Santa’s Social carnival returns to Coimbatore: What’s new in 2024?

From VR gaming to pottery workshops, Santa’s Social 2024 promises fun for families, kids, and even pets. 

When Mathuram J and Lakshmiganth Krishnan launched Coimbatore Christmas Carnival a decade ago, they had a modest goal: to create a fun space for families while helping brands connect with customers. What began as a one-day event with 10 stalls and a footfall of just 300 has since grown into Santa’s Social, which they say drew over 10,000 attendees last year.

This year’s edition promises to be the biggest yet, with 100 curated stalls, interactive activities for children, and a line-up of live performances.

“We started this event to introduce new experiences to Coimbatore,” says Mathuram. “Back then, local events mostly focused on shopping expos, often leaving kids out of the equation. With Santa’s Social, we wanted to create something that catered to all age groups.”

The event’s success lies in its meticulous curation, according to Lakshmiganth. “Every stall is unique,” he says, “If one vendor sells biryani, you won’t find another selling the same. This ensures variety and quality.” Nearly 50% of the stalls this year feature new brands, including emerging labels from Cochin and Bengaluru, alongside Coimbatore’s favourites.

Santa’s Social also emphasises inclusivity. Kids can enjoy designated play areas and workshops, while elderly visitors can browse stalls or relax to curated live music. The carnival partners with Dogs of Coimbatore for pet lovers to promote pet adoption and raise awareness about stray animals.

The founders’ global experiences heavily influence the event. “Having travelled extensively, we wanted to replicate the family-friendly atmosphere of international carnivals,” says Lakshmiganth. This year’s highlights include VR gaming, stargazing, clay pottery workshops, and a music event designed by students from Rak’s Pallikoodam School.

Music remains a cornerstone of the event. Playback singer Vishnupriya and the band MH 47 will perform alongside a student band making their debut. “We focus on creating a family-friendly playlist,” Mathuram adds, “The setlists are reviewed to ensure they appeal to all generations.”