Who doesn't want gifts? Who doesn't like the story of Santa Claus? Who doesn't like the yummy plum cakes?! Irrespective of religion or caste, festivals bring all people together. Christmas is one such festival which unites people and provide fun for everyone. India also has many Christians and Christmas is celebrated in all parts of India. In some places, the festival is celebrated in a grander way, hence they're the perfect Christmas holiday destinations in India.
Christmas means holidays, winter and gifts; many love to travel and enjoy the festivities in India. The former Portuguese and French colonies like Goa, Puducherry, Dama and Diu, etc. which have major Christian populations are some of the prominent places to visit during the festival.
Check out this list of 2020 Christmas holiday destinations that allow you to travel and celebrate the festival in India.
Puducherry
Puducherry was a major French colony for a long time in the history. Even today we can feel the French colonial charm in this Union Territory.
Christianity came to Puducherry during the French colonisation and today there is a sizable population of Christians.
Bascilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Andrews Church, The Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception are some of the churches where you can pray to the Lord. It is also a famous tourist destination, hence celebrating Christmas is very eventful.
Photo courtesy: Arun Katiyar
Goa
Portuguese inquisition in Goa converted many into Christianity. Hence, Christianity is one of the major religions here. One can find the place decked with lights and Christmas trees during the festival.
There are also many churches where you can do your prayers and enjoy the carols. Goa being the partying capital, hosts many parties and beach parties during the festival.
A travel around the beaches, churches and attending various parties make Goa a perfect destination to celebrate Christmas.
Photo Courtesy: Klaus Nahr
Shillong
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya is has good concentration of Christians. Hence, Christmas is one of the prominent festivals.
A visit to some churches like Shillong Baptist Church, All Saint's Church and Shillong Catholic Cathedral, Christmas shopping in Police Bazaar etc. are a must do things during the festivities.
A travel during Christmas will introduce you to Khasi-Garo Christmas and some beautiful places in this hill station.
Photo Courtesy: Ashwin Kumar
Manali
Tourists swarm to Manali in all seasons in India. During winter, it is a popular ground for winter sports. Celebrating Christmas in the actual snow is interesting and fun.
Trying some winter sports, snow ball fights, building a snow man and a drink in a nice cafe make your celebrations more eventful. Also, visit St.Anthony's Church for a traditional Christmas.
Photo Courtesy: David Bacon
Mizoram
Mizoram, a state of North East India, was a land of tribes. In the British era, most of the tribes were converted to Christianity.
Today it is one of the Christian majority states in India. A visit to some of the main churches like Mizoram Presbyterian Church Synod and Baptist Church of Mizoram during Christmas is a divine experience.
The green valleys and hills of Mizoram are not much explored and they're still developing destinations. A trip to Mizoram during Christmas will introduce you to the culture and the enchanting places here.
Photo Courtesy: Jhmar13
Diu and Daman
Daman and Diu was a portuguese colony along with Goa and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Situated on the coast of Arabian Sea, there are many beaches and historical sites here.
It is also a place which has many Christians, hence Christmas is one of the important festivals. Bom Jesus Church is an ancient church and a must visit place here. An offbeat travel to Daman and Diu during the festival will be memorable.
Photo Courtesy: Shakti
Kerala
In many parts of Kerala, Christmas is celebrated in a grand way.
Visiting churches like Holy Koonan Cross Church, Sanat Cruz Cathedral Basilica and St.George Ferona Church in Kochi.
Christmas shopping in Chalai market and Palayam market in Trivandrum and visiting churches in the coastal areas of Kollam are some of the ways to celebrate Christmas in Kerala.
Apart from being a famous tourist destination, the hospitality of people will make your Christmas more enjoyable in Kerala.
Photo Courtesy: Connie Ma