Ho Ho Ho… it is once again that time of the year when the jingle bells start to ring, and the sweet delicious cakes start going into the oven. Santa Claus gets ready to hop on to his sledge and paint the town red, as Christmas looms upon the world.

Xmas is truly a fun-filled and joyous festival in India. The entire country is transformed into a lovely fiesta to welcome Santa and embrace the happiness he brings with him.

You will find some of the best cakes, parties, and churches right here in India. Just seek and you shall receive. So, what are you waiting for pack up your bags and spend your Christmas vacations right here in these lovely places in India:

Goa

There is truly no better place in India than Goa to spend your Christmas at. From parties that last all night to traditional carols filling the churches- Goa has everything that you would want and more.

One of the best times to visit Goa, you will be amazed by how lively and marvelous Goa looks at this time. The beaches are dolled up with fairy lights, as crowds dance their hearts away. The lanes and houses always smell of Christmas cakes, and the restaurants are brimming with joy. There is so much to do in Goa during this time, that you won’t have a single dull moment. It is like the state has woken up from a long slumber and is all ready to party.

If you are craving for a traditional and homely Christmas, then look no further. Just visit one of the many churches in Goa. Attend some of the midnight masses and join the children as they hum melodious carol to liven up the Christmas spirit. You can also find yourself a homestay with a Goan family, and enjoy a truly authentic Goan style Christmas.

Don’t miss out on churches like Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and Santa Cruz Church.

Shillong

A lot of people tend to avoid the North East during Christmas, as they believe it isn’t as happened as the rest of India during this time. But, in reality, some of the North-Eastern states, especially Shillong, is one of the best places to visit during Christmas.

A wonderful Christmas getaway, Shillong has a large population Of Catholics, and thus, this state is bubbling with energy during this time.

The lovely city of Meghalaya transforms into a fairytale-like destination, as Christmas activities are galore. Engage in some fun-filled Christmas miracles, or just be a simple bystander and let the beauty unfold in front of you. If you are looking for an exciting and yet a little not so cliched destination for your Christmas holidays then definitely head to Shillong.

For those who think there ain’t any good places to visit during Christmas in the North-East, think

Pondicherry

Pondicherry in December, itself is a treat. What makes it even more appealing is the Christmas fever that grips the town during this time.

Enjoy a much-deserved break at the serene beaches as melodious carols form the nearby churches fill up the air. There are many cathedrals and gothic churches scattered all over Pondicherry for you to explore and pray at.

The entire town is so beautifully decorated with lights and streamers, that you will fall in love with the place almost instantly. Christmas parties and dinners are an everyday affair, and you will find people from all over the world coming here to celebrate this amazing festival.

Pondicherry has also been recognized as the best place in India to celebrate Christmas at, and there is no doubt that it deserves that. Make sure you take part in all Christmas activities like- decorating the Christmas tree, exchanging gifts and even baking cookies!

Kerala

With a heavy Catholic population, there is no doubt that Kerala has one of the best Christmas celebrations in India. The Christmas in Kerala is celebrated more in the traditional way, than by throwing parties or dancing the night away. Christmas here is still rooted in traditions and you will find the Catholic culture shining through the celebrations here.

In Kerala, you will not hear any loud music or parties that go on for the entire night, instead, you will have midnight masses, a huge feast, and carols that are sweet and soft.

Churches like Basilica of our Lady of Dolores Church, Edathua Church, and St. Francis Church are great places to go and marvel at the way Christmas is truly celebrated.

Thus, if you are looking for an authentic Christmas, that is far away from the maddening crowd then head over to Kerala and gorge on that lovely feast.

Mumbai

The City of Dreams truly transforms into an enchanting dream-like city during Christmas time. Small Christmas lamps and millions of fairy lights pop up in the streets and make the city look ever so magnificent.

Fruit cakes are sold in every corner, and the aroma will make you forget your diet. The collection of Christmas sweets are amazing in Mumbai, and you will be left spoilt for choice. There are Christmas markets that prop up in South Bombay, as the entire town is adorned with music, dance, and parties.

You must head over to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount to enjoy the amazing midnight mass, which is attended by a huge lot of people.

Kolkata

Once a stronghold of the colonisers, this City of Joy still bears the marks, which is especially in full display during the time of Christmas. There are very few places in India, that celebrate Christmas the way Kolkata days. The city comes alive, and there are so much love and vigour in the air at that time.

From amazing connects, to a light and sound show- Kolkata is at its best during this time.

The markets are bubbling with energy and lights that make the city look like a dream sequence.

During this time, you must also head over to New Market and sample some of the best plum cakes that you will ever find.

One of the best areas to celebrate Christmas in Kolkata is Park Street. Park Street changes into a literal fair, as karaokes, feasts and lights line up this happening area!

Bangalore

If your definition of Christmas and Christmas vacation is all about food, cuisine and the Christmas sweets- then you must head over to Bangalore. The elegant festivities start in Bangalore with culinary delights, as the whole city air starts smelling of cakes and desserts. There is a whiff in the air that ushers in the celebration of Christmas.

Make sure you enjoy plum cakes with ginger tea, followed by a rum-soaked cake.

You can also enjoy a wonderful turkey dinner that will make you crave for more.

Celebrating your Christmas vacation in Bangalore is like taking your taste buds to a journey of a lifetime! You do not want to miss this one.

Daman And Diu

Not a lot of people are aware that the little union territory of Daman and Diu is a Christmas wonderland!

Yet, this little town is filled with festivities, cultural shows, Corridinho shows, midnight masses and lights that make the town shine a thousand times brighter.

While it is little off the radar, your Christmas vacation here will be undoubtedly spectacular and you will enjoy every moment of your time here. Just watch some delightful cultural shows, or stare at the thousand lamps that are hung up on the streets, and you are surely in for a treat. You also can spend your time in the calm and serene beaches!

Make sure to visit St.Paul’s Church and the Cathedral of Bom Jesus.

Manali

Are you craving for a White Christmas rather than a beach Christmas? Are the hills calling you from afar? Well then, the lovely Himalayan town of Manali is exactly the place where you need to be.

Covered in pristine white snow, Christmas at Manali is surely a wonder. Head over to some of the tastefully decorated cafes and dig into a cup of hot chocolate to get into the Christmas cheer. You can also go skiing, or just sit by a fireplace as the town lights up the Xmas fever.

This little hill station of Manali also has some lovely churches for you to spend your time at. Just sit back and relax and let the Christmas fever in Manali engulf you and make you feel warm!

Lansdowne

If you are looking for a little more of a quiet Christmas, and want to stay away from the cacophony of noise that engulfs India during this time- then the lovely town of Lansdowne is your place to be at.

Lansdowne is a town in India that is still pristine and away from the commercialized hands of capitalism. Once you land here you will realize how refreshing the air is. You will see how unexplored, untouched and clean this little town is.

This charming hill station is the perfect place for you to catch your breath and take that much-needed break. Right into the arms of nature, Lansdowne is a great place to feel the Xmas spirit.

Gather up your friends and family, have a small bonfire, sing some lovely carols and exchange some gifts to have the perfect Christmas here at Lansdowne. Could one ask for anything more?

There are also some wonderful churches like St. Mary’s Church, Saint John Church at Lansdowne for you to visit.