December is a delightful month and a magical time to witness Goa’s beauty. During the month of December, the state comes alive and has a vibrant vibe to offer. With a very lively atmosphere to explore, there are multiple places to visit in Goa in December. The month is indeed a blend of festivities, cool weather and excitement as the year comes to an end. From peaceful beaches to ancient forts, these places have a diverse experience and cater to every individual’s preferences. Visiting Goa in December is the best choice to make and makes for a memorable trip.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Goa In December
There are captivating options for places to visit in Goa in December for a lively experience. The blend of sunny days and cosy evenings is perfect for exploring every corner of the region.
1. Chapora Fort
Goa in December is pleasant enough with hot days and cold nights. Go on a small hike to the Chapora Fort and relax by the walls of the fort. Visitors can enjoy the cool breeze and the laid-back vibe here. The fort overlooks the Arabian Sea and is an excellent spot for photography and provides insights into Goa’s past and the colonial rule. Stunning sunsets can be witnessed from Chapora Fort so the ideal time to visit this place is during the late afternoon. The weather is pleasant and the atmosphere is festive and exciting.
Location: Chapora Fort Trail, Vagator, Anjuna, Goa 403509
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2. Vagator Beach
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Vagator Beach is a very famous beach in Goa. This beach has red cliffs and swaying palm trees on all sides. The beach has a vibrant nightlife with multiple beachfront shacks, restaurants, bars and clubs. Vagator Beach offers the best views of the Arabian Sea and is known for its lively atmosphere. The mornings are cooler and are ideal for strolling along the sandy shores. Vagator Beach is renowned for the Sunburn Festival, a three-day music festival, organised on the beach every December. Tourists can enjoy electronic dance music and have unlimited fun.
Location: Vagator Beach, Vagator, Goa 403509
3. Old Goa
Photo: Mikhail Esteves / Wikimedia Commons
Old Goa indeed has a colonial charm. The region has a vibrant culture which is reflected during the month of December with vibrant festivities. There are multiple churches in Goa which are beautifully decorated with fairy lights and stars. Tourists shall find the streets of Old Goa packed with bustling crowds due to Christmas and New Year Celebrations. Old Goa has the best Christmas celebrations with strings of lights, stars and ribbons. Explore the local cuisine of Old Goa during December and try dishes like Xacuti, Vindaloo and Bebinca in the nearby restaurants.
Location: Old Goa
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4. Anjuna Beach
Photo: Sohan Rayguru / Unsplash
Anjuna Beach is a beautiful beach located in North Goa. It is believed that out of all the beaches, this beach offers the best sunset. Anjuna Market which is organised near the beach only on Wednesdays attracts bustling crowds as it showcases and sells the best bohemian souvenirs. During the month of December, the beach is beautifully lit up with fairy lights. A special fireworks show happens at Anjuna Beach at midnight at 12:00 am on the 31st of December to celebrate New Year’s.
Location: Anjuna Beach, Anjuna, Goa 403509
5. Basilica Of Bom Jesus
Photo: Falko Berger / Wikimedia Commons
Basilica Of Bom Jesus is a wonderful place to visit in December. Especially on the 3rd of December, a special feast is organised at this place. The basilica observes crowds from all regions of Goa. It is an annual festival which is known as the Feast of St. Francis and is the biggest Christian festival of all in Goa. It is recommended to visit this place and plan a trip accordingly to get more insights into Christianity and the place’s storied past. There are stalls selling sweetmeats, toys, flowers, candles and clothes.
Location: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa, Goa 403402
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6. Baga Beach
Photo: Shikhar Bhatnagar / Unsplash
To witness the best nightlife, you should visit Baga Beach during the month of December. This is one of the best places to travel in Goa in December. There are multiple beachfront shacks, restaurants, bars and clubs lined up on the beach which host parties. A few of the oldest clubs like Tito’s and Las Olas are on the beach making it ideal for tourists to chill and enjoy. Apart from nightlife, there are multiple watersports for tourists that provide a dose of adventure.
Location: Calangute, Goa 403519
7. Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Photo: Jagadhatri / Wikimedia Commons
The beauty of Dudhsagar Waterfalls in the winter, especially in the month of December is just unique. This place is one of Goa’s most attractive destinations and has bustling crowds. Reaching this waterfall requires a short trek which can be done during the morning as the weather is misty and cool. Visitors can reach the town of Colem and then go on a jeep safari to the falls. Regarded as one of the tallest waterfalls of India, Dudhsagar Waterfalls when translated to Konkani means the ‘Sea of Milk’.
Location: Dudhsagar, Sanguem Taluka, Goa
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8. Deltin Royale Casino
Photo: Ralf Roletschek / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Deltin Royale Casino is regarded as the top casino in Goa. This is basically a floating casino located on a cruise in the Mandovi River. As December is a peak tourist month, the casino has bustling crowds. This casino also offers the best views of the surrounding area. The casino has a party ambience with multiple gaming options. There are VIP Rooms, a lounge and a restaurant for guests to try the best dishes on the cruise.
Location: Opp. Hotel Mandovi, Near Mandovi River, Panaji, Goa
9. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Boris Smokrovic / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Visiting Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a top-tier choice for bird watchers. This destination is indeed a bird watcher’s paradise. December is the best month to enjoy bird watching as diverse species of regional and migratory birds come and reside at this sanctuary. Apart from relaxing at the beaches, bird-watching offers a sense of excitement and thrill. Tourists can spot diverse species of Kingfisher, Egret, Heron and the rare Mangrove Pitta. Guided trips to the sanctuary are available too. There are stone walkways for visitors to stroll through the sanctuary covered in dense green forest.
Location: Ilhas, Madel, Ribandar, Goa 403006
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10. Dona Paula Bay
Photo: SahilSahadevan / Wikimedia Commons
Dona Paula Bay is one of the places to see in Goa in December. The bay has amazing watersports activities like jet-skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides and ferry rides. Dona Paula Bay also offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea as it overlooks it. Witnessing the statue of Dona Paula de Menezes adds a historical touch to the place. Also, you can explore the nearby cafes and restaurants to taste the best dishes.
Location: Dona Paula, North Goa, Goa 403004
Goa in December has an enchanting vibe to witness. There is a natural beauty and a festive environment among locals and tourists. With pleasant winds and cooler air breezes, exploring every corner of the region is exciting. Whether visitors are strolling through the vibrant markets or relaxing by the beach, Goa in December transforms itself into a holiday destination even in winter. Plan a visit with TripXL and explore these places in Goa in December.
Cover Photo: alexey turenkov / Unsplash