This is the season of Santa Claus’s arrival, and it is time to find out the most attractive places in India that are suitable for Christmas Celebrations. Let’s check the top 18.
India is one of those countries where not only Christians celebrate Christmas, but even Hindus, Muslims, and every other religion embark on the celebration of the festive season. Yes, that is India in a nutshell, where cross-cultural and religious celebrations are enjoyed by all. Christmas is also an international and national holiday, and many Indians take advantage of this festive winter season to initiate their long-awaited travel adventures. During the time of Christmas, you can visit many places in India where you might find a grand celebration or vacation mood through parties, enjoyment, and adventure. Whether you decide to eat biryani or plum cake this Christmas, here are the 18 travel destination recommendations for everyone who is willing to travel during Christmas vacation.
Best Places to Visit in India during Christmas
- Goa
First in the list, we have Goa, not because of its major Christian population, but also because it is the party capital of India. Thousands of foreigners visit Goa every year at the end of the year to enjoy a fantastic Christmas as well as New Year’s Eve. Due to a strong Portuguese influence through colonialism, the city is also filled with plenty of major churches that you should definitely visit during Christmas time. Some of the big churches are Se Cathedral, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and many others that stay completely decked up during this season. Other than Christmas, there are also music concerts, art festivals, and plenty of places to eat and drink, which make it the perfect destination for everyone.
- Kerala (Kochi & Backwaters)
Kerala definitely has its own charm that makes it stand out among the rest of the states in India. While most people come here to enjoy the backwaters, Kochi can offer a spectacular time during the Cochin Carnival, which mainly takes place over Fort Kochi Beach. Starting from fireworks, music, parades, to food and other events, you will find plenty of elements to enjoy during this time. You will also find a lot of big churches here, such as Santa Cruz Basilica, which stays decorated during this time, and anyone can visit. You can also join the family feasts with the locals, where they will be more than happy to share appams, stews, and plum cakes with you.
- Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, and this state is mostly filled with Christian people. As a result, the celebration of Christmas is quite grand here. Shillong can be the best choice in the list to visit, as it is convenient to reach, and you will be absolutely mesmerized by the locals here, who are very cooperative and helpful. Their friendly behavior is what makes your trips better, as you can easily mingle with them. A lot of people consider this the “Scotland of the East,” as this north-eastern city in India can easily captivate you with its beauty. The Police Bazaar area in the city seems like a good place for accommodation, where you can find everything within a small radius.
- Kolkata, West Bengal
Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, which is also one of the major metro cities in India. The place is also highly populated with Christian people, as it was the capital of India during British Imperialism. During the festive season of December, the city lights up with decorations, lights, and plenty of Christmas events taking place all over the country. People mainly like to visit areas like Park Street and Bow Barracks, where Christmas is celebrated with a lot of people and with an extra flair. Plenty of fairs, music events, stand-up comedy shows, and other entertainment opportunities can be found in the city as well.
- Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mumbai is not just the epicenter of Bollywood, but it is also the biggest city of India, which has become a boiling pot for all kinds of people. With a fine blend of devotion and glamour, Christmas is celebrated on a grand scale here. This financial capital of India is home to busy people, and during Christmas, they all like to relax in areas like Hill Road and Chapel Road, where you can find yourself lost in a magical glow. The city remains crowded with a Midnight mass who would go out for carnivals, late-night gatherings, street shopping, food, wine, and the list goes on.
- Delhi
Delhi is definitely the most polluted city in India, but it is also the capital of India, and you can find all kinds of people here. There is a fair share of Christian communities that like to gather near Connaught Place and the Sacred Heart Cathedral. One of the grandest midnight celebrations takes place in Delhi during Christmas, and everything stays open for the whole night. You will be amazed to witness the decorated Dilli Haat and Select Citywalk at midnight, along with plenty of other people.
- Pondicherry
Pondicherry is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in India, which still consists of a fair share of colonial remains. Visiting this city during Christmas can make you feel like you have arrived in a European city. Embracing its French heritage, this place offers charming and beautiful churches, pastel-colored houses, clean roads, and the roar of the sea, which makes it the perfect escape for everyone. Other than its beautiful cafes, bars, and bakeries, you can also find many events, galleries, and outdoor options to enjoy during this season.
- Imphal, Manipur
Manipur has a significant Christian population, and many parts of this state become decorated and lit up during the Christmas season. Starting from towns to villages, you will witness midnight masses and carols in parts of the state. It is recommended to reach Imphal first, which is the capital of the state, and you can easily find transportation and accommodation here. Other than Christmas, Manipur can also provide you with ethereal natural beauty that puts you in awe.
- Arunachal Pradesh
Just like Manipur, you will find many districts in Arunachal Pradesh that are predominated by the tribal communities, and many of them are Christians only. You can enjoy quite a heartfelt Christmas here, where the locals will be more than happy to invite you to their celebrations. The communities share a meal together in the churches, and every corner stays decorated with lights, Christmas trees, and stars. Here you can enjoy a fine blend of serenity and celebrations, which is perfect for people who have social anxiety. The best idea here is to mingle with the locals and be a part of their celebrations.
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
If you are looking forward to enjoying a beach destination along with a bit of marine adventure through snorkeling and scuba diving, then Andaman is the place you need to go. According to travel critics, the Radhanagar beach in Andaman is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and enjoying your Christmas vacation on this island seems to be a great idea. You can find churches and other Christian settlements in Port Blair. Christmas near palm-lined beaches, under a tropical sky, with sea breeze and coconut trees sounds quite opposite to a winter celebration and surely fun!
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Chennai is one of the major metro cities in the South Indian region, which can offer you a strong punch of cultural and spiritual flavors. The highlight of the Christmas season would be the San Thome Basilica, which is built over the tomb of St. Thomas. Thousands of people gather here through the midnight masses, and you can also be a part of it. There are many other churches in the region, like St. Andrew’s Kirk, where many events take place. You can have an enjoyable vacation here with restaurants, bakeries, and plenty of shopping streets that stay crowded until midnight.
- Bangalore, Karnataka
Bangalore is a modern mix of vibrant youth culture along with the traditional Christmas spirit. During this season, the Brigade Road and the Church Street stay decked up with lights and decorative materials which imitate the theme of Jesus’s birth. You can also find street performers everywhere showcasing their talents to the masses. Beautiful events are hosted by St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral and All Saints’ Church to make sure people never run out of options. The youthful essence of the city can help you find many friends to party with.
- Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Known as the queen of hills, Manali is one of the most beautiful places in India, situated in the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh. The best part of celebrating Christmas in Manali is that the whole place stays under a layer of thick snow during this time, which turns it into a winter wonderland where you can enjoy with your friends as well as family. You can easily find plenty of hotels and places to eat here, and the people of this state are quite friendly. It is highly recommended to take ample warm clothes as the temperature during the nighttime can fall to sub-zero levels.
- Kohima (Nagaland)
Nagaland is a north-eastern state of India, which is best known for its unworldly natural beauty and tribal communities who have been protecting their pride and rights for thousands of years. Visiting this state during Christmas can offer you deep faith and a lot of community spirit. You can find a lot of big churches in Kohima where the birth of Jesus is celebrated through choir music and midnight services. You will be seeing traditional dances and gospel music, which allows you to be a part of the culture and offers more room for communication.
- Daman and Diu
Just like Goa, Daman & Diu also carries a strong Portuguese heritage due to colonialism. During the month of December, this place turns into a fairyland with all the churches being decorated with lights, stars, and Christmas trees. Make sure to visit the major churches like Bom Jesus Church and Cathedral of Bom Jesus, which are highly popular among the locals. This captivating destination can offer you a fine blend of relaxation and festive joy that can tantalize the hearts of every traveler. This can be considered a calm alternative to a Goa trip.
- Aizawl, Mizoram
Mizoram has a strong base of Christian population, and visiting its capital, Aizawl, during Christmas can turn into a life-long memorable experience. It is the most welcoming place where tourists can easily find unique places for accommodation. Aizawl’s celebrations are simple but heartfelt, a reminder that Christmas in India is not just about decorations but also about togetherness. So, make sure to try local cuisines, drinks, fruits, and everything you find exotic and not available in your daily life.
- Hyderabad, Telangana
Hyderabad has its unique style of celebrating Christmas, and you can enjoy the midnight masses and carol singing here as well. You can find plenty of churches like St. Joseph’s Cathedral in the Secunderabad region, along with a handful of cultural shows, charity events, and music concerts. Offering travelers a warm blend of devotion and celebration, Hyderabad seems like a suitable choice as it is quite budget-friendly as well. You can also find plenty of amazing bakeries here, such as the Karachi Bakery, where you can find the tastiest cakes and cookies.
- Jaipur, Rajasthan
Last but not least, we have Jaipur in the list, which is also known as the pink city of India. Churches like Sacred Heart Cathedral host beautiful services, while you can find stars, Christmas trees, and gifts in many parts of the city where Christian communities celebrate. Jaipur might appear like a contrasting spot due to its heavy inclination towards forts and royalty. However, you can still enjoy a fine Christian vacation here with great food, drinks, and plenty of places to shop. Pick any place you like start your Christmas adventure.
