15 Most Beautiful Places To Visit in India During Christmas

Read on If you find yourself in India around Christmas time and are in search of the best places to go for Christmas, you’re in for a delightful treat. There are countless beautiful places to spend the holidays in this culturally varied nation. Whether you’re seeking the best Christmas vacations or simply looking for the best places to visit during Christmas, you’re in the right place.

Goa, known for its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, is one of the fantastic Christmas holiday destinations. Shillong is one of the best Christmas destinations to spend the holidays thanks to its picturesque landscapes and mild temperatures. With its French flavour, the coastal village of Pondicherry makes for a memorable Christmas vacation.

Kerala is a beautiful place to spend the holidays because of its peaceful backwaters and verdant countryside. In contrast, the city of Mumbai’s magnificent Christmas celebrations and lights will take your breath away. Christmas celebrations in Kolkata are huge displays of the city’s cultural wealth.

Bangalore is a great choice for a multicultural Christmas because of its dynamic environment and varied celebrations. The peaceful beaches and rich Portuguese history of the union territory of Daman and Diu are major draws for vacationers. Located in the Himalayas, Manali is a winter wonderland perfect for a special Christmas trip.

Delhi, the nation’s capital, becomes a winter wonderland with its plethora of holiday markets and brightly coloured decorations. If you’re looking for the best places to visit during Christmas in December, count Shimla on your list, a hill station that offers the magic of a white Christmas among snow-covered mountains.  Chennai, on the other hand, combines tradition with modern celebrations, providing a diverse Christmas experience.

Lansdowne, a serene hill station, and Sikkim, a land of breathtaking landscapes, offer tranquil Christmas getaways. Dadra and Nagar Haveli, a hidden gem, beckon with their natural beauty and serenity.

These are the places to go for Christmas in India, offering a range of experiences from tropical celebrations to snowy escapes.

So, if you’re wondering where to go during Christmas, look no further than these enchanting destinations that promise to make your Christmas in India truly memorable.

We have the list of 15 most beautiful places to celebrate Christmas in India:

S. No.	Destinations	Must-see churches
1	Goa	Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and Santa Cruz Church are three must-see places of worship.
2	Shillong	Cathedral of Mary, Help of Christians.
3	Pondicherry	The Domus Dei Cathedral is a must-see When Considering a Trip to the Church World
4	Kerala	The Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores, the Edathua Church, and St. Francis Church are three of the city’s most important religious sites.
5	Mumbai	You must go to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, St. Thomas Cathedral, and the Afghan Church.
6	Kolkata	St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. Philomena’s Cathedral, and Basilica of Bom Jesus.
7	Bangalore	Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier and the Church of the Infant Jesus.
8	Daman and Diu	St. Paul’s Church and the Cathedral of Bom Jesus are two of the city’s most important churches.
9	Manali	Gilgal Prayer House Church and Arcot Lutheran Church are two
10	Delhi	St. Alphonsus Church, St. James Church, and Sacred Heart Cathedral Church
11	Shimla	St. Michael’s Cathedral Catholic Church and Christ Church in Shimla
12	Chennai	Armenian Church, St. Andrew’s Church, and St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica
13	Lansdowne	St. Mary’s Church and Saint John Church Lansdowne are two churches you must visit.
14	Sikkim	BAPTIST CHURCH OF SIKKIM, St. Thomas Church, Hope City Church
15	Dadra and Nagar Haveli	Church Silvassa, Our Lady of Piety, and New India Church of God

1- Goa (Paradise of South Asia):

Nothing beats a Christmas celebration in Goa, India, in December, with its hippest places to visit hosting all-night beach parties, friendly chats and cocktails in bars and pubs, cathedrals decorated with lights and flowers, and midnight mass in churches filled with little children singing melodious carols. Even if you don’t often celebrate Christmas, you won’t be sorry if you spend it in Goa. Goa is one of the greatest destinations to visit in India at Christmas because there are so many exciting and enjoyable things to do.

Must-see churches: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and Santa Cruz Church are three must-see places of worship.

Goa’s Double Tree Hotel and the quaint Cozy Woods Hill Resort are two great options for lodging.

Activities: Take part in ball dances and visit night markets on Saturdays.

Margao and Vasco-da-Gama are the two closest train stations.

2- Shillong (Celebration With Much Zeal And Enthusiasm):

Festivities are being held with great fervour and enthusiasm—experience never-ending holiday cheer by spending this season celebrating Christmas in Shillong.

To those who believe the North and Northeast have nowhere of interest to travel for the holidays, I say: you might be wrong. Shillong, Meghalaya, ranks high among India’s top Christmas vacation spots, given its sizeable Catholic population.

Shillong becomes even more beautiful and idyllic in December, and the holiday season is a great time to visit because there is so much to do. It is one of the nicest locations to be in all of India during the Christmas season.

Must-see churches: Cathedral of Mary, Help of Christians.

Woodland Hill Stay and Silver Brook Homestay are two options for lodging.

Activities: Include a midnight liturgy and the lighting of a 100-year-old fir tree.

There is a train station nearby, and it is located in Guwahati.

3- Pondicherry (Find Crunchy Cookies And Gifts):

You can have a wonderful Christmas in Pondicherry by visiting its many stunning churches. If you’re looking for a spot to spend your Christmas holiday in India, go no further than Pondicherry, where the weather is mild in December and the beaches are peaceful. There are countless ornately decorated gothic churches and cathedrals to feast your eyes upon. There is so much to see and do in Pondicherry that celebrating Christmas would be a mistake. There’s no mystery why Pondicherry is considered one of the best places in India to celebrate Christmas, with its abundance of Christmas trees, gift exchanges, and other festivities.

Must-see churches: The Domus Dei Cathedral is a must-see When Considering a Trip to the Church World

Hotels and restaurants include Maison Perumal and Anantha Heritage.

Activities: Midnight Mass and Holiday Markets

Puducherry Railway Station is the closest stop on the rails.

4- Kerala (Gods own country):

During the Christmas season, it seems like the entire country descends upon Goa, leaving beach goers looking for peace with no choice but to stay at home. Right? Wrong. Visit Kerala to spend a truly joyous Christmas, where you may sing carols at midnight mass, watch a Christmas performance, feast on traditional food, and even have a bonfire on the beach! Kerala is one of the most incredible destinations to visit in southern India over Christmas, as the state hosts several exciting events and festivities.

Must-see churches: The Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores, the Edathua Church, and St. Francis Church are three of the city’s most important religious sites.

The Palm Grove Service Villa and the GoldenBeach Home Stay are two options for lodging.

Activities: Include sleeping in a well-lit tree home and feasting on food inspired by the holiday season.

Trains can be caught at the nearby Trivandrum Central or Ernakulam Junction.

One of the travel websites that relieves all of your trip-related stress is Safar Mentor. “Safar Kare Asaan” is the brand’s motto.

5- Mumbai (Emblem of Mumbai):

A Testimony Christmas in Mumbai is celebrated with brightly lit trees, plum cakes, and date rolls. Visit Mumbai, one of the greatest Christmas getaways in India, if you want to see Christmas trees lit up along the street, shop in marketplaces decked out in lights and holiday decor, and smell the sweet aroma of fruit cakes and date rolls baking in the oven. One of the most festive and enjoyable times to visit India is during the Christmas season. Mumbai is a great place to do so, thanks to the abundance of decorations, happy people, and joyful music.

Must See churches: You must go to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, St. Thomas Cathedral, and the Afghan Church.

Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Mumbai, and more nearby hotels

Activities: check out the well-lit cafes, the mass events at a nearby church, etc.

The Central Railway Station in Mumbai is the Closest.

6- Kolkata (The City Of Joy Gets Joyous):

Indeed, why not sit back and relax in the City of Joy this year and let Santa bring you your presents? Whether or whether you’re a practising Catholic, you’ll find that people in Kolkata commemorate the birth of Christ with just as much fervour as those in the South, making it one of the best places to visit in India during the holiday season. Christmas in Kolkata has everything you might want, including light and sound displays, rock band performances, glittering decorations, and steep discounts on goods.

Must-see churches: St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. Philomena’s Cathedral, and Basilica of Bom Jesus.

Lodging options include the Ambuja Neotia Vista and the Calcutta Bungalow.

Activities: Christmas parties, excellent shopping

7- Bangalore (The City of Joyful Celebrations):

It’s one of the best places to spend Christmas in India if delicious food and sweet treats are what the holiday is all about for you. The city is awash with a jubilant holiday vibe and overflowing with delicious food options. Visit Koshy’s for plum cake and ginger tea on Christmas Eve, Thomson’s Bakery for rum-soaked cake, or Caperberry for an enticing turkey supper. If you want to make this Christmas in Bangalore memorable, you should look into the various celebrations that will be taking place.

Must-see churches: Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier and the Church of the Infant Jesus.

Stay at one of the two Vivanta Bengaluru hotels.

Activities: Christmas parties and the nighttime spectacular that is Christmas.

KSR Bengaluru Railway Station is the closest station.

8- Daman and Diu (Attend The Cultural Shows):

It deserves a spot on any list of must-see destinations in India. There’s no excuse not to visit Daman & Diu for Christmas, what with all the cultural displays, Corridinho (Portuguese dance) exhibitions, midnight mass in the many churches, and the billions of lamps lighting up the skies above! Instead of visiting crowded churches on Christmas, you can enjoy India’s festive holiday spirit by relaxing on Diu’s tranquil beaches.

Must-see churches: St. Paul’s Church and the Cathedral of Bom Jesus are two of the city’s most important churches.

Silver Sands Beach Resort, Hotel Casa De Damao, and more accommodations.

Activities: Attend a midnight liturgy at a local church.

Vapi Railway Station is the nearest train station.

One of the travel websites that relieves all of your trip-related stress is Safar Mentor. “Safar Kare Asaan” is the brand’s motto.

9- Manali (A White Christmas in Heaven):

Don’t spend much time at the beach? Do you want to spend Christmas amid the snowy slopes of Himachal Pradesh? Himachal Pradesh, India, is one of the most beautiful spots to spend the holidays. Visit Manali for a white Christmas, where you can build snowmen, go skiing and snowboarding, enjoy the trendy cafes, and wait for Santa Claus while drinking hot chocolate by the fireplace in your cosy hut. Manali is one of the greatest spots to go in India for Christmas if you want to see snow.

Must-see churches: Gilgal Prayer House Church and Arcot Lutheran Church are two.

AmNeu Village House, Holiday Heights, and Spa are some options for lodging.

Activities: Manali Mall Road has excellent shopping and trendy cafes.

Joginder Nagar Station is the Nearest Train Stop.

10- Delhi (The Capital of Joy):

Christmas is celebrated with the same zeal as any other holiday in Delhi, making it a top pick for Christmas vacations in India. Malls and ritzy streets get decked out in festive garb, nightclubs host themed parties, cafes and restaurants offer festive fare, and the spirit of the celebrations is palpable in the air. Those who want to spend Christmas in Delhi won’t be short on options for festive gatherings. The best destination in India to spend Christmas.

Must-see churches: St. Alphonsus Church, St. James Church, and Sacred Heart Cathedral Church.

Lodging options include the Radisson Blu and the Hotel Gold Regency.

Activities: Things include going shopping or checking out the festivities at Dili Haat.

The New Delhi Train Station is the closest.

11- Shimla (Visit These Snow-Laden Hills in Shimla):

For those who want a white Christmas, there are numerous places to spend the holidays. For the greatest Christmas in Shimla, travel to the snow-covered hills of Shimla in December, when they change into a paradise. Among other things to do on your trip to Shimla for Christmas, you can ride a miniature train while gazing out your cabin window at snow-capped peaks, eat at various British-era cafes and restaurants along Mall Road, and go to mass at Christ Church. Without further ado, learn why Shimla in the winter is one of the top destinations in India for the Christmas holiday.

Must-See Churches: St. Michael’s Cathedral Catholic Church and Christ Church in Shimla

Shimla Nature Ville and Snow Valley Resorts are two places to stay.

Activities: Include praying, listening to holiday music, and participating in religious customs.

Kalka Railway Station is the closest station.

12- Chennai (Of Carols and Masses):

Chennai stands out as one of the top destinations in India to visit for the Christmas holiday. Along with carols and mass at its many churches, the Phoenix Market City mall hosts exciting events, and several hotels provide special buffet feasts. Clubs also throw all-night parties. It is, without a doubt, among the top locations to visit during Christmas in India.

Must-see Churches: Armenian Church, St. Andrew’s Church, and St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica

Places to stay ibis Chennai and Sarovar Inn Hotel.

Activities: Go to the bazaar and town plaza.

The closest train station is Chennai Central.

One of the travel websites that relieves all of your trip-related stress is Safar Mentor. “Safar Kare Asaan” is the brand’s motto.

13- Lansdowne (Enjoy A Quiet Christmas in Lansdowne):

Lansdowne is the finest area to enjoy Christmas in India for those looking for a place to avoid annoying crowds. Lansdowne provides the much-needed break from the hectic daily life that you have been craving. It is unspoiled and immaculate. And what better time of year to take a break than Christmas! Visit this quaint mountain town with your loved one, family, or friends to celebrate Christmas with a bonfire, music, beautifully adorned trees, and gift-exchanging.

Must-see churches: St. Mary’s Church and Saint John Church Lansdowne are two churches you must visit.

Fusion Lansdowne and Blue Pine Resort are two places to stay.

Activities: Go on a camping picnic, go to the serene cafes.

Kotdwar Railway Station is the closest station.

14- Sikkim (A Picture-Perfect Christmas in Sikkim):

Sikkim, that idyllic oasis at an elevation of 5,410 feet, will undoubtedly make this holiday season more enjoyable and exciting. This state is the ideal location for a Christmas vacation in India because it offers fantastic views of the sunset and the sunrise, in addition to being known for its immaculate, lovely surroundings. Sikkim, one of the most popular destinations for hikers and mountain enthusiasts, transforms into a paradise once the snow begins to fall, making it one of the most exceptional places to visit in India during the winter.

Must-See Churches: BAPTIST CHURCH OF SIKKIM, St. Thomas Church, Hope City Church

Accommodations include The Mighty Gardens and Hotel Himalayas.

Activities: Take in Christmas feasts and celebrate in festive settings.

New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the closest station.

15- Dadra and Nagar Haveli (For A Quaint Christmas):

Dadra and Nagar Haveli is yet another charming union territory sandwiched between the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, where one can uniquely spend Christmas Eve. This location, which enjoys a pleasant climate, is among the best in India for Christmas celebrations. The festive fervour here has a tribal flair, making it an unforgettable and revitalising experience for you and your loved ones. Prepare yourself for a strange Christmas celebration and take in the warmth of this unusual street this December.

Must-See Churches: Church Silvassa, Our Lady of Piety, and New India Church of God

Accommodations include Khanvel Resort and VITS Kamats.

Activities: Tour the area’s adorned attractions.

Vapi Railway Station is the closest station.

One of the travel websites that relieves all of your trip-related stress is Safar Mentor. “Safar Kare Asaan” is the brand’s motto.