7 Places to Head to for a Uniquely Indian Christmas Celebration

India’s best beaches, most historic churches, and most delicious food await you in the country’s unofficial party state this December. Home to over 400 churches, including the 400-year-old Basilica of Bom Jesus and Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, Goa gives you fantastic options for a midnight mass on Christmas Eve. If you would rather party it up, Goa’s vibrant beaches always put up stunning displays of fireworks, which is followed by beachside parties of varying sizes.

Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa Rd, Bainguinim, Goa 403402, India, +91 832 228 5790

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, Rua Emidio Garcia, Panjim, Goa 403001, India, +91 832 242 6939

A former French colony, Pondicherry is steeped in unique history, making it a must-visit location in India regardless of the season. However, Christmas is the time to travel to the city to experience its festive best. With beach gatherings, street fairs, parties and church events, Pondicherry is bustling with life all throughout December.

As our guide to spending Christmas in India’s City of Dreams will tell you, you will not have a single dull moment if you choose to visit Mumbai during this joyful season. The city is home to some of the country’s most historic churches, including Mount Mary’s Basilica in Bandra and Gloria Church in Byculla, both of which are great options for anyone looking to attend midnight mass. Mumbai also offers many Christmas parties, as well as street shopping fairs—particularly on Hill Road in Bandra and Colaba Causeway.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra West, Mumbai, India, +91 22 2642 3152

Gloria Church, Sant Savata Mali Marg, Byculla East, Mazgaon, Mumbai, India, +91 22 2372 6630

Hill Road, Bandra West, Mumbai, India

Colaba Causeway, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba, Mumbai, India

Christmas in Kerala is always a great idea. Home to one of the largest Christian populations in India, Kerala makes sure that Christmas is a grand affair. Cochin is among your best options for a vibrant Christmas filled with historic churches, street fairs, carols, delicacies, and fun. You can also partake in The Cochin Carnival, held during this time in Fort Kochi.

Among the country’s favorite hill towns, Shimla becomes a hot spot of tourist activity around Christmas. With plenty of Christmas Eve parties, bakeries, vibrant street markets, and churches, the city is among India’s most festive places during this season. While there is no guarantee of a white Christmas (you can venture farther north to Manali for snow), Shimla is chilly, making it an ideal place to cozy up inside on Christmas Eve night.