Christmas is almost here, and the markets in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are burning bright into the night. Stars, lights and every kind of festive décor fill Kochi’s Broadway and Thiruvananthapuram’s Chalai, where crowds are already in full shopping mode. We capture how the city is shopping for Christmas this year, and the trends lighting up the markets...









Thematic decor is the trend this year



Sneha Sudarsan from Kochi bought most of her decorations from Broadway. “Christmas décor isn’t just the tree, crib and star anymore. Entire homes are done up thematically now. Earlier, we decorated closer to Christmas, but these days houses are Christmas-ready by November end. I buy almost everything from Broadway because online rates are almost double,” she says.






Small, smart accents rule this season



Festive accents are getting smaller — and smarter. “Ceramic mini décor, Christmas-themed mugs and jars, little knick-knacks for corners… everything is curated,” says Sneha. “Even sofas and cushions change for the season. Trees now come with more than just balls and gingerbread; there are so many new varieties. Do not buy from the first couple of shops you visit. It really helps to visit multiple shops and compare prices before you buy."






Minimal Christmas is in



A clean, curated look is trending, says Anson, a salesperson at a Christmas store in Chalai. “People want to decorate their trees on their own. Instead of buying sets, they handpick every item. Glitter garlands are a craze now — people use them to make their own wreaths. Many prefer a minimal aesthetic and avoid overloading the décor. Multi-coloured lights have given way to warm shades. Themes matter now, so too many colourful items don’t sell.”






Trees for every personality



Tree-shopping has become its own adventure. “We have short trees, premium pre-lit ones, red velvet trees, western-style ones… even the giant trees that churches and showrooms buy,” says Anson. “Glitter banners in multiple shades are also popular. We source items from different places to match what customers want."






Classic, quirky... Shoppers want it all



At a Chalai shop, rows of Christmas candles packed in charming Santa boxes catch the eye. Thasni, who owns the store, says, “There’s a steady stream of customers. Some want traditional décor; others want quirky pieces. Pine trees are in demand now. Prices depend on the size — smaller trees need fewer decorations.”