Meandering through Ranwar village, Pali Hill, Chapel Road and up Mount Mary’s steps under Christmas lights and Stars of Bethlehem, stopping at nativity scenes and grottos at the end of the year is a beloved, but chaotic tradition for most. Marol Gaothan and Orlem, home to some of the city’s oldest communities, also host charming nativity scenes, jam nights, and tall Christmas trees.

Orlem has a ball

A large community of Christians have been residing in Orlem for generations, and you can find some of the best Goan food here. Plus, their calendar is full from Christmas to New Year’s Eve with cultural events. For the past 10 years, the Orlem Christmas Ball has seen bands such as A26, organised by parishioners Melissa Debra Pereira and Anna Albuquerque. This year, there’s a performance by Black IN White. Tickets are already sold out, but there are other events and activities you can be part of.