 "A perfect blend of tradition and modernity is witnessed during Christmas around India. Representational image/Pixabay")
Christmas is best celebrated by exploring beautiful destinations that know how to do it right. In India, it is a festival of interesting contrasts. The juxtaposition of snow covered mountains and sunlit beaches define the range of Christmas celebrations in India.
From intricate lightings to delicious food, many places in India are famous for their year-end festivities. Travellers who wish to have unique experiences and explore what’s happening around the country should check these places out.
Keeping alive traditional Christian rituals while inviting people to partake in merriment, here are the best Christmas holiday destinations in India to visit in December.
Goa
If Christmas along the beaches align with your vibe or you wish to try out something new this year, Goa is the best place to be. It ranks on the top when it comes to Christmas and New Year celebrations. It is a place with a rich mix of Portuguese Heritage and modern day celebrations. Witness the Midnight Mass at Basilica of Bom Jesus and shake a leg at varied musical events. Enjoy the Christmas markets around Panjim and Mapusa and checkout the Anjuna beachside celebrations.
Shillong
From beaches, we move to the ‘Scotland of the East.’ Yes, your heard that right. The picturesque landscape of Shillong makes it the most sought after Winter destinations in India. Images of fireplaces and chilly evenings define Christmas here. Shillong is known for its dazzling celebrations and frolic during Christmas. The iconic hundred year old tree at All Saint’s Cathedral is decorated beautifully. It is an ideal destination for a rich cultural experience paired with a relaxed hill station holiday.
Shimla
Talking of hill stations, one can never forget the classic white Christmas of Shimla. From the decorations along the Mall road to the special Mass at the Christ Church on The Ridge, the town comes alive in December. The ice-staking festival held at Asia’s oldest natural ice skating rink in Shimla draws in water sports lovers every year. Shimla is the perfect destination for families, couples and solo travellers alike.
Kolkata
Christmas in Kolkata is a seamless blend of old world charm and Urban festive rush. The enthusiasm to celebrate the festival is unmatched in the city. Park Street’s expansive lights, food, music and shops are the mainstay of visitors across the board. Plum cakes of New Market deserve a special mention. Cultural festivals and late night parties add to the revelry. Known for its inclusivity, the public celebration is enjoyed across communities.
Puducherry
Puducherry offers a distinctive Christmas shaped by its French colonial history. The age old tradition of carol singing sets Puducherry apart. Groups of people travel from door to door and sing carols to spread the festive cheer. Sampling local cuisines with hints of Tamil and French flavours is a rewarding experience for the palate.
Arpita Chowdhury is Sub Editor (Travel) at Firstpost. She is a writer, poet, and researcher with a strong background in human interest storytelling. She completed an MA in Journalism and International Affairs at University College Dublin in collaboration with CNN Academy. Her reporting and commentary have appeared in numerous national and international dailies. She runs on masala chai.