Top 10 Places to Celebrate Christmas in India, 2024!

TISHYA MAJUMDER -

Christmas in India is a time of joy, warmth, and celebration, blending traditional Christian customs with the rich cultural diversity of the country. While the holiday is not a national event, it is celebrated with enthusiasm in several regions, especially where Christian communities reside. From snow-capped mountains to sun-kissed beaches, India offers a variety of destinations to experience a unique Christmas celebration. Here's a detailed guide to the top 10 places to celebrate Christmas in India, covering hotspots, food, prices, and the overall vibe.

1. Goa

Hotspots:

  • Basilica of Bom Jesus (Old Goa)
  • Se Cathedral (Old Goa)
  • St. Cajetan Church
  • Anjuna and Vagator Beaches

Vibe: Goa is synonymous with Christmas celebrations in India. The coastal state, with its strong Portuguese influence, is home to numerous churches that host grand midnight masses. The lively markets, beach parties, and firework displays make it a festive paradise. During this time, streets and homes are adorned with lights, stars, and Christmas trees, making the whole state glow with holiday spirit.

Food: Traditional Goan Christmas food includes bebinca (layered dessert), sorpotel (spicy pork dish), vindaloo, and pork roast. Seafood is also a major attraction in the region.

Prices:

  • Accommodation: Prices skyrocket during the Christmas season due to the influx of tourists. Expect to pay anywhere from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 per night for decent accommodations near popular beaches.
  • Food: A Christmas dinner at a mid-range restaurant will cost around ₹1,000-₹2,500 per person.
Basilica of Bom Jesus (Source: MiStay)

2. Kolkata (West Bengal)

Hotspots:

  • St. Paul's Cathedral
  • Park Street
  • Bow Barracks
  • New Market

Vibe: Kolkata’s Park Street transforms into a festive hub during Christmas, with lights, music, and food stalls lining the streets. The Christmas carnival is one of the city’s highlights, drawing locals and tourists alike. Midnight mass at St. Paul's Cathedral is a moving experience, with carol singing and community prayers. Bow Barracks, a quaint Anglo-Indian neighborhood, also comes alive with festive spirit.

Food: Kolkata's famous bakeries like Flurys and Nahoum's offer delightful Christmas cakes and pastries. Local delicacies such as Anglo-Indian plum cakes, roasted meats, and Christmas pudding are must-tries.

Prices:

  • Accommodation: Hotel rates remain affordable, with rooms ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 per night.
  • Food: A traditional Christmas meal at a reputed restaurant costs around ₹1,500-₹3,000 per person.
Park Street (Source: Travel + Leisure)

3. Shillong (Meghalaya)

Hotspots:

  • Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
  • Ward's Lake
  • Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures

Vibe: Christmas in Shillong is a musical extravaganza, with the city resonating with carol singing and live performances. The local Khasi Christian community takes part in the festivities, decorating homes and churches with lights, stars, and nativity scenes. The midnight mass at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians is a must-attend for those looking to experience the spiritual aspect of the festival.

Food: Local Khasi dishes such as Jadoh (rice with pork), tungrymbai (fermented soybean), and roasted pork are enjoyed during the season. Christmas cakes and plum pudding are also popular.

Prices:

  • Accommodation: Prices are quite reasonable during Christmas, with guesthouses and hotels ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹8,000 per night.
  • Food: A meal at a local restaurant costs around ₹500-₹1,500 per person.
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians (Source: Thrillophilia)

4. Kerala

Hotspots:

  • Santa Cruz Basilica (Kochi)
  • St. Francis Church (Kochi)
  • Varkala and Kovalam Beaches

Vibe: Kerala, with its rich Christian heritage, offers a more serene and traditional Christmas experience. Churches like Santa Cruz Basilica and St. Francis Church in Kochi hold beautiful midnight masses, and the streets are adorned with stars and Christmas trees. In the coastal areas like Varkala and Kovalam, travelers can enjoy beachside Christmas celebrations.

Food: Kerala's Christmas feast, or Nalla Appam, includes dishes like achappam, meen vevichathu (spicy fish curry), and roasted duck. Plum cake and appam (rice pancakes) are also popular.

Prices:

  • Accommodation: Prices range from ₹2,500 to ₹12,000 per night, depending on whether you stay near beaches or in cities like Kochi or Trivandrum.
  • Food: A festive meal costs around ₹800-₹2,000 per person.
Kovalam Beach (Source: Kerala Tourism)

5. Mumbai (Maharashtra)

Hotspots:

  • Mount Mary Church (Bandra)
  • St. Thomas Cathedral (Fort)
  • Hill Road (Bandra)
  • Colaba

Vibe: Mumbai celebrates Christmas with a mix of religious fervor and urban festivity. Areas like Bandra, home to a significant Christian population, are adorned with lights and decorations. Churches such as Mount Mary and St. Thomas Cathedral hold midnight masses, while the streets of Hill Road in Bandra bustle with Christmas markets.

Food: The city’s bakeries, such as Theobroma and Candies, offer a range of Christmas cakes, mince pies, and traditional plum pudding. Restaurants serve up festive menus featuring roast turkey, pork vindaloo, and a variety of Goan dishes.

Prices:

  • Accommodation: Hotels range from ₹4,000 to ₹20,000 per night, with prices peaking in upscale areas like South Mumbai and Bandra.
  • Food: A festive dinner costs around ₹1,500-₹3,500 per person in popular restaurants.
Theobroma Cake (Source: Theobroma)

6. Pondicherry (Puducherry)

Hotspots:

  • The Immaculate Conception Cathedral
  • The Sacred Heart Basilica
  • Promenade Beach

Vibe: With its French colonial architecture and serene beaches, Pondicherry offers a calm yet vibrant Christmas experience. The town’s churches are beautifully decorated, and midnight masses are held in the famous Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Sacred Heart Basilica. The Christmas market near the beach and the French Quarter add to the festive charm.

Food: Pondicherry’s cuisine is a blend of French and Tamil influences. Expect dishes like Bûche de Noël (yule log cake), roast duck, and a variety of seafood.

Prices:

  • Accommodation: Boutique hotels and guesthouses range from ₹3,000 to ₹15,000 per night.
  • Food: A Christmas meal at a French café or local restaurant costs ₹1,000-₹2,500 per person.
Promenade Beach (Source: Pondicherryin)

7. Delhi

Hotspots:

  • Sacred Heart Cathedral
  • Connaught Place
  • Select Citywalk Mall (Saket)
  • Khan Market

Vibe: Delhi’s vibrant cosmopolitan culture embraces Christmas with gusto. Sacred Heart Cathedral is the focal point for midnight mass, while Connaught Place and Select Citywalk Mall are decorated with festive lights and host Christmas markets. The overall vibe in Delhi is lively, with street performances, carol singing, and shopping extravaganzas.

Food: Bakeries like Wenger’s offer traditional Christmas treats like fruit cakes, pies, and plum pudding. Restaurants serve festive meals with roast turkey, biryani, and more.

Prices:

  • Accommodation: Hotels range from ₹3,000 to ₹15,000 per night.
  • Food: A festive meal costs around ₹1,500-₹3,000 per person.
Select Citywalk Mall (Source: So Delhi)

8. Manali (Himachal Pradesh)

Hotspots:

  • Old Manali
  • Hadimba Temple
  • Solang Valley

Vibe: If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, Manali is the perfect destination. Snow-covered landscapes, cozy cabins, and roaring bonfires set the stage for a magical celebration. Christmas here is more about intimate gatherings, snow activities, and enjoying nature’s beauty.

Food: Local Himachali cuisine includes dishes like siddu (steamed stuffed bread), madra (yogurt-based curry), and roasted meats. Several cafés offer Christmas specials with a mix of Indian and continental cuisines.

Prices:

  • Accommodation: Expect prices from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 per night, depending on the location and view.
  • Food: A meal at a local café or restaurant costs around ₹500-₹1,500 per person.
Old Manali (Source: Tripoto)

9. Nagaland

Hotspots:

  • Kohima Cathedral
  • Mokokchung Town

Vibe: Nagaland, with its predominantly Christian population, celebrates Christmas with great enthusiasm. Churches are central to the celebrations, hosting masses and community feasts. Nagaland’s cultural performances, with traditional music and dance, add a unique local flavor to the festivities.

Food: Naga cuisine features dishes like smoked pork, bamboo shoot curry, and local rice beer. Christmas feasts are a communal affair, with families and neighbors coming together.

Prices:

  • Accommodation: Hotels in Nagaland range from ₹1,500 to ₹8,000 per night.
  • Food: A meal at a local eatery costs ₹400-₹1,200 per person.
Kohima Cathedral (Source: Thrillophilia)

10. Bangalore (Karnataka)

Hotspots:

  • St. Mary’s Basilica
  • Brigade Road
  • Commercial Street

Vibe: Bangalore's Christmas is a blend of spiritual and modern celebrations. The city’s churches, particularly St. Mary’s Basilica, are known for their grand midnight masses. Brigade Road and Commercial Street are decked out in festive lights, offering plenty of shopping and dining options.

Food: Bangalore’s restaurants and bakeries offer a variety of Christmas delicacies, from traditional roast turkey to Anglo-Indian sweets like rose cookies and kul kuls.

Prices:

  • Accommodation: Hotel prices range from ₹3,000 to ₹12,000 per night.
  • Food: A festive meal costs around ₹1,000-₹2,500 per person.
St. Mary’s Basilica (Source: Whats Hot)

Each of these destinations offers a unique Christmas experience, reflecting the diversity of India’s culture and traditions. Whether you prefer a beach party in Goa, a white Christmas in Manali, or a cultural celebration in Nagaland, there’s something for every type of traveler. From lavish feasts to peaceful midnight masses, Christmas in India is an unforgettable experience filled with warmth, joy, and festive cheer!