This Christmas season, tradition is sharing space with technology and imagination, as Mumbai’s festive markets roll out some unusual yet eye-catching décor options. From smart Christmas trees controlled by mobile apps to dinosaur figurines perched amid tinsel and lights, shoppers are spoilt for choice as retailers experiment with themes that appeal especially to children.
On the bustling lanes of Hill Road, Bandra West, shopkeepers say there has been a noticeable shift in demand. Children, influenced by cartoons, movies, and digital content, are asking for dinosaur-themed decorations to brighten up their homes and Christmas trees. In response, several stores have stocked miniature dinosaurs wearing Santa hats, holding candy canes, or wrapped in fairy lights.
One of the dinosaur ornaments that are selling like hotcakes; (right) An app-controlled smart Christmas tree. Pics/Ritika Gondhalekar
These quirky ornaments are being used not just on trees but also as table décor and centrepieces, adding a playful twist to the festive setup. “For two years, many of our regular customers had asked if we had red, green, and pink dinosaurs as their children wanted something new for their Christmas tree. Seeing the demand, I asked my company if dinosaurs could be added to this year’s product list. And it did wonders! Around 300 to 400 green ones have been sold in the past month, while only 30 to 40 pink ones are remaining,” said Michael Sumif, a sales director at a well-known shop in Bandra.
Seconding this, another vendor on Hill Road said that their shop couldn’t stock up on dinosaurs this year despite them noticing demand for the product. “Kids want something different every year. This time, dinosaurs are a big hit,” said the shopkeeper, adding that parents are keen to indulge their children’s wishes, even if it means moving away from conventional angels and stars.
Tech meets tradition
Technology is also making a strong entry into Christmas décor. Smart Christmas trees, equipped with app-controlled lighting and music systems, are drawing significant attention. “These trees allow users to change colours, lighting patterns, and even background music through a mobile application, with some models using AI to sync lights with music or preset moods. Tech-savvy families and younger homeowners are particularly attracted to these features, seeing them as a blend of convenience and novelty. The tree has embedded lights, and the maximum cost goes around Rs 40,000 for an eight-foot-tall tree,” said Sumif.
Price, however, is no longer a limiting factor for many buyers. According to traders, premium artificial Christmas trees priced as high as R60,000 are finding takers. These high-end trees often come with dense foliage, imported ornaments, integrated lighting systems and long durability, making them a one-time investment for several years.
“People now see Christmas decor as a statement. They are ready to spend more to make their homes stand out. The costliest tree that we have costs around Rs 60,000 is a spruce model, which has built-in lights and is huge,” said Sumif.
Despite the modern touches, traditional decorations continue to sell steadily, but the growing popularity of smart trees and themed ornaments reflects changing consumer tastes. As Christmas approaches, markets like Hill Road are buzzing with shoppers eager to mix nostalgia with innovation, ensuring that this year’s celebrations are not just festive, but also smart, quirky and memorable.
Rs 40K
Maximum cost of an eight-foot-tall smart Xmas
tree
Rs 60k
Price of premium artificial Christmas trees
