'Tis the season to spread cheer and be merry! With Christmas just around the corner, the markets are twinkling with stars and lights, we can hear the carols and smell cake in the air! If you too cannot wait for the jolly occasion to arrive, here are the best places to visit in India to celebrate Christmas 2019 with fun things to do, must-try delicacies and all the Christmassy feels!
A former Portuguese colony with over 400 churches, Goa basks in the glory of Christmas like no other place in India. The beach city is decked up with lights and decorations in every nook and corner with Christmas joy spreading all around. It's just the place to be if you want to combine the sound of Christmas carols with the beats of party music.
What to see & do
Go Church hopping in Old Goa to see churches like Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of St. Cajetan decked up in fairy lights and decorations; Attend firework shows at beaches like Anjuna and Calangute Beach. Go for the Midnight Mass at Basilica de Bom Jesus to welcome Christmas at one of the oldest churches in India. Be a part of the local culture by joining in the cake mixing ceremonies. Partake in Crib and star making competitions.
What to eat
Try the spicy Goan curry, Sorpotel which is an integral part of Christmas cuisine in Goa; Don’t miss Pork Vindaloo with plain boiled or jeera rice, a must-have christmas dish; Bebinca, a traditional Indo-Portuguese layered dessert is all you need for your sweet cravings on Christmas.
Our own little France in the South of India, Pondicherry is an ideal place to spend those Christmas holidays along with its sizable population of Roman Catholics due to the French influence. This gorgeous Union territory will make you forget all your worries and instead, will let you dine and dance to your heart’s delight.
What to see & do
Attend the Christmas music concert by the beach organized by the Singspirations choir; Stroll down the decked up Mission Street in all its glory; Shop till you drop at the Christmas Market or the Marche de Noel; Attend the midnight mass at the historical Immaculate Conception Cathedral, the 300-year-old mother church of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Pondicherry and Cuddalore, or at Domus Dei church in White town where mass is celebrated in three languages (English, Tamil & French).
What to eat
Ditch the usual plum cake and try Vivikam (or Puducherry) cake made with roasted semolina, pure ghee, and rum soaked nuts and candied fruits, traditionally served with a glass of Cognac; Get your hands on rose cookies from the local bakeries; Try traditional fish curries prepared during Christmas.
Most people won’t think of Kolkata as a place to be on Christmas but every inch of this Anglo-Indian Barracks neighborhood lights up in Christmas spirit. With people from all faiths coming together to celebrate Christmas, Kolkata is a great place to be in the holiday season.
What to see & do
Eat & shop your heart out at Park street Christmas carnival; Meet and take selfies with Indian Santas at Bow Barracks; Take a Christmas Eve Cruise on Ganges by Vivada; Go on a Kolkata Church Tour.
What to eat
Fruit cakes from the Jewish bakery Nahoum & Sons, which are also supplied to government houses, are simply unmissable; Ditch the usual hot chocolate and try Darjeeling tea at Flury's on Park Street; Don’t miss Biryani with kosha mangsho (Spicy Bengali Mutton Curry) followed by Nolen Gurer (date palm jaggery). Payesh is also a traditional Christmas meal which one must-try when here; Try Chelo Kebab from Peter Cat, an old well-known restaurant in Calcutta.
Now, what’s Christmas without snow, right? Manali is just the place for a snow filled, white Christmas. If you fancy skiing, snow ball fights while admiring scenic landscapes, then Christmas in Manali won’t disappoint you!
What to see & do
Enjoy and play in the snow outside; Walk down Mall Road and shop your heart out; Go for adventure sports like skiing in Solang Valley; Decorate a proper christmas tree like a pine or spruce, as you won’t get them in warmer places.
What to eat
Savour a local meal of Chha Gosht, a marinated mutton dish served with Sidu, a steamed and par cooked bread; Start your day with Patande, a Himachali version of crepes; Try some street snacks such as Babru, a Himachali kachori and Bhey, sautéed lotus stem.
Aamchi Mumbai, the western jewel of India is an amazing place to be on Christmas. With midnight masses conducted at famous churches all across the city, bustling markets filled with holiday goods for shoppers and lively parties in clubs, this city has something for everyone to do on Christmas. What's more is you can skip the cold inland weather if you're in this coastal city and enjoy a not so cold Christmas.
What to see & do
Embrace your spiritual side at Gloria Church, Byculla and Saint Andrew’s Church ; Attend Midnight mass at Mount Mary’s Basilica, Bandra and learn about the church's interesting history; Go on a shopping spree on Hill Road and Colaba Causeway to stock up on Christmas goodies; Party at Exo and Trilogy to welcome Christmas with a bang!
What to eat
Savour traditional Christmas pies, puddings, roast and stuffed turkeys and cakes at Brewpot and Doolally; Indulge in sweet desserts like plum cake at Mumbai's oldest bakeries like American Express and Hearsch.
Away from the hustle and bustle of crowded cities, this quaint little city celebrates Christmas in the most spiritual and holistic way. With a large Christian population, this entire city is in Christmas spirit throughout the season. With decorated houses and churches, local bazaars, and city-wide performances by artists, the whole city comes to life during the Christmas season. Known as the Music capital of India, the sounds of Shillong’s celebratory music add charm to the festival!
What to see & do
Attend midnight mass at the Cathedral Church, one of the oldest churches in northeast India; Join the pre-Christmas celebration at All Saints Cathedral; Listen to gospel music at live church performances across town; Go Christmas shopping at Police Bazar and Barabazar.
What to eat
Traditional Christmas food in Shillong includes Dohneiiong, a pork based dish with black sesame seeds which is served with Jastem (flavoured rice) and Putharo (rice cakes); Jadoh Snam, is another Christmas special dish made using rice and meat stock; Also try the traditional fruity Christmas cake prepared using brandy.
The nation's capital is a sight to behold on this merry holiday. Filled with winter markets, delicious brunches, decorated malls and Christmas fests, the whole city is abuzz during this season. Preparations start early with various Bazaars organized around town leading upto the main festival and on Christmas Eve, the whole city lights up.
What to see & do
Shop at Nappa Dori Christmas market before the final day ; Attend Delhi Christmas Affair at Akshaya Theatre for some family fun; Participate in Midnight Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Delhi's largest church; Visit German House in Chanakyapuri for the German Christmas Mela.
What to eat
Eat lavish brunches of roasted turkey and plum pudding at The Suryaa and Annamaya. Attend gala dinners at Le Meridien and Radisson Blu Marina to watch live turkey carving with unlimited drinks.
A city in the backwaters of Kerala, Kochi is one of the most underrated Christmas destinations. Each year at Fort Kochi, Christmas marks the beginning of Cochin Carnival, a week long celebration that includes soulful performances, culture shows, markets and competitions such as kabaddi and floor art. The whole city turns into a hub of cultural revelry filled with music, dance and amazing food.
What to see & do
Attend music concerts at the Carnival; Participate in sporting events such as kabaddi and kayaking; Visit the Carnival bazaar set up at Vasco Da Gama square; Check out the city's largest Christmas tree at Veli grounds.
What to eat
Enjoy roast Chicken and duck curry made in a traditional manner especially on Christmas; Do not miss the traditional Christmas Fruit cake available at the local bakeries; Try the Irani Pola, a fluffy cake made using a juicy layer of chicken gravy; Kuttiyappam (Kutti appam) is also a popular Christmas breakfast dish.
Feeling the Christmas joy and ready to celebrate the joyous occasion to your heart’s content? Head to these Christmassy destinations with all the ingredients for a truly Merry Christmas!
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