“Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way” Can you still hear those carols overlay the hushed conversations of snow or the lullaby of the tides crashing on the shores? Christmas in India is as sensational as it gets – bracing a colourful composite of traditions, entertainment and geographic wonders that could well fit every person’s festive fantasy. Think about cosy evenings with a mug of hot chocolate in Manali or strolling under the fairy light in Kolkata. Try to place yourself at Goan mid-night masses or Christmas feasting on the local speciality – plum cake – while on a houseboat cruise in Kerala. All of them here contribute their beat to the melody created for Christmas which none will forget.
Growing up the anticipation of Christmas is amazing, to make this Christmas magical many destinations in India can be explored. Whether you prefer colder climates with snowy mountains, peaceful water bodies or warm cities, these are the 10 best Christmas destinations in India 2024 that will make your festive season as exciting as possible.
Top 10 Places to Celebrate Christmas in India 2024
Goa – The Party Paradise
Goa becomes a colourful festival hub during Christmas time, it has everything: spiritual and cultural background and parties. You can catch Midnight Mass at some of these highly venerated churches such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. There is an impressive variety of freely accessible Greak Christmas tree ornaments and decorations in Mapusa and Margao markets and home-baked Goan sweets such as bebinca and dodol. The streets of Panjim and old Goa are decorated with shaking stars, nativity cribs and street lights which give a festive look. At Anjuna and Palolem, bonfires, and live music make the nights special and the river cruise on Mandovi has bands playing Goan cuisine Christmas trees, etc. Meals including roast pork, vindaloo and plum cake are some of the unbelievable experiences for the gastronomy lovers at Mum’s Kitchen and Fisherman’s Wharf restaurants during the festive period. To the existing attraction, colourful and vibrant Goan identity is represented in Christmas plays, Konkani carols and dance shows.
Shillong – Northeast’s Winter Wonderland
Well, if Shillong is on your travel wish list for Christmas, then let me assure you it is paradise on earth to be in during this festive season. People celebrate the arrival of the month of December lively: namely beautiful carol singing competitions, festive events, and streets illumination in sparkling lights and decorations. One of the city’s attractive sites for visitors embraces the charming church encompassing the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians which hosts Christmas Eve Mass and services.
People visiting Shillong in the Christmas season have many things to engage in. You can hear live Gospel music, watch Christmas celebrations, and indulge in local delicacies such as Jadoh – rice and meat dish of the Khasis, Dohneiiong which is pork prepared with black sesame seeds and the famous snacks such as Pukhlein which is rice flour dumplings deep-fried. The cold climate complements the warm cafés and adds to the tranquility making it enjoyable for sightseeing experiences like the Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls and Shillong Peak.
Several tourists hence move to this place in the December holidays due to the cold weather, festivities and the warm reception from the people of this city during this festive season turning Shillong into a beautiful Christmas wonderland.
Manali – Christmas in a Snowy Retreat
Manali becomes a true winter wonderland on Christmas and is ideal for anyone who wants a white Christmas. Cottage accommodation – dine in houses lit with lights, and warm up by the fire since it is cold. The weekend wanderlusts can go skiing and snowboarding at Solang Valley or take beautiful treks to Bhrigu Lake or Beas Kund. Do not leave the area without visiting nicely decorated Christmas markets which offer hot drinks, accessories, homemade souvenirs and a happy atmosphere. Enjoy a peaceful site visit at Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara monastery or indeed practice snow camping under the stars in Himachal. Spend your Christmas with snow-capped mountains, fun and excitement together with the endearing Manali hospitality
Kerala – Christmas Amidst Backwaters
Kerala has its own rich and calm cultural and geographical beauty to celebrate Christmas having backwater vibes active with local culture. They moved up to the region where Christmas is a very important festival for the Syrian Christians and Christmas here is celebrated with elaborate church service, feast and cultural dance. The splendid vegetation of the place beautified with the Christmas light enhances the appeal of the season. Another exciting thing about the festival is to spend Christmas Eve sailing with a Christmas feast in a houseboat at Alleppey. The meal prepared can sometimes involve Ethnic foods like Appam, Stew, Pulao and the delicious Kerala Christmas cake.
Some of the activities that tourists can engage in during Christmas are; going to the lit-up beautiful churches in Kochi the earliest being St. Francis Church and the Midnight Mass. Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, two of the most famous traditional dances of Kerala, are also a must-watch. For the lovers of nature, a calm boat ride in Alleppey or Kumarakom backwaters amid the hut shaped houseboats with palm trees on the horizon and rocking with Steve’s festive carols in the backdrop is simply a pleasure. The local Christmas markets should not be missed for buying the local handicrafts and savouring the local buffet of Koorka (yam) and Kozhukkatta (sweet rice dumplings). How can one not love the tradition, the history and the stunning natural beauty that outlines Kerala and definitely Christmas here is a very warm affair and a perfect holiday season?
Kolkata – Colonial Charm at Christmas
Kolkata especially Park Street turns into a Christmas wonderland for festivities Far and wide. Lively and colourful, the Park Street Christmas Festival includes all the elements of a festive mood – lights, live music, carol singing, and food vendors who sell Anglo-Indian treats and the must-have plum cake. It has quite lively streets during the festive and honeymoon seasons and they will go extra lively during this festive season. It is customary to begin your day with churches; one visit to the heritage list includes St. Pauls Cathedral where the Midnight Mass is celebrated and people of different fraternities attend and make them feel blessed. New Market would be great for souvenirs and decorations, Alstadt Christmas markets are ideal for cookies, and cakes with gingerbread decorations at old-fashioned Christmas tree ornaments. The local Sydney food does not disappoint and should not pass up the opportunity to try cakes produced by historic bakeries, for example, Nahoum’s and Flurry’s with their Christmas delicacies.
Other fun things to do include taking a Christmas dinner at any restaurant on Park Street, watching and being a part of the Christmas Parade and going for a Christmas lighting at Allen Park. Although known for its colonial history, there is much to be seen and celebrated about Kolkata during the holiday season, in particular, Christmas.
Pondicherry – A French-Style Christmas
For anyone who yearns for the surreal beauty of Christmas, Pondicherry turns into French India backed by a beautiful icing. Some churches like the Immaculate Conception Cathedral offer quiet candlelight service meanwhile on Mission Street shops are lined with fairy lights and Christmas music is playing. Winter Wonderland, Christmas Eve feasting near the water’s edge or with exotic twists, exotic food fests and gourmet brunches conceptualised and presented give way to the celebrations here. There are options to walk around the French Quarter, try festive dishes at cute cafes and buy souvenirs at the markets. Indeed, thanks to a perfect blend of different cultures, today, Pondicherry leaves behind the impression of a quiet but festive time during the holiday season.
Mumbai – The City That Never Sleeps at Christmas
Christmas is celebrated in the city in a traditional as well as a contemporary way, and the city is full of festivity during Christmas time. Hill Road and Carter Road are some of the most popular avenues in Bandra; especially during evenings, the avenues are illuminated with beautiful decorations to give them a festive look. Go for Midnight Mass at Mount Mary Church in bandra or St Thomas Cathedral in Fort, to just feel the Christmas spirit. Buying stuff for celebration from the markets like Santacruz and Bandra and get more excited for celebrations with ornaments or Christmas trees.
If you wish to go for a more colourful and joyous occasion then visit the terrace parties in all the neighbourhoods or attend music concerts at NCPA and Prithvi Theatre. Do not pass up the cultural beauty of Khotachiwadi which is blessed with carol singers and cute props to the Christmas ambiance. If food is your thing, you can savour a Christmas food festival or if you are more of a cafe hopper, complete the festive by sipping on hot chocolates and nibbling on festive desserts.
Auroville – A Spiritual Christmas Escape
While Auroville radiates a Christmas vibe that is quite different from the conventional festive atmosphere, actually, Christmas is very harmonious there as it is defined by the community rather than living a materialistic life in a stressful and overcrowded city. Small innovative bio-degradable products, colourful and reflecting festive mood represent Auroville’s conceptual base of sustainability during the festive seasons. People can perform some forms of worship like meditation in the Matrimandir as well as practising yoga or participating in other cultural activities that go hand in hand with the principle on which the holiday rests. Moreover, searching for an organic food experience from Solitude Farm, searching for serenity from Auroville Beach and looking for local arts and gifts make the journey more joyful. These celebrations draw emphasis on unity and hence can be deemed an important occasion for vacation.
Coorg – Christmas in the Coffee Land
Coorg also known as the ‘Coffee Land of India’ becomes a different world during Christmas. Due to the misty hills and shrubs of the big coffee farms, this genuine and utopian location is ideal for a couple to have a sweet and intimate wedding. Tourists can still have their Christmas eating rush with sumptuous meals special for the season prepared by luxury resorts which set up bonfires to amplify the experience. Some of them are visiting cultural events, celebrating Christmas Eve parties, and satisfying the festive gourmet. For those in search of quiet and serene sightseeing, the months of December to February can be considered ideal for relaxing and festivity in Coorg.
Delhi – The Capital’s Christmas Extravaganza.
Finally, Delhi during Christmas is a cultural, religious and urban festival in which the city turns into a Christmas paradise. People of different age groups attend a beautiful Christmas Eve mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral combined with the beauty of carolling, calmness and the joyous spirit of Christmas. Other options such as The Imperial package the perfect Christmas banquet and event for lavish experiences. You should also visit the German Christmas Market where everything from ornaments, and crafts to food and drinks have a Christmas feel.
Apart from these Delhi holds some exhilarating events like the Holly Jolly Christmas carnival which will be held at YWCA this year and is full of games and live music; and candlelight concerts being organized at Le Méridien where Christmas classics are played. To give it a contemporary look, places such as RSVP Nightclub and Jazbaa Lounge organize stylistically bright Christmas parties with live music performed by DJs. South Delhi for instance is innovative with open-air movie theatres or taking a walk through the streets and malls thoroughly decorated to hail the holiday spirit.
Unseen Beauty Places for Christmas Festivity in India
For those seeking unique and tranquil destinations to celebrate Christmas, these offbeat places in India promise a serene and memorable experience:
- Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh
Overlooking the serene setting of the greenery hilly region, Ziro Valley is best suited for those who enjoy tranquillity. The weather will be cool during the Christmas holidays and you will be able to notice the Apatani tribe of people and their customs. The calm environment also presents an opportunity to get back to basics and interact with nature in a bit more artistic way.
- Kalimpong, West Bengal
This fascinating hill station is a blend of colonial heritage and vacation atmosphere. Attend the MacFarlane Church on Christmas Eve service and with cold weather, everything sets the right Christmas mood. The markets are good places to shop for locally made arts and crafts and other local mementoes.
- Landour, Uttarakhand
A picturesque serene residential area near Mussoorie, Landour has retained its colonial influence architecture, pine foliage, and the famous Landour Bakery. This restaurant offers warm carrot cake and hot chocolate which makes it very enjoyable when you are admiring the spectacular view hence perfect for Christmas vacation.
- Dzukou Valley, Nagaland
This valley is that raw elegance of nature; the place will be perfect to give a very natural feel to your Christmas. It’s like a paradise on earth and a perfect place to hike and remain anonymous in the middle-of-nowhere plains.
- Lolegaon, West Bengal
This is a small village located near Kalimpong and boasts a great view of the Himalayan range. It is a peaceful place with relatively low temperatures and laid laid-back bend, perfect for the Christmas holidays other than cities.
- Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
For history lovers Orchha gives them the best of both worlds, The architectural marvel of Orchha with the religious fervour. Walk through the ruins of its linked palaces and visit temples that exhibit smooth carvings and stoke a peaceful setting near the Betwa River so that a visitor willing to spend a Christmas on the culture of the country will be sure to get it here.
Planning Your Christmas Trip in 2024
Christmas is the best time to get a break from the regular grind and go all out on Christmas cheer. Regardless of whether you envision yourself lounging in the snow, on the beach or walking the streets of a big city on holiday, good planning is crucial for a good result. Here are some tips to help you craft the perfect Christmas getaway in 2024:
- Early Booking for the Favourite Holidays
High-demand places like Goa, Shimla and Pondicherry to name a few get fully booked months before Christmas. It is crucial to arrange accommodation, travel, and activities in advance to get the best prices and avoid ID issues. Do not shy away from taking advantage of other offers such as discounts for early bookings, and travel packages among others.
- Select a Low-Cost Hotel or an Up-Market One
Affordable Christmas Destinations in India 2024: Choose destinations that include Kasol, Shillong or Orchha for affordable accommodations, lively events and real Indian experiences. These are cheaper accommodations, common with guest houses, homestays, and hostels to mention but a few.
Luxury Christmas Getaways: Have a royal Christmas by dining in 5-star resorts in Coorg, Alleppey houseboats or heritage forts and palaces of Rajasthan that arrange menus, relaxation and other experiences for the festival.
Tailor Your Itinerary
Some of the events could be going for midnight masses, learning about and visiting Christmas markets or having Christmas dinner thematic evenings. Places such as Park Street, Kolkata or backwaters of Kerala, are different ways to celebrate. Have days when you want to avoid any holiday feel and days when there is high energy with decorations and festivities.
- Pack for the Season
Think about the climate of the place you are targeting to travel to. If the planned territory is a snowy one, take warm clothes with you, and if the location is a coastal one full of Christmas and New Year festivities, pack light but joyful outfits. Do not leave out crucial items that will need on vacation such as sunscreen, seasonal ornaments, and travel insurance among others.
- Transportation Tips
But when the plan is going be roadways, be sure that you have your car or truck prepared for winter. In case, you are planning for distant locations, verify the network and access to transportation beforehand, to avoid the last-moment troubles.
Sustainable Christmas Travel Tips
Eco-friendly Decorations:
- Recycle decorations used for earlier festivals so as to help avoid wasting lots of money.
- Select homemade accomplishing for celebrations, for instance, paper mache, glass vessels or cardboard boxes containing newspapers.
- It is better to buy trendy items second-hand or look for options like wood or ceramics when purchasing new decorations.
Support Local Businesses:
- Buy our gifts and holiday utilities from locally available markets in an effort to contain transportation-related emissions.
- Select locally made products or hand-made products because they do not affect the environment through transportation.
- Seek out green hotels that cut back on their carbon footprint, and which have been officially endorsed for doing so.
- It must opt for certain eco-tourism travel packages as well as those that entail conservation of the environment/ natural resources and enhancement of sustainable intra/inter-community tourism activities.
Eco-conscious Gift Giving:
- Focus on giving the experiences instead of things like gift certificates for a cooking class, rock climbing or gym membership to support the local arts.
- Use ecologically friendly material such as fabric or kraft paper in wrapping gifts.
Low-impact Travel Options:
- Minimize your gas use when going for the holidays by availing yourself the public transport or sharing your car with other people.
- Choose locations that are within driving distance or better still; locations that can be reached by train instead of flying.
- Have people bring foods that are to be served in large batches to reduce wastage, and also to allow everyone to try everyone else’s food.
- Pay close attention to what is being bought to minimize wastage of food through overstocking.
- Introduce recipes that include more plants in your holiday meal to make the food less burdensome to the earth
India particularly due to its colourful and diverse culture comes alive when Christmas is around the corner. The festival encapsulates the spirit of India as beautiful as Kerala backwaters, the joyous tribal culture as vibrant as Shillong etc. From Christmas carolling to the packing of mouth-watering food all through to the dancing on the streets, there is something for everyone to hold on to.
So, while you are deciding the ways how you want to spend your dream Christmas, it is time to lock your dates and book your Christmas vacation because we don’t exactly want you to lose the spirit and miss out on the best places to celebrate Christmas in India in 2024. Please do share your Christmas plans if any drop us on Instagram below so that we can motivate each other to make this festive season an amazing one. Have a happy holiday and merry adventures!