Best Place to Visit in India to Celebrate Christmas 2025

Snow and Christmas when combined make a perfect setting for this most awaited festival; it enhances the spirit of the festival. The bewitching beauty and charisma of the hills make the aura look more alluring during Christmas. The exotic pine trees appear like Christmas trees, these pine trees look beautiful when covered in snow and decorated with lights and accessories. The whole sight is very attractive and looks so appealing at night. If you wish to experience the exact Christmas atmosphere, you may even opt to book a log hut in which you may enjoy living under starry nights as well while experiencing Christmas. Further, make your Christmas holiday more memorable by planning your tour with Manali along with MakeMyTrip.

Holidays in Manali, with snow-capped mountains and romantic wooden cottages, enhance the festive mood of Christmas even more, creating a real wonderland for its visitors. Gifting this hill station, combined with the beauty of peace and the joy of Christmas, makes such a place a great place to visit during this festival.

Top places to visit in Manali during Christmas

Mall Road:

The heart of Manali, the Mall Road, is decked out in decorations and buzzes with cheer. From shopping and dining to the most fun-filled activities for Christmas, this area is where most of the fun takes place.

Solang Valley:

Located a short distance from Manali, Solang Valley is famous for its beautiful views and adventurous winter sports. It would be a great place for a White Christmas.

Rohtang Pass:

If it can be reached, the Rohtang Pass offers an unforgettable view of snow-white mountains and unblemished beauty. Nature lovers should visit it once.

Old Manali:

It is known for its rustic charm with its serene Old Manali, where one can enjoy a calm and cozy Christmas amidst apple orchards and traditional Himachali homes. A Magical Christmas in Manali

Take a trip to the Himalayas this holiday season and create memories that will last a lifetime. Christmas in Manali is not just a celebration it is a magical journey amidst stunning winter scenery.

Goa, also known as the party paradise and the beach capital of India, turns into a festive wonderland during Christmas. The destination is a hub of tourists who throng the place to enjoy its grand Christmas celebrations. The entire region is beautifully decorated with colorful lights and stunning floral decorations that create a magical atmosphere wherever you go.

For all party animals, Goa clubs and bars are alive with revelry as Christmas comes with plenty of celebrations. Added to this festive flavor is a slew of music festivals organized here, which add flavor to the experience. There's just no dearth of activities in Goa for Christmas.

Christmas destination Goa is known for its vibrant beaches, lively nightlife, and deep cultural heritage. During Christmas, this already vibrant destination transforms into a festive paradise. Celebrations in Goa are a blend of religious devotion and festive fun. Churches central to Goa's Christian community are beautifully decorated, and events like midnight mass bring people together in a spiritual celebration.

Why celebrate Christmas in Goa

Beautiful Churches:

Many old churches in Goa like the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception make for a beautiful backdrop on Christmas. The midnight mass is an experience you must try.

Festive Atmosphere:

All the streets, markets, and even houses in Goa become very colorful with starlights and Christmas trees; that too creates fairy-like magic everywhere.

Beach Celebrations:

Goa’s beaches are ideal for Christmas parties. From bonfires to live music, beaches like Baga, Anjuna, and Calangute have a festive atmosphere like nowhere else.

Delicious Food:

Enjoy Goan Christmas specials like plum cake, roast chicken, bebinca, and other traditional foods at local bakeries and restaurants.

Music and Dance:

Goa’s love for music and dance flows during Christmas, when there are carol-singing, live bands, and dance parties all across the state.

Things to Do During Christmas in Goa

Attend Midnight Mass, Explore Christmas Markets, Beachside Parties, Cruise and Sunset Views, and Experience Goan Culture.

Christmas in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, this serene union territory that lies in between Gujarat and Maharashtra, is something one should never miss to make their Christmas holidays special and refreshing, a break from the rush and chaos of cities, which is associated with dense foliage, a rich tribal culture, and peaceful ambiance. Christmas is celebrated with all the simplicity and warmth of the local people.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli might not be the usual Christmas destination but, with its serene charm, natural beauty, and cultural richness, it is a perfect destination to celebrate Christmas in an unorthodox way. Be it through enjoying the scenic beauty or appreciating the warmth of traditional culture, Christmas in Dadra and Nagar Haveli will surely be soulful and memorable.

Why Dadra and Nagar Haveli for Christmas

Peaceful Scenario:

Away from the clamors of city life, the serene and calm nature that Dadra and Nagar Haveli offer brings everyone in the family together in celebrations with loved ones.

Natural Beauty:

The vast natural beauty through forest coverage, rivers, and wild animals adds to the splendor of this land enhancing festive spirits.

Cultural Fusion:

It will give a unique expression both for faith and native practice-Portuguese and tribal influence.

Warm Hospitality:

The people here are very hospitable, and during festivals, they make visitors feel at home.

Things to Do During Christmas in Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Visit Churches, Enjoy Tribal Culture, Local Delicacies, Explore Nature, Festive Markets

With beautiful weather during December, pristine beaches suited for relaxation, and impressive Gothic churches and cathedrals with fine decoration pieces, Pondicherry delivers an unforgettable Christmas trip within India. The festival air is filled with crumbled cookies, gift distribution in diverse colors, the aesthetic look of festooned Christmas trees, and several things for travelers to indulge themselves in. When there is so much to enjoy, a Christmas tour to Pondicherry is inevitable. It's no wonder that this beautiful destination finds a place among the top destinations in India to spend the holiday season.

Christmas in Pondicherry is a perfect mix of spirituality, culture, and celebration. Whether it is attending mass in a historic church having a festive meal by the sea, or walking through beautifully lit streets, the city promises a memorable holiday.

Make your Christmas extraordinary in the charming and festive city of Pondicherry.

Why Pondicherry for Christmas

Breathtaking Churches:

The city has some of the oldest churches in the world, such as Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Conception Cathedral. The churches are decorated so beautifully during Christmas. The midnight masses here are spiritual and heartwarming.

Festive Decor:

Pondicherry's streets, cafes, and buildings are decked with sparkling lights and decorations, making it a magical place.

Beachside Celebrations:

Experience a peaceful yet festive Christmas atmosphere by the sea at tranquil beaches like Promenade Beach and Paradise Beach of Pondicherry.

French Food:

Savor yule logs, croissants, and other gourmet delicacies offered by the charming cafes and bakeries in the city.

Cultural Melting Pot:

The city combines the best of Indian and French traditions in perfect harmony, making Christmas a special affair.

Top Places to Stay in Pondicherry During Christmas:The Promenade, Le Pondy Beach Resort, Maison Perumal, La Villa, Villa Shanti and Palais de Mahe

Things to Do During Christmas in Pondicherry

Explore Christmas Markets, Attend Midnight Mass, Beachside Activities, Feast on Christmas Specials, and Walk Through French Quarters

Delhi, India's capital city, vibrates during Christmas time with shining lights, decorated churches, and a market bustle. It perfectly combines the traditional and modern characteristics of Christmas celebrations, making it a very exciting destination for Christmas.

Delhi celebrates Christmas with the same fervor as it does any other festival. This is why it stands atop the list of places to visit for the Christmas holidays in India. The city erupts into a vibrant festivity with stylishly decorated malls, elegantly adorned streets, and theme parties held by clubs. Cafes and restaurants design special menus for the festival, which adds to the festivity. The festive gaiety fills every nook and corner, providing thousands of fun places to visit during the festival. Without a doubt, Delhi stands out as one of the best places in India to celebrate Christmas.

Why Go to Delhi for Christmas

Gorgeous Churches:

Some of the beautiful churches are Sacred Heart Cathedral, St. James' Church, and Cathedral Church of the Redemption where midnight mass takes place and is decorated with all colorful lights.

Festive Markets:

Connaught Place, Dilli Haat, and Khan Market become an extravaganza of Christmas shopping that provides one-of-a-kind gift items, decorations, and festive food.

Christmas Events:

Delhi arranges several Christmas carnivals, concerts, and plays especially in malls such as Select Citywalk and DLF Promenade during the festive season.

Dining:

Christmas cakes to special meals: Cafes and restaurants such as Big Chill and Diggin also arrange special holiday menus.

Shillong, very often called the "Scotland of the East," is certainly one of the most idyllic places in India in which to celebrate Christmas. Situated in the mountains of Meghalaya, this beautiful city changes face into a festive wonderland during the Christmas season. The cool climate, resplendent decorations, and deep-rooted Christian practices make Shillong just the right destination to see a joyous yet quiet Christmas.

Christmas in Shillong is a rich blend of spirituality, music, and natural beauty. Deep faith, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscapes make up the city, promising to be a festival. Celebrate Christmas in Shillong for an experience filled with joy, music, and unforgettable memories.

Why Celebrate Christmas in Shillong

Rich Christian Background:

Christmas in Shillong, with its influential and sizable Christian population, celebrates this festival with much fanfare. Churches like the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians illuminate well and host spectacular midnight masses.

Festive Setting:

The city streets, houses, and open areas shine bright with lights, beautiful decor, and many colors it is really an ethereal experience

Communitarian Celebrations:

The area's people gather for carol singing, stage plays, and community feasts that make the festive season cozier and more inclusive.

Music and Events:

As the music capital of India, Shillong reverberates with Christmas festivities where concerts, carol singing, and live performances form the core of the celebrations.

Scenic Beauty:

With its misty hills and luscious greenery, the natural beauty of Shillong provides a serene environment to celebrate Christmas.

Things to Do During Christmas in Shillong

Attend Midnight Mass, Enjoy Carol Singing, Visit Festive Markets, Indulge in Local Feasts and Experience Live Music

Places to Stay in Shillong During Christmas:Pinewood Hotel, Hotel Polo Towers Shillong, Woodland Hill Stay

Daman and Diu, two tiny coastal territories on the western coast of India, provide an opportunity to have a silent yet merry Christmas. This place is popular for its pristine beaches, colonial architecture, and rich local culture. Such destinations are apt for quiet celebrations, which do not necessarily mean there's no festivity. Vibrant lights adorn Daman and Diu during Christmas time, filled with age-old traditions, community spirits, and gaiety. Whether you are at the peaceful beaches or visiting old churches, Daman and Diu create an ideal setting for a memorable Christmas trip.

Daman and Diu are perfect places for all those who want to relax and celebrate Christmas in the midst of a peaceful atmosphere yet vibrant surroundings. While beautiful churches, beach parties, and more make their way into the region where holiday cheer meets scenic beauty, it is an absolutely unique destination for Christmas celebrations.

Why Go to Delhi for Daman and Diu

Go for Midnight Mass:

There is St. Paul's Church in Daman that can offer you a calm Christmas Eve mass that will complement your Christmas experience.

Visit Christmas Markets:

During Christmas, the markets of Daman are wonderfully lit to give you the best avenue for shopping for local handicrafts, Christmas ornaments, and other special gift items.

Bask in the Beaches:

Spend a tranquil Christmas day at the beach. You can relax, take a stroll along the shoreline, or just enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Christmas Feasts:

Sample traditional Goan and Portuguese-inspired Christmas dishes at local eateries, such as Xmas cakes, Roast Pork, and Bacalhau (salted cod).

Join Beach Parties:

Some of the resorts and hotels on beaches in Daman and Diu organize beach parties with music and dance along with bonfires, giving some fun-filled and jubilant joy.

Kerala is often coined as "God's Own Country," an enchanting destination where Christmas is celebrated in a unique way. It is known for its luscious landscapes, silent backwaters, and ancient cultural heritage. Christmas, therefore, is celebrated enthusiastically and fervently in this state. With a great number of Christians in this state, Christmas is considered a grand occasion, with full-fledged decorations, lively festivities, and traditional customs that seem to fill the air. From historic churches to backwaters, from the fine local cuisine to the general culture, Kerala is sure to provide the ideal setting for celebrating the holiday season.

Why Kerala for Christmas

Long-standing Christian Tradition:

Christmas is observed with great devotion in Kerala, which has an ancient Christian tradition. This region houses some of the oldest churches in India. Some of them include St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church in Kochi and Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi, where midnight masses and spiritual gatherings are the central theme of the celebration.

Festive Decorations:

Christmas is an exhilarating time for the light fittings in Kerala's churches, and homes, and the roads are colorful with bright star-like lights and the nativity scene. And for families and communities coming around in glee, nothing feels merry.

Tasty Christmas Recipes:

The Christmas feast in Kerala is a perfect blend of traditional Christian dishes and local specialties. You can relish various festive foods like Kerala Christmas cake, Appam, Stew, and Pazham Pori (banana fritters). Seafood lovers can relish freshly prepared Keralan fish curry and other coastal delicacies.

Backwater Celebrations:

Kerala's backwater is the best place through which Christmas can be a unique experience. Some resorts even houseboats organize special parties for Christmas and spend the Christmas holidays amidst the beauty of backwaters.

Mumbai is the commercial capital of India and is renowned for its bustling atmosphere, rich cultural diversity, and spirit of vivacity. Therefore, this city is really exciting for celebrating Christmas. The holiday season brings festive wonderlands to the city, and stunning decorations make the event look even more lively with community-oriented happenings. From sparkling lights along Marine Drive to grand Christmas masses in ancient churches, Mumbai offers a different and lively Christmas experience. Whether it is fun at the party or mouthwatering Christmas treats, the charm of Mumbai will make your Christmas celebrations memorable.

Bombay, or Mumbai, is one of those cities that have so wholeheartedly accepted all cultures that prevail in India and allow people from all different religions to live in perfect harmony with each other. Christmas celebrations are at their peak here, and the joy spreads all over the place. Places like Hill Road, Bandra, and Churchgate are the grand celebrations of Christmas. Almost every church in the city conducts a midnight mass, which allows you to feel the spiritual nature of the festival. Then, the fun and excitement of Christmas in the city of dreams are best experienced at the pubs and bars, which are alive with activities.

Kolkata, being often called the "City of Joy," transforms into a wonderful land of Christmas. A city with rich colonial heritage and cultural diversity, Kolkata is full of enthusiasm and grandeur for the holiday. Vibrant lights, color decorating, and lively celebrations come alive in the streets, churches, and landmarks of the city. From midnight masses at ancient churches to Christmas markets that never sleep, Kolkata is a feast for the soul, traditions, and festive spirits.

Kolkata, fondly called the 'City of Joy', celebrates Christmas with great pomp and glory. Kolkata's most iconic Park Street is decked up with lights, stars, and various decorations to transform the place into a fairyland. All the pubs and bars on the street remain open all night during the festival and the city remains a party ground. Enjoy Christmas treats with mouth-watering sweets at the sweet shop Flurries.