Santa’s Social
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
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.”
Pets at Santa’s Social
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
A carnival for all
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.”
Hosting such a large-scale event isn’t without hurdles. “Weather is always unpredictable,” says Lakshmiganth. “We’ve had to postpone once due to heavy rain, but we’ve since adapted to accommodate any conditions.”
Logistics have also evolved. “From unloading boxes for stall owners to creating separate entrances for food vendors, we’ve refined our processes to make setup seamless,” he adds. This year, the move to CODISSIA addresses previous parking issues, ensuring a smoother experience.
Santa’s Social
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Growing popularity
Beyond its festive spirit, Santa’s Social has become a significant economic driver. “Last year, the combined sales across stalls reached over ₹1.5 crores. We expect close to ₹2 crore this year,” says Lakshmiganth.
The carnival’s popularity has also spurred spin-offs like Glee Social, a summer event with themes like superheroes and interactive games for children.
Glee Social
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
From its humble beginnings to becoming a big winter carnival, Santa’s Social has come a long way. For Mathuram and Lakshmiganth, it’s a labour of love, fuelled by their interest in hosting a big-scale carnival. “There’s something for everyone here,” says Mathuram, “That’s what makes it special.”
Santa’s Social 2024 will be on December 14 and 15 at CODISSIA ground, Peelamedu. For more information and enquiries, contact 9787644566
Published – December 14, 2024 03:53 pm IST
