From holiday brunches to themed parties, top 9 things to do this Christmas

Schenelle Dsouza 
Looking for a last-minute Christmas celebration? Check out some of these fun holiday-themed events taking place in Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru.
Elephant & Co, Pune
Elephant & Co, Pune
Photo Courtesy: Elephant & Co, Pune
If you’re looking for a complete Christmas celebration in Pune, then Elephant & Co is the place to be! The chic resto-bar has a full day of fun planned starting with a community Christmas brunch at 12 pm followed by a Christmas Sundowner from 4 to 7 pm. And because ugly sweaters are a hip Christmas trend, join in with an evening of excitement with a DIY sweater party from 8:30 pm onwards!
Address: D 10, Central Ave, opp. Gaurishankar Kalyani Bungalow, Nilanjali Society, Kalyani Nagar, Pune 411006
When: December 25, 12 pm onwards
For reservations call 097668 38529
Foo
FOO Bandra
Photo Courtesy: FOO
Delectable Asian tapas, signature cocktails and groovy music, what better way to celebrate Christmas! Blending the spirit of the holiday season with a memorable experience, Foo in Bandra and Andheri is offering a selection of their best tapas, including spicy hamachi maki, foo bao, spicy Hunan chilly baby potatoes, hong yu waterchestnut wonton burnt garlic, pink pepper prawns 7 spice seasoning, along with their special dumplings like wasabi truffle & edamame dumpling, crystal dumpling, sriracha chicken dumpling. Dance till the wee hours to some toe-tapping beats with DJ Rohan and DJ Conrad at Foo Andheri and Foo Bandra respectively. That’s not all, for the festive week, Foo also has a special menu of Festive Cocktails that are a must-try.
When: December 24
For reservations call 093213 46592 (Bandra); 093213 46591 (Andheri)
The Nook, Mumbai
The Nook
Photo Courtesy: The Nook
Get ready for a speakeasy-themed vintage Christmas Party at Mumbai’s newly launched The Nook. Hosted in association with Hops Cork, the 1920s-themed Christmas bash is replete with free-flowing handcrafted cocktails, cigars, and groovy music by DJ Shaw along with a Saxophonist keeping everyone on their feet all night long. A party as fun as this is not without its rules. And so guests must adhere to the vintage theme starting with a strict dress code “Classic Suits for men and 1920s Glamour for women”. In addition to this, patrons will mention the secret key password at the door before entering. This will be announced on The Nook’s Instagram handle the day before the event.
Address: The Nook, 801, Gehna, Linking Road, Khar West, Mumbai – 400052
When: December 24, 9 pm onwards
For reservations contact +919004740004,  +919967967978, +919819524242
Taki Taki, Lower Parel
Taki Taki
Photo Courtesy: Taki Taki
Sticking to its iconic red theme, Taki Taki in Lower Parel has curated a fun Christmas celebration and is calling it The Red Party 2.0. Kick off the Christmas spirit with banking tunes by DJ TBomb that pair well with Taki’s special menu of exotic drinks like berry mary sangria, snowman — a rum washed with chocolate and truffle, fresh cream, honey and cinnamon; jingle ball prepared with oreo biscuit, baileys, whiskey, honey, strawberry, or a classic old mulled wine. And when you need a break from the music, head to the Table Suite where you can enjoy quality time with your friends and family.
Address: World Crest, Unit no.1A & 1B, Lodha, Upper Worli, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013
When: 12 pm to 12.30 am
For reservations call 7400491480
Gallops, Mahalaxmi Race Course
Gallops
Photo Courtesy: Gallops
Mumbai’s lush Mahalaxmi Race Course has been set up for a memorable Christmas celebration at Gallops surrounded by stunning landscapes. To kickstart the celebration, Gallops is hosting a Christmas Eve Buffet featuring a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes such as Christmas roast turkey, maple glazed ham, garlic broccoli, parmesan-crusted fish and baked brie. Desserts never fall short at Gallops, dip into a variety of desserts such as Christmas Pudding, chocolate hazelnut yule log, pecan pie and fruit savarin among delicious spreads.
Address: Inside Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Via Gate 1, Keshavrao Khadye Marg, Royal Western India Turf Club, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034
When: December 24, 7 pm to 11:30 pm
Cost: dinner buffet ₹2800++ ; imported alcohol package ₹1200++
JW Marriott Bengaluru
JW Marriott Bengaluru
Photo Courtesy: JW Marriott Bengaluru
Celebrations in Bangalore are never limited by time, and so JW Marriott Bengaluru has curated not one or two but three Christmas specials. Starting with a Christmas Eve dinner, followed by a Christmas Day Brunch and a Christmas Gala Dinner for a weekend filled with warm holiday cheer. The menu tailored to fit the festivities presents dishes like the roast turkey, suckling pig, churrasco chicken, peri peri lamb cutlet, chilli barbeque pork spare rib, Valencian style paella with seafood, duck liver mousse with cognac, lobster terrine to Goan specialities like mutton vindaloo, chicken cafreal, pao kingfish recheado, Goan shrimp pulao, vegetable caldeen, sanna and a range of all-time classics. The are paired perfectly with sparkling wine, along with a selection of some of the best gins and rare rums accompanied by glitzy foot-tapping live music. For those looking to stay for all three, the hotel is offering a stay package that offers you a lazy Christmas by checking in on the eve, waking up to a buffet breakfast, the magnificent brunch and more on Christmas Day for an unforgettable Christmas.
Cost: ₹3835++ onwards. Stay with Brunch starts from ₹19,500++ per couple
For reservations call 8884494037
SAGA, Gurgaon
SAGA
Photo Courtesy: SAGA
A hearty brunch with your loved ones on Christmas day is probably the best way to spend the holiday. And if you’re from Gurgaon, then you’re in luck! A beautiful Alfresco dining in NCR, SAGA’s Christmas special brunch comprises a festive seasonal menu accompanied by hearty winter cocktails and sweet melodies. The exquisite feast curated by head Chef, Kush Koli brings the best of gourmet offerings such as chicken tikka pie, butter chicken ball, murgh musallam tacos, nadru ki chaat, Kundan qalia, chocolate delice and many more. The hearty treats are presented along with handcrafted winter cocktails like mulled wine, eggnog and more.
Address: Vatika Atrium, Golf Course Road, Sector-53, Gurugram
When: December 25, 12 pm to 4 pm
Cost: ₹3500+
For reservations call 9999144286, 9953006787
Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel
Sheraton Grand Hotel
Photo Courtesy: Sheraton Grand Hotel
Looking for a lavish Christmas feast? Then Sheraton Grand Hotel in Bengaluru is the place to be. Kick off the celebrations with a 5-course dinner at the exotic Persian Terrace where you get to dip into delights like delicate dim sums, hand-rolled sushi, fragrant Thai dishes, artisanal pizzas, and traditional biryanis among others. Pair these with their house-special mulled wine, sangria or check out some of their premium red and white wines. Another fun spread called the Feast is perfect for those looking for a traditional holiday spread. Here you can find all the holiday favourites like a pie station, turkey carving station, meatloaf, and more. Feast will also lay out a lavish brunch to mark Christmas Day with games for kids, entertainment for adults, a carol singing competition, Tarot card reading, and a Christmas special cooking class.
Christmas Eve celebrations: December 24, 6:30 pm,
Cost: ₹2750++
Christmas Brunch: December 25, 12:30 pm onwards
Cost: ₹2750++
For reservations call +91 9591996926 | +91 9591996959
White Hogwarts Christmas at Silly, Khar

 

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If you’re a Potterhead and have always wished you could get into Hogwarts, then Silly’s White Hogwarts Christmas party is for you. From snow-covered branches to owls and wands hanging from every surface, people walking through the door will feel like they’re walking into Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. The magical event comes alive with catchy tunes by DJ Omen playing everything from old skool hip-hop to the hottest billboard releases of 2022. The decor was inspired by spells and potions with each room boasting its own unique vibe. For food, dig into delicious homemade pumpkin soup, deep-fried brie with plum sauce, fish cakes with strawberries, tofu katsu curry, profiteroles with ice cream and hot chocolate sauce, and of course a traditional warm Christmas cake. Pair these with some fun winter-inspired cocktails like winter old fashioned, jingle all the way, sleigh ride and more. And you cannot miss the stunning 12-foot Christmas tree!
Address: 5th lane, Opp Union Bank, Khar West, Mumbai
Cost: ₹2500 for two (approx)
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