If you’re experiencing Christmas in Kolkata, there is no better way to celebrate than to come to Bow Barracks. Why? Well, this is where the Anglo-Indian community of Kolkata can give you an authentic vibe of Christmas. But before understanding how these two are connected, let us take a step back into history to learn a little about this place.
What is Bow Barracks?
Among North Kolkata’s very many places of tourist interest, Bow Barracks happens to be one colony that Anglo-Indians call their ‘forever home.’ It is located in Bow Bazaar, and is a colony full of red buildings with green doors and windows. It has remained intact since World War II, when these barracks were built to shelter soldiers. The soldiers reportedly did not want to stay here, and that is when the Anglo-Indian community occupied the barren space. Later, the government authorized that their families can continue to live here in-exchange of nominal rent.
What is interesting about this place is that over time, it has become a hub of cross cultures. With Anglo-Indians within this area marrying people from other ethnicities, this place is now home to Bengalis, Tibetans, Chinese, Paris, Jews, and more. All of these add up to the diverse cuisines that we get to try during Christmas celebrations.

Around 80 Anglo-Indian families continue to live in the Bow Barracks, and surprisingly, the neighborhood is like one big family. However, many members sought better employment opportunities abroad and moved to countries like the UK, the US, and Australia. Christmas is the time when the families try to unite as they all gather to celebrate the festivities together.
Celebrating Christmas in Bow Barracks
Over the past 3-4 years, Bow Barracks has grown increasingly popular among locals, and the hype is totally worth it. Vloggers have popularized the place, and now it isn’t just the NRIs who come here during Christmas; travelers also come to Kolkata to celebrate Christmas and add Bow Barracks to their bucket list.
If you’re coming to the City of Joy any time between December 23 and 31, you have to add Bow Barracks to your itinerary. Here is all that you can do here to drench into the Christmas vibe:
Bow Barracks location
First of all, you need to know that the Google Maps location of Bow Barracks is incorrect. It will take you two lanes away from where you’re supposed to be, so the best way to navigate is to add Bow Bazaar Police Station as the address. Once you reach Bow Bazaar PS, you can ask anyone and walk a lane or two ahead to find the party area.
If you’re coming by any other vehicle, you need to know how to go to Central Avenue. Chandni Chowk metro station is the nearest, and Bow Bazaar PS is only a 5-minute walk away.
When to visit
The first day of Christmas celebrations in Bow Barracks is December 23, and I feel it is the best day to be here. On December 25, it is crowded, and that’s also a day when the residents should have the space to themselves.
I have been here twice, and I came on the first day both times. You get the most of food, everyone is in their best festive mood, and this is the finest way to drench into the Christmas vibe that continues for at least two more days.
If you can’t make it before Christmas, you can come here anytime till December 31. The celebrations continue till New Year, but the time between December 26 and 30 will have fewer crowds. If this is something you’re looking forward to, it might be the best time for you.
What to explore
As you enter the place, the first thing that strikes you is the red buildings with fairy lights all over. You will find a gate with Bow Barracks Merry Christmas & Happy New Year written on it and decorated with light. As you walk through the lane, you will reach the party area, where you will find an entire road blocked for the festivities. On both sides of the road, you will find the buildings of the Bow Barracks colony and a stage set up at the extreme right.

As you move left, you will find plenty of food stalls selling exotic cuisines. Here is where you start hunting for snacks like prawn pakora, pork sausages, and fish ball soup – things most Bengalis don’t regularly eat and can also be uncommon to an Indian tourist’s palate.

The people of the community set up food stalls to not only celebrate but also use this as an opportunity to generate revenue. They share their staples and things that are an integral part of their Christmas feasts.
Things to buy, things to try
Christmas hampers were being sold for children at Bow Barracks in 2024. These came in handy for buying last-minute gifts for kids. There were stockings full of goodies, which were perfect Santa gifts, and the hampers were full of stationery items.

Among the things to take back home, you can’t miss plum cakes and rose cookies that are sold here. While places like New Market sell Christmas cakes, the ones that come for home bakers are made full of love. Some of these are also sold in slices, so you can try one before you buy a pound or two.
Indulge in entertainment and shake a leg
The Anglo-Indian community is known to live life king size, so brace yourself to see people dance away to Christmas carols. They have a stage put up every year where children from the community sing and dance. They also put up a play to narrate the Christmas story. Lately, we have seen them also play trending Punjabi numbers as they are common and relatable. But nothing beats peppy Christmas songs that get us grooving.

My ending tale of food
In December 2024, I took my in-laws to Bow Barracks for the first time. I’ve had a Christian upbringing because my mom is Christian, but my in-laws never experienced this culture. While going to Park Street is mandatory during the festive season, Bow Barracks is where we get the authentic festive feeling.

Once we came here, none of us could stop munching. It started with a plate of chicken wontons, plenty of momos, chicken pyaare kebab, pork cocktail sausages, prawn toast, plum cake, and much more.
Our favorite stall was Chef Michael’s Kitchen as they sold pipping hot and delicious chicken momo, pork sausages, wanton, and pork bao. While there were more stalls selling Tibetan delights, this one was simply the best.

The food is definitely a highlight of celebrating Christmas at Bow Barracks, but you will also want to come here for the fairy lights, ambiance and to instill the spirit of Christmas within you!
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