Ranchi Celebrates Christmas 2025: Festive Spirit, Family Gatherings & Tourist Hotspots

Ranchi: Braving morning chill, thousands descended to churches for morning masses and prayers to celebrate Christmas on Thursday. The festive mood and excitement were palpable as Ranchiites celebrated the day with fervour and joy.Across neighbourhoods, families and friends came together for home gatherings, exchanging greetings and sharing meals. “Christmas feels calmer and warmer in Ranchi; it’s more about being with people you care about,” said Anjali Singh, a resident of Doranda. The streets came alive in the classic hues of red and white, with Santa caps, festive scarves and themed decorations lighting up the city. Main roads glowed under decorative lights, lending a magical touch to the winter evening. “The lighting on the arterial roads makes the city look festive without being overwhelming,” said auto driver Ramesh Yadav.Restaurants, cafes and eateries across Ranchi turned into Christmas-themed spaces, offering special menus, baked treats and live music in some pockets. “Even people who don’t usually step out make it a point to visit markets today, just to feel the vibe,” said shop owner Mohit Verma from Lalpur.Meanwhile, in several neighbourhoods, the soft sound of carols blended with the occasional burst of crackers as families marked the occasion in their own ways. Bakeries continued to see late demand for cakes and desserts, even as the city gradually slowed down by night. “Christmas here is not just about celebration, it’s about sharing and slowing down,” said college student Neha Tirkey at Camil Bulcke Road.A large number of people also flocked popular tourist spots to mark the celebrations. Major waterfalls, including Hundru, Jonha, and Dassam, reported heavy footfall, with families and groups choosing these scenic locations to celebrate holiday together.Hundru Falls emerged as one of the most crowded destinations, with visitors arriving since early morning. Families, young groups and tourists from nearby towns spent hours enjoying the pleasant winter weather and natural surroundings. The area buzzed with activities as people clicked photographs, shared meals and relaxed by the cascading waters.“Christmas is about spending time together, and coming to Hundru has become a tradition for us,” said Rakesh Kumar, who visited the falls with his family. Another visitor, Anjali Verma, said, “It feels refreshing to celebrate Christmas in nature.”The surge in visitors brought brisk business for local vendors operating near the falls. Temporary stalls selling tea, snacks and refreshments remained busy throughout the day as crowds continued to arrive. “Festive days like Christmas are very important for us. Footfall is high and sales are good,” said Sunil Mahto, a snack vendor at Hundru Falls. Jonha and Dassam Falls also witnessed similar scenes, with steady crowds and increased vehicular movement on approach roads. Police personnel were deployed to manage traffic and ensure safety of visitors.