There is no other town in India that does Christmas better than Shillong. The European architecture, the sound of midnight masses in the churches and the twinkling streets make you feel like you have been featured to live in a hallmark Christmas movie. For the locals, Christmas is that time of the year where they take things slow and show gratitude for the health of friends and family all while enjoying the beauty of the chill breeze and the occasional whiff of Christmas cakes from the bakeries. For those travelling to Shillong during Christmas, expect nothing short of an unforgettable journey ahead of you. During Christmas you get to see the town at its jolly best. From the people to the places, all seem merrier in Shillong during the Christmas season. We have curated a list of things that you can do to spend your time in Shillong the right way during Christmas this year.
To witness the breathtaking Christmas decor in Shillong, head towards Police Bazar and Ward’s Lake. The market in Police Bazar lights up with life as bright as the fairy lights around it. With icicle lights hanging from above and miniature reindeers lighting the streets from every corner, the gay spirit of Yuletide reflects on the decorations. Similarly, Ward's Lake is another spot where you will find colourful fairy lights hugging the lake bridge and the adjacent trees. The decor makes it quite a spectacular place to click and get clicked for the gram.
Some of the famous churches of the town such as Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, All Saints Cathedral, Shillong Baptist Church and others host midnight masses that visitors can attend. The churches are adorned with vibrant lights and festive decor as they welcome people to participate in the masses and Christmas carols. The churches often display the nativity scene of Jesus in various creative ways for children to learn about the religious lore behind Christmas.
What is Christmas if not a hearty meal with a glass of wine or two? Along with joy, Christmas brings in a lot of delectable dishes and if you are in Shillong, the choice of culinary delights spoils you. If you are in the mood for some pork then try the traditional Khasi dish of Shillong called Jadoh. A simple dish at heart, Jadoh is made of pork and rice. However, the Khasi spices make the dish stand out and the taste will linger in your mouth days after you have had it. On the other hand, if you want to taste the sweetness of the city, then get your hands on the traditional sugary snack called Pukhlein. Made with grated coconut, jaggery and ground rice, Pukhlein is deep fried to satisfy your sweet tooth.
A substantial chunk of the population of Shillong engages in charitable activities during the festive season. The locals believe in helping out the less privileged with whatever they can during the festive season so that the latter can celebrate the festivities just like everyone else. You can join the locals in their charitable endeavours to end your Christmas trip in Shillong with not just a gallery full of spectacular photos but also a heart filled with contentment.