Christmas Trees Across India Signal a Thoughtful Start to the Festive Season

A quiet illumination of craftsmanship, community and conscious celebration

As Christmas approaches, hotels across India have begun welcoming the festive season with Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies that emphasise sustainability, cultural expression and shared community moments. From heritage-led installations to eco-conscious designs, these ceremonies offer travellers an early glimpse into how destinations are marking the season.

ITC Hotels showcase regional craft through sustainable installations

Across multiple properties, ITC Hotels continued its tradition of celebrating a Green Christmas through installations rooted in Responsible Luxury aligning with ITC Hotels’ wider sustainability philosophy and global recognitions.

At ITC Mughal, the Grand Lobby featured a 17-foot Christmas tree inspired by Agra’s Zardozi craft, with ornaments reflecting Mughal-era detailing and the work of local artisans.

ITC Rajputana unveiled a 15-foot pagri-inspired tree in the Jaigarh Lobby, crafted from iron and plywood and adorned with over 130 handcrafted safas representing Rajasthan’s textile traditions.

At ITC Maurya, the Eco Elora installation rose 16 feet in the Chaitya Lobby, created from natural and biodegradable materials such as palm leaves, dried flowers, jute stems and coconut coir, shaped over more than 170 man-hours of craftsmanship.

ITC Grand Bharat introduced Sustain-a-Tree, crafted from wood, cane and jute, reflecting a minimal and renewable approach to festive décor.

ITC Maratha unveiled a White Ivory Christmas Tree crafted from sustainable materials, including ivory yarn, pearls and gold threads. Inspired by the concept of a White Christmas, the installation was designed with circularity in mind, allowing the materials to be repurposed after the festive season.

Raffles Udaipur opens the season with an in-house crafted installation

Raffles Udaipur marked the start of the festive period with an intimate Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Great Hall in December 2025. The event brought together heartists, families, members of the local community and young guests for an evening shaped by collaboration and craftsmanship.

The Christmas tree was designed and created entirely in-house by the Engineering, Housekeeping and Culinary teams using wood logs sourced from within the estate and traditional wooden handicrafts. Even the festive cookies adorning the tree were prepared by the culinary team, reinforcing a collective approach to the celebration.

As shared during the evening, “At Raffles Udaipur, celebrations are most meaningful when they are shaped with intention. This Christmas, our tree and the moments surrounding it reflect the care, collaboration and responsibility of our people. It is a simple yet heartfelt way of welcoming the season together,” said Rajesh Namby.

The ceremony concluded with a countdown leading to the lighting of the tree, accompanied by a choral performance by students from St. Anthony School, Udaipur. Santa Claus made a brief appearance, adding to the experience for younger guests.

Pullman and Novotel Aerocity bring guests together in New Delhi

Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity ushered in the festive season with their Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 15, 2025. The hotel lobby was transformed into a winter-themed setting, centred around the illuminated Christmas tree.

The evening began with a welcome address, followed by the lighting of the décor. Live Christmas music performed by a four-piece band set the tone, while Santa Claus made an appearance for guests. The culinary team curated small bites, handcrafted cocktails and holiday-themed treats.

Reflecting on the celebration, Manish Dayya noted, “It’s the last celebration of the year and one of the most special ones. We’re delighted to share these moments with our guests before stepping into the new year, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to our Christmas events across our restaurants.”

Sheraton Grand Bangalore combines celebration with culinary experiences

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway hosted its Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 17, 2025. Guests gathered as the tree was illuminated, marking the beginning of the festive season at the hotel.

The evening included music, cocktails and an appearance by Santa Claus, particularly enjoyed by children. The celebrations continued with a curated dinner at The Persian Terrace, where guests experienced a Levantine menu presented by Turkish chef Yildiz Öz Samaha.

Speaking on the occasion, Sushma Khichar shared that “the Christmas tree lighting holds a special place in the hotel’s festive celebrations, reflecting the values of hope, joy and togetherness that define the season.”

ibis Styles Mysuru marks the season with families at the centre

ibis Styles Mysuru hosted its Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 10, 2025, with children lighting the tree in the hotel lobby. Santa Claus joined the celebrations, followed by a festive high tea featuring seasonal treats curated by the culinary team.

Sharing the sentiment behind the tradition, Ganeshram Iyer noted that “the tree lighting ceremony is a special occasion that brings families and communities together, reflecting the spirit of joy, hope and togetherness.”

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach highlights regional heritage

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach marked the festive season on December 2, 2025, with the lighting of a Sustainable Christmas Tree celebrating Andhra Pradesh’s craft traditions.

The installation featured Araku bamboo, Mangalagiri sarees, Ettikoppaka lacquer toys and Kondapalli wooden toys. Reflecting on the initiative, Lakshmi Sridhar shared that “the tree is a meaningful tribute to local artisans and conscious craftsmanship, while honouring regional traditions in a responsible way.”

Across destinations, these Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies reflect how hotels are reinterpreting festive traditions through sustainability, regional identity and community engagement. For travellers, they offer a quiet introduction to the season, rooted not in spectacle but in thoughtful design and shared moments.