Christmas is not just a festival; it is a feeling. A feeling of love, happiness, togetherness, and joy. We all love the season and the traditions attached to it. But, for many, it is also a time to travel, unwind, and explore. Many like to take road trips and December is such a lovely time to hit the roads. So, why not go to a new place, amongst new people, enjoying local customs and hospitality? This is exactly what we are recommending here.
Unlike the usual, here are 5 destinations to celebrate Christmas at.
1. Go to Goa for Christmas
Yes! Take a road trip to Goa.
About 26% of Goans are Christians, and they celebrate the day like no other. Since Goa has a historical connect with Portugal, the customs and traditions have a touch of it. Similarly, the way Christmas is celebrated here, is also a reflection of the Portuguese style. The entire city is decorated with lights and candles and echoes with the sounds of carols and hymns.
Goa is a city of churches, and there are close to 400 churches here. Attending the midnight mass on Christmas night is sheer delight. However, the best place is the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church. It is one of India’s oldest churches.
The food, fervor, and festivity are tremendous here. There are dance parties, musical nights, and beach parties happening that go on till the wee hours in the morning. However, if none of these interests you, then just go on a ride through the city, and enjoy the light and fireworks.
Just two days after Christmas is the Sunburn Music Festival. This year also it’s on December 27 at Vagator Beach. International DJs play live, and music lovers from all over the world come to Sunburn. It’s a fun-packed, electric event with food, booze, dance, and frolic.
Going to Goa during Christmas is a great bet. Let our Scout plan the trip for you.
2. Merry in Pondicherry
Pondicherry, the French capital of India, is a great place to celebrate Christmas. The cultural appeal of this quaint little town is unmatchable with the French architecture, colonial culture, delectable food, and beaches.
Pondicherry has many extravagant churches. Like the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges (The Church of Our Lady of Angels), The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Church of the Assumption, the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, and the Church of Our Lady of Good Health. All these churches celebrate Christmas with the utmost grandeur. One must attend the midnight mass in any of these churches to experience the divinity.
The Christmas Market or the Marche de Noel is a must-see activity while in Pondicherry. It’s an age-old tradition where the markets are decked up with Christmas-themed decors while the shops sell plenty of pretty tinsels and stars to pick from. However, for those who want to enjoy a quiet festival, the beaches are perfect.
3. Christmas-y Shillong
If you want to experience the true essence of Christmas, then head to Shillong. It’s a small town but big on traditions. From carol singing to live bands, the city is bustling with happiness. Numerous bands and artists play gospel music, while the local dance troops perform throughout the city. You will also find people getting together to sing traditional hymns and carols. The overall atmosphere of Shillong, during this time, is happy and exciting.
While in Shillong, one must attend the midnight mass at The Cathedral Church. It is one of the oldest in the region, and people from all over the world come here. Another must-see thing is the Christmas tree at the All Saints Cathedral. It is a century-old fir tree that is decorated with lights and stars and looks like a tree from the movies.
Visiting Shillong for Christmas will be the best decision you will make. You can also do a road trip around Shillong and explore the entire state. For that, please connect with our scout to plan your trip.
4. Mumbai meri Jaan
So what if you can’t move out of the city during the Christmas holidays. Stay back and enjoy the festival in Mumbai.
The city has a vibrant Catholic community, and it’s a delight to see them celebrate Christmas. It’s a big celebration with homes, streets, hotels, malls all decorated with huge Christmas trees and lights.
There are a lot of churches in Mumbai, and all are renowned for their services. Therefore, attending the mass is a must-experience event. Mount Mary’s Basilica Church in Bandra holds the most popular mass and is flocked by people from across Mumbai. Similarly, Hill Road in Bandra and Church Gate in South Mumbai are also brightly lit.
There is more to Mumbai than just churches during Christmas. You can also do pub-hopping. There are countless high-energy night clubs around the city where you can party all night long. However, for those who enjoy shopping can head to the malls and enjoy the discounts that are up through this season.
If you enjoy high-spirited places, then Mumbai is a city that loves to party. Let our Scout plan your trip and make it a memorable Christmas holiday for you.
5. Christmas in Lansdowne
Well, if you are looking for an off-beat holiday during Christmas, then Lansdowne is the place. Nestled in the beauty of hills, this is unspoiled and untouched by people.
This is one place where you can celebrate Christmas with a little bonfire, barbeque, and soulful music in the company of your loved ones.
Not to forget that during winters, Lansdowne gets covered in snow. The entire town becoming white. In addition to this, Christmas decorations and lights make it a sight to behold. However, the temperatures might often drop to sub-zero levels, and it is, therefore, advisable to carry appropriate clothing. Our Scouts are well equipped with all the necessary details for a trip to snow-laden places. Reach out to book your holiday now!
You can also plan a road trip from Dehradun to Lansdowne. It takes only about 2.5-3 hours.
This Christmas don’t wait to go on that dream trip. Just connect with us and our Scouts will plan the perfect holiday – road trip for you. So pack your bags and let our travel experts take care of the rest.
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