After attending midnight prayer services and mass, the faithfuls thronged churches in the city throughout the day as people of all faiths enjoyed their "Bara din".
The 2nd edition of the Kolkata Christmas Festival, being organised by the Society for Park Street Rejuvenation, Kolkata in association with the Department of West Bengal Tourism, became the centre of revelry.
Using the theme of 'Heritage and Climate' as the unifying concept, the carnival celebrates Kolkata's cultural diversity through heritage, music, cultural demonstrations and cuisine.
The programmes were held at Allen Park on Park Street which has been illuminated in its entirety from Chowringee to Mullickbazar with Santa Claus in lights at intervals along the road.
At a vintage parade from Park Street to Shakespeare Sarani, buggies and vintage cars added an old world charm to the atmosphere.
Electrifying performances by singer Usha Uthup and bands like 'Apar Bangla', 'Fiddler Green' and 'Crosswindz' enthralled the Gen-X while the faithfuls attended Christmas carols singing with deep religious fervour.
The city's famous Bow Barracks area, where Christians and Anglo-Indians reside, was illuminated with decorated lights, Christmas trees and stars with a multitude of colours, rhythms and flavours.
Adding to the cheer, most pubs and night clubs in the metropolis will remain open till the wee hours.
"Merry Christmas to all of you. May God bless you all - all of my countrymen and of the sweet world. May God bestow peace," West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had attended the Midnight Mass at St Paul's Cathedral, said in a message.
