The festive spirit has truly descended upon the National Capital Region, with Delhi and Gurgaon transforming into vibrant hubs of Christmas creativity. Beyond the glimmering fairy lights and classic carols like All I Want For Christmas Is You, a new trend is capturing hearts: immersive, hands-on Christmas workshops. Cafés and art spaces are becoming cozy sanctuaries where the joy of the season is expressed through crafting, painting, and baking.
Artistic Togetherness: The Heart of Festive Workshops
At the core of this movement is a desire for meaningful connection. Artist Poulomi Bose of Pouls of Art, who is hosting multiple sessions at Gurgaon's 32nd Avenue, observes that Christmas naturally puts people in a festive and social mood. "Everyone wants to step out, spend quality time, and do something meaningful together," she says. Her popular workshops offer a wide range of activities including wreath making, snow globe crafting, wood slice painting, felt toy making, fluid art, and gingerbread house decoration. To enhance the experience, she has even set up a dedicated face-painting corner for attendees.
This sentiment is echoed by Arushi Jain from Artphonso, which is also organizing community-led events. She emphasizes that Christmas is about coming together through cozy activities. Their plans include sip-and-paint sessions, a communal doodling wall, and serving hot chocolate bombs to participants, creating a warm and interactive vibe.
Crafting Memories: From Clay Dates to Fragrant Candles
These workshops are designed to be more than just activities; they are about creating lasting memories. Prakriti Des, founder of Bizyheart Studio, which hosts clay workshops, explains the appeal. "It’s about slowing down during a season that’s usually rushed. You get to sit with a parent, partner, or friend, talk, laugh, and make something together with your hands. What stays with you is the time spent and the little handmade piece you take home as a tangible memory of Christmas," she says.
The sensory experience is paramount, especially in candle-making sessions. Vineet S Arora, founder of Rad Lvng, describes his Christmas special workshop as an exercise in slowing down surrounded by warm lights and festive elements. Participants work with a special winter fragrance palette designed to evoke holiday nostalgia, including scents like bergamot, vanilla, frosted pine, sugarplum, and cinnamon cake. They also decorate their candles, leaving with a beautifully crafted, holiday-ready keepsake.
Cafés & Community: The Perfect Festive Setting
The venues themselves are embracing the Christmas cheer to host these gatherings. Sanjali Nirwani, founder of Unlocked cafe in Gurgaon, shares how they prepare with twinkling lights, festive details, a special menu, and thoughtfully set tables. Ananya Yadav from Vean India, who is hosting a candle-making workshop at a cafe, plans to inspire the workshop table with a Christmas dinner table theme. The session will feature hot chocolate and a playlist of Christmas classics like Joy To The World and Jingle Bells, promising a slightly messy yet joyful community experience.
For many, especially expats, these events are a cherished part of the season. Parul Bansal, COO of Vivre Experiences, notes that Christmas means taking time off and enjoying the community. Her company is organizing wreath making, ornament painting, and special pearl candle workshops for Delhiites this week.
Baking also remains a quintessential and heart-warming community activity. Chef Ipsa Sambhi, founder of La Croûte in Sundar Nagar, is organizing a Christmas bake-along through Trove Experiences. Participants can look forward to a hands-on session making everything from scratch, including a festive Christmas cake and gingerbread cookies, while learning to prepare mulled wine. "Expect a relaxed, joyful atmosphere, shared tables, festive sips, and the simple pleasure of creating and celebrating together," she says.
Popular Christmas Workshop Themes in the City
For those looking to participate, here are some of the most popular workshop themes being offered across Delhi-NCR:
- Candle making with festive scents
- Ornament decorating and ornament shakers
- Mulled wine making sessions
- Cookie and gingerbread house decoration
- Wood slice painting
- Sip-and-paint sessions
- Christmas cake bake-alongs
- Cozy clay dates
- Eco-friendly wreath making
This festive season, Delhi is proving that the greatest gift can be the joy of creating something beautiful alongside your community, leaving everyone with memories that last long after the decorations are put away.
