality and variety of items are better than last year. “Some of the decorative items are of very good quality. We have Christmas trees with inbuilt LED lights and sensory lights. The stuff is long-lasting and of good quality, so the price is a little higher,” said Kartik Swain, adding that the rise in prices is not a dampener.
Malls and market complexes across the city have become hubs of activity. “We have organised daily events, including carol singing and Santa Claus visits, to bring the community together and spread holiday cheer. The response has been overwhelming, especially from children who are excited to meet Santa and pose for pictures,” said the manager of a prominent mall in Rasulgarh.
With the festive season in full swing, hotels and restaurants are also gearing up to host special Christmas dinners and parties. Chef Rahul Panda, who is preparing a Christmas-themed menu for a city-based restaurant, said, “We are planning everything from roast turkey to plum cakes to ensure a memorable culinary experience for our guests.”
“Every year, we wait for this time to deck up our homes and prepare special cakes and treats. The energy in the markets is so contagious, as it truly feels like the spirit of Christmas. The best thing about the festival is that it is not limited to any particular community,” said Rosy Digal, a homemaker busy shopping at the Christmas market at Unit-1.
Shops selling decorative items and baking supplies are seeing brisk business. Items like ornaments, streamers, baubles, fairy lights, wreaths, stockings, and artificial Christmas trees are selling like hotcakes. Baking accessories, especially cake molds and frosting kits, are also in high demand. However, customers said the prices of all items increased significantly compared to last year.
“No doubt the variety of decorative items in the market is more than last year, so are the prices. Christmas tree prices start from Rs 700 to 1000, while other decorative items are almost double. Since children are insisting on decorating the home and tree during Christmas and New Year, I got some,” said Namrata Das, a shopper.
Shopkeepers said the quality and variety of items are better than last year. “Some of the decorative items are of very good quality. We have Christmas trees with inbuilt LED lights and sensory lights. The stuff is long-lasting and of good quality, so the price is a little higher,” said Kartik Swain, adding that the rise in prices is not a dampener.
Malls and market complexes across the city have become hubs of activity. “We have organised daily events, including carol singing and Santa Claus visits, to bring the community together and spread holiday cheer. The response has been overwhelming, especially from children who are excited to meet Santa and pose for pictures,” said the manager of a prominent mall in Rasulgarh.
With the festive season in full swing, hotels and restaurants are also gearing up to host special Christmas dinners and parties. Chef Rahul Panda, who is preparing a Christmas-themed menu for a city-based restaurant, said, “We are planning everything from roast turkey to plum cakes to ensure a memorable culinary experience for our guests.”
