Behind the Scenes: How Surreal Global Creates the Magic of World of Christmas

Ever wondered what it takes to bring the sparkle, joy, and full-on magic of Christmas to life, right in the heart of Mumbai? Well, step inside the snow globe and take a peek behind the curtain. 

Each year, Surreal Global, the creative force behind World of Christmas, transforms Jio World Drive into a breathtaking European-style Christmas market, buzzing with lights, laughter, and life. But this isn’t just about décor it’s a full-fledged holiday experience crafted from imagination, research, and a whole lot of Christmas spirit.

The Creative Journey: From Brainstorm to Blizzard

Theme-First Thinking

At Surreal, every year begins with a new theme. Whether it's a whimsical Candyland, a snow-kissed Alpine village, or a Carnival-inspired Christmas, the team draws from global holiday traditions, market cultures, and festive folklore to decide the vibe for the year.

“We explore trends from across the world think Vienna’s Christmas streets, Legoland’s winter displays, or the charm of wooden shalleys from Switzerland” says the Creative Lead. Then we remix it with our own touch of magic.

Trend Research & Ideation

From AR/VR integrations to canopy lights, tinsel, snow blizzards, and interactive installations, every experience is rooted in what’s current, but also in what’s emotional. The team studies global design trends and guest engagement formats, often setting new benchmarks in India for immersive seasonal events.

Building a Wonderland (Literally)

Once the theme is set, it's time to design the experience, not just the space.

• Walkthrough Mapping: The venue is plotted like a story from the entry gates to Santa’s Meet-and-Greet, game zones, merchandise stalls, and photo-op spots.
  

• Iconic Anchors: Each year, a brand-new version of the main Christmas tree is unveiled; a consistent centerpiece with creative updates in its base, lighting, or ornamentation.
  

• Interactive Zones: Think snowfall under canopy lights, an AR sleigh ride, Hamleys collabs, or even a pop-up Universal-style parade with performers and characters.

“It’s not just about setting up décor. It’s about creating moments; things that families remember, kids talk about, and couples come back for,” says the Experiential Director.

The Elves Behind the Magic

None of this would be possible without Surreal Global's diverse team of designers, tech wizards, artisans, and experienced architects. They blend European craft traditions with cutting-edge interactive tech to ensure the space evolves every year.

7 Years of Magic (and Counting)

Launched in 2018, World of Christmas has grown into one of India’s most iconic Christmas IPs. For the past three years, Jio World Drive has hosted this grand celebration, and every year, guests walk through an entirely new world.

Whether it’s the parade of lights, the snow-blizzard at the tree, the live performances, or just strolling through traditional European-style chalets, the event has become a holiday ritual for thousands.

More Than Decor: It’s a Whole Experience

From the very first archway to the final snowflake, World of Christmas is not just a display; it's an emotion. A memory factory. A magical escape into a world where every detail, from the tree ornaments to the gaming zones, from the lighting ceremony to the Santa selfies are designed to spark joy, nostalgia, and wonder.

Come for the tree. Stay for the parade, the snowfall, the magic, and maybe even a cup of cocoa.