Things To Do In Goa In December For An Exhilarating Getaway

Goa in December is a spectacular place to be in as the state comes to life in terms of culture with the festivities and the charming Goan beaches. The pleasant weather makes the island perfect for beach lovers, adventurers, and those who want to experience the local colours more intensely. From tropical beaches to vibrant night markets, from water sports to yoga retreats, there are so many things to do in Goa in December. Get ready to witness the charm of this tropical paradise.

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10 Things To Do In Goa In December

Experiencing Goa in December is nothing less than a dream. Are you wondering what to do in Goa in December? Here is the list of ten amazing things to do in Goa in December.

1. Explore The Night Markets

Exploring the vibrant night markets, one of the best things to do in Goa in December.

Photo: Chris Slupski / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Goa has colourful night markets and are even more vibrant during the December end when the festive season is in full bloom. The most popular one is the Arpora Saturday Night Market for which one can find numerous stalls with jewellery, clothing items made by local artisans, antiques and many more souvenirs. The market buzzes with live music, concerts, and a range of food vendors that serve both Goan dishes and dishes from other countries. The environment and the people can be described as edgy, low-key bohemian, and a very diverse crowd.

Location: Arpora, North Goa
Best Time To Visit: 6 PM onwards every Saturday

2. Sunbathe At The Baga Beach

A glimpse of people sunbathing at the Baga Beach surrounded by sands and azure waters.

Photo: Sarang Pande / Unsplash

The Baga beach, one of the most beautiful beaches of Goa, is a bit crowded in December due to many activities. This beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming in the Arabian Sea or engaging in various water activities. Restaurants and snack joints dot the beach, which offers delectable Goan cuisine and beverages. Once the sun goes down, Baga Beach turns into a party capital with beach parties, live performances, and numerous restaurants and nightclubs operating in the night. Whether for relaxation or a lively night, you get the best experience by visiting Baga Beach.

Location: Baga, North Goa
Best Time To Visit: Morning to early afternoon

3. Enjoy A River Cruise On The Mandovi River

River cruising on Mandovi River, one of the top things to do in Goa in December.

Photo: Martin Sanchez / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

A river cruise on the Mandovi River is truly romantic and gives an opportunity to observe the natural beauty of Goa. Goa remains quite pleasant during December and you could probably take a nice boat ride in the evening and enjoy the captivating landscapes and the beautiful Goan countryside. The performances during such cruises include entertainment troupes that perform Goan folk songs and dances, thereby providing guests with a feel of the local culture. These are the sunset cruises, dinner cruises and backwater cruises that will give you a different view of the Goa waterways.

Location: Mandovi River, Panjim
Best Time To Visit: 5:30 PM for sunset cruises
Entry Fee: ₹500 – ₹1,200

4. Visit Dudhsagar Waterfalls

A scenic view of shimmering waters cascading through the rocky cliffs at Dudhsagar Waterfalls.

Photo: June Admiraal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Dudhsagar Falls which lies on the border of both Goa and Karnataka is one of the tallest waterfalls present in India which is a must-visit in December. These are falls that drop from a height of over 300 metres. To get to Dudhsagar, you can either go on a trek through the woods or take a jeep ride which is thrilling. Here you can spot a variety of wildlife species. It is one of the best things to see in Goa in December. A trip to Dudhsagar Falls is an enlightening experience that will leave one with an appreciation of the natural sights in Goa.

Location: Near Kulem, Goa-Karnataka border
Best Time To Visit: Morning
Entry Fee: ₹20 for entry, additional charges for jeep rides

5. Experience Parasailing

A glimpse of people doing parasailing, one of the best things to do in Goa in December.

Photo: Joe deSousa / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Parasailing is an exhilarating activity through which you can enjoy the views of the Goa coast uniquely. December’s favourable conditions, such as clear skies and calm sea, are perfect for this adventure. Major beaches like Baga, Calangute, and Vagator are some of the destinations where parasailing activities are common. You get to glide over the sea and the beaches while having a view of the magnificent Arabian Sea. It is both thrilling and relaxing, flying above the ground and seeing the stunning beauty of the ocean below. It is one of the best things to do in Goa in December.

Location: Baga, Calangute, Vagator Beaches
Best Time to Visit: Morning to afternoon
Entry Fee: ₹800 – ₹1,500

6. Attend A Silent Noise Party

Silent Noise Party is where people wear headphones and tune to their own rhythm

Photo: Anima Visual / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Silent Noise Parties at Palolem Beach are an extraordinary experience compared to regular night parties or clubbing. These parties let you move to the rhythm of your choice with wireless headsets that play out different stations, from techno to trance, and more. These parties draw crowds of many types and nationalities as they come together at night on the shores of Palolem beach. The lack of sound also implies that one will not have to endure the noise that comes with parties that are normally conducted on the beach.

Location: Palolem Beach, South Goa
Best Time To Visit: 10 PM onwards
Entry Fee: ₹600 – ₹800

7. Kayak Through The Sal Backwaters

Kayaking on the shimmering waters is one of the serene things to do in Goa in December.

Photo: Marko Balažic / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The least explored activity in Goa is kayaking in the Sal Backwaters as it provides a tranquil entry to the natural geographical beauty of Goa. The backwaters with tropical mangrove forests are particularly popular amongst bird watchers because there are many bird species that live in this area. These waters can be enjoyed especially during December when the weather is cooler, which makes it the best time to get into your kayak, sit back and be one with nature. Kayaking is also an environmentally sustainable activity ideal for experiencing Goa’s diverse ecosystems with minimal impact.

Location: Sal Backwaters, South Goa
Best Time To Visit: Morning
Entry Fee: ₹1,000 – ₹1,500

8. Dolphin Watching In South Goa

The turquoise-blue waters of the region offer a platform to spot adorable dolphins.

Photo: Panay J / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Goa is one of the most favoured destinations for Dolphin sightings especially, in the less choppy waters of South Goa. It is advisable to go on a dolphin-watching tour in December because the sea is relatively calm. They are usually conducted early in the morning when dolphins are most likely to be spotted in the sea. When moving around by boat, one is likely to see pods of dolphins or dolphins surfacing to play in the water and many people. Boat tours also provide chances to swim and snorkel in the sea providing a fun-filled adventure experience.

Location: Palolem, Agonda Beaches
Best Time to Visit: Early morning
Entry Fee: ₹300 – ₹600

9. Visit The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Spotting birds at the bird sanctuary is one of the top things to do in Goa in December.

Photo: Nadine Venter / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, situated on Chorao Island in North Goa, is a perfect place for birds and nature lovers. This sanctuary is named after the famous Indian ornithologist, late Dr. Salim Ali and is home to many species of birds, local and migratory. The sanctuary is located amid mangrove forests whereby one can take a boat cruise around the sanctuary. The lack of noise and the ability to see exotic birds make this sanctuary one of the best places to visit in December.

Location: Chorao Island, North Goa
Best Time To Visit:Early morning
Entry Fee: ₹10 for entry; additional charges for boat rides

10. Celebrate Christmas And New Year’s Eve

Christmas And New Year’s Eve is celebrated beautifully in this tropical paradise.

Photo: Rodion Kutsaiev / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

December is the best time of the year to visit Goa, especially due to Christmas and New Year festivities. During this time, churches are beautifully adorned, and midnight masses are conducted. You can see Christmas lights on the streets and people seem to be in a holiday mood. A similar spectacular celebration is observed on New Year’s Eve, with parties on the beach, dazzling fireworks and live musical shows held by coastline all night long. Famous parties are held at the popular beaches of Anjuna, Baga and Calangute have pulled crowds from across the globe.

Best Time To Visit: Late December

No matter whether you are dining out at the colourful night bazaars, indulging in water activities on the unspoiled beaches of Goa, or merely revelling in the grandeur of Dudhsagar Falls, there is something for all. Hurry up and head to Goa with TripXL and indulge in the above-mentioned things to do in Goa in December for a memorable time.

Cover Photo: Smaran Alva / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to travel to Goa?

December is one of the favoured months for tourists to visit Goa. The weather is soothing and the vibrancy of festivities adds a unique charm.

Which festivals are celebrated in Goa in December?

Christmas and New Year’s Eve are the two major festivals celebrated in Goa during December. The entire state undergoes an extensive transformation and turns into a carnival like place with parties, church services and beautifully decorated streets making it a good time to be in Goa.

How busy are the beaches during December?

The beaches of Goa are very crowded during December because the overall tourist traffic is very high at this time. Some of the major tourist destinations are Baga, Calangute, and Anjuna, however relatively not-so-crowded beaches are also available like Palolem and Agonda.

What clothing should I bring for a Goa trip in December?

Take lightweight clothing for the day, warm clothes for the night, swimming suits, sun lotions and casual wear shoes. If you plan on going out to Christmas or New Year parties, do not forget to pack some festive formal wear.

Do people have to make a reservation in advance when it comes to hotels?

Of course, you are advised to make your booking for December as early as possible since it is the tourism peak season in Goa and practically all the hotels and resorts are booked.

Things To Do In Goa In December For A Serene Getaway In The Tropical Paradise