Planning to spend Christmas in Mumbai this year? With the year 2025 coming to an end, it is time for the final festival of the year. If you’re not heading out for holidays, no worries, Mumbai won’t disappoint.
From twinkling streets and grand mall decorations to the smell of fresh plum cakes from local bakeries, this city has it all. Christmas celebrations in Mumbai is all about joy, colour, and community. Hence, you don’t need a huge budget or travel plans to enjoy the festive spirit.
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Mumbai during Christmas, planning cozy celebrations at home, or exploring budget-friendly Christmas ideas in Mumbai, this guide brings you seven practical ways to make your holiday season merry and meaningful.
So, before you rush to book an outstation trip, here’s how to experience Christmas in Mumbai, right where all the magic is.
7 Practical Ideas & Activities to Celebrate Christmas on a Budget
🌲1. Put Up a Christmas Tree That Fits Your Mumbai Home
No Christmas celebration in Mumbai feels complete without a tree — big or small. Even if you live in a compact apartment, you can still find creative ways to bring one home.
Artificial Christmas trees are easy to find across the city, from Crawford Market and Hill Road in Bandra to Lokhandwala and Borivali. Prices start as low as ₹300 for mini trees, so you don’t have to overspend to add that festive charm. Place these smaller trees on cabinets or side tables to instantly bring in that cozy seasonal vibe.
If you prefer something grander, go for a 4–8 ft tree to fill a corner of your living room — just remember, the bigger the tree and décor, the higher the price tag. While there are many stores that sell Christmas trees these days you can always explore these Mumbai markets for shopping for Christmas trees and ornaments.
It’s smart to invest in one you can reuse for years to come. If you’re unsure which size or type to pick, check out our post on how to choose the right Christmas tree for your home or apartment.
💡 Pro Tip: Head to Crawford Market or Hill Road a week before Christmas for a wide range of trees and ornaments — from shiny baubles to classic Christmas stars.
🎋2. Decorate Your Home with Budget-Friendly Christmas Touches
You don’t need an elaborate setup to bring Christmas cheer into your Mumbai home — a few thoughtful decorations can do the trick. Start with simple Christmas stars, fairy lights, and colourful baubles that instantly warm up your space.
Most local markets in Mumbai, especially Hill Road, Crawford Market, and IC Colony in Borivali, are packed with stalls selling everything from wreaths to hanging bells. Prices vary widely, so set a small budget and mix old décor with new pieces to keep costs down.
Similarly, bring in candles, festive doormats, table runners, and cushion covers that reflect Christmas colours and motifs — turning your apartment into a cozy little holiday haven.
If you live in an apartment, decorate balconies and window grills with string lights or paper lanterns for that cozy festive glow without cluttering your space. For an eco-friendly twist, reuse last year’s decorations or DIY a few using paper, ribbons, or pinecones.
💡 Pro Tip: Shopping early (before the third week of December) can save you up to 20% at local markets — prices surge as the holiday rush peaks.
🥮3. Bake or Buy Christmas Cakes in Mumbai
Cake is an essential part of Christmas celebrations in Mumbai. Baking one at home is always a great idea as it keeps the cost low and fills your home with that irresistible festive aroma. But if you’re running out of time, the city has your back.
Mumbai offers plenty of bakeries that sell freshly baked Christmas cakes at pocket-friendly prices. From traditional plum cakes to rich fruit and rum cakes, you’ll find options for every taste and budget.
Places like Monginis, Theobroma, and Hearsch Bakery in Bandra are city favourites, while Merwans and A1 Bakery in Bandra and Dadar offer delicious cakes that don’t burn a hole in your wallet. Also, you can find plenty of other Christmas cake shops in Mumbai that offer mouthwatering sweets and treats ideal for a low-cost Christmas celebration.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit these bakeries and cake shops a few days before Christmas to avoid long queues and last-minute stockouts.
🍿4. Watch Classic Christmas Movies at Home
After all the shopping, decorating, and cake tasting, there’s nothing like curling up on your couch with a Christmas movie marathon. Whether you’re watching alone, with family, or with your partner, Christmas movies bring that warm, nostalgic feeling to your celebration.
From timeless classics like Home Alone and The Polar Express to newer favorites like Klaus and The Christmas Chronicles, there’s something for everyone. You can stream them easily on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+ Hotstar — no need to spend extra.
To make it more fun, grab a cozy blanket, pop some popcorn, and dim the lights. Your Mumbai apartment will feel like a festive cinema hall in no time.
💡 Pro Tip: Host a “Christmas Movie Night” with friends, and let everyone bring a snack and a blanket. Low cost, high cheer.
⛪ 5. Visit Popular Churches for Christmas Mass
Even if you’re not religious, attending a midnight or morning mass during Christmas in Mumbai is an experience worth having. The music, lights, and festive atmosphere create a sense of peace and community that captures the true spirit of Christmas.
Some of the city’s most beautiful churches, like Mount Mary Basilica in Bandra, Don Bosco Church, Afghan Church and St. Thomas Cathedral in South Mumbai, host beautifully decorated masses that draw people from all walks of life.
If you’re on a budget, don’t worry, attending mass doesn’t cost a rupee. Just dress modestly, arrive early (especially for midnight mass), and soak in the music and the magic. Here are some of the famous churches in Mumbai for midnight mass this year.
💡 Pro Tip: Check timings beforehand and try visiting the newly renovated Afghan Church around sunset — the view and the festive lights together feel straight out of a postcard.
🛍️6. Soak in the Christmas Vibe at Mumbai’s Malls
Mumbai’s malls go all out during Christmas — giant Christmas trees, fairy lights, Santa parades, live music, and a lot more. It’s a full-on festive experience that doesn’t require you to spend much unless you want to shop.
Phoenix Marketcity (Kurla), Infiniti Mall (Malad and Andheri), R City (Ghatkopar), and Palladium (Lower Parel) are some of the top places where you can walk in for free and soak up the atmosphere.
Every year, these malls compete to outshine each other with massive Christmas setups, starting from 30-foot trees to life-sized gingerbread houses.
If you still intend to shop you can look out for various seasonal sale and discounts. This allows you to shop at these shopping malls in Mumbai while keeping your budget in check.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday evening to avoid the rush and look out for those discount offers that don’t last long.
🍲7. Enjoy a Festive Family Dinner Without Overspending
Christmas in Mumbai is also about sharing a hearty meal with loved ones, and you don’t have to splurge at five-star buffets to enjoy it. Many local restaurants and cafés offer special festive menus and Christmas dinners that are both delicious and affordable.
There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and pubs across the city that bring you that cozy, homely charm with festive specials and warm service. Even smaller eateries in Bandra, Colaba, and Andheri get decked up with lights, music, and cheerful vibes.
The idea here is to spend quality time over a dinner table and craft moments that can make your Christmas holidays special without having to worry about the budget.
💡 Pro Tip: Book your table early, especially for Christmas Eve, and look for combo meals or festive platters that are lighter on the pocket but rich in flavour.
🎁 Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas in Mumbai – Your Way
You don’t need to travel far or spend a fortune to feel the magic of Christmas in Mumbai. The city itself transforms into a warm, cheerful celebration, from glowing lights and mall décor to cakes, music, and cozy home gatherings.
Whether you’re decorating your apartment, watching Christmas movies with friends, or enjoying a simple dinner with family, these budget-friendly Christmas ideas make it easy to celebrate in your own way.
And if you’d rather spend Christmas outside the city, you can always explore some of the best destinations in India for Christmas holidays — each offering its own unique festive charm.
At its heart, Christmas in Mumbai is less about tradition and more about togetherness, a reminder to pause, laugh, share, and soak in those year-end moments before the city races into another year.
❓FAQ: Christmas Celebrations in Mumbai 2025
Christmas in Mumbai is celebrated with lights, décor, music, and a whole lot of community spirit. From visiting malls and bakeries to attending midnight mass or hosting movie nights at home, Mumbaikars celebrate the season with joy, regardless of religion or background.
Some of the most stunning Christmas decorations can be found at Phoenix Marketcity (Kurla), Palladium (Lower Parel), R City Mall (Ghatkopar), and Infiniti Mall (Andheri and Malad). You’ll also spot beautifully lit-up churches and streets in Bandra, Colaba, and South Mumbai.
You can decorate your home, bake a cake, enjoy Christmas movies, visit malls, or go for a festive dinner with family — all without overspending. Mumbai offers plenty of affordable ways to join the celebration without feeling left out.
Absolutely! The weather is pleasant, the city looks festive, and there’s a cheerful energy everywhere. It’s also one of the best times to explore local markets, try new food, and experience Mumbai’s cultural mix during the holidays.
If you prefer a Christmas getaway, check out these popular destinations in India for Christmas holidays — each offering its own charm, from snowy hill towns to beachside celebrations.
