Christmas Celebration
India provides an amazing mix of artistic and joyous experiences during Christmas, with some of the most attractive places to discover. Goa completes the list of places to go at Christmas in India. It’s Portuguese- charmed churches, vibrant needs, and pretty beaches create a joyful environment that draws tourists worldwide. Christmas in Goa is observed with splendid chows, energetic parties, and beachside midnight gatherings. If you’re glancing for a tranquil and picturesque place to visit during Christmas, guide to Shimla. This hill station in Himachal Pradesh is usually covered in snow during the holiday season, making it a magical winter wonderland. Travellers can relish activities like ice skating, seeing the historic Christ Church, and trolling the lively bazaars enclosed by panoramic snow-capped mountains.
Kerala, well-known for its backwaters and dense topography, is one of the best places to go during Christmas for those desiring an equatorial yet festive experience. The state’s Christian residents observe Christmas with stunning church services, nativity sets, and tasty chows. Kerala’s houseboat cruises and beach lodges show a tranquil pullback during the holiday season, making it an excellent destination for families and couples. If you’re scheduling a vacation in Christmas in India, Jaipur should be on your checklist. The Pink City presents a royal Christmas experience with its prosperous palaces and legacy hotels. Many extravagant properties in Jaipur host Christmas dinners, artistic concerts, and cheerful adornments, combining traditional Rajasthani hospitality with the Christmas spirit. The climate is also perfect for discovering the city’s iconic fortresses and bazaars.
Manali is another excellent option for those looking for places to visit during the Christmas holidays. Well-known for its stunning snow-covered topography and adventure sports, Manali has become an epicentre for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities during Christmas. The adorable town, enclosed by towering cliffs, also hosts Christmas needs and cosy bonfires, delivering joyous cheer and outdoor fun. For a tranquil and spiritual Christmas, lead to Pondicherry, a former French colony known for its attractive churches and serene beaches. It’s one of the best places to visit during Xmas if you desire calm and culturally rich surroundings. Pondicherry’s Christmas celebrations include midnight masses, French-style bakeries showing seasonal delicacies, and serene seaside moments ideal for reflection and leisure.
We have the list of 18 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 |
| 16 | Nagaland | Kohima Cathedral, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Dimapur |
| 17 | Mizoram | Solomon’s Temple, Aizawl Baptist Church |
| 18 | Darjeeling | St. Andrew’s Church, Lloyd Church |
Table of Contents
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nagaland is a delightful place to visit during Christmas. The state celebrates the holiday with grand festivities, including vibrant decorations and community feasts. Kohima Cathedral, the largest in the region, becomes a focal point during Christmas, hosting special services. St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Dimapur is another key site, offering beautiful architecture and a serene atmosphere. Nagaland’s local tribes also embrace the festive spirit, making it a unique cultural experience. The state’s mix of traditions and religious observance makes it one of India’s best places to visit on Christmas. Whether attending midnight masses or enjoying traditional Naga festivities, visitors will be captivated by the warmth and communal celebrations.
Must-see Churches: Kohima Cathedral, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Dimapur
Activities to Do: Attend midnight masses and Christmas services, Explore the local Naga Christmas celebrations with cultural performances, Visit local markets for traditional Naga handicrafts and festive goods, Hike around the scenic landscapes of Nagaland to experience nature’s beauty
Mizoram offers a rich cultural experience for those looking for places to visit during Christmas. Aizawl, the capital, lights up with festive decorations, and churches like Solomon’s Temple and the Aizawl Baptist Church host grand services. Christmas is celebrated with carols, church gatherings, and community events. The locals are welcoming, and the streets are adorned with lights, adding to the festive charm. Mizoram’s serene landscapes and cultural richness offer a peaceful yet joyous experience for those travelling during the holidays. It’s an ideal destination for anyone wanting to experience Christmas with a blend of spirituality and local culture in India.
Must-see Churches: Solomon’s Temple, Aizawl Baptist Church
Activities to Do: Participate in carol singing and attend church services, Experience the local Christmas feast featuring traditional Mizo cuisine, Explore the scenic hills surrounding Aizawl and enjoy nature walks, Visit the bustling markets decorated for Christmas and purchase local crafts
Darjeeling is one of the best places to visit in Christmas in India, offering a serene escape with its scenic beauty and colonial charm. St. Andrew’s Church, dating back to 1843, is a must-visit during Christmas, while the Lloyd Church is another place of religious significance. The crisp winter air and stunning views of snow-capped peaks add to the festive magic. Darjeeling’s cosy cafes, heritage buildings, and Christmas markets also make it a delightful spot for a vacation. The local churches host midnight masses, and the streets come alive with carols and lights, making it a perfect destination to soak in the holiday spirit.
Must-see Churches: St. Andrew’s Church, Lloyd Church
Activities to Do: Attend midnight mass at St. Andrew’s Church, Stroll through Darjeeling’s famous Christmas markets for festive goods, Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway for a scenic journey through the mountains, Sip locally brewed tea at cosy tea estates, perfect for winter warmth, Take a cable car ride to enjoy panoramic views of the snowy peaks
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