20 Best Places To Visit During Christmas In India [2020]

Places to Visit During Christmas in India

Traveling in winter is fun. When it comes to a festival like Christmas, then if you see a colorful market and the lights shining on the trees. Even though Christmas is not celebrated on a large scale in India, Christmas is still celebrated with great pomp in some parts of the country. Here not only Indians but foreign guests also come to celebrate the holiday.

If you are also planning to roam somewhere on this special occasion, then today we have brought a list of the best places to visit during Christmas in India. Here you will not only be able to enjoy Christmas, but you can also celebrate the best holiday with friends or with family or with your partner.

#1. Goa

Goa is the first place that comes in mind when it comes to Christmas. The place saves by Roman Catholic and Portuguese traditions and at Christmas time the city shines brightly. Parties run all night in the beaches and people offers prayers in the churches till morning.

If you are a party person, then this is one of the best places to visit during Christmas in India. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and Santa Cruz Church are the must-visit churches during Christmas.

#2. Shillong

Shillong in Meghalaya is also one of the best places to visit during Christmas in India at the least expense and without noise. Here one can see the local traditions and can also enjoy the local cuisine. The sound of the city and its folk songs decorates with lights is enough to attract you.

During this festive time, you can enjoy Taisim Festival, Pingera Festival, Williamnagar and Tura Winter Festival. Mary Help of Christians Cathedral is the must-visit church on the occasion of Christmas.

#3. Pondicherry

Pondicherry is one of the best places in India to celebrate Christmas. Like Goa, Pondicherry also has a good population of Roman Catholics where the celebration of Christmas goes on a large scale. There are special prayer sessions that runs on Christmas day in large churches like The Church of Our Lady of Angels, Church of the Angels and Domus Dei Cathedral. Apart from this, one can enjoy walking in the beautiful places here.

#4. Kerala

Kerala is an all-time favorite holiday destination for everyone. But during the Christmas festival, its brightness increases significantly. Churches are open till late night on Christmas. Amidst beautiful beauty and nature, people enjoy food during Christmas as the restaurants give heavy discounts and also special offers are available in shops, due to which people can also enjoy shopping.

Every street and intersection decorates with flowers and lights. Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores Church, Edathua Church, and St. Francis Church is the must-visit churches during Christmas.

#5. Mumbai

In Mumbai Christmas celebrates with great energy. At this place, the malls, markets, and streets decorate with Christmas trees, lights and other decorations. Mumbai is one of the best Christmas getaways in India. Here you can enjoy the Night Christmas party fiercely. Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, St. Thomas Cathedral and Afghan Church are the must-visit churches during Christmas.

#6. Kolkata

Kolkata is among the best places to visit during Christmas in India where people are very excited to celebrate. Even today, Anglo-Indians reside here, celebrating Christmas as a big day. If you are planning to come to this place for the Christmas holidays, then do not forget to eat the fruitcake, see the park street and St. Paul’s Cathedral Prayer.

From the famous New Market, you can shop for many things like Christmas tree and Christmas outfits. St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. Philomena’s Cathedral and Basilica of Bom Jesus are the must-visit churches during Christmas.

#7. Bangalore

Bangalore is one of the best places to visit during Christmas in India for an adventurous lover. In this city, you can enjoy many things from music fun, pre Christmas foam party, Christmas Eve ladies night, Bollywood Christmas Eve to Marathon. Science Festival is the most interesting one to celebrate on the occasion of Christmas.

Many competitions organize for children to elders to make Christmas special for everyone. Infant Jesus Church and St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral are the must-visit churches during Christmas.

#8. Daman & Diu

Daman and Diu situate on the banks of Gujarat, also shine during the Christmas festival. At this place, Christmas celebrates with Portuguese touch and many cultural programs organize here which runs day and night. Portuguese culture can be seen in these cultural programs. One can visit the beaches of Diu during Christmas. St. Paul’s Church, Cathedral of Bom Jesus and Church of Our Lady of Rosary are the must-visit churches on the occasion of Christmas.

#9. Manali

Manali in Himachal will be one of the best places to visit in India during Christmas. During this festive time, one can play in the snow, go skiing and snowboarding. Also, one can hang out at the cafes by decorating Christmas trees and sit by the fireplace sipping hot chocolate. Gilgal Prayer House church and Arcot Lutheran Church are the must-visit churches during Christmas.

#10. Shimla

If you are planning to celebrate your Christmas festival amidst the beautiful snow-capped hills, then Shimla can be the best place to visit. Shimla is also one of the famous honeymoon destinations in India. Here the fun of seeing the snow-covered mountains sitting in the Kalka-Shimla toy train is different. Christ Church Shimla and St. Michael’s Cathedral Catholic Church are the must-visit churches during Christmas.

#11. Chennai

Chennai is an important place where Christmas is celebrated in India. During this festive period especially midnight special prayers offers in the churches. Devotees from across the country will reach the ‘Basilica of Our Lady of Health’ at Valankanni in Nagapattinam district and offers prayers.

During Christmas special buffet feasts are available and the Phoenix city mall organizes many exciting fun activities. St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, Armenian Church and St Andrew’s Church are the must-visit churches on the occasion of Christmas.

#12. Lansdowne

In Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is a small hill town lies at an elevation of 1706 m above sea level. Lansdowne is also one of the best places to visit during Christmas in India with fewer crowds. At this place, Christmas celebrates with bonfire, music, and exchange of gifts. St. Mary’s Church and Saint John Church Lansdowne are the must-visit churches during Christmas.

#13. Sikkim

Sikkim is one of the best places to visit in India during Christmas with more fun and lively. The state of Sikkim has a small Christian population. This place has always been a favorite choice for travelers and tourists alike, capped in the snow and pristine waters over its vast Himalayan peaks that drain through its ravines.

In December and January, the state will freeze under a veil of snow, which enhances the beauty of the land. Therefore it is the most unique places to visit in winter in India. Each house of the land shines with stars and adorned trees, and the air smells delightful with roast beef and baked cakes.

With festivals, restaurants and pubs are open till late at night. This is the best time for honeymooners in Sikkim to provide the venue with festive excitement and romantic aura. HopeCity Church, St. Thomas Church and Baptist Church are the must-visit churches during Christmas.

#14. Dadra & Nagar Haveli

The union territory Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a prime location where one can celebrate Christmas like never before which lodge between the state of Gujarat and Maharashtra. The exciting part of its celebrations is that it has a mixture of tribal celebrations that are very interesting.

There are also some beautiful churches decorates with lights, and in the evening one can participate in the sacred mass services which celebrate with great festive spirit. New India Church of God, Our Lady of Piety Church and Church Silvassa are the must-visit churches during Christmas.

#15. Hyderabad

Hyderabad is one of the best places to visit in India during Christmas, as the festival here celebrates with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm. At this place, the churches decorate with Christmas ornaments and people participate in the sacred mass services at midnight. During this festive time, most of the restaurants and cafes offer discounts on Christmas feast. St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Calvary Temple are the must-visit churches on the occasion of Christmas.

#16. Ooty

Ooty is among the best places to visit during Christmas in India with spectacular architectural churches that attract many tourists across the country. Due to its pleasant climatic conditions and scenic beauty, this place considers as one of the top hill stations in India.

At the festive time, one can find all traditions in Ooty like sacred mass services at midnight, Santa Claus and Christmas feasts. And one can also experience the joyous festivities of Christmas at the churches. St. Stephen’s Church, CSI Holy Trinity Church, and Union Church are the must-visit churches during Christmas.

#17. Gulmarg

Gulmarg can be one among the best places to visit in India to enjoy a White Christmas. This place decorates with snow during winter and one can experience the chills of the joyous festival with your loved ones which accompanies by sipping hot chocolate. One can celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and offers prayers at Gulmarg churches. St. Mary’s Church is the must-visit church during Christmas.

#18. Delhi

Christmas in Delhi celebrates with lot of zeal and enthusiasm. This is the place where you can find people from all communities and regions. Midnight gathering and other religious activities can find at Sacred Heart Cathedral near Connaught Place. In addition to that markets will be filled with souvenirs, recipes and Christmas discounts.

Make the best of Delhi’s luxury hotels and restaurants and try new Christmas wines, which are launched in India in time for Christmas celebrations. St. Alphonsa’s Church, St. James’ Church and Sacred Heart Cathedral Church are the must-visit churches during Christmas.

#19. Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is another one of the best places to visit during Christmas in India. The city has few churches and markets which decorate with lights during the festive time. A lot of events take place like Gospel Choirs, gift distribution by Santa Claus and Christmas dinners.

People bring small Christmas trees in their houses and decorate it, while some people lit candles in the churches, some attend the mass prayers and singing Christmas carols to mark the day.

#20. Madurai

Christmas in Madurai celebrates with zeal in southern districts. During festive time thousands of people visit churches to attend midnight mass prayers and distribute sweets on the streets. Madurai is an iconic city where a Christmas celebration can be seen in St Mary’s church, where people attend special prayer meetings and greet each other.