The City of Joy is filled with exciting events this weekend. Experience the magic of Shujaat Husain Khan live—an evening that promises to resonate deeply within you. If you appreciate textiles and handicrafts, don’t miss Karigari, featuring award-winning artisans who will showcase traditional artworks, textiles, and endangered folk arts. Christmas in Kolkata is something special. The Kolkata Christmas Festival began on December 19 and will continue until December 30. To fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, visit Park Street, which has long been the hub of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. The entire street is adorned with fairy lights, and Allen Park is beautifully decorated with Christmas installations and nativity scenes. Additionally, you can sign up for a spectacular Christmas dinner this Sunday at the Heritage Court Café, located inside the stunning YMCA building. So, what will you choose to do this weekend?
Shop For Handmade Textiles, Crafts, And More
If textiles and handicrafts are your jam, you won’t want to miss Karigari. The 4th floor of the Kolkata Centre for Creativity will transform into a vibrant art market celebrating India’s rich craft heritage. As part of the annual AMI Arts Festival, Karigari brings together award-winning artisans from across the country to showcase traditional artworks, textiles, and endangered folk arts. This event is more than just an art market; it’s an opportunity to explore and support generations of artistic legacy while taking home treasures that tell a story of culture and craftsmanship. Among the stalls to visit are Heritagebox selling handcrafted perfumes and essential oils from Mathura, Kalyal Mal Sahu's Pichwai paintings, Naari Handicrafts from Haryana making handcrafted jutties, Zenzula from Mumbai making upcycled musical instruments, and the Choki Art Institute supported by Bhutan Embassy.
When: December 19-22, 11 AM – 7 PM
Where: Dipak Road, Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, Anandapur, Adarsha Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700107 KCC, 4th Floor
An Evening With Sitar Maestro Shujaat Husain Khan
Don’t miss the chance to experience an unforgettable evening of Indian classical music featuring the acclaimed sitar maestro Shujaat Husain Khan. As a distinguished torchbearer of the Imdadkhani gharana, he will captivate you with his extraordinary talent on the sitar, performing an exquisite selection of traditional ragas that reveal the intricate beauty and profound depth of Indian classical music. He carries a rich musical lineage as a dedicated disciple of the legendary Ustad Vilayat Khan. He is the son of Ustad Vilayat Khan, and his esteemed heritage includes his grandfather, Ustad Inayat Khan, his great-grandfather, Ustad Imdad Khan, and his great-great-grandfather, Ustad Sahebdad Khan, all renowned artists from their times. With performances at India’s most prestigious music festivals and tours worldwide, Shujaat has enchanted audiences worldwide, including stunning shows at the Royal Albert Hall in London, Royce Hall in Los Angeles, and Congress Hall in Berlin. Arrive early to secure your seat, as seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
When: December 20, 6.30 PM
Where: Kolkata Centre For Creativity, Dipak Road, Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, Anandapur, Adarsha Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700107
Catch Some Plays At A National Theatre Festival
Attention, theatre lovers! Don’t miss out on Nandikar's 41st National Theatre Festival, where captivating plays await you. Experience the brilliance of Aaro Ekta Lear (Bengali) by Anjan Dutt Productions, immerse yourself in Manush (Hindi/Bengali), directed by the talented Sohini Sengupta, and enjoy the mesmerising Madhabi (Bengali) by Swatilekha Sengupta. Be sure to catch Unsewn and Jotne Rekho, which feature the creative minds of Barkha Bahar, Federica Ruggieri, and Arghya Dey Sarkar. Visit www.nandikar.net for more information and to explore the full schedule.
When: December 20-25
Where: Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata
A Christmas Dinner In A Heritage Cafe
Sign up for a spectacular Christmas dinner this Sunday at the Heritage Court Cafe, inside the stunning YMCA building on the historic Chowringhee (now known as Jawaharlal Nehru Road). Kolkata Explorers will organise this sit-out dinner on the open terrace of the Heritage Court Cafe. The highlight of the menu is the Christmas Roast Turkey Roulade, served with all the trimmings, including turkey rolled with herbs, grilled sausage wrapped in bacon and dates, herb-crusted potatoes, roasted Christmas vegetables, gravy, cranberry sauce, and a bread roll. Alternatively, you can choose the Smoked Bhetki Steak with Risotto, featuring creamy mushroom risotto paired with smokey grilled Bhetki steak in herb lemon butter sauce. Enjoy a Christmas special plum pudding with custard sauce to finish the meal. The venue itself adds to the experience. The YMCA building has a rich history; it was established in 1902, following the formation of the Calcutta Christian Juvenile Society of 1822 by John Lawson, a Baptist missionary associated with William Carey. This marked the beginning of the first YMCA in Asia, followed by others in Colombo, Trivandrum, Bombay, Madras, and beyond. The beautiful building at 25A Chowringhee Road still features an old staircase leading to the first floor, which houses a badminton court (accessible to members only), office rooms, and an indoor cafe with an open-air extension for walk-ins.
When: Sunday, December 22, 7:30 PM
Where: YMCA, 25A, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd
Join The Fun At The Park Street Christmas Festival
Christmas is known as "Boro Din" in the City of Joy, which means "the Big Day". The festive spirit is evident through Christmas bazaars, traditional cakes and goodies from historic bakeries, and a Christmas Carnival featuring stunning illuminations and beautifully decorated churches. The best way to immerse yourself in the holiday atmosphere is to visit Park Street, which has long been the hub of Christmas and New Year's celebrations. The entire street is adorned with fairy lights, and the small Allen Park is decorated with Christmas installations and nativity scenes. Evenings during this festive period feature musical performances. The Christmas festival on Park Street kicks off on December 19 and lasts until December 30. Along Park Street, you will find rows of stalls offering a variety of treats, from momos and Anglo-Indian food to baked goods. The festival will include hours of performances by choirs, youth groups, and some of the city's most celebrated artists.
When: December 19-30.
Where: Park Street
