Visit These 15 Best Places in India for a Fairy Tale Christmas Celebration!

Ho ho ho! 

 

Adorned Christmas trees, winter wonderland decorations, Christmas crib at Churches, sweet sound of "silent night" and lots of desserts — Christmas 2023 is going to be double glitzy!! 

 

So, here's your early Christmas present. A list of the best places to celebrate Christmas 2023 in India

 

 

1. Goa

Goa is the heart of celebrations. And undoubtedly, Christmas 2023 celebrations in Goa are going to ring some bells (pun intended).

 

 

With its sizeable Roman Catholic population and Portuguese legacy, Goa knows how to celebrate the birth of Jesus with immense zeal, pomp, and show. The party capital of India becomes even livelier during the Advent Season and one can actually feel the warmth of Christmas through its beautiful beaches.

 

Why is Goa the best place to celebrate Christmas in India?

• The entire city is decorated with poinsettia flowers and lights
• At midnight, masses sing carols and this goes on till the early hours of the morning
• The beach shacks and restaurants serve Christmas lunches and dinners and have live bands playing
• There are all-night-long parties organised on beaches like Anjuna, Mapusa, and Candolim

 

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2. Kerala

Kerala, the "God's Own Country", is also in the spotlight during the Christmas season.

 

Why is Kerala is the best place to celebrate Christmas in India?

• The streets are decorated and the churches remain open almost all night
• The restaurants offer heavy discounts on food and drinks
• There is a local touch to this high spirit festival and it is something that you need to witness rather than be told about. So, adding to the joy, are gorgeous beaches and serene backwaters, where you surely want to spend some time with the gang

 

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3. Punducherry

The French influence in Puducherry (earlier known as Pondicherry) has done some good indeed! At least for you and me. If you are seeking a zealous Christmas celebration that is peaceful and mesmerising, then Puducherry is the place for you. Like Goa, Puducherry also has a decent Roman Catholic population, which means that this Union Territory has its own way of celebrating this joyful occasion.

 

 

Why is Punducherry the best place to celebrate Christmas in India?

• During the Christmas season, Puducherry becomes brighter and you can feel the exuberance in the ambience
• The church services on Christmas are a sight to behold
• If you're ever in Puducherry on Christmas, visit Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges (The Church of Our Lady of Angels), The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Church of the Assumption, The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, and Church of Our Lady of Good Health.

 

 

4. Daman and Diu

Owing to the Portuguese connection, this Union Territory in India also has a charming way of celebrating Christmas. Situated off the coast of Gujarat, the otherwise quiet Daman and Diu become lively and bright during the Christmas season.

 

 

Why is Daman and Diu the best place to celebrate Christmas in India?

• Several cultural shows are organized where one can even see Portuguese dance forms like Corridinho here
• The vibrant lamps brighten the night sky making these places phenomenal during the festive season
• One may also like to attend mass in churches like Saint Paul’s Church, Se Cathedral, and Church of Our Lady of Rosary.

 

 

5. Shillong

A beautiful Christmas celebration awaits you in the northeasternmost part of India. Since not many people visit Shillong during winter, you have the chance to celebrate a peaceful yet joyous Christmas here. There is a sizable population of Christians in the state, thus Christmas is celebrated here with much zeal and enthusiasm.  

 

Why is Shillong the best place to celebrate Christmas in India?

• The streets, houses, and churches are decorated with shimmering lights
• People prepare traditional cuisine and spend time singing carols and hymns in the evening
• Few churches also have local bands playing gospel music

 

 

6. Manali

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas in India? Well, Manali is the right destination for you. This popular Himachal destination is perfect for those who want to celebrate Christmas amidst real snow. 

 

 

Why is Manali the best place to celebrate Christmas in India?

• Mostly it snows during Christmas time in Manali, which gives the tourist a chance to enjoy skiing and making a snowman or simply throwing a snowball at each other
• One may also like to live in one of the log huts that definitely enhance the Christmas mood

 

Pro tip: Make sure you book hotels in advance.

 

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7. Mumbai

Christmas is celebrated with much vigor and zest in Mumbai. It's a great place to spend your Christmas holidays with friends and family.

 

Why is Mumbai the best place to celebrate Christmas in India?

• The malls and markets are all decked up with Christmas trees, art-y decorations and lights
• The shopping malls and marketplaces also offer exciting discounts
• Church Gate, Bandra, and Hill Road are brightly lit up with many terrific Christmas trees on the sidewalk

 

8. Bangalore

Christmas is celebrated with exuberance in Bangalore. 

 

Why is Bangalore the best place to celebrate Christmas in India?

• The entire city is decked up during the advent season
• Places like malls, markets, and restaurants offer discounts and special menus respectively
• The areas predominantly by Christians are tastefully decorated
• A large number of events are organised in the city in order to make Christmas more fascinating and fun
• At churches such as St. Mary’s Basilica, Christian Fellowship Church, and City Harvest AG Church one may also like to attend the midnight mass.

 

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9. Delhi

The vivacious Delhi gets yet another reason to party in December. Even the chilly weather cannot diminish the charm of Christmas that this city offers. Delhi is certainly one place in India, where the Christmas celebration is worth witnessing.

 

Why is Delhi the best place to celebrate Christmas in India?

• Delhi bathes in Christmas lights & bells, and the best proof is adorned shopping malls.
• Christian localities are adorned in shimmering lights
• The clubs and lounges throw theme parties
• The popularity of this festival can also be proven by the large crowd irrespective of religion in the Sacred Heart Church in Connaught Place during the midnight mass.

 

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10. Kolkata

The "City of Joy" becomes even more joyful and lively around Christmas. Although Christmas is not one of the major celebrations in Kolkata, the city has some affection attached to it.

Image Courtesy: hindustantimes

 

Why is Kolkata the best place to celebrate Christmas in India?

• The aroma of fruit cake and pastries fill the air and markets become crowded
• Park Street is one place that makes the festive mood go extravagant
• You may find that apart from Christians, people from other communities offer prayers and sing carols in the midnight mass in the churches
• During the festive season, heavy discounts on items in the market can be seen, which keeps the bazaars in Kolkata quite busy
• The light and sound exhibition, rock music, shimmering lights, and delectable food makes the ambiance in the city merrier.

 

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11. Tamil Nadu

Celebrate Christmas like never before in Tamil Nadu with tremendous zeal and zest. Christmas and Onam are the two most loved and celebrated festivals in Tamil Nadu.

 

 

Things to experience during Christmas in Tamil Nadu

• Crowded Christmas & New Year parties around Marina Beach, Chennai.
• Beautiful heritage sites.
• Hills stations and fresh waterfalls.
• Be a part of Christmas parades and church services at San Thome Basilica, Chennai, or Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, Velankanni — the most sacred Christian pilgrimage center in India.

 

 

12. Uttarakhand

Hill stations and Christmas make the best combination. Basking in the lights, bells, and candles the sprightliness of Uttarakhand is at its best during Christmas. Spend quality time with your loved ones in the white paradise of Uttarakhand.

 

 

Things to experience during Christmas 2023 in Uttarakhand

• Attend morning masses & sing Christmas Carols at the St Francis Catholic Church and/or St Thomas Church.
• Go skiing in the skiing Capital of India, Auli.
• Enjoy camping, boating and nature walk in Nainital.
• Make your Christmas memorable and fun with river rafting, bungee jumping, and thrilling zip lining.

 

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13. Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Alexa, skip to Christmas on the Islands! Want to enjoy Christmas underwater this time? Andaman and Nicobar Islands make the perfect winter destination for you!

 

 

How to celebrate Christmas with your friends & family in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

• Live the mermaid life and go scuba diving.
• Havelock Island is the best to enjoy the Sea walk underwater.
• Refreshing view while Mangrove Kayaking.
• Get the best view and sightseeing on the Islands.

 

 

14. Sikkim

The charming beauty of Sikkim awaits you to visit its snow-covered valleys this Christmas. It’s a haven for insta-holics! Truly mesmerising & magnificent beauty — green meadows, towering mountain ranges, crystalline lakes, and so amazing people.

 

 

How to celebrate Christmas 2023 in Sikkim?

• Trekk to Kangchenjunga, the 3rd highest peak in the world.
• Photogenic locations.
• Sightseeing at the snow-covered Himalayas.
• Fascinating monasteries.

 

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15. Leh

Walk through the local bazaars of Leh and do some Christmas shopping. One of the coldest and most heavenly places to celebrate Christmas is Leh.

 

 

How to enjoy your Christmas 2023 in Leh?

• Retain peace at Japanese Peace Pagoda also known as Shanti stupa.
• Enjoy camel safari, jeep safari, and mountain biking.
• Enjoy a snow-covered nature view.

 

16. Gulmarg

This Christmas season relive your childhood memories by attending Gulmarg Snow Festival. 

 

 

How to enjoy your Christmas 2023 in Gulmarg?

• You get to do skiing amongst the snowy peaks.
• Enjoy the gondola ride in the second-longest cable car.
• Explore the white beauty while trekking to Aparwath Station.
• Spend a leisurely and relaxing holiday at Alpather Lake (also called the frozen lake).
• Escape the crowd and visit Strawberry Valley.

 

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Merry Christmas 2023

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