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Christmas in India is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. If you want to attend a Christmas service, enjoy festive treats, or celebrate with many people, the places to visit in Christmas in India offer diverse celebration options for everyone. While in north India, snowfall adds whimsy to the holiday spirit; coastal areas offer a different kind of warmth with beachside gatherings and musical celebrations. Markets sparkle with festive lights, offering traditional sweets, decorations, and gifts for the season. Historic churches and cathedrals hold midnight masses, bringing communities together in prayer and celebration.
10 Places To Visit In Christmas In India
Here’s a list of the top 10 places to visit at Christmas in India and make your festive season even more enjoyable:
1. Goa
Photo: Josephdesouza / Wikimedia Commons
Goa is a great place to celebrate Christmas, blending traditions with a lively holiday vibe. The state gets into the festive spirit with decorations, twinkling lights, and Christmas masses, which draw large crowds. Streets are busy with people soaking in the celebrations, while beach shacks offer special Christmas meals. Live music, fireworks, and parties add to the excitement, making Goa a fun destination for those who want to celebrate by the sea.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport (24 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Madgaon Railway Station (35 km)
2. Shillong, Meghalaya
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Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, celebrates Christmas with energy and warmth. The city lights up with decorations, and music fills the air as local choirs sing carols, adding to the festive mood. Churches hold special services; the most attended is the midnight mass at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. The cool winter air adds to the experience of the city, ranking Shillong amongst the top places to visit in Christmas in India.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (30 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station (99 km)
3. Pondicherry
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Pondicherry is a wonderful place to celebrate Christmas, bringing together its French colonial heritage and festive spirit. Churches like the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Sacred Heart Basilica hold special services, welcoming all visitors. The streets of White Town glow with lights and decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Beachside cafés serve Christmas meals and are a great way to enjoy the Christmas celebrations. The mix of history, culture, and holiday cheer makes Christmas in Pondicherry a special experience.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (approximately 150 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Puducherry Railway Station (approximately 2 km)
4. Kerala
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In Kerala, cities like Kochi and Trivandrum come alive with grand church services, including those at St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica. Homes and streets glow with stars and lights, adding to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. A traditional Christmas feast featuring Kerala’s well-loved dishes brings families and friends together. Visitors can also take time to explore Munnar’s tea estates, making the most of the holiday season in Kerala.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (approximately 83 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction (approximately 57 km)
5. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
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Manali is a great option for those who want to celebrate Christmas in the snow. December often brings fresh snowfall, creating a cosy winter setting for the festivities. Visitors can attend a midnight mass at the Manali Christ, savour delicious food items on the busy streets filled with cafés and shops or enjoy the snowy atmosphere, making Manali one of the best places to visit in christmas in India.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (approximately 63 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station (approximately 175 km)
6. Kolkata, West Bengal
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Kolkata celebrates Christmas with a lively spirit, where lights, decorations, and crowds add to the festive mood. The city’s historic churches, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, hold special services that bring together both locals and visitors. Christmas markets are filled with cakes, treats, and gifts, and musical performances, food festivals, and themed decorations in restaurants and cafés add to the excitement, making Kolkata one of the good places to visit in Christmas in India.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Howrah Junction
7. Mumbai, Maharashtra
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Mumbai celebrates Christmas with large gatherings, especially in churches, which hold special services and bring people together in the holiday spirit. Shopping malls and restaurants offer seasonal menus and discounts. For a relaxed evening, a walk along Marine Drive or Carter Road in Bandra is a great way to enjoy the city lights and cool sea breeze. Christmas in Mumbai feels warm and full of life, making it one of the popular places to visit in christmas in India.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
8. Daman And Diu
Photo: Ankit Rainloure / Pexels
Daman and Diu, with their Portuguese influence, bring a unique touch to Christmas celebrations. Churches are beautifully decorated, and the streets are lit up with festive energy. Family is central to this holiday and families spend time together with beachside gatherings and cultural programmes add to the Christmas celebrations. The combination of history, community festivities, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere makes Daman and Diu, one of the special places to visit in Christmas in India.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Diu Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Veraval Railway Station
9. Aizawl, Mizoram
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Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, celebrates Christmas with warmth and a strong sense of community. Grand church services and festive meals bring people together, creating a joyful atmosphere. Streets are decorated with lights, while local music and dance add to the celebrations. The traditions of Mizoram shine through in the way people come together, making Aizawl, one of the famous places to visit in Christmas in India.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Lengpui Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Silchar Railway Station
10. Bangalore, Karnataka
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Bangalore embraces the Christmas spirit with a mix of tradition and festive cheer. Churches hold special masses, bringing people together to celebrate this December festival. MG Road and Brigade Road light up with decorations, creating a lively and festive mood. Restaurants serve special holiday meals, while places like Cubbon Park and Commercial Street host fairs and events that add to the excitement.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Bangalore City Railway Station
Places to visit in Christmas in India are all about festive lighting and lively celebrations with large gatherings of people and families together. Whether you prefer a snowy escape in Manali, midnight mass in Goa, or the cheerful buzz of Kolkata’s Park Street, each destination offers a special way to enjoy the holiday season. Book your Christmas trip with TripXL and make the most of the festive season in India.
Cover Photo: Aviator423 / Wikiemedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
