Christmas is that time of the year when streets are glittering, houses are filled with warmth and the holiday spirit is infectious. Everyone comes together to celebrate, bake scrumptious delicacies, sing carols, share a glass of wine and just be merry. This is also the season when everyone gets off work and crosses borders to spend quality time with friends and family or get away to experience the spirit of Christmas!
With Christmas right around the corner, we have culminated 5 places across the country that celebrates this festive season in full pomp and glory.
5 Best Places To Celebrate Christmas In India
Shillong
The northeastern part of India has a large Christian population and Shillong is no different. Dazzling with lights and frills, the town looks spectacular, making it an incredible destination to soak in the festive spirit. The Shillong Catholic Cathedral, All Saints Church, and Laitumkhrah Presbyterian Church are definitely a must-visit. But most importantly, the night-long mass on Christmas eve, and the lighting on the century-old natural Christmas tree is a treat for the eye. Lastly, the quickest way to indulge in their local delicacies is to take a flight to Guwahati and catch a bus or train to Shillong.
Pondicherry
When it comes to Christmas, one cannot forget this once-a-French colony that boasts and practices French culture to this day. Pondicherry is beautiful and mesmerizing in December! From crunchy cookies, to colorful ornaments lining windowsills, and a horde of festivities, Pondicherry is a treat for the eye during Christmas. The all-night mass in famous churches like Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and Our Lady of Assumption Church, ensure a remarkable experience. And all thanks to our well-connected Indian Railways, the easiest way into this Union Territory is via a train to Villupuram, followed by a 45 min taxi drive .
Kerala
An Indian state with the strongest Christian population will not fail to give you a complete Christmas experience. Right from countless churches sparkling with colorful lights and homes decorated with trees and mistletoes to thousands of people celebrating with great vigor, singing carols at the midnight mass, witnessing the Christmas play, exchanging gifts, gorging on scrumptious feasts and even lighting a bonfire on the beach, you are in for a wholesome experience! So don’t think twice, just head over to Kerala for an unforgettable time via air, road, rail or sail.
Kolkata
Kolkata has taught us that we don’t need to be Christians to celebrate Christmas. The enchanting ‘City of Joy’ comes alive with light & sound exhibitions, rock band performances, glittering décor & heavy discounts. Kolkata loves to celebrate this festival with the same grandeur as they do for Durga Puja. But, what you’ll love beyond the city’s décor is the zeal with which people make merry during this festival. Getting there is simple and fast, either take a direct flight or hit Delhi and take the superfast Rajdhani or Shatabdi Express. And when you’re there, make sure to visit Nolen Gur – the Ambrosia of Bengal, the Christmas Carnival at Park Street and attend the midnight mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Daman And Diu
Probably not the best but definitely one of the most fun places to visit during Christmas because of their spectacular cultural shows, the Corridinho (Portuguese dance) show, midnight mass and the charm of millions of lamps illuminating the skies overhead. Daman is famous for its Church of Bom Jesus, the Church of Our Lady of Angustias, the Chapel of Our Lady of Rosary and Church of Our Lady of Remedies. While at Diu, the festivities start with the Public Fair in December which continues through Christmas into the New Year, and is up until Makar Sankranti. Daman and Diu are well connected by all major cities – it’s a drive away from Mumbai (170km) and Vadodara (300km) or a 15km drive from Vapi railway station.
If you love the Christmas vibe as much as we do, pick your favorite from our top 5 and get festive. Book your travel tickets and accommodation at one destination – Paytm and get packing. The clock is ticking, Santa is waiting and you are still reading… chop chop!
Before you go, Paytm Travel wishes you and your loved ones a holly jolly Christmas!
