Christmas lights up Hyderabad with midnight mass, carols and festive cheer

Hyderabad eased into the festive spirit on Christmas Eve, as churches, streets and shopping hubs resonated with carols, lively chatter and the familiar aroma of freshly baked cake. Large numbers of families and friends thronged churches across the city, with several congregations noting a visible increase in attendance this year. As the clock edged towards midnight, fireworks illuminated the skyline, splashing colour across neighbourhoods and adding to the celebratory mood.

Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolises hope, renewal and goodwill, found expression well beyond church premises. “Christmas is a time to pause and remember the message of love and forgiveness. Coming to church with family and friends makes the celebration feel complete,” said Christopher Adams, 25, a resident of Sun City, Bandlaguda.

Meanwhile, cafes, malls and tourist establishments embraced the season with enthusiasm. Some outlets opted for subtle red and green accents, while others transformed their interiors entirely. Several malls installed towering Christmas trees, and one mall in Uppal went a step further with a giant Santa Claus perched on its rooftop, visible from a distance and impossible to ignore.

Across the city, Christmas trees appeared at prominent junctions, while street vendors did brisk business selling decorations, lights and festive knick-knacks. Stalls, set up weeks in advance, glowed in seasonal colours, turning routine evening walks into impromptu festive browsing sessions.

“There is a different kind of peace during the midnight service. No matter how busy the year has been, Christmas reminds us to start again with hope,” said Steve Abraham, 31, who attended prayers at a church in Kompally.

One of the highlights of the celebrations were performances by Hope Unlimited Church at Telugu Lalitha Kala Thoranam in Nampally. The hour-and-a-half programme, conducted in two services, drew large crowds and featured energetic renditions of traditional Christmas hymns, keeping the audience engaged throughout. “For us, it is not just about decorations or cake. It is about celebrating the birth of Christ and sharing joy with others,” said Ruth Ann, 55, a regular churchgoer from Mehdipatnam.

Local businesses and organisations added to the cheer by hosting small events, decorating public spaces and distributing sweets. Hyderabad’s well known plum cake makers reported a spike in bulk orders in the days leading up to Christmas, while private sellers set up stalls offering cake hampers paired with festive accessories such as mugs and Santa hats, because apparently cake tastes better with a costume.

On Christmas Day, church premises across the city were filled with people dressed in festive attire, queuing patiently for services, exchanging greetings and gifts, and reflecting on the message of peace and compassion associated with the festival.