Bengaluru’s "Secret" Winter: 10 Places That Will Change How You See Christmas

Christmas in Bangalore is special. It’s not snowing, but the city lights up beautifully. If you are confused about where to go on December 24th or 25th, here is my list.

1. Big Banyan Vineyard (For a Movie Under the Stars)

Where: Off Mysore Road This is different from a normal party. Imagine sitting on the grass in a vineyard, drinking wine, and watching a Christmas movie on a big screen.

1. Why go: It feels like a picnic. It is quiet, open, and very relaxing.

2. Thom’s Bakery (For the Street Vibe)

Where: Fraser Town You don't go here to sit; you go here for the energy. On Christmas Eve, the street outside this bakery is full of people waiting for their famous Plum Cake.

1. Why go: The smell of fresh cake is amazing. The whole street is decorated with stars. It feels like a street festival.

3. Phoenix Mall of Asia (To Feel Like You Are Abroad)

Where: Hebbal If you want to see the biggest Christmas tree in the city, go here. They build huge wooden shops that look like German markets.

1. Why go: It is great for photos. They have jugglers and tall Christmas trees that look great on Instagram.

4. Koshy’s (For Old School Feels)

Where: St. Marks Road This place has no loud music and no DJ. It is an old restaurant that has been here forever. On Christmas, they serve a special Roast Duck and Turkey.

1. Why go: It feels like the "real" old Bangalore. You will see grandpas and grandmas dressed in their best suits and sarees.

5. Orion Mall (For Lights by the Lake)

Where: Rajajinagar Most malls are just buildings. But Orion has a man-made lake. During Christmas, they put thousands of fairy lights on the building, and you can see the reflection in the water.

1. Why go: Grab a coffee, sit by the water steps, and just watch the lights. It is very romantic and free.

6. St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral (For Peace)

Where: Cleveland Town If you want to see the religious side of Christmas, go here on December 24th night. Thousands of people stand outside holding candles.

1. Why go: Even if you aren't Christian, seeing thousands of candles glowing in the dark is beautiful. It is very peaceful.

7. Courtyard by Marriott (To See a Giant Cookie House)

Where: Hebbal Hotels usually just put up a tree. But this hotel builds a life-size Gingerbread House (made of cookie dough) that you can actually walk up to.

1. Why go: It smells like cinnamon and sugar. Kids love it because it looks like a house from a fairy tale.

8. Four Seasons Hotel (For a Fancy Meal)

Where: Ganganagar If you want to treat yourself and eat a lot, go to their restaurant called CUR8. They do a huge Christmas lunch with Turkey, special wine, and desserts.

1. Why go: It is expensive, but the food is top quality. You can eat as much as you want.

9. Manyata Tech Park (For a Big Party)

Where: Nagavara Usually, this is an office place. But on Christmas Eve, they host a massive open-air party called "Novaland."

1. Why go: If you like loud music, dancing, and being in a big crowd, this is the place. It is high energy.

10. Brigade Road (Just for the Walk)

Where: CBD (Central Business District) I saved the most famous one for last. You cannot drive here—the traffic is crazy. But taking a walk down Brigade Road on Christmas Eve is a tradition. The street lights are famous.

1. Why go: Just to say you did it. The crowd is huge, everyone is happy, and the lights stretch across the whole street.

A small tip: On December 24th evening, the traffic in the city center (MG Road area) will be stuck. Use the Metro. It is faster and cheaper!