25 Best Places to Visit During Christmas in India for a Winter Getaway

With its diverse culture, traditions, and geographical features, Christmas is celebrated widely in India and is thus a wonderful place to be. From the frost-laden hilly areas of the north to the sultry sun-baked beaches of the south, Christmas is observed in India with love, admiration, and full traditional celebrations. 

This blog highlights Christmas destinations across India, from north to south and east to west, with festive celebrations. 

For this Christmas, let Upar Hotels be your home away from home! Hurry up and get 10% off on your direct booking of the rooms. 

Explore the Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in India:

Places in North India to Visit During Christmas:

1. Christmas in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Source: Google

Shimla, a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, has become famous for being India's most beautiful place during Christmas. Being in the mountains, this picturesque hill station presents a cheerful snowfall blizzard, making it one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in India. 

Major Highlights:

• Visit Kalka through the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train.
• Visit Kufri and enjoy skiing and tobogganing.
• Trek to Chadwick Falls.

2. Christmas in Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Source: Google

Located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is the best place to visit during Christmas in India. The town's snowcapped peaks and beautiful valleys make it a portrait-perfect setting for the winters.

Major Highlights:

• Indulge in skiing and tobogganing at Solang Valley or Rohtang Pass.
• Enjoy snowball fights and snowman-building activities in Old Manali or Solang Valley.
• Visit shops at Old Manali.

3. Christmas in Leh, Ladakh 

Source: Google

Leh, the chief town of Ladakh, is one of the best places to visit in India for Christmas, which hosts an interesting amalgamation of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, ancient monasteries, and culture. 

Major Highlights:

• Engage in Chadar Trek across Zanskar River.
• Visit Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, and Lamayuru Monastery
• Visit Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley.

4. Christmas in Gulmarg 

Source: Google

Whether you are taking a peaceful stroll between snow-covered pines and trees or sitting by the warm fire, drink in hand, the peaceful nature of the surroundings adds to the holiday spirit. These are some nice places to go for Christmas, where the serene beauty and cozy atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for a memorable holiday experience.

Major Highlights:

• Enjoy Gulmarg Gondola ride. 
• Engage in winter trekking and nature walks.
• Have fun in sledding and snowball fights.

5. Christmas in Delhi

Source: Google

Christmas in Delhi is the most interesting time that is filled with the spirit of the festival and the bustling capital of India. With the onset of winter and its accompanying coldness in the air, the spirit of the Christmas celebration in Delhi is brightened by thousands of lights and merry figures singing Christmas songs with a festive spirit in the air.

Major Highlights:

• Shop in Connaught Place, Dilli Haat, and Karol Bagh.
• Engage in DJ nights and dancing parties.
• Participate in Carol singing and Midnight Mass. 

6. Christmas in Nainital, Uttarakhand

Source: Google

The enchanting town of Nainital in the hilly terrain of Uttarakhand is even more beautiful at Christmas. The snow-covered pine trees, glimmering views of Nainital Lake, gorgeous Christmas trees inside buildings, and happy carols singing on the street make Nainital a winter archipelago that beckons both the locals and the tourists, making it one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in India.

Major Highlights:  

• Enjoy a cable car ride to the snow viewpoint.
• Go horse riding at the Mall Road Flats. 
• Participate in the Nainital Winter Festival 

7. Christmas in Lansdowne, Uttarakhand

Source: Google

The climate is generally cold towards the month of December, where temperatures during the day usually range from 3°C to 10°C and night temperatures fall down to below zero. It also begins to snow at the end of the month, giving a perfect picture of a town covered in a blanket of snow along with its outlying areas, which makes it one of the best places to visit during Christmas.

Major Highlights:

• Stroll in the pine forests wrapped in snow.
• Visit ‘Tip N Top’
• Enjoy winter sports and snow activities

8. Christmas in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

Source: Google

Himachal Pradesh's Kasauli is one of the cool places to go during summer or to retreat whenever winter sets in. Kasauli was developed in the 19th century by the British as a military base, and it has many colonial features, including antique cottages, churches, and winding, narrow roads. With its charming colonial architecture and festive atmosphere, Kasauli offers the best Christmas celebration in India. 

Major Highlights:

• Enjoy trekking to Sunset Point.
• Visit the Monkey Point.
• Trek on the Gilbert Trail.

Places in South India to Visit During Christmas

9. Christmas in Hyderabad

Source: Google

Hyderabad, which has a vast colonial history and a wide spectrum of cultures, celebrates Christmas in a typical yet cosmopolitan manner. Christmas in Hyderabad cannot be mentioned without speaking of the local Abraar and other Ethiopians and Indians who have been residing in this region since the 17th century. 

Major Highlights:

• Visit Nehru Zoological Park or Lumbini Park.
• Visit Qutub Shahi Tombs and the Golconda Fort.
• Shop at Charminar and Sultan Bazaar.

10. Christmas in Pondicherry

Source: Google

Pondicherry holds on to its vivacious coast and colonial French allure, but the place transforms into a wondrous destination during the Christmas holidays. There are several Christmas places to visit in the city where you can soak in the festive atmosphere. 

Major Highlights: 

• Walk in the delightful French Quarter.
• Street fairs around Mission Street and the French Quarter.
• Visit Serenity Beach or Auroville Beach.

11. Christmas in Bangalore

Source: Google

Bangalore celebrates Christmas in a pure and perfect mixture of tradition, culture, and modern-day celebrations. The unique combination of the metropolis and the vintage has provided a beautiful canvas for the perfect Christmas celebration in Bangalore. 

Major Highlights:

• Explore Bangalore Palace.
• Visit the Glass House.
• Visit the National Gallery of Modern Art.

Check out our Upar Hotels in Bangalore for more comfortable and promising accommodation during Christmas in Bangalore. 

12. Christmas in Coorg, Karnataka

Source: Google

Christmas in Coorg is characterised by scenic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the cheerful spirit of the holiday season. As one of the best places to go for Christmas, Coorg (Kodagu) is a region with a considerable history and a strong Christian influence, due to which Christmas has been celebrated in this place so passionately for years.

Major Highlights:

• Discover the coffee plantations.
• Visit Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, and Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary.

13. Christmas in Ooty

Source: Google

Ooty, popularly known as ‘Queen of Hill Stations,’ becomes a melting pot of festive travellers devoid of the holiday hustle and bustle. It is one of the top places in South India to visit for Christmas, offering an enchanting winter experience with its pleasant climate, foggy landscapes, and colonial-era architecture. 

Major Highlights:

• Enjoy trekking to Doddabetta Peak.
• Visit Ooty Rose Garden.
• Enjoy a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

14. Christmas in Chennai

Source: Google

Chennai, having a historical colonial past and a well-established Christian population, enjoys the festivities of Christmas with much zeal and excitement. Christmas celebration in Chennai is not only the celebration of the birth of Christ, but it also has a history dating back to its colonial tendencies in Chennai.

Major Highlights:

• Attend Christmas Fairs at T Nagar, Mylapore, and Spencer Plaza.
• Explore Santhome Basilica, St. Agnes Church of Patch, and St. Mary’s Church.

Also read: 15 Best Places to Hangout in Chennai with Friends for a Fun Day Out

Check out our Upar Hotels in Chennai for a luxurious, budget-friendly stay during the Christmas celebration in Chennai.

15. Christmas in Trivandrum

Source: Google

While parties and other amusements have their appeal, festivals like Christmas in Trivandrum have more to offer. Trivandrum is one of the nice places to go for Christmas, as the Kerala capital is blessed with a rich history of Christianity and its numerous communal activities.

Major Highlights:

• Shop at Palayam and MG Road.
• Rest at the beaches of Kovalam or Varkala.
• Enjoy a Christmas cruise on Vellayani or Neyyar Lake.

16. Christmas in Kochi, Kerala

Source: Google

Kochi, a city blessed with a colonial history, has very deep roots in Christianity, which extends from the introduction of the religion in the fifteenth century by the Portuguese-Catholic missionaries. The reign of the Portuguese not only helped develop Kochi but also changed the city’s religion and culture. As one of the budget-friendly places to visit in India, Kochi offers a unique Christmas celebration that blends Portuguese, Dutch, and Indian influences.

Major Highlights:

• Shop at MG Road and local markets.
• Take a scenic backwater cruise in Alleppey or Vembanadu Lake.
• Visit Santa’s Grotto.

Places in East India to Visit During Christmas

17. Christmas in Kolkata

Source: Google

India's cultural epicentre, Kolkata, celebrates Christmas with mixed traditions of Christianity and Bengali culture, making it one of the best Christmas places to visit. The advent of the British and their impact on Kolkata’s culture and religious practices made it possible for Christmas to be accepted as a celebration even among non-Christians. 

Major Highlights:

• Explore the Christmas Fair in New Market, Park Street, and Ballygunge. 
• Visit Victoria Memorial.
• Take a boat ride on the Hooghly River.

18. Christmas in Shillong

Source: Google

During the colonial period, Shillong Hills was established as a centre of British administration for the Jira Bahadar Khasis. Most of the city’s churches began to hold extravagant Christmas services, making it one of the best places in East India to visit during Christmas. 

Major Highlights:

• Visit Laitumkhrah Market and Police Bazar.
• Visit Ward’s Lake, Elephant Falls, or even Shilong Peak.

19. Christmas in Sikkim 

Source: Google

Christmas in Sikkim offers an unparalleled charm, transforming the entire landscape into a snowy paradise. The mix of snow-capped peaks, serene monasteries, festive streets, and Christmas celebrations make Sikkim an ideal destination. Sikkim in December is one of the best places to visit in India for Christmas, where memories are made, and Christmas truly feels magical.

Major Highlights:

• Explore Yuksom, Lachung, and Pelling.
• Visit Buddhist Monasteries. 
• Shop at Christmas markets in Gangtok. 

20. Christmas in Aizawl, Mizoram

Source: Google

Major Highlights:

• Explore Durtlang Hills, Solomon’s Temple Viewpoint, and Lalrindika.
• Visit Bazar Veng.

21. Christmas in Nagaland

Search: Google

Christmas in Nagaland is a period of happiness and oneness, which beautifully combines Christian practices and the ethnic tribal way of life. The celebrations commence with lights, Christmas trees, and Naga traditional stars adorning the interiors and exteriors of houses, as well as Thosia churches, making it one of the best Christmas places to visit.

Major Highlights:

• Visit Kohima village or Zunheboto. 
• Enjoy Naga Cuisine at local eateries.

Places to Visit in West India During Christmas

22. Christmas in Goa

Source: Google

With sun-drenched beaches, a rich culture, and a touch of Portuguese influence, Goa provides the most exciting experience of the best Christmas celebration in India. Goa’s history of colonialism and the existence of a strong Christian population make Christmas one of the most enjoyable holidays.

Major Highlights:  

• Take a stroll in Panaji and Margao.
• Enjoy parties on Baga, Calangute, or Anjuna Beach.

23. Christmas in Mumbai

Source: Google

Christmas celebrations in Mumbai are full of activity, exuberance, and festivity. The streets of the city are illuminated with lights, Christmas trees, and various other embellishments. 

Major Highlights:  

• Enjoy Christmas Fun at the Byculla Zoo.
• Visit Lonavala, Alibaug, or Matheran.
• Enjoy snowboarding or rollerblade skating in the Phoenix Market City Mall.

24. Christmas in Daman and Diu

Source: Google

Christmas in Christianity has played a significant role in Indian history and culture. Daman and Diu, are part of the present-day Indian Union and formerly a Portuguese enclave. As one of the best Christmas places to visit, the region's rich colonial heritage is reflected in its stunning churches and festive celebrations. 

Major Highlights:  

• Explore Daman's Nani Daman Beach.
• Relax at the beaches of Daman and Diu.
• Stroll through the Fort of St. Jerome and Diu Fort. 

25. Christmas in Dadra And Nagar Haveli

Source: Google

Christmas in Dadra and Nagar Haveli is peaceful yet celebrative. This area, being endowed with greenery and peace, provides a perfect environment for the Christmas celebration in India. The pleasant climate encourages one to explore the region’s natural beauty, thus making it one of the perfect places to visit in West India for serving a quiet and simple Christmas.

Major Highlights:

• Visit the tribal cultural museum in Silvassa.
• Visit the Sakarpali Lion Safari.

Conclusion

India offers a diverse range of destinations for celebrating Christmas, each with its own unique charm and festive spirit. From the snow-laden mountains to the sunny beaches in the south, there are numerous best places to visit for Christmas in India. Be it a peaceful retreat in the mountains, wild festivities in the metropolises, or a chance to embrace the local customs, Christmas destinations in India promise a memorable and joyful experience for every traveller.

The best hotel to stay at while travelling in India during Christmas is Upar Hotels. Known for its exceptional service, festive ambience, and prime locations, Upar Hotels ensures a memorable holiday experience.

Curious about the latest travel trends, hotel feedback, and travel tips? Explore our other blogs for the full scoop!