Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in India

Goa is the most popular place to celebrate Christmas in India, known for midnight mass at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, beach parties, and festive lights. Other top picks include Shillong and Pondicherry for a quieter, cultural Christmas, Mumbai and Kolkata for city-wide celebrations, and Shimla or Manali for a snowy, White Christmas atmosphere.

Imagine the streets glowing with those white coloured fairy lights, not one but many Christmas trees glittering like those of town squares, the irresistible fragrance that flows in the air of freshly baked Christmas cakes, Christmas carols filling the air and families and loved ones celebrating the most wonderful and cheerful time of the year. If we add a tropical beach or a very beautifully decorated heritage church to this scene, it would perfectly sound like a Christmas vibe of India. 

Dream of dancing under the sky and stars in Goa or experiencing a chilly white Christmas in the Himalayas, India is a country that has Christmas cheer for every kind of traveller. 

But if you really want to know one destination that especially knows how to turn Christmas Day into a memorable experience, it is GOA. Known for its Portuguese architecture, iconic churches, lively, clear beaches, club parties and streets all geared up in festive moods, Goa will surely surprise you with a Christmas celebration that will feel straight out of a holiday postcard. 

So where should you actually head this Christmas? Let us read and explore some of the best places to celebrate Christmas in India, with a special mention of Goa.  If you are still planning your winter break, you can also explore more places to visit in December in India.

Christmas in Goa – where a festival will eventually become a celebration of life

Goa would surely be a strong contender if Christmas had a holiday home in our country. The centuries-old Christian churches and traditions best combine with the coastal paradise and make it one of the most popular destinations to celebrate this winter festival. 

It is during the winter months from December to February that Goa takes on a special glow because the churches are lit up with illuminated lights, homes are decorated with glittering stars, bakeries and cafes are all filled with Christmas cakes and treats, and the markets are super crowded with shoppers hopping for gift items. Adding to this, the golden beaches and the pleasant weather, the nightlife and the chilly breeze – all of it together serves as a perfect recipe for a memorable Christmas celebration in Goa. 

Experience the magic of midnight mass. 

During the eve of Christmas, churches across the state of Goa welcome worshippers during midnight which is accompanied by beautifully sung hymns, carols, and prayers. 

You must also know about the magnificent Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is located in Old Goa and also Se Cathedral – these are amongst the best and most famous churches that are visited by travellers to admire their beauty and architectural importance. 

Another landmark worth visiting during the Christmas days in Goa is the Church of Our Lady in Panjim. 

1. Shillong and the Northeast — A Cooler, Community-Led Christmas 

Shillong deserves a place on your list to celebrate your next Christmas if you like crisp air, slow vibes, welcoming churches, beautiful atmosphere and peaceful surroundings. 

Shillong is also called the musical capital of India and has a very strong musical culture and a large Christian-led community. During the festival of Christmas, the streets of Shillong take on a celebratory look, and the beautiful hymns and carols swing in the air of the city. 

If you want a cooler and a pleasant Christmas experience, Shillong is an excellent choice away from the beach party atmosphere. Do not forget to visit the very famous Cathedral of Mary Help and appreciate its significance and architectural structure. Make sure that you pack warm clothes with you, as December can be really chilly in the northeastern state of India.

2. Pondicherry and Kerala — A Quieter, Colonial-Charm Christmas 

If you want a Christmas cheer that is calmer and not chaotic, charming, but not too loud, head to Pondicherry and Kerala. Take a moment to appreciate the colonial charm these cities preserve. The beautiful pastel coloured buildings, the very famous French Quarter, crowded cafes, and seaside squares give a perfect festive mood to travellers who want to celebrate their Christmas not in a very loud, party atmosphere, but seek a quieter and charming celebration. Make sure to add a visit to the very famous Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which most travellers visit to appreciate the Gothic-style architecture. 

Pondicherry and Kerala are especially appealing to travellers who are travelling with their families or as couples. You can pair it up with a nearby attraction, such as Auroville, to make your December holiday special! 

3. A White Christmas in Shimla and Manali 

If you are dreaming of a Christmas coming straight out of a winter postcard, you must have dreamt of a snowy Christmas holiday in the Himalayan regions, such as Shimla or Manali. Manali is an ultimate choice for travellers who are fond of pine trees, classic cafes, and the possibility of celebrating your Christmas with a magical snowfall experience. 

Although a white Christmas is never guaranteed in Shimla and Manali, we can always keep our fingers crossed to have the best of luck. 

For the best experience during the Christmas festivities in Shimla and Manali, make sure that you make an advance booking,  pack warm clothes as the temperature can go very low at higher altitudes, and be ready to enjoy the Christmas parties at popular cafes and hotels. 

4. Christmas in the Big Cities — Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata 

If you want to celebrate Christmas with an urban twist, pack your bags and travel to the big cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Kolkata. These big cities celebrate Christmas in their own ways by decorating streets, arranging luxury dinners at high-end hotels and illuminating their famous churches. 

In Mumbai, areas such as Bandra and Hill Road are particularly famous for their festive cheers. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, you can enjoy Christmas with a variety of seasonal menu options, different kinds of Carnivals, shopping, meals and concerts that take place. 

The best part of celebrating Christmas in the urban cities is that you can have celebrations according to any budget type. From a simple bakery outing to a luxury dinner, you can experience the magic of the festival in your own personal space. If you would rather add a heritage twist, a winter break in Jaipur, with its palaces and festive bazaars, pairs well with the Christmas season.

Final thoughts – just make this Christmas a day to remember forever. 

Celebrating Christmas in India is not just a one- size- fits all celebration. It can be a Goan celebration on a tropical beach, or simply a prayer at some historic church. It might be a luxurious dinner in a buzzing street in Delhi, or could be a peaceful meal at a calm and quiet Cafe in Kerala.  

Yet Goa wins hearts because of its remarkable energy and traditional celebrations of the Christmas festival. The secret to celebrating a wonderful Christmas night is very simple – plan a little, explore more and spend time with the people who matter to you the most. 

Book Your Christmas Getaway Early

Goa, Shillong and the hill stations all see their highest prices of the year in the week around Christmas. Thomas Cook‘s India holiday packages can help you secure the right stay before the festive rush pushes prices up further. 

FAQs

1. Where is the prettiest place to spend Christmas?

The prettiest place to spend Christmas is Goa. For people who like Himalayan vibes or wish to experience snowfall on Christmas Day, they can opt to travel to Manali or Shimla. 

2. Which city is best for Christmas?

Goa is considered the best city to celebrate Christmas because of its nightlife, tropical beach party vibes, pleasant weather and historic churches. 

3. Which destination is best for December in India?

Some of the destinations that are best to travel in India are Goa for its party life, hill stations such as Manali and Shimla for its white festivals and cold weather, Kerala and Pondicherry for its serenity and calmer tropical vibes. Big cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata can also be visited to explore buzzing urban city life and discover vibrant markets and shopping experiences. 

4. Where to go in December for 2 days?

If you wish to plan a getaway in December for 2 days, you can plan to go to Goa. This would be the best vacation spot for you because of its vibrant city life, nightclubs, and good vibes. Some other destinations worth visiting in December for 2 days are Manali, Shimla, Jim Corbett, Jaipur, and Agra.