Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay, Mamallapuram welcomed the festive season with a heartwarming celebration that seamlessly wove together tradition, sophistication, and sustainability. The annual Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony was paired this year with a grand Wine Tasting experience, adding a refined twist to the resort’s cherished festive ritual.

Held across the resort’s Savana Lawn and Heritage Lobby, the evening was attended by prominent corporate guests, social personalities, and children from local outreach programmes, symbolising the spirit of togetherness and generosity that defines the holiday season.

“The spirit of giving is at the core of our celebrations,” shared Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels and Resorts. “Having the children from the community join us makes this occasion even more meaningful. Their presence adds warmth to our traditions and reminds us what the season is truly about.”

An Evening of Joy, Elegance, and Purpose

The celebration began at Cask & Barrels with festive melodies and an exclusive wine tasting session curated by Sommelier Praveen Krishnamurthy. Guests enjoyed a selection of fine wines, perfectly paired with the evening’s cheerful mood and coastal setting.

Following the tasting, the highlight of the event unfolded — the Cake Mixing Ceremony, where participants donned aprons and caps to mix over 120 kilograms of dry fruits with premium spirits and syrups, filling the air with the comforting aroma of Christmas.

The festivities continued with a playful parade of Wonderland characters, as children, reindeers, and snowmen led the way from the lobby to the Infinity Pool Deck for the grand tree lighting.

A Sustainable Spark to the Season

In keeping with the resort’s eco-conscious philosophy, the tree lighting was reimagined as a Sustainable Christmas Tree ceremony. Instead of lighting a traditional tree, guests planted saplings into a custom-designed metal frame shaped like a Christmas tree. Each sapling will continue to grow as a living tribute to responsible celebration — an initiative that reflects the resort’s commitment to mindful hospitality.

The evening concluded with carols performed by a 40-member choir, spreading festive cheer under the starlit sky.

Adding to the artistic charm of the evening, visual artist R. Vasanthakumaran’s latest collection, inspired by the legendary Pandavas, is currently on display at the Savana and Heritage Lobby, enriching the cultural ambience of the resort.

About Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay, Mamallapuram

Set along the tranquil shores of the Bay of Bengal, Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay is one of India’s most iconic coastal getaways. Blending modern luxury with timeless charm, the resort offers world-class accommodations, ocean-facing villas, and exceptional dining experiences.

Just a short drive from Chennai and close to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mamallapuram, it serves as both a leisure retreat and a preferred destination for weddings, corporate gatherings, and wellness escapes.

Part of GRT Hotels & Resorts, the property champions sustainable and inclusive hospitality, offering pet-friendly stays and green initiatives that nurture the environment. Every experience at Temple Bay reflects GRT’s philosophy luxury that cares.

The festive spirit arrived early at Holiday Inn Chennai IT OMR Expressway as the hotel hosted its much-loved Annual Cake Mixing Ceremony, a joyful celebration that marked the beginning of the holiday season with warmth, laughter, and togetherness.

Titled “Mixing Happiness,” the event captured the essence of the season with an intoxicating blend of festive aromas, cheerful camaraderie, and culinary creativity. Guests, donning gloves, aprons, and toques, joined the hotel’s culinary team in the traditional ritual of blending assorted dry fruits, nuts, and spices, all soaked in fine rum, wine, and flavourful syrups that will mature beautifully in time for Christmas.

The vibrant afternoon was curated by Executive Chef Asif Iqbal and his culinary brigade, who handpicked the best ingredients and infused the event with energy and flair. Guests were also treated to a specially crafted menu inspired by the festive theme, making the occasion as indulgent as it was memorable.

“This ceremony is a celebration of festivity, happiness, and prosperity. It also symbolizes unity as it brings everyone together to welcome the season of thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year,” shared Divakar Shukla, General Manager, Holiday Inn Chennai IT OMR Expressway.

The event concluded on a high note with joyful conversations, laughter, and a sumptuous buffet spread, perfectly capturing the spirit of the holidays. With its signature warmth and hospitality, Holiday Inn Chennai IT OMR Expressway once again turned a cherished tradition into a moment of shared joy and festive anticipation.

About Holiday Inn Chennai IT OMR Expressway

Located in the heart of Chennai’s IT corridor, Holiday Inn Chennai IT OMR Expressway offers a blend of comfort, convenience, and contemporary hospitality. The hotel features stylish rooms, innovative dining concepts, versatile event spaces, and warm service — making it an ideal destination for both business and leisure travellers.

The spirit of celebration arrived early this year at Novotel Vijayawada Varun, as the hotel hosted its much-awaited Cake Mixing and Grape Stomping ceremony, an event that perfectly blended festive joy with Novotel’s signature warmth and hospitality.

The gathering brought together influencers, food enthusiasts, media professionals, and members of the local community for a cheerful afternoon filled with conversation, flavour, and fun. The air buzzed with excitement as the aroma of Christmas fruits and spices filled the venue, marking the joyful beginning of the holiday season.

“This season is all about togetherness and gratitude. At Novotel, we believe in creating moments that matter, moments that bring people together and celebrate life’s simple joys. With joy, warmth, and hospitality at our heart, we were excited to welcome everyone to many more memorable experiences this festive season,” said Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun.

Fresh from its recognition at the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Awards 2025 as the Best Five-Star Deluxe Hotel, the property once again showcased why it remains a preferred destination for celebrations in the region.

The highlight of the day was the grand cake mixing ritual, where guests joined the hotel’s culinary experts at a beautifully decorated table to mix a colourful assortment of dry fruits, nuts, and spirits, a tradition symbolising joy, prosperity, and the togetherness of the festive season.

The celebrations continued with an energetic grape stomping session, reviving the old-world charm of winemaking and adding a playful, interactive twist to the afternoon. Guests were seen laughing, dancing, and soaking in the festive cheer — setting the perfect tone for the holiday season ahead.

With heartfelt hospitality and vibrant community spirit at its core, Novotel Vijayawada Varun once again proved that celebrations are best enjoyed when shared.

About Novotel

Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts offers thoughtfully designed spaces where guests can find balance, whether travelling for business or leisure. With more than 600 locations across 60 countries, Novotel provides spacious rooms, family-friendly zones, healthy dining options, and flexible spaces ideal for work or relaxation. Part of the global Accor hospitality group, Novotel is also a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless, offering guests exclusive benefits and experiences worldwide.