21 Best Places To Visit In India During Christmas For An Exuberant Celebration

 In Travel Tips

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! A time that calls for a celebration amidst the frosty winters and there’s no better celebration than Christmas, and a Christmas celebration in India is an experience like no other.

The temperature is dropping to new lows, glittering Christmas trees and lights in malls, the blissful odour of the plum cakes flowing all around the town and happy faces all over the place make Christmas a celebration like no other. 

Christmas is a big affair in India and people all over the country look forward to this day since it also marks the start of the countdown to the New Year. The world is home to a vast variety of places to celebrate Christmas and New Year making Christmas trips a traveller’s delight, so to make your task a little bit easier here is our list of best places in India during Christmas.

Best Places To Visit In India During Christmas 

1. Shillong

christmas-celebration-in-shillong

The heart of Christmas celebrations in India, the northernmost part of the country, has a sizable population of Christians that ensures that every year the celebration reaches great heights. Walk through the sparkling streets with unparalleled sights of the landscape, cherish some hot chocolate in the most famous cafes, take divine blessings in the myriad churches and feel the happiness and positivity that the best place in India for Christmas offers. 

Some other must visit places in Shillong during the Christmas season include the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, All Saint Hall and the M Crown Hotel. Besides being the spot for the best Christmas celebration in India, the city is also known as one of the pristine locations to celebrate New Year in India

Where To Stay: Polo Towers Resort,The Loft Executive Inn, The Heritage Club

Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Umroi Airport

Explore Shillong Travel Package

2. Goa

christmas-in-goa

Bustling beaches, Portuguese vibes, happening streets and an unparalleled aura- What else do you need to have the best Christmas holiday in India? And Goa has it all. With a Portuguese legacy, Goa definitely knows how to be the best place for Christmas in India. 

The location provides a plethora of experiences like the midnight mass in the Basilica of Bom Jesus, live fireworks in the Arambol and the Calangute Beach, Techno parties in Vagator and Anjuna and much more that just can’t be missed for an unforgettable Christmas celebration in India. So hurry and traverse to this addition to the list of best places to visit in India during Christmas.

Where To Stay: Radisson, The Baga Beach Resort, The Nest 

Nearest Railway Station: Margao Railway Station and Vasco Da Gama Railway Station 

Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport

3. Pondicherry

christmas-celebration-in-pondicherry
Image Source : Via Pondichery

Whenever you think of taking a Christmas holiday in India, Pondicherry is one of the destinations that would come to mind and it has a plethora of reasons to be in your list. Starting from the busy and bustling Christmas markets to buy everything Christmassy to the live midnight masses in the people’s favourite churches that add up the Christmas quotient. 

Also known as one of the most visited places to celebrate Christmas in India, Pondicherry hosts a ton of engaging activities like gift exchanges, munching on the crunchy and the absolutely delicious cookies and the world renowned Turkey eating custom coupled with delicious wine, all contributing it to have a spot in this list. 

Where To Stay: Le Royal Park,La Maison Royale,Dj Villa

Nearest Railway Station: Puducherry Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Pondicherry Airport

4. Sikkim

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Image Source : Sikkim Tourism

White sheets of snow, frozen lakes and winter weather; the immaculate combo that makes up for the perfect Christmas destination. The land of the lap of Himalayas offers an unparalleled Christmas aura with a lot of hustle and bustle, the markets on the MG road stay open till late nights where visitors can indulge in all things Christmas. One can also relish Christmas special delicacies in one of the many restaurants there in Gangtok. 

Besides Gangtok, travellers can also cherish other popular landmarks in the Himalayan state like the Gurudongmar Lake; the partially frozen winter wonder, watch the sunrise from the middle of snow capped peaks in Yumthang and also visit the unexplored beauty the Tashiding Monastery. 

To enhance the Christmas spirit, the renowned churches like The St. Thomas Apostle Church and the House of Grace Church. Renowned as the best Christmas celebration in India, one can also have a honeymoon too in Sikkim during the Christmas season. 

Where To Stay: Ramada by Wyndham, Khenkhim Regency, Apple Orchard Resort

Nearest Railway Station: Jalpaiguri and Siliguri Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Pakyong Airport

5. Lansdowne

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Image Source : India travel Blog

Established as a cantonment of the British in 1887, Lansdowne is the place for those looking to celebrate a quiet Christmas holiday in India. The temperature usually revolves around between 5-20 degrees celsius, the spot offers you a quintessential break from the daily hustle by creating a Christmas aura that you won’t get anywhere else in the country. 

Often said that the best Christmas celebration in India takes place in Lansdowne with a lot of zeal, vibrance and energy where houses light up and the midnight mass takes place in the various churches of the city, accompanied by decorated Christmas trees all over the city. The aura that this location dispenses makes it an essential addition in the list of Christmas destinations for couples.

When visiting this mountainous wonderland you can also indulge in camping to break free from the general stay options,  take in the breathtaking views from the Snow Point, Tip N Top Hiking and much more to do when visiting this serene place.

Where To Stay: Rio Resort, Rock Wood Resort,Eden Resort

Nearest Railway Station: Kotdwar Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport

6. Kerala

christmas-celebration-in-kerala
Image Source : Unsplash

Who said that Christmas has to be all about winter and snow? When you can celebrate it under the sunshine and rainfall of scenic Kerala. An offbeat destination to celebrate Christmas holiday in India, Kerala is the place to be in when it comes to adding a southern touch to this merry festival. 

You’ll find yourself singing the melodious Christmas carols in the hustle bustle of the streets or having local delicacies in the markets. Bonfires on the beach too is an impeccable option for having a memorable Christmas celebration in India. When in Kerala during the Christmas season don’t forget to exchange gifts, attend the Christmas mass and the Christmas play. 

Where To Stay: Mountain Shadows Resort, Spice Village, Gokulam Grand Resort

Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Nearest Railway Station: Trivandrum Central

Explore Kerala Tour Package

7. Shimla

christmas-celebration-in-shimla
Image Source : Times Of India

From the bustling beaches and southern aura it’s time to get back to the mountains; the OG location when it comes to searching for the best place for Christmas in India. Although the city has a minimal population that follows Christianity but the decoration and the liveliness during this time says something else. 

Almost every house glittering with lights, the locals preparing traditional delicacies and the children hymning the carols and to add cherry on top of the cake- the snow falling from the sky, all of them contribute in making this city one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in India. Besides Shimla, you can also explore other marvels of Himachal with our Himachal Backpacking  escapades to make your Christmas and New Year even better. 

Where To Stay: Shimla British Resort, Nice View BNB, Shimla Nature Ville

Nearest Airport:  Jubbarhatti Airport

Nearest Railway Station: Kalka Railway Station

Explore Shimla Tour Package

8. Mumbai

christmas-in-mumbai
Image Source : Britannica

The Christmas mood reaches to another level in aamchi Mumbai, though Mumbai does not have a strong Christian population it sure does know how to celebrate it which makes it one of the best places in India for Christmas.

Christmas in Mumbai includes a day filled with Insta worthy experiences, where you start your day with a bike ride around the city and halting at various cafes, then you can have a fiesta at the Poco Loco Tapas and Bar, later buy some Christmas presents at Cheap Jacks and finally ending your day with a visit to the St. Thomas’s Cathedral Church and then a peaceful stroll on the glowing Marine Drive. Not your traditional way to celebrate Christmas but surely one of the best, Christmas in Mumbai should be on every bucket list.

Where To Stay: JW Marriott, ITC Maratha, ITC Grand Central

Nearest Airport: Mumbai Central

Nearest Railway Station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

9. Gulmarg

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Image Source : MouthShut

Probably the highest destination in this list of best places to celebrate Christmas in India, the gem of Kashmir- Gulmarg is an absolute gem during the Christmas season when  layers of snow cover the Kashmiri land. Skiing and Ski resorts are most famous during the winter season owing to which the name ‘ heartland of winter sports’ has been given to Gulmarg. With a minimal christian population of just two percent, a Christmas mass also takes place in the city. 

When visiting glorious Gulmarg, travellers can take their Christmas spirit to the next level by taking a Gondola ride, indulging in some ice skating sessions and by also visiting the absolutely stunning Drung Waterfall. With so much to do, it is safe to say that Gulmarg is definitely one of the go to places to have a memorable Christmas celebration in India. 

Where To Stay: Grand Mumtaz Resorts, Welcome Hotel, Hotel Heaven Retreat

Nearest Airport: Srinagar Airport

Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Railway Station

Explore Gulmarg Tour Package

10. Delhi

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Image Source : Dineout

The capital city is the hub for all things wonderful and a Christmas celebration is no less, with prominent landmarks such as the India Gate and the St Cathedral Church being the top spots during Christmas, the capital city is also known for hosting the best parties in various venues all over the city. 

Besides the parties and a cafe hopping session, you can always head out to the malls and shopping complexes that dispense the Christmas spirit for a shopping session. All festivals in the country are celebrated with a bang and Christmas is no less, making the capital city of Delhi an amazing choice for a Christmas holiday in India. 

Where To Stay: Taj Palace, The Claridges, The Roseate 

Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport

Nearest Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station and Old Delhi Railway Station

11. Bir

christmas-celebration-in-bir

The epitome of Christmas celebrations, the adventure land Bir is known to have a Christmas aura like no other, with elegant cafes for the perfect cafe hopping session, shopping  sessions in the various markets, paragliding over the city, the hot springs to beat the winter blues and much more that make it one of the best places to visit in India during Christmas. 

The city turns completely vibrant during the Christmas season owing to which it finds itself a spot on the bucket list of every traveller. 

Where To Stay: The Hosteller, Parvatah, Tatva Bir Tents and Hotel

Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport

Nearest Railway station: Baijnath Paprola Railway Station

Explore Bir Tour Package

12. Kasol

kasol-christmas-celebration-in-india

Welcome to Hippyland, where Christmas celebrations know no bounds. Home to breathtaking views, heart warming aura, mouth watering delicacies and an innumerable number of parties!! Kasol is the perfect place if you’re someone who likes to take your celebrations a notch above as this little paradise nestled in the lap of Himalayas organises a plethora of fiestas for all. 

Also renowned as one of the best places to visit in India during Christmas , a Christmas in Kasol is definitely going to be one of the experiences which you won’t be forgetting for a long time. Parties and gatherings like Into The Wild, Mahamaya Music Festival, The Spiritgust Festival are just a few of the many Christmas parties in Kasol that jazz up the Christmas season. 

Where To Stay: Moksha Riverside, The Hosteller Kasol, Echor Palm Bliss

Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport

Nearest Railway station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station

Explore Kasol Tour Package

13. Kolkata

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Image Source : Pinterest

Not a usual choice when it comes to exploring a list of destinations of India to celebrate Christmas, the city of joy surprisingly organises a Christmas celebration that is unique in its own way. With a Christmas Carnival organised in Park Street, the city also gives you the opportunity to explore it while it glitters with the gorgeous decor. 

Synonymous with mouth watering and sizzling delicacies, restaurants and bars are elements that you just cannot afford to miss when in this unique spot for Christmas in India. You will witness long queues in front of famous restaurants but don’t be surprised as in the end the wait is going to be worth it. 

Besides treating your taste buds with the absolutely delicious food, one must also take a church walk and attend Christmas mass in all of them for a divine experience. So don’t wait! Hurry and head over to Kolkata for an exciting Christmas celebration in India.

Where To Stay: The Oberoi Grand, The Park Kolkata, Polo Floatel Kolkata

Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Internationall Airport

Nearest Railway station: Kolkata Railway Station

14. Daman & Diu 

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Image Source : Britannica

Want to cherish some Goa vibes without actually being there, well your search ends with Daman and Diu. Owing to its Portuguese influence, Daman & Diu has now become one of the best places in the world to celebrate New Year and Christmas. Whether you’re someone who wants to enjoy the festivities in the traditional way or in an offbeat manner, then you’re in for a treat as Daman & Diu has it all.

Renowned as one of the best budget New Year destinations in India, this Christmas hotspot hosts a plethora of Christmas fiestas, midnight mass in a myriad of churches and themed shopping areas. While those looking out for an offbeat aspect can have the time of their lives on one of the many beaches and when the sun sets, one can also have an enchanting bonfire session. Truly a once in a lifetime experience in one of the best places to visit in India during Christmas. 

Where To Stay: The Palm View, The Fern Seaside, The Gold Beach Resort

Nearest Airport: Diu Airport

Nearest Railway station: Vapi Railway Station

15. Jaisalmer

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Image Source : Outlook India

Time to take the Christmas spirit to the golden sands of the golden city: Jaisalmer. One of the best cities in the desert state of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer though has a minimal Christian population it still has a huge number of travellers during the Christmas time, because the temperature starts to drop which makes it a haven for all things wonderful.

Christmas and New Year in Jaisalmer are different from all other festivities in India, travellers usually embark on a soulful sojourn in the city and explore the top spots like Longewala Battlefield, Jaisalmer Fort, city markets and much more coupled with enthralling activities like camel rides, boat rides, dune bashing and desert safari. All of which make Jaisalmer one of the best places to visit in India during Christmas. 

Where To Stay: The Jaisalmer Resort, Harish Desert Safari, Holidays Inn Resort Camps

Nearest Airport: Jaisalmer Airport

Nearest Railway station: Jaisalmer Railway Station

Explore Jaisalmer Tour Package

16. Chennai

chennai-christmas-celebration-in-india
Image Source : My Khel

Behold a Christmas destination in India that is not just a location but an experience in itself, enter Chennai: the destination where all festivities amalgamate with a Southern touch and Christmas is no different. Chennai hosts a plethora of Christmas activities like midnight mass, exchange of gifts, people greeting each other, but the centre of attraction is the many Christmas lunch options that the city possesses. 

One can have a luscious meal of seafood delicacies at Cafe De Paris , add a bit of sweetness at the Brew Room and even have premium ice cream at the Batter. Well, post your food walk you can also head to the Phoenix Mall, one of the hotspots for all Christmas celebrations.

Where To Stay: Peace Inn, YWCA International Guest House, The Madras Grand

Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport

Nearest Railway station: M.G Ramachandran Central Railway Station

17. McLeodganj

mcleodganj-christmas-celebration-in-india

Time to add a touch of all things Tibetan to your Christmas celebrations  in ‘God’s own land’ Mcleodganj. Just like its Himachali counterparts Kasol, Shimla and Manali, McLeodganj too is a people’s favourite when it comes to looking out for a place to celebrate Christmas in India. Often renowned as one of the best places to visit in India during Christmas and already a traveller’s paradise, this destination is home to a myriad of tourist attractions and is also home to his holiness the Dalai Lama. 

Just like Kasol, McLeodganj too is home to an exuberant nightlife with parties taking place all around town and it all goes to the next level during the Christmas season with a plethora of party venues like Black Magic, MCLO Resto & Bar, Xcite Bar McLeodganj, Indique Kitchen and many more party places in McLeodganj hosting a fiesta worth remembering.  

Where To Stay: Triund View Camps & Homestay, Albela House & Cafe, Triund Camps Riverside

Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport

Nearest Railway station: Pathankot Railway Station

Explore McLeodganj Tour Package

18. Bangalore

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Image Source : Istock

Possessing pleasant weather during the month of December and adding a Christmas touch in the air, Bangalore might not be your first choice for celebrating Christmas in India but it is the one that must be considered for all good reasons. With a minimal Christian population that celebrates the festival according to Western traditions, Bangalore is a sought after destination with Christmas decor and vibes all around the city, all the qualities that make Bangalore one of the best places to visit in India during Christmas.

Hosting midnight mass in churches all around the city and fests taking place all over, Bangalore becomes an interesting choice when it comes to choosing the best place to celebrate Christmas. Well not just Christmas, Bangalore is also renowned for its New Year celebrations which is often compared with New Year in Dubai.

Where To Stay: The Oberoi Bengaluru, Ibis Bengaluru City Centre, Hyatt Centric MG Road

Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport

Nearest Railway station: KSR Bengaluru City Station

19. Darjeeling 

darjeeling-christmas-celebration-in-india
Image Source : Millennium Post

Mist in the air, cold breeze caressing your face, lush greenery and aroma of tea leaves surrounding you. What else do you need to have a memorable Christmas celebration, that too amidst nature? Well Darjeeling has it all and surely is one of the most beautiful places for Christmas in India. Often reminding people of a New Year in Bali, Darjeeling is a quaint and tranquil place, perfect for those who are looking for a peaceful Christmas celebration. 

Christmas eve dinners, exchanging of gifts, carol singing and relishing Christmas drinks are just a few of the exciting things that you can do while spending time with your loved ones on Christmas in Darjeeling. The houses light up with glittering lights and the Christmas spirit is all over the place making Darjeeling undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in India during Christmas.

Where To Stay: Udaan Hotels, Hotel Shangri La Regency, Central Gleneagles Heritage Resort

Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport

Nearest Railway station: Darjeeling Railway Station

20. Ooty

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Image Source : Mirror Now

Though we’re talking about just Christmas, Ooty doesn’t need a special reason to be  visited, the aesthetic views, cool climate during December and the unparalleled cuisine are enough to attract travellers towards itself. But Christmas in this hill station of the south is a unique experience in itself. Christmas in Ooty is not an ordinary deal, people usually travel to this destination during the Christmas season because of the weather.

Some of the most visited places in Ooty include Avalanche Lake, Emerald Lake, Ooty Botanical Garden, Deer Park and the best spot for all things Christmas; the St. Stephen’s Church. The churches nestled in this hill station take you on a spiritual journey that you just cannot afford to miss. 

Where To Stay: Aventura Fern Hill, Fortune Retreats, Sterling Ooty Elk Hill

Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport

Nearest Railway station: Udagamandalam Railway Station

21. Coorg 

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Image Source : Pinterest

Still searching for one of the best places to visit in India during Christmas for a tranquil time? Well your search ends here as Coorg- the land of the rolling hills is the perfect option for celebrating a unique Christmas in India. Though the destination does not possess a Christian population, the resorts here ensure that you don’t miss out on celebrating Christmas. 

Embark on a soulful sojourn in this land, and explore the lush greenery that it offers. A perfect option to beat the summer heat, one can indulge in a plethora of activities like trekking, cycling, rafting, jeep safari and much more. Besides the activities the resorts of Coorg offer an immersive experience like rejuvenating massages, meals with a view of the majestic hills, safaris and much more that just cannot be missed. So headout to this location for an unparalleled Christmas in India. 

Where To Stay: Coorg Wilderness Resorts and Spa, Montrose Golf Resort and Spa, The Tamara Coorg

Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport

Nearest Railway station: Mysore Railway Station

Bonus Destination 

22. Dadra and Nagar Haveli

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Image Source : Tourismdddnh

Well, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a name that doesn’t pop up in the mind when thinking about a destination for best Christmas in India, but Dadra and Nagar Haveli truly has it all, owing to which it has earned a spot in this list of best places to visit in India during Christmas. 

The element that makes Christmas in this destination way more special is the tribal touch, churches all around the location have traditional festivities with midnight mass and tunes of Christmas carols in the air of this pristine destination. The people of Dadra and Nagar Haveli celebrate this festival with all zeal and enthusiasm with Christmas decor taking up the festival up a notch. 

Where To Stay: Wonderland Resort, Shivgiri Resort, Hotel Van Vihar

Nearest Airport: Surat International Airport

Nearest Railway station: Vapi Railway Station

Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas holiday in India

1. Which is the best city to celebrate Christmas?

Christmas in India is a gazetted holiday making the entire country one of the best places in the world to celebrate Christmas. But, the best city to celebrate Christmas in India is undoubtedly Goa, owing to its Portuguese history and a sizable Christian population, the state hosts the best festivities that include melodious Christmas carols all around the city, midnight mass in the Churches, traditional feasts and the best of them all Christmas themed parties on the beaches.

 2. How is Christmas celebrated in India?

Every festival in India is celebrated in different ways all around the country and Christmas is no different. Usually, Christmas celebrations in India include midnight mass in various churches, exchange of gifts, melodious carols all over the country and traditional Christmas dinners throughout the country.

3. What are the best places in India for Christmas?

Some of the best places to celebrate the festive season are Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, Shimla and Manali; all of them offer matchless Christmas vibes and are definitely some of the best places to visit in India during Christmas. All of these destinations have different ways of celebrating the festival but one thing is common among them all; you will have the time of your life. 

4. How is the weather in India during the Christmas season?

The weather in India during December varies from place to place. The northern states of the country, like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi usually experience harsh winters where the temperature even drops to extreme lows like -5 degree celsius while the southern states enjoy a warm weather throughout the year with temperatures revolving around 20-25 degrees celsius. 

5. How do you celebrate Christmas in Kerala?

Kerala possesses a sizable Christian population and usually celebrates the festival according to western traditions. The celebrations include quintessential midnight mass in the many churches of the state, Christmas dinners, singing of carols and sometimes people also indulge in bonfires on the beaches. 

6. Which place has the best Christmas celebration in India?

Shimla undoubtedly has the Christmas celebration in India; the Himachali paradise has a minimal Christian population that celebrates the festival like no other. The streets and houses light up with glittering lights, several Christmas markets are set up on the Mall Road and the Christ Church usually becomes the centre of attraction with its midnight mass, traditional dinner and exchange of gifts.

Written By : Aryaman Punj

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