Are you wondering where the best place to go for Christmas is, or searching for exciting Christmas holiday ideas? India offers diverse festive celebrations, making it one of the best holiday destination options. From snow-capped mountains to sun-kissed beaches, we’ve curated a list of places to go at Christmas that promise an unforgettable holiday season. Read on to discover India’s best Christmas holiday destinations.
1. Goa: Where Christmas Meets the Beach
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When considering where to go for Christmas, Goa should be at the top of your list. This former Portuguese colony embodies the true essence of festive cheer, boasting a perfect blend of sun, sea, and yuletide spirit. As you wander through Goa’s streets, you’ll be enchanted by the melodic carols and the twinkling lights on palm trees.
Don’t miss the festive markets and the numerous Christmas events happening across the state, such as the Mandovi River Cruise and crib-making competition. Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Sé Cathedral, both of which are stunning when lit up for Christmas. For a non-traditional twist, Anjuna Beach offers Christmas parties that last until dawn at venues like Curlies Beach Shack and Shiva Valley.
2. Kerala: A Serene Christmas in God's Own Country
Photo from Cochin Carnival website
Kerala offers a Christmas experience that’s as tranquil as it is festive, making it one of the best places to go for a Christmas vacation in India. Whether you’re exploring the misty hills of Munnar or strolling through the lively streets of Kochi, you’ll be immersed in a fusion of Christian traditions and Kerala’s breathtaking landscapes. The air is filled with the aroma of traditional Christmas cake and the sound of devotional songs.
In Kochi, experience the vibrant Cochin Carnival, which runs for the last two weeks of December through New Year’s Day, and is one of the most exciting Christmas events in the region. The carnival features over 90 participating clubs with events including cycle races, beach football, kayaking, and cultural shows.
Munnar, by contrast, offers a peaceful and introspective holiday in the vast expanses of tea plantations. For a truly unique experience, celebrate Christmas Eve aboard a classic houseboat in the tranquil backwaters, savoring a festive dinner under the twinkling stars.
3. Shillong: Christmas in the Scotland of the East
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Set amidst the picturesque hills of Meghalaya, Shillong is among the top Christmas holiday destinations for those seeking holiday cheer in India. The city’s strong religious influence fosters a truly heartwarming sense of togetherness and hospitality. You might find yourself invited to a local home to enjoy traditional Khasi Christmas dishes or participate in community events fusing Christian and Khasi traditions.
Carols singing echo through the misty hills, and streets and buildings are decked with shimmering lights. Don’t miss the grandeur of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, a stunning centerpiece for celebrations. A special highlight: All Saints’ Cathedral features a 110-year-old pine tree (80 feet tall), the oldest lit Christmas tree in Northeast India – a spectacular sight you won’t want to miss!
Take a Christmas Day stroll around Ward’s Lake, which transforms with colorful fairy lights during the festive season, for a peaceful retreat. The spirit of giving is strong here, with many locals engaging in charitable activities during the holiday season.
4. Pondicherry: A French-Indian Christmas Affair
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For those looking for exciting Christmas holiday ideas, consider Pondicherry. Its captivating Franco-Indian heritage sets the stage for a one-of-a-kind festive atmosphere in the country. As you wander through the French Quarter, you’ll feel transported to a quaint European town. For a unique spiritual experience, visit nearby Auroville, where Christmas is celebrated with meditation, music, and community gatherings.
The town’s French influence is evident in its Christmas celebrations, from decorated pastel-colored buildings to the holiday menus in the quaint cafes and restaurants. During this festive season, you might find yourself sipping on mulled wine while overlooking the Bay of Bengal and experiencing French traditions in a tropical setting. Don’t miss the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, beautifully lit for the season.
5. Mumbai: A Cosmopolitan Christmas
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Mumbai offers an electrifying festive experience, making it one of the best places to go at Christmas for those who love bustling city life. Areas like Bandra and Colaba transform into Christmas wonderlands, with streets adorned with dazzling lights and decorations.
The city’s Christian communities go all out with their celebrations, but what’s truly special about Christmas in Mumbai is how it’s embraced by people of all faiths, embodying the city’s spirit of inclusivity and joy. Attend a legendary midnight mass at Mount Mary Basilica in Bandra, where Christmas Eve mass begins at 10:00 PM with carol singing. The basilica recently upgraded its facilities in 2024 with new public washrooms and AED equipment. For a taste of history, visit St. Thomas Cathedral in Fort.
As night falls, Mumbai’s famous party scene kicks into high gear with Christmas-themed bashes across the city. Don’t miss the festive markets at Hill Road and Linking Road in Bandra, and Colaba Causeway for Christmas shopping.
6. Shimla: A White Christmas in the Himalayas
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For those dreaming of a white Christmas, Shimla is the best place to visit in India. This charming hill station transforms into a snowy paradise, complete with a 100-year-old ice rink. Head to nearby Kufri for a range of snow activities – from sledding and skiing to building snowmen – and celeberate with your loved ones against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas.
Wander along the Ridge or Mall Road, transporting yourself to a Victorian-era Christmas celebration, complete with carolers, beautifully decorated shop windows, and the smell of freshly baked goods wafting from cozy cafes. Christ Church, with its yellow Gothic spire against the white snow, is the centerpiece of Shimla’s Christmas celebrations.
7. Kolkata: Christmas with a Cultural Twist
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Kolkata truly comes alive during Christmas, showcasing its rich cultural heritage. The city’s Anglo-Indian community adds a unique flair to the festivities, making it one of the most interesting places to go for Christmas in India.
The heart of the celebration is Park Street, which is adorned with a dazzling spectacle of lights and decorations, earning it the nickname “The Street That Never Sleeps” during the festive season. The official Kolkata Christmas Festival runs from December 22 to 30 with themed lighting from St. Xavier’s College to Jawahati Nehru Road. Allen Park hosts live music performances from 5:30-8:00 PM daily.
Christmas dinners here might feature roast turkey alongside Bengali sweets or traditional plum pudding served with a side of spicy Indian chutneys. Don’t miss St. Paul’s Cathedral, hosting a beautiful midnight mass on Christmas Eve. For a truly unique experience, head to Bow Barracks, a small Anglo-Indian community that goes all out for Christmas.
8. Manali: A Cozy Christmas Retreat
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Manali offers a quieter, more intimate celebration, perfect for those seeking peaceful Christmas holiday destinations in India. Surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, it’s a winter wonderland of snow-covered pine trees and frozen streams. While Manali doesn’t have a large Christian population, the town embraces the spirit of Christmas wholeheartedly.
Start your Christmas morning by watching the sunrise over snow-capped peaks. For adventure enthusiasts, Solang Valley offers skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities – a perfect way to spend your Christmas vacation.
The Manali Winter Carnival 2025 starts December 24th and runs through early January, featuring cultural performances, adventure sports competitions, and traditional Himachali celebrations. Hotels and restaurants host Christmas Eve dinners and parties, offering a blend of traditional Christmas fare and local Himachali specialties, such as siddu (steamed bread stuffed with walnuts) or babru (a type of flatbread).
9. Nagaland: Christmas with Tribal Traditions
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Discover a celebration like no other in Nagaland, one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in India. The festivities are a fusion of tribal traditions and Christian faith (over 87% Christian population), resulting in a diverse and colorful Christmas experience. Each Naga tribe brings its own unique customs to the celebrations.
Carol singing competitions are a highlight of the Christmas events here. The festivities also include traditional Naga feasts, where you can sample local delicacies prepared especially for the holiday season. Visit Kohima Cathedral, an architectural marvel and the center of Christmas activities. For a breathtaking experience, take a trip to Dzukou Valley for a memorable Christmas backdrop.
Note: All Indian citizens require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Nagaland. The permit is valid for 30 days and must be applied for online at ilp.nagaland.gov.in. Foreign tourists (except Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China nationals) don’t need an ILP but must register with the Foreigner Registration Office (FRO) within 24 hours of arrival.
10. Alleppey: Christmas on the Backwaters
Photo from Kerala Tourism website
Alleppey in Kerala is the best place to go for Christmas vacation if you love the water and tranquility. Known as the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey offers the chance to celebrate the holiday while gently cruising through its famous backwaters. Many houseboat operators offer special Christmas packages, complete with traditional Kerala Christmas delicacies served on banana leaves.
For a touch of tradition, attend a Christmas service at St. Mary’s Forane Church, one of the oldest Syrian Christian churches in India. Afterward, stroll down to Marari Beach (11km from Alleppey) for a tropical Christmas experience. This pristine beach was recognized by National Geographic as one of the world’s top 5 “Hammock Beaches,” making it one of the most relaxing Christmas holiday destinations.
Takeaway
India’s rich and varied landscape offers some of the best Christmas holiday destinations for every type of traveler. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, spiritual reflection, or cultural immersion, these 10 destinations promise a magical Christmas holiday. From snowy Shimla to sunny Goa, colonial Kolkata to tribal Nagaland, each destination offers its unique take on the festive season.
So, when pondering where to go for Christmas, consider India for an unforgettable experience. Sign up for FREE on OneAir and find exclusive unpublished rates for cheap flights in India. Don’t let high travel costs hold you back from experiencing the magic of Christmas in India.
*Banner photo by Andrey X. on Canva
