Christmas celebrations in India are nothing short of a fairy tale. The festive spirit fills the entire atmosphere with joy and the streets transform into a sparkling wonderland. From warm sandy beaches to snow-capped mountains, the destinations for Christmas celebrations in India offer an enticing experience. Experience the best of the holiday season with our list of top 5 destinations to celebrate Christmas in India. If you want to go for a Christmas trip in 2024, these Indian destinations promise a delightful experience filled with cheer, tradition & holiday spirit.
Make Your Holiday Season Merrier With These Top 5 Best Destinations to Celebrate Christmas in India!
1. Goa: Fun Festive Delights By The Sandy Shores
Why Visit?
With its serene beaches and colonial charm, Goa is often called the Christmas Capital of India. As the festival season begins, this coastal destination wraps itself in the festive spirit. The unique blend of Goan and Portuguese traditions makes its Christmas celebrations hard to beat.
Experiences Worth Indulgence
Midnight Mass At Historic Churches: Experience the impressive midnight mass at renowned historical churches like Se Cathedral and Basilica of Bom Jesus. The melodious hymns and the spiritual atmosphere will amaze you.
Christmas Parties At Beaches: Head to the iconic beaches of Goa and enjoy the beach parties hosted on Christmas Eve. Various resorts and shacks host bonfire parties accompanied by live music and festive cocktails to enjoy.
Vibrant Christmas Markets: Take a leisurely walk through the Christmas markets of Goa, brimming with displays of artisanal finds and delectable street food. Indulge in a shopping spree and enjoy tasting bebinca, a traditional Goan dessert.
Delectable Goan Feast: Experience the Christmas traditions at its best with the classic Goan feast. The feast includes delicious roast turkey, spicy pork sorpotel, and the famous fruit cakes prepared with aromatic local spices and feni ( a local liquor).
2. Puducherry: Christmas Celebration in French Style
Why Visit?
Puducherry, popularly known as India’s Little France, is a perfect choice for experiencing French traditions and Indian hospitality. Christmas celebrations in this former French colony are a must-have experience. The lively atmosphere with European charm will make your Christmas celebrations memorable.
Experiences Worth Indulgence
Midnight Mass At Iconic Churches: Midnight mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is worth attending. The joyful gathering of people, the atmosphere filled with the sounds of hymns, and the warm glow of candles create a surreal vibe. Also, explore Conception Cathedral and Our Lady of Angels Church for a unique experience.
Decorations At French Quarters: To feel the Christmas spirit, visit the French Quarters in Puducherry. Enjoy the streets, illuminated with Christmas decorations, creating a romantic yet festive ambiance. The boutique cafes also soak in the festive vibe and serve festive drinks and seasonal treats.
French-Inspired Christmas Feast: Local bakeries and restaurants across the town offer Christmas-themed menus showcasing traditional Tamil and French delicacies. Popular dishes like duck roast, fish curry, plum cakes, croissants, and wine are served. The unique fusion of flavors creates a delightful culinary experience.
Spiritual Indulgence At Auroville: The Christmas celebrations in Auroville are quite distinctive as they are simple and peaceful. The community hosts events and workshops like carol singing, creative workshops, and mass gatherings. This town provides a tranquil setting for those who like to spend Christmas in serenity.
3. Shillong: Warm Celebrations Amidst Winter Mountains
Why Visit?
Shillong, the winter wonderland of the northeast, is the ideal place to celebrate Christmas. This northeastern land is renowned for its scenic landscape and warm Christmas celebrations. Shillong becomes a festive paradise during the holiday season with its refreshing cool climate and lush landscape. From singing Christmas carols to feasting on delicious dishes, each experience will lead to memories lasting forever.
Experiences Worth Indulgence
Community Service & Carol Singing: Attend the midnight mass and community service at the Don Bosco Church or St. Joseph Church. The carol singing near churches, Police Bazar, and Lithumkarah is the main highlight.
Traditional Christmas Feast: Savor the delicious flavors of traditional Christmas delicacies. The feast includes local Khasi cuisine and some Anglo-Indian dishes. Dishes like Jadoh (a rice and meat delicacy) and Pudho are worth trying.
Unwind Amidst Nature: Shillong is known as the Scotland of the East for its breathtaking beauty. Relax and unwind amidst the scenic views of misty hills and picturesque waterfalls. Enjoy a fun-filled Christmas afternoon by exploring Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, etc.
Live Music & Events: Live music performances and community events in Shillong enhance the Christmas vibes. Every nook and corner gets filled with musical vibes and traditional concerts, creating a fun and lively atmosphere.
4. Daman & Diu: Christmas The Beachy Way
Why Visit?
Daman & Diu is the perfect destination if you are seeking something different for your Christmas getaway. With its Portuguese colonial heritage, Christmas celebrations are a bit different here. The peaceful surroundings and charming decorations create a perfect escape for anyone looking for a joyful yet laid-back holiday.
Experiences Worth Indulgence
Midnight Mass & Decorations: The midnight mass at St. Jerome Church in Daman and Our Lady of Sea Church in Diu are extremely special. The Portuguese hymns and prayers add a traditional element to the celebrations. The dazzling light decorations at the Daman Fort and Nani Daman add to the festive glow.
Delectable Festive Treats: Christmas is the ideal time to indulge in the flavorful local cuisines. The feast at Daman and Diu includes traditional dishes of Portuguese influence. Enjoy savoring bacalao (salted cod), seafood delicacies, and roasted meats. Plum cakes, gingerbread, and traditional desserts are staples in the feast menu.
Bonfire Christmas Parties: The beachfront resorts host Christmas parties featuring live music, dance, and dinners by the sea. Bonfire parties are very popular among locals and tourists. The celebrations include local music and dance performances by the local artists.
Christmas Souvenir Shopping: The markets in Nani Daman and Moti Daman are popular for Christmas souvenir shopping. From wooden crafts and hand-painted pottery to traditional textiles, these markets are great for shopping for yourself and your loved ones.
5. Mumbai: City of Nights With Merry Vibes
Why Visit?
Mumbai, the bustling metropolis, is known for its vibrant Christmas celebrations. The dazzling decorations and cheerful, festive vibes transform the city into a joyful paradise. Whether it is soul-soothing Christmas traditions or lively Christmas parties, there is no shortage of unique experiences in this city. The festive spirit of Mumbai is unmatchable for experiencing something out of the ordinary.
Experiences Worth Indulgence
Midnight Mass & Carols: Mount Mary Church in Bandra is very popular for its Midnight Mass. Its scenic location by the Arabian Sea adds more beauty to its Christmas celebrations. The city comes alive with carol-singing carolers walking the streets spreading musical joy.
Christmas Culinary Delights: The coastal location of Mumbai makes it an ideal place for enjoying a Christmas feast. Dishes like prawn curry, bombil (Bombay duck), roast turkey, pork vindaloo, plum cake, etc, are popular and served at the feast. Several high-end hotels like The Taj Palace, Oberoi, and Leela also host Christmas Eve dinners with exquisite dishes on the menu.
Family Fun Activities: Mumbai is the festive wonderland for family fun activities. Dive into the festive spirit with Christmas parks, fairs, and ice skating rinks at Essel World and various malls across the city. Interact with Santa and enjoy fun-filled activities like rides and games.
Christmas Markets: From colorful decor items to handicrafts, Mumbai’s markets are packed with everything you need to shop for in the festive season. Markets like Colaba Causeway and Lokhandwala are popular street shopping spots. For a luxurious shopping experience, explore Phoenix Palladium, Oberoi Mall, etc.
Get Going!
This Christmas, make your holidays merrier than ever by visiting the incredible five destinations for celebrating Christmas in India. Whether you are drawn toward beach Christmas parties or wish for a calm and laid-back celebration, each destination has its unique charm. From midnight masses to community services, delectable feasts, and fun-filled celebrations, each destination offers magical moments of joy. So start packing your Christmas outfits and get ready to soak in the festive delight that awaits you!
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