Visiting Kolkata in winter is an extraordinary experience that immerses you in a city teeming with cultural vibrancy and festive spirit. December offers a magical charm with Christmas festivities and the excitement of New Year's around the corner. The legendary Park Street shines with stunning lights and crowds. Whether you're soaking in the atmosphere at the iconic Kolkata Book Fair, celebrating the Chinese New Year in India's only Chinatown, exploring serene birdwatching spots, or indulging in delectable seasonal sweets, Kolkata provides an unforgettable tapestry of experiences that will stay in your heart long after your visit. Don’t miss the chance to discover this enchanting city during the winter months.
Christmas is celebrated in Kolkata with as much enthusiasm as Durga Puja. In fact, it’s referred to as "Boro Din," meaning the Big Day, in the City of Joy. The holiday season comes alive with vibrant Christmas bazaars, delicious cakes and treats from historic bakeries predating Independence, and a Christmas Carnival filled with stunning illuminations and beautifully decorated churches. One must-visit spot is the Christmas bazaar around New Market, also known as SS Hogg Market. Established in 1874 to cater to British residents, this area is a bustling hub during Christmas. Head to Park Street, the heart of Christmas and New Year celebrations, to immerse yourself in the festive spirit. Since 2011, the state government has organised a Christmas Carnival, which continues until New Year's Day. Evenings are filled with musical performances, and food stalls featuring a variety of cuisines are set up by diverse community members. Visit the churches of Kolkata during Christmas for prayer ceremonies and midnight mass. The most popular is St Paul's Cathedral. Check out our guide to Kolkata Christmas here.
Although winters in Kolkata are famously brief, there are several unique winter foods that you must try during your visit to the city. One standout is nolen gur, or new jaggery, made from the sap of date palm trees. This delicacy is featured on restaurant menus and in sweet shops throughout Kolkata. Bengalis eagerly anticipate winter to savour the delicious nectar of nolen gur, harvested between November and February in West Bengal. It has a distinct flavour and aroma and is available in liquid, grainy, and solid forms. In Kolkata, you cannot miss the sweets and delicacies crafted with this fresh date palm jaggery in winter. Nolen gur is used in a variety of Bengali sweets, including spongy rasgullas, sandesh, payesh (a type of rice pudding), and patishapta, which are crepes or pancakes filled with grated coconut sweetened with nolen gur.
Kolkata's Boi Mela, also known as the International Kolkata Book Fair, is not your typical winter book fair; it is much more than that. Since its inception in 1972, it has become one of the largest book fairs in India, attracting over 2 million visitors. This fair primarily caters to book lovers rather than wholesale distributors, making it one of the largest non-trade book fairs in the world. Visitors can immerse themselves in thousands of books in various regional languages and search the stalls for rare finds from Indian and international publishers. Additionally, there are regular author meet-and-greet sessions, so watch for opportunities to meet your favourite writers.
In winter, Kolkata hosts a series of literary festivals, allowing book lovers and literature enthusiasts to appreciate books, art, movies, and more alongside some of the finest creative minds from India and abroad. One notable event is the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival, which offers free entry and is open to everyone. Another prominent festival is the Tata Steel Kolkata Literary Meet (also known as Kalam), which celebrates books and ideas.
Winter is also the ideal season for birdwatching in and around Kolkata. With pleasant weather and the arrival of migratory birds, this is a perfect time to explore the city’s rich wetlands. The Rabindra Sarovar lakes are a good place for spotting birds. Don’t miss the Chintamoni Kar Sanctuary in Narendrapur, located at the southern edge of Kolkata. Spanning 17 acres, this sanctuary is part of the historic Kayaler Bagan, an abandoned orchard now transformed into a birdwatcher’s paradise.
During the British Raj era, many people from China moved to Kolkata. The Chinese community established homes and businesses, including dentistry, leather tanneries, shoemaking, restaurants, and beauty salons. Tiretta Bazaar, located in central Kolkata, was known as the Old China Market and is now recognised as India's only Chinatown. Although most people have left, the area retains a few Chinese temples, provision stores, and restaurants. The community organises various events during the Chinese New Year, such as dragon dances and food festivals. You can visit Tiretta Bazaar to witness the celebrations. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, this year is the Year of the Dragon. Additionally, check out the Kolkata street food tram restaurant near the popular tourist destination Eco Park in New Town for a unique culinary experience.