Where To Visit In India During Christmas – Holiday Travel Tips

Introduction

Christmas is the time of energizing yourself and participating in events that are going to give you wonderful excitement. The western way of celebrating the festival of Christmas is way far different than celebrating Christmas in India. It is basically a cultural and the landscape change that continues to curve a whole new niche.

Why Visit India during Christmas?

Christmas is indeed one of the finest times to enjoy scenic tours in India, and this is basically all about the weather and the enriching verdant atmosphere. Tourists from across the west will find the season around Christmas as one of the most enthralling and one of its kind. There are refreshing and beautiful scenes, and tourists will feel light. 

Top Places to Visit in India during Christmas

Christmas celebrations are here, and India is gearing up for the celebrations in a uniquely ostentatious way for the year 2025.  Everything is arranged to beat not only the winter blues but also make the moments extravagant for life.  And for the Indo American Christian diaspora, traveling all the way back to their homeland comes with moments of frivolous and extemporaneous joys as they could plan out extended travel to local tourist hot spots with their connected family members. Here are the recommended top destinations to visit for Indian diaspora for Christmas:

#1- Goa – A striking Christian hot spot to live the fervors of Christmas – Goa has an entirely new adaptation to the whole idea of Christmas. Beach parties and cocktails amidst the friendly chats on a variety of things, Goa will make tourists feel exotic and absorbed. Goa offers unlimited fun options and an equally amazing and hypnotic way of life for the tourists. The popular churches to visit are Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and Santa Cruz Church.

#2- Shillong – Sense the mesmerizing and extravagant life during Christmas - Shillong, the capital metropolis of hill station known by the name of Meghalaya is filled with enthusiasm and tourists find themselves completely absorbed in the activities and way of living. Attend the mass in church, or opt for the local Christmas parades.  A key Christian procession is organized in Mary Help of Christians Cathedral.  

#3- Pondicherry – Christmas celebrations on the beaches - Pondicherry presents a Christian outlook, and this is because it was a French colony. On the trip to Pondicherry, you will get to know the Indo French culture and traditions still existing.  Christmas celebrations include exchange of gifts, decorating of the Christmas tree as well as singing of carols by the local music groups. Many Christian activities are also organized in Domus Dei Cathedral. 

#4-Kerala – The carol city with enchanting Christmas aura - The south Indian state has its own Christian aura, where the tourists come together on the peaceful coastal areas and party and enjoy the food as much as they indulge in the gossip. Major Christian activities are held at the Basilica of our Lady of Dolores Church, Edathua Church, and St. Francis Church respectively. 

#5- Mumbai – The tickling tinsel city of India overwhelms the tourists with rocking Christmas parties – Mumbai is a truly metropolitan city with a population from all walks of life. The illuminating city with rock and roll happening day and night has more to Christmas than any other city.  Tourists are involved in music, carol singing, parties and smiles planted on the lips. Mumbai offers unparalleled Christmas experience.  

Popular Christmas Events & Cultural Celebrations

Christmas celebration in India is filled with nothing less than the charm, frolicsome events, and age old cultural merriments. The culture of Christmas celebrations involves transposing the gifts, musical events and carol singing. There are special Christmas festivities for the kids, besides vibrant parties continue to happen all across the land. Special cakes are baked on Christmas, and besides there is also delicious savoury food and truly attractive Christmas carnivals make all the difference. Tourists could enjoy the café brunches, or live moments of shopping 

Travel Tips for Christmas Vacations in India

• Be prepped up for the harsh winters of North India if you are planning to travel to India around Christmas time
• Do not intermingle with strangers or any other group that you do not feel comfortable with.
• Since it is a festive season, make sure that you book the transportation, accommodations, and activities at least a month in advance.
• Do not travel alone to places that are far away from cities
• Keep yourself in good company and explore the cities soaked in Christian fervour.

Must-Try Christmas Foods across India

Biryani is always the all-time happening and delectable food retreats during the Indian celebration, and definitely, it serves the purpose of Christmas too. All types of Biryanis such as the Hyderabadi Biryani, Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani, Kolkata Biryani, Malabar (Thalassery) Biryani,  Dindigul Biryani, Ambur Biryani, Chettinad Biryani and Tahari Biryani turn out to be the be best Christmas foods. Among the other best Christmas foods that offer richness of taste are the roast turkey, plum cake, eggnog and mulled wine, PalappamPalappam, Pork Vindaloo, Allahabadi Cake, Kulkuls, also known as kidyo, Nga Atobia Thongba, Bebinca, Rose Cookies, and Gongura Mutton respectively. 

Conclusion

It is the month of December, and the time is ripening with Christmas festivities all across India. Look for the best travel options in India if you are traveling to this great country for timeless and boundless Christian celebrations. 

FAQs

Q: Do people in India celebrate Christmas widely?
A: Yes. India is a land of diverse cultures, and Christians form a significant community. Christmas is celebrated with enthusiasm by both Christians and non-Christians, marking a festive and seasonal transition period.

Q: Is Christmas considered an official holiday across India?
A:Yes. Christmas is an official public holiday in India. Banks, schools, and government institutions remain closed on December 25.

Q: Does Indian tradition include Christmas celebrations?
A: Yes. As a secular country, India embraces all major festivals. Christian communities across India celebrate Christmas with great charm, devotion, and cultural enthusiasm.

Q: How is Christmas typically celebrated in different parts of India?
A: Christmas celebrations vary across regions.

• In South India, people light earthen lamps on rooftops.
   
• In North and North-West, Christians sing carols and share the story of Jesus’ birth.
   
• In the North East, carol singing in local dialects is popular.
   
• Across India, churches host special masses, programs, and festive gatherings.
   

Q: What are some of the top Christmas travel spots in India?
A: Popular Christmas destinations include Goa, Mumbai, Sikkim, Shillong, Arunachal Pradesh, New Delhi, Assam, Nagaland, and Karnataka.

Q: Which festivals or holidays are observed in India during December?
A: Besides Christmas, December features several festivals like Rann Utsav, Hornbill Festival, Hot Air Balloon Festival, Magnetic Fields Festival, Perumthitta Tharavad, Chennai Music Festival, Karthigai Deepam, and Galdan Namchot.

Q: Which Indian cities are ideal to explore in December?
A: Top December travel destinations are Goa, Rann of Kutch, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Alleppey, Jammu & Kashmir, Manali, Rajasthan, Udaipur, and Dalhousie.

Q: Is December/Christmas season a good time for tourists to visit India?
A: Yes. December is one of the best months to visit India. The weather is pleasant, festive events are in full swing, and it offers an exciting experience for both domestic and international travelers.