India is rightly called the nation of festivities. It takes pride in celebrating all the festivals with full vigor and enthusiasm. Moreover, Christmas is a time when the country lights up amidst the cold and dark winter. During Christmas, carols, lights, cakes, candies, and Santa can be spotted around all the major cities.
However, if you want to enjoy an amazing Christmas in India, the following is a list of top 15 best places that you must visit for an enticing Christmas in India.
1.Pondicherry
Pondicherry was a former French colony, so the colonial legacy is clearly visible during Christmas in the city. The weather also supports the festivities with its cool breeze along the beaches.
Pondicherry is definitely one of the top places where you can enjoy Christmas with its fresh patisserie, cookies, and chocolates in the French bakeries. There are also many tourist activities around that time along with beautifully decorated Christmas trees. So, you are bound to have one of your best Christmas vacations there.
2. Goa
Goa is already known for its beautiful churches,and it gets even better during Christmas. You can enjoy the midnight Christmas mass as well as the plethora of activities organized especially for tourists. The bars and pubs in Goa are also exciting around this time. The place dazzles with festivities,so you are bound to have a great time with your friends, family and loved ones in Goa during Christmas.
3. Shillong
A lot of people do not know about the fantastic Christmas celebrations in the North-East. But the ones who know have definitely had the chance to enjoy the exciting Christmas celebrations there.
In the city of Shillong, Meghalaya, there is a section of Catholics who celebrate Christmas most elegantly and excitingly.
You can visit the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral for the mass as well. There are a lot of activities for the tourists,and the city looks beautiful during this time and reveals the real beauty of India
. Shillong is like a paradise during Christmas. So, if you haven’t planned anything yet, it can be one of your top considerations for the coming Christmas vacations.
4. Bangalore
Bangalore is the melting pot of all the cultures in India and boasts of high cultural integration. This is clearly evident during Christmas with its exciting celebrations. With traditional bakeries and food, Christmas has its own charm in Bangalore. Many big hotels and bars also have special Christmas parties that you can join with your friends and family.
5. Kolkata
The city of Joy does not leave any stones unturned to spread the Christmas joy around the city. All the people in Kolkata enjoy the festival to the fullest. You can witness several sound and light exhibitions, glittering decorations across the city, discounts on products if you are a shopping buff and a lot of performances by rock bands. The city is vivacious during this time so if you can totally plan to celebrate your Christmas there.
6. Mumbai
Christmas celebrations in Hill Road, Bandra, Church Gate, are worth witnessing. Bombay, with its diverse population, ensures that the Christmas festival is enjoyed with a lot of enthusiasm. Many bars and hotels also have special Christmas parties with delicious food and drinks. Huge Christmas trees are also set up in many areas with pretty lights and decors. You will bound to have a nice time in Mumbai during Christmas.
7. Delhi
Delhi never holds back when it comes to parties. The areas with the Christian population and Churches are decorated with pretty Christmas lights and beautiful Christmas trees. The whole city grooves on the festive tune. You can visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral or the concert at Capital City Minstrel Choir to enjoy the traditional Christmas celebrations in the capital.
8. Manali
Are you a fan of mountains and snow? Himachal must hit your list then! If you want to enjoy Christmas like in the movies, Manali can be a good choice. You can play in the snow or do snow sports like skiing, snowboarding,etc. You can also enjoy the cold winters in one of the hip cafes there. You can sit beside a decorated Christmas tree and a fireplace to enjoy your Christmas while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine.
9. Shimla
Shimla is another option for a dreamy Christmas destination surrounded with snow-laden mountains. You can choose to take a ride on a toy train in Simla to see the beautiful snowy mountains. You can also enjoy food in the traditional cafes and restaurants on Mall Road. There are also some churches that you can visit for the Christmas mass. Overall, Christmas in Simla can be a fairy-tale one that you will remember for years to come.
10. Kerala
One of the most serene and beautiful Christmas can be enjoyed in Kerala besides the backwaters. With a large number of Christians living in the state, you can enjoy some authentic Christmas activities and food in Kerala. What is better than spending your Christmas vacation amidst nature. You can also avail mind-blowing discounts and offers during this time. The place is also very welcoming towards the tourists who can enjoy their Christmas break to the fullest there.
11. Daman and Diu
Daman and Diu, though not a well-known place to celebrate Christmas, can pleasantly surprise you with its plethora of activities. It has a lot of fun activities planned during this time. There are cultural shows, Portuguese dance shows known as Corridinho, midnight mass in the Churches around and the areas are illuminated with beautiful Christmas lights.
You can even visit the enticing beaches there and enjoy beachside celebrations. The famous churches to visit there are St. Paul’s Church and Cathedral of Bom Jesus. If you haven’t thought about visiting it for Chrisman, think again!
12. Chennai
Chennai is popularly known as the spiritual home of Carnatic Music which is one of the most important classical music traditions that can be found in the Indian subcontinent.
It is the nerve center of Tamil Nadu’s film industry and is an amalgamation of film, folk and classical music if you happen to find yourself in Chennai on Christmas, count yourselves as one of the lucky ones because there is a lot to do in the city during the holidays.
From Carnatic concerts to ancient scrolls and the popular Marina beach, you cannot go wrong when in Chennai! Another amazing thing you can do in Chennai is to have a Kollywood experience. Go with your loved ones to watch a movie at Satyam. The finger-licking good butter popcorn and the Dolby sound effect is sure to make for an amazing experience! What’s more, the entire experience will cost you only $2!
13. Lansdowne
Lansdowne is another beautiful place that can be a perfect getaway during Christmas. It is away from the hustle-bustle of the city and offers you a perfect place to enjoy the serenity and calmness amidst nature. It is a charming place,and you might even be lucky to see a snowfall when you visit this place on Christmas Eve.
14. Sikkim
Sikkim is known throughout the country for its amazing winter holidays. It is known as one of the most popular Indian holiday destinations during winters. Sparkling lakes, crystal clear rivulets, and lofty Himalayan peaks are all engulfed in veils of snow. This makes for a fascinating and intriguing sight for the visitors and tourists.
If you happen to visit Sikkim during the freezing months of December and January, you will see nature at its best. The incredible aura of Christmas celebrations simply adds to the hypnotizing scenery and the fun as well as the excitement of being in Sikkim. This is actually the best time to be in Sikkim for honeymooners too as they can enjoy their new union in the midst of awe-inspiring surroundings and the unmatched festive aura of this hill station.
15. Dadra And Nagar Haveli
Christmas is probably one of the best times to visit Dadra and Nagar Haveli. This place becomes very lively and is beautifully decorated during Christmas. Here, you can even find a tribal touch in their celebrations which makes it unique. They also organize the midnight mass in the local Churches where they celebrate the festival with a lot of warmth and grandeur.
You can visit the New India Church of God, Church Silvassa or Our Lady of Piety Church to enjoy the authentic and traditional Christmas celebrations. The weather is also perfect during that time. So, for an offbeat Christmas vacation this year, you can totally plan a trip to Dadra and Nagar Haveli. You will definitely have a great time with your friends, family and loved ones.
So, where are you planning to go this Christmas? This list offers you several options that you can choose from as per your taste. You have an option to go to the mountains to enjoy your Christmas or by the ocean for a solitary time or with your loved ones. Whatever be your choice, these 15 places will definitely guarantee you an exceptional time this Christmas!
