India is usually stereotyped as a primary Hindu nation despite a secular one. With home to at least nine religions, India celebrates each religion and festival with equal zeal. With Christmas just around the corner and combined with New year, it’s usually a perfect time to take a vacation. If you’re seeking some of the unique places to celebrate Christmas in India, then keep reading.
The unique places to celebrate Christmas in India
Places to celebrate Christmas in India:
Delhi
Delhi tops my list of unique places to celebrate Christmas in India as you can feel the merry Christmas vibe in the country. The central Connaught place is lively during this joyous time. The malls and cafes are decorated with the prettiest Christmas trees and mistletoe. This is an amazing time the food connoisseurs to relish Christmas delicacies.
Even the brands like M&S, H&M & Zara among others offer various discounts. It is extremely easy to find the Christmas decorations in malls, markets & even on the road. Christmas is a fun time to spend in Delhi.
Places to celebrate Christmas in India:
Bangalore
Bangalore isn’t an obvious place to spend Christmas in India. But last year we were living in Bangalore due to my husband’s work, and our boys being just 2 and 4 years old at the time were big believers (they still are). So even though we were living in India with kids, we had to make Christmas work.
However, we weren’t the only ones searching for the Christmas spirit. There are a lot of Western expats and Christians spending Christmas in Bangalore! There are some beautiful churches that will celebrate a Christmas mass and you’ll even hear Christmas tunes blaring out from the odd auto (tuk-tuk).
On the run-up to Christmas, many of the big shopping malls will make a little effort with a Christmas tree and decorations. And I even found Xmas T-shirts in M&S for the boys (usual woolly jumpers were too heavy for the warm outdoor temperatures). But it was the 5-star hotels that really embraced Christmas, with foyers beautifully decorated, and even grottos to meet Father Christmas!
We spent Christmas Day at the Hilton Hotel as they were laying on a Christmas brunch and we could also enjoy a dip in the pool. Although it wasn’t your traditional Christmas dinner, we did manage to find turkey and roast potatoes amongst the curries and sushi (!?), although no sight of brussels sprouts. We even met Santa, although this one was a little suspicious as he wore a white mask and gloves… It was a fabulous day, and certainly a Christmas to remember!
– Jenny, Travelynnfamily
Places to celebrate Christmas in India:
Mumbai
Mumbai really is a city like no other. It is so densely populated with people and there is so much going on in Mumbai, that it truly is an explosion of the senses and a wonderful place to visit. And, as you might imagine, Christmas in Mumbai is no different! Though less than 5% of the Mumbai population is actually Christian, this doesn’t mean that Christmas is forgotten.
On Christmas Eve, you will find masses being held all across the city, in the famous churches and religious buildings such as St Mary’s Basilica. And it is not just the Christian population that joins in the fun. Christmas is a time that is celebrated in some form or other by many other religions. You’ll also find plenty of locations to buy your Christmas decorations and presents.
Mumbai is filled with street markets and bazaars and these are soon filled with Christmas trees and ornaments. One of the best places to stop off would be Hill Road in Bandra. If you’re in the south of Mumbai, then head to the ever-popular Colaba Causeway to find your share of Christmas treats and goodies.
– Bradley, Dream Big, Travel Far
Places to celebrate Christmas in India:
Shimla
Shimla is a perfect weekend getaway destination from Delhi which also doesn’t disappoint at all on Christmas either. The vast Christian community, the British influence and splendid mountainous backdrop make Shimla an amazing place to celebrate Christmas in India. Who knows it might even snow to make the Christmas merrier.
Places to celebrate Christmas in India:
Manali
If snowy mountains comprise your idea of perfect mountains then Manali should be high up on your list. Manali is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in India with the steep mountains and abundance of Pine trees all over. Head to Manali to enjoy a blissful vacation with family or friends.
Places to celebrate Christmas in India:
Chennai
Thinking of Christmas South India comes to my mind best. And why not, with the beautiful churches & beaches Chennai surely is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in India. The Santhome Cathedral sees some of the most beautiful Christmas decorations in India.
Places to celebrate Christmas in India:
Pondicherry
If you’re spending some time in neighbouring Chennai, then Pondicherry is its ideal partner for Christmas. The French culture, cuisines and beautiful facades and the exquisite churches include Pondicherry to my list of unique places to celebrate Christmas in India. Hop on from one church to another and the gourmet French delicacies are a perfect Christmas break.
Places to celebrate Christmas in India:
Goa
How can we talk of Christmas & New Year and not include the party capital of the nation in the list? Goa is perfect for all those whose idea of Christmas is the party mood on the beach. Goa becomes festive during this time of the year even making it a bucket list item for many. Head to Goa to party and pamper yourself with a perfect Christmas feast.
Places to celebrate Christmas in India:
Rajasthan
Rajasthan is not a usual Christmas destination in India but it is bustling during Christmas. The cool weather in Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and the wonderful camping in the sand dunes is my idea of Christmas with my loved ones. Treat yourself to an unprecedented Christmas in India.
Places to celebrate Christmas in India:
Kerala
The backwaters, the tea gardens and the capital Kochi are known for celebrating a fascinating Christmas. The hills of Munnar & beaches of Kovalam are ideal for those who prefer to celebrate a quiet Christmas. Although its high season for Kerala, it’s still merrier & quieter than Goa.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip now to any of these places to celebrate Christmas in India.
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Wow nice vlog post….
Bangalore, Chennai and Pondy were fun for me to visit Shivani. Plus I was in Bangalore and Pondy during Diwali. Christmas time must be special too; much warmth from locals and yep, with the weather too 😉