India, Nov. 21 -- C hristmas may be over a month away, but the cheer is already in the air. Across cities, restaurants and cafes have kicked off their annual cake-mixing events, marking the unofficial start of the festive season. One of the most cherished holiday traditions, these pre-Christmas gatherings invite guests to roll up their sleeves, blend spices, fold in dried fruits, and prepare decadent mixes to bake just in time for Christmas. More than just a culinary ritual, cake-mixing is a celebration of togetherness, where families, friends, and food lovers come together to swap stories, sip something warm, and revel in the joy of creating seasonal treats. With restaurants adding their creative twists - from chef-led demonstrations to signature holiday flavours - these events are becoming a must-attend tradition. The festive excitement is already building, and hotels are setting the mood with their much-loved cake-mixing traditions. "Our annual cake-mixing ceremony is a cherished tradition that marks the official start of the festive season. It brings together guests, partners, and our culinary team in a joyful celebration as we mix nuts, fruits, spices, and spirits, the foundation of our Christmas treats," says Chef Avinash Kumar from Novotel. This year, the pastry team is busy crafting plum cakes, gourmet chocolates, and an array of themed desserts designed to highlight the season's flavours. He adds, "Our chefs follow a classic recipe but add subtle creative touches each year. This season, we're using premium dry fruits, candied peels, house-made spice blends, and a few locally inspired ingredients. The mix is soaked right after the ceremony, allowing the flavours to deepen and mature beautifully before Christmas." At Hotel Marine Plaza, the ceremony takes on an artisanal charm. "From the chef's point of view, cake mixing is not just a process but a celebration of craftsmanship. The selection of premium ingredients including assorted berries, raisins, candied fruits, nuts, aromatic spices and high-quality spirits plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavours," says Chef Amit Kocharekar from Hotel Marine Plaza. He continues, "At our restaurant, we incorporate a few unique elements such as locally sourced ingredients, a special blend of warm spices and aged rum that enhances the richness of the cake." Chef Rohit Vishnani from Baglami calls the tradition nothing short of magic: "Every year, our team gathers in the kitchen and guests come in to mix the batter, share stories, and get into the holiday spirit. It's a moment of pure magic, and we love sharing it with our customers." Restaurants aren't stopping at cake preparations, they're setting the stage for a full-fledged festive experience. "As Christmas approaches, our restaurant will be adorned in vibrant holiday decor. Guests can look forward to a specially curated Christmas-themed buffet and exclusive in-room amenities, ensuring a truly memorable celebration," says Chef Bidyut Saha from Taj Corbett....