Top 5 Places For Christmas Holidays In India

I love Christmas – the decorations, celebrations, trees, gifts! And there’s nothing like celebrating it in a special place. I make it a point to celebrate Christmas in different cities every year and trust me, am making memories for a lifetime. So if you too want to have a Christmas like no other, read through this list of the best places to visit in India, beyond the obvious (read Goa):

Shillong

The Cathedral Church in Shillong is one of the oldest in North East India and people from all over the world flock to this city to attend the Midnight Mass. As part of the pre-Christmas celebration at All Saints Cathedral, the century-old fir tree is illuminated and the priest talks about the joys of Christmas. The chiming of bells, warm greetings, melodious hymns and tall natural Christmas trees all add to the festivities.

Don’t forget to catch a live musical performance by one of the local bands as you visit Shillong during Christmas holidays. You can hear some of them play Gospel music in the churches as well. Local dance troops also showcase their talent at venues across the city. Plan a trip to Shillong in these Christmas holidays and get set for a fantastic time!

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Mumbai

Christmas is celebrated with much vigour and zest in Mumbai, a great place to spend your Christmas holidays. While the malls and markets are all decked up with Christmas trees, arty decorations and lights, they also offer attractive discounts. Among other places, Church Gate, Bandra and Hill Road are brightly lit up with many terrific Christmas trees on the sidewalks. I was in Mumbai last Christmas and went to Mount Mary’s Basilica, Bandra to light a candle during the Midnight Mass. It is believed that doing so can make your wish come true…it worked with me! Wink wink.

Mumbai is also a city that loves to party and Christmas is definitely one of the best times to experience this. Countless high-energy night clubs dot the city so there are ample options for you to pick from. There are many Christmas holiday deals available for Mumbai so make sure you book in advance to avoid last minute disappointment.

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Read more: 3-Star Hotels in Mumbai for a Fab Stay without Breaking Your Bank

Pondicherry

India’s Little France makes for a beautiful place for a traditional Christmas. The popular Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus must not be missed during the festive season. They have lovely Christmas decorations and lights and the Mass is held in Tamil. The locals are high on energy during Christmas in this seaside town and there is anticipation and excitement in the air. Enjoy a peaceful celebration as you spend your evening at a beach, gazing at the endless ocean waves with your loved one.

Book Your Flight to Chennai

Lansdowne

Scouting for someplace to celebrate Christmas away from the crowd? This is it! Unspoilt and untouched, Lansdowne will give you the much-needed break from busy everyday life. Head to this hill station with friends, family or that special someone to make your Christmas holidays memorable. Plan your own little celebration in the hills with a bonfire, some music, beautifully decorated Christmas trees and gift exchanges.

The serene hilltops, pines and oaks and crisp invigorating mountain air promise to make everything all the more magical.

Book Your Flight to Dehradun

Kerala

Every street in Kerala has beautiful Christmas decorations to brighten up your mood. What’s more, churches all over have a Midnight Mass which includes an enactment of Lord Jesus’s birth scene, carol singing and more. While the cathedrals and churches come alive with this, the backwaters have a charm of their own. The relaxed ambience of the houseboats infused with the festive air is ideal for Christmas holidays.

The food during Christmas celebrations in Kerala just can’t be missed. The Christmas feast consists of Achappam, bread with fish molly, beef curry and traditional Kerala sweets. If you’re planning a visit, start looking for Christmas holiday deals right away to avoid sky-high prices!

Book Your Flight to Cochin

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Read more: The Best Ayurvedic Luxury Resorts in Kerala to Pamper Your Mind, Body and Soul

I am definitely spending my Christmas holidays at one of these places. What about you?