Get set to experience Xmas the express way!

CHENNAI: It’s that time of the year when the festive season is in full swing. Chennaiites are flocking to every shopping destination in the city. Express Avenue, the shopping Mecca of Chennai, plans to usher in Christmas and New Year in its own unique style. It intends to give its customers a feel of the festivities, a couple of weeks before the real action begins.On Friday, the mall unveiled its new look for the festive season ahead. The atrium of the mall now has a 30-foot Christmas tree, dressed in silver snow with bells and gifts hanging from its branches. A mini-village covered with snow has also been set up around the Christmas tree, with baby Jesus in the company of his parents at the manger.However, the star attraction is the mini-train that will ferry shoppers around the small village twice for just Rs 10.  “This is the first time in the history of shopping malls that a train will run in its atrium,” said Saroj Goenka, the chairperson of Express Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, as she flagged off the first journey around the 270-foot rail path. Kavita Singhania, MD of Express Infrastructure, along with the chairperson, also enjoyed a ride in the mini-train. The train ride is now open to all customers visiting the mall.On the right side of the village, a sleigh drawn by reindeers, however, bears a forlorn look, with Santa Claus missing in action from his expected spot atop the sleigh. B Jagadeesan, Spokesperson of Express Infrastructure, throws light on it. “A live Santa will ride the sleigh across the village on Christmas, and distribute gifts to shoppers. What’s more is that artificial snow will fall from above, giving it a real Christmas effect,” he said. “This whole set-up will remain till the first week of January and will give enough reasons for shoppers to visit Express Avenue and celebrate the festive season,” he added. A musical extravaganza called the ‘Raga Festival’ will also take place for a month at Express Avenue, beginning December 11, announced the chairperson.  Famous artistes will participate in this festival, she added.