Kolkata's iconic Park Street has transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland, marking the official start of the city's year-end celebrations. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the 15th edition of the Kolkata Christmas Festival at Allen Park on Thursday, December 19, 2025, setting the stage for over a week of joyous festivities.
Festival Details and Chief Minister's Address
While inaugurating the festival, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shared her personal connection to the celebrations. "I have been participating in midnight prayers since childhood and am well-acquainted with the traditions," she stated. Emphasizing Bengal's secular fabric, she added, "We respect all religions and mark the festivals of every community as our own. The people of Bengal love fairs and festivities."
She announced that the festival at Allen Park will continue until December 30, although the decorative installations and stalls will remain for public enjoyment until January 5. To ensure a safe and immersive experience for revellers, she declared that vehicular movement on Park Street will be prohibited on December 24 and 25. This measure will allow people to walk freely and fully soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
A City Adorned: Lights, Decorations, and Major Venues
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and the State Tourism Department have collaborated to deck up the city in festive finery. An estimated Rs 5 crore has been spent on decorating six major locations with elaborate LED light displays and thematic motifs.
The key decorated spots include:
- Park Street (from Chowringhee to Mullick Bazar)
- Park Street Flyover
- Bow Barracks
- Allen Park
- Harish Mukherjee Road
- Harish Chatterjee Road
While the Tourism Department funded the lighting at Park Street and Bow Barracks, the KMC covered the expenses for the other locations. Officials indicated that beyond the festivities, the grand illumination is also aimed at boosting tourist attraction during the holiday season.
Where to Celebrate: A Guide to Christmas Hotspots
Each location offers a unique flavour of the Christmas celebration. Park Street remains the epicentre, with its stunning canopy of lights, Christmas trees, and festive motifs. Allen Park on Park Street is the hub for live performances, featuring choir groups and local bands throughout the festival week. Its sidewalks are lined with stalls selling festive treats like fruitcakes and local delicacies.
For a more traditional and community-centric experience, Bow Barracks showcases Kolkata's Anglo-Indian heritage with open-air dances and musical events in its narrow, red-bricked lanes. New Market is the go-to destination for Christmas shopping, from decorations to Santa suits, and for indulging in legendary baked goods.
Additionally, VIP Road hosts a grand Christmas Carnival along its service road from Lake Town to Golaghata, featuring themed gates and a spectacular display of lights.
With the city bathed in light and resonating with music, the Kolkata Christmas Festival 2025 promises to be a unifying celebration of joy, tradition, and communal harmony, reflecting Chief Minister Banerjee's vision of providing a much-needed respite from stressful daily lives.
