Christmas 2026 in Hyderabad & Secunderabad
Christmas Day 2026 falls on a Friday, which gives Hyderabad a long weekend of services, markets and brunches from 25 to 27 December. The twin cities have a deep church tradition, much of it on the Secunderabad side, where the cantonment grew up in the 19th century. St Mary's Basilica and St John's Church in Secunderabad, St Joseph's Cathedral at Gunfoundry near Abids and Wesley Church draw large congregations for midnight mass on 24 December and for Christmas morning services, and choirs hold carol evenings through the two weeks before. Many families also make the drive of about 100 km to the CSI cathedral at Medak. Around the services, the season is busy. Malls such as Inorbit, Sarath City Capital and Lulu put up trees, Santa meet-and-greets and Christmas markets. Hotels in Banjara Hills, Begumpet and HITEC City run cake-mixing events, Christmas Eve dinners and brunches, and bakeries sell plum cake by the kilo. Cafés and clubs host Christmas-themed gigs and parties, and Ramoji Film City and Wonderla run winter programmes. This page lists Christmas events across Hyderabad and Secunderabad as organisers announce them.
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Good to know
- Reach churches at least 45 minutes before midnight mass; pews fill early and parking in Secunderabad's lanes is limited.
- Book Christmas Eve dinners and Christmas Day brunches a week or two ahead.
- Mall Santa sessions and craft workshops for children are busiest between 5 and 8 pm. Go in the afternoon.
- Dress modestly for church services, and keep phones silent and away during mass.
- December nights in Hyderabad are cool, so carry a light jacket for open-air markets and late services.
Frequently asked questions
What day is Christmas 2026?
Friday 25 December 2026, which makes it a long weekend through Sunday 27 December.
Which churches in Hyderabad hold midnight mass?
St Mary's Basilica and St John's Church in Secunderabad, St Joseph's Cathedral at Gunfoundry and Wesley Church are among the best known. Check each church's notice for service times.
Where are the Christmas markets in Hyderabad?
Malls, hotels and pop-up organisers run them through December. Confirmed 2026 markets are listed on this page as they are announced.
What can families do at Christmas in Hyderabad?
Mall Christmas carnivals, carol evenings, hotel brunches, and winter programmes at Ramoji Film City and Wonderla are all popular with children.
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