Chennai may have sand instead of snow and cheerful sunshine instead of the icy cold but that does not stop us from celebrating with mugfuls of hot chocolate and jugfuls of delicious mulled wine. Plan a picnic at Local XO’s Christmas Market this weekend to sample the goodies of this season
The team promises a generous dose of shopping, games, live music, massages and yoga. “Most pop-ups are centred around shopping rather than an outing where you can chill for a couple of hours,” says Suneethi Raj, founder of Local XO, a company that curates experiences. She adds, “Other cities, in India and abroad, offer events for the whole family at one venue. We want to create that culture. We want people to hang out, explore local brands, eat, shop, play games, have a drink and enjoy the day with their group, while the kids have space to run about,” The idea, she says, is also to highlight homegrown brands.
Since the city’s short-lived nippy weather is best enjoyed outdoors, the venue is the lawn of The Green Meadows Resort. The 17,000 square feet area, lined with coconut trees, will have around 30 stalls, plus five food trucks and two cocktail counters.
Suneethi says the lawn will have around 30 picnic chairs and tables, covered with red-and-white checkered tablecloths, in keeping with the theme of Christmas. “Each table can seat six to eight people, perfect for a private group or to encourage community style seating,” she adds.
Participating brands include Oink, Bike BBQ, Fruit Shop, Tasty Truck, Sincerely Sabrina, Kase, Namma Suvai, Waf O’ Bel, Baker Ninja, Moma’s Kitchen, The Trickle Truck, Chef Payal of Gourmet Gig, Spa Senza, Heads Up for Tails, Blue Beetle and Magic Bus Clothing.
“We also have workshops. There will be sessions on decoupage by The Colour Company, micro greens by Magic Bean and art by Messy Hands among others,” says Suneethi. As for music, expect some retro music and classics, as well as Christmas carols of course.
There will be a DJ playing through the day. In the evening, Sushil Venglet and his six-member live band will take over the stage between 7 pm and 10 pm.
The event will take place on December 22 at Green Meadows Resort, ECR, between 11 am and 11 pm. Between 11 am and 3 pm, the entry fee is ₹100 for adults, and kids under 12 enter free. From 3 pm to 11 pm, the entry fee is ₹200 for adults. For details, call 9840337822.
