Delhi–NCR Malls Light Up Christmas with Festive Installations, Events and Family Experiences

Delhi–NCR Malls Light Up Christmas with Festive Installations, Events and Family Experiences

By Hariharan U

Published on December 18, 2025

In Delhi–NCR, the festive season is in full swing as malls and public spaces embrace the magic of Christmas with lights, music, installations and experiences designed for families and friends to celebrate together. From cultural storytelling and art-led décor to parades, performances and children’s activities, the region’s malls are transforming into vibrant spaces that reflect the warmth, joy and togetherness of the season.

Ambience Mall, Gurugram

At Ambience Mall, Gurugram, Christmas décor takes on a deeply cultural narrative through a striking installation inspired by India’s timeless saree draping tradition. Reimagined as a Christmas tree, the flowing layers of vibrant sarees celebrate womanhood, craftsmanship and sustainability. Each fold reflects grace and resilience, bringing together global festive symbolism with indigenous storytelling. The installation stands as a thoughtful tribute to Indian artisans and the spirit of renewal that defines the Christmas season.

Meanwhile, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj presents a refined festive expression inspired by Bidri craft, a 14th-century metal art form from Karnataka. Known for its blackened metal and silver inlay, the installation blends heritage with contemporary festive design. The dramatic contrast of dark metal and luminous silver creates an understated yet powerful Christmas presence, inviting visitors to experience a celebration rooted in tradition, artistry and timeless elegance.

DLF Mall Of India, Noida

image

At DLF Mall of India, Christmas arrives on a grand scale with the debut of India’s first 33-foot Longines Christmas Tree. Towering over the atrium, the illuminated installation has quickly become the mall’s biggest festive attraction. Drawing families, children and young visitors, the tree has emerged as Noida’s most sought-after Christmas photo spot, filling social media feeds with festive cheer. The installation will remain throughout the season, keeping the spirit alive through Christmas and New Year celebrations.

AIPL: Joy Gallery, Joy Central & Joy Street

image

AIPL’s retail destinations are turning December into a lively, family-friendly celebration across Joy Gallery, Joy Central and Joy Street. Festivities at AIPL Joy Gallery began with a fashion walk, illusionist shows and cheerful mascot interactions.

The celebrations continue at AIPL Joy Central on 20th and 21st December, featuring energetic parades and stage performances, highlighted by a vibrant Rio Carnival parade with international artists, mirror men and playful performers. The excitement peaks with a dramatic fire performance on 21st December.

At AIPL Joy Street, Christmas celebrations unfold on 24th and 25th December with Santa’s Workshop, festive meet-and-greets, and a colourful Christmas Gala Parade, creating joyful holiday moments for visitors of all ages.

Gaur City Mall, Greater Noida 

At Gaur City Mall, the festive season stretches into a month-long celebration with Festopia 2026, running from 10th December to 10th January. The mall transforms into a winter carnival featuring a Christmas Book Fair by Crossword, a Hamleys Carnival and elegant festive décor. Celebrations peak with a Christmas Gala Ball on 24th and 25th December, followed by live music, Santa interactions and family activities through New Year’s Day. The festivities culminate with the Snowblast New Year Party on 31st December, alongside end-of-season sales offering discounts of up to 70 percent.

Gulshan One29 Mall, Noida

At Gulshan One29 Mall, Christmas is curated as a warm, community-focused celebration. A grand 25-foot Christmas tree, complemented by star and gift-box décor, sets the festive tone across the mall. From 20th to 31st December, children can enjoy creative workshops including art and craft, pottery, origami, ikebana and best-out-of-waste activities, along with drawing and talent competitions.

Live entertainment adds to the cheer with magic shows, Santa meet-and-greets, instrumental performances on 24th December, and live band performances on 25th and 31st December. Shop-and-win experiences and instant photo opportunities encourage families to capture festive memories, making the mall a lively destination for celebration and shopping alike.

As Christmas approaches, Delhi–NCR malls continue to redefine festive celebrations, blending décor, culture, entertainment and community spirit. Whether through art-led installations, live performances or family-friendly activities, these destinations are turning the season into a shared celebration filled with warmth, joy and unforgettable moments.


Atmosphere Core Signs Crown Heritage Panjim in Goa

Atmosphere Core Signs Crown Heritage Panjim in Goa

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 27, 2026

Atmosphere Core has announced its partnership with Vision Dempo Hospitality Pvt Ltd to bring a new boutique property, Crown Heritage Panjim by Atmosphere Goa, to its growing India portfolio. The 34-key hotel is set to open in Q1 2027 in Fontainhas, Panjim’s UNESCO-listed heritage district, close to the Mandovi River. The location also offers easy access, with Mopa Airport about an hour away and Dabolim Airport around 40 minutes from the property.

This upcoming hotel will be part of the ‘By Atmosphere’ sub-brand under the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Designed as an intimate and experience-led space, the property will feature deluxe rooms and a rooftop suite, combining heritage-inspired elements with a fresh design approach to offer a personalised stay.

image

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Salil Panigrahi, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Atmosphere Core, said, “We’re now building strong momentum in India, with the signing of properties in key destinations, and Goa has always been central to our strategy. With this property, we aim to introduce a fresh, creative and experience-led offering, appealing to a diverse range of travellers, from leisure seekers to those drawn to Goa’s rich cultural heritage, while delivering a setting that is both intimate and distinctive.”

Guests at Crown Heritage Panjim can expect a well-rounded experience, including an all-day dining restaurant, a café lounge, and a rooftop resto-bar serving Goan and global cuisines along with a curated selection of wines and spirits. The property will also feature the award-winning ELE|NA Ayur Spa, offering wellness therapies, along with a swimming pool, outdoor deck, and a fully equipped fitness centre.

Located in Panjim, Goa’s capital city, the hotel sits in the culturally rich neighbourhood of Fontainhas, known for its colourful houses, narrow lanes, and Portuguese-era architecture. The area reflects a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences, offering visitors a mix of heritage charm and modern city life.

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Rajesh Dempo, Founder & Managing Director of Vision Dempo Group, said, 

"Atmosphere Core’s distinguished legacy of excellence aligns perfectly with our vision to unveil a world-class boutique hotel in Panjim, Goa. As the destination continues to evolve beyond leisure into a year-round, experience-led market, this partnership will contribute to strengthening Goa’s premium tourism landscape and set new benchmarks in hospitality within its UNESCO-recognised heritage precinct.”

Adding to this, Mr. Souvagya Mohapatra, Managing Director Atmosphere Core India, Bhutan, Nepal & Sri Lanka, said, “Panjim the capital city of Goa, with its awe-inspiring cultural heritage backdrop and timeless appeal, is a natural choice for our expansion. As we enter this extraordinary destination, we look forward to delivering a progressive and immersive hospitality experience, thoughtfully tailored to its surroundings, and redefining boutique indulgence within Fontainhas.”

With this addition, Atmosphere Core continues to strengthen its presence in India, bringing in properties that focus on experience, culture, and thoughtful design.


India Aviation Sector to Reach 500 Million Passengers by 2030

India Aviation Sector to Reach 500 Million Passengers by 2030

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 26, 2026

India’s aviation sector is on track for strong growth, with passenger traffic expected to reach around 500 million annually by 2030 and nearly 1 billion by 2047. This projection was shared by industry leaders at the Airport 360 Expo 2026, held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre.

The growth is being supported by steady demand, expansion of airline fleets, and ongoing infrastructure development. With over 1,000 aircraft orders already in place, the sector is preparing for a major scale-up in the coming years.

Speaking at the event, BVJK Sharma, CEO, Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd, said, “We are already one of the top three domestic aviation markets in the world, and we are continuing to grow rapidly. In 2025 itself, we handled about 4 million passengers and 3.5 million of cargo, which is around 20 per cent higher than the pre-COVID levels.”

He added that while the sector has historically grown at 10–12 per cent, the pace may gradually stabilise to around 5.6 per cent by 2044. However, in the near term, domestic air travel demand is expected to remain strong, with an initial year-on-year growth of about 17 per cent.

India’s aviation infrastructure is also expanding quickly, with more than 160 operational airports currently and continued investments under national programmes. The sector already contributes nearly USD 54 billion to the economy and supports millions of jobs. Emerging segments like MRO are also expected to play a key role in strengthening the overall ecosystem.

At Navi Mumbai International Airport, development is being carried out in phases, with plans to handle up to 90 million passengers by 2032. The focus remains on building strong connectivity, improving digital systems, and ensuring smooth operations through integrated planning.

Sharad Kumar, Chief Advisor, Airports Authority of India, highlighted that the sector is entering a crucial phase where growth needs to be backed by clear strategy. “Globally, the industry is being shaped by digital transformation, sustainability, and deeper integration across aviation, logistics, tourism, and trade. At the same time, recent geopolitical developments have highlighted the sector's vulnerability, impacting routes, costs, and operational efficiency,” he said.

He also noted that India has a strong advantage with rising demand, better infrastructure, and a long-term vision to expand to around 350 airports by 2047. Initiatives like UDAN have already improved regional connectivity, and the next phase will focus on efficiency, long-term viability, and better network integration.

A key focus going forward will be to reduce reliance on foreign hubs for international travel and create stronger domestic hubs. This includes improving policy support, strengthening infrastructure, and using technology to build a more efficient aviation ecosystem.

Organised by Media Fusion, the second edition of the two-day Airport 360 Expo brought together over 2,500 industry professionals, more than 70 exhibitors, and over 200 aviation experts. Participants from over 10 countries, including Germany, Singapore, Oman, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Thailand, were part of the event.

With strong demand and continued investments, India’s aviation sector is steadily moving towards becoming a global hub in the coming decades.


Millennium Club Launches in Pune, Redefining Sport-Led Lifestyle Experiences

Millennium Club Launches in Pune, Redefining Sport-Led Lifestyle Experiences

By Hariharan U

Published on April 25, 2026

In a significant move towards building integrated urban lifestyle destinations, The Phoenix Mills Ltd, in partnership with Ileseum Clubs, has launched Millennium Club in Wakad, Pune. The new development brings together sport, wellness, hospitality, and community into a single, experience-led ecosystem.

Strategically located alongside Millennium Towers and Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, the Club is part of a larger mixed-use development spanning over 2.6 million sq. ft. of commercial and retail space. Designed as a lifestyle extension of the workplace and retail environment, Millennium Club reflects a growing shift towards integrated urban living.

Spread across approximately 62,000 sq. ft. over six floors, along with a pool and terrace, the Club offers a multi-dimensional experience. It features professional-grade sports infrastructure including pickleball, squash, and badminton courts, alongside expansive fitness and wellness zones. The space is designed to seamlessly transition from daytime fitness activities to evening social and hospitality experiences.

Enhancing its wellness offering, the Club has partnered with leading brands such as Fittr, Tattva Spa, and Manah Wellness, creating a holistic ecosystem focused on health and wellbeing.

A key highlight of the destination is Aufside, a sports-led hospitality concept developed by Aufside Hospitality LLP. Designed as a multi-level venue, it combines large-format sports screenings with social dining, catering to both high-energy match days and relaxed gatherings.

Commenting on the launch, Vithal Suryavanshi, CEO – Commercial Real Estate at The Phoenix Mills Ltd, said the Club is a natural extension of the company’s philosophy of building integrated destinations where work, leisure, and community coexist. He emphasised the importance of embedding wellness into everyday urban life rather than treating it as an occasional pursuit.

Pavit Singh, Co-Founder of Aufside Hospitality LLP and Managing Partner at Ileseum Clubs, highlighted that the launch marks a key milestone in expanding sports-led lifestyle destinations across India, tailored for the evolving expectations of modern consumers.

The launch comes at a time when India’s sports industry, valued at over ₹18,000 crore, is witnessing strong growth alongside rising demand for organised, experience-driven formats. Millennium Club responds to this shift by offering a scalable model that integrates sport, wellness, and social engagement within a single platform.

With expansion plans already underway across key cities, Millennium Club is positioned as a flagship prototype for the next generation of community-driven, sport-led urban destinations in India.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.