How to plan your Christmas weekend and unlock quick getaways to India’s best festive destinations
New Delhi: Christmas 2025 beckons with festive cheer across India, promising long weekend getaways filled with twinkling lights and joyous celebrations. From snowy hills to sun-kissed beaches, popular Christmas holiday spots in India await eager travellers seeking memorable escapes amid carol singing and plum cake indulgences. As the season unfolds, discover how to craft your perfect Christmas weekend in India, blending relaxation with vibrant traditions.
Planning a Christmas weekend in India starts with booking flights and stays early amid surging searches for the best places to visit in India for Christmas 2025. Whether chasing snowy hills or sunny shores, these long weekend holiday ideas in India ensure relaxation and joy. Ready to pick your festive haven? Dive in and let the celebrations begin!
How to plan Christmas weekend
Christmas Day on Thursday, December 25, 2025, naturally pairs with the weekend for a four-day long weekend in India, perfect for recharging amid festive fervour. Take Friday, December 26, off—many offices allow this easily, extending your break through Sunday, December 28, without dipping into annual leave excessively.
This smart move transforms routine holidays into extended Christmas getaways, freeing time for travel to dream destinations while avoiding Monday blues.
Top Places to visit in India during Christmas 2025
1. Christmas in Goa
Dive into beachside bliss with midnight masses at historic churches, fireworks over the Mandovi River, and lively parties at beach shacks during Christmas in Goa 2025. Savour Goan plum cakes and kuswar sweets amid twinkling lights—ideal for sun-soaked festivities blending Portuguese heritage and modern revelry.
Top places to visit in Goa
Basilica of Bom Jesus: UNESCO site with St. Francis Xavier’s remains, adorned in festive lights for midnight mass during Christmas in Goa 2025.
Anjuna Beach: Vibrant nightlife hub with flea markets and fireworks, perfect for beachside Christmas celebrations.
Calangute Beach: Queen of beaches hosting live music and water sports amid holiday crowds.
Se Cathedral: Asia’s largest church in Old Goa, featuring grand architecture and spiritual ceremonies.
Titos Lane at Baga Beach: Iconic party strip buzzing with shacks and festive events.
Top things to do in Goa
Attend midnight masses at historic churches for authentic Goan traditions.
Join beach parties with live music and fireworks on Christmas Eve.
Savour food trails in Fontainhas featuring kulkuls and neureos.
Participate in cake mixing and crib decorating at local homes.
Explore Christmas cribs in South Goa villages for nativity scenes.
2. Christmas in Manali
Embrace snowy magic in Himachal’s lap, where Solang Valley hosts skiing, bonfires, and live music for Manali Christmas celebration 2025. Stroll Mall Road’s festive markets for woolens and hot chocolate, creating winter wonderland memories with snowball fights and riverside warmth.
Top places to visit in Manali
Solang Valley: Snowy paradise for adventure amid Christmas bonfires.
Old Manali: Cozy spot for community gatherings and live music.
Hidimba Devi Temple: Ancient site surrounded by snow-capped cedars.
Mall Road: Festive lights, shopping, and street food hub.
Rohtang Pass: Breathtaking snowy peaks for winter views (weather permitting).
Top things to do in Manali
Ski and enjoy bonfires in Solang Valley during celebrations.
Shop for woolens and hot chocolate on Mall Road.
Attend dance programs and live music on Christmas morning.
Savour Christmas Eve dinners in snowy cafés with wine.
Join bonfire nights with games in Old Manali homestays.
3. Christmas in Shimla
Shimla’s colonial charm shines with Christ Church midnight mass, ice skating on The Ridge, and Mall Road aglow in Christmas lights for a white Christmas vibe. Explore Kufri’s snowy trails and craft markets, blending carols, snowfall, and cosy cafés seamlessly.
Top places to visit in Shimla
Mall Road: Twinkling lights, markets, and holiday shopping haven.
The Ridge: Festive decorations and ice skating rink nearby.
Christ Church: Gothic landmark for midnight mass and carols.
Kufri: Snowy trails and winter sports spots.
Jakhoo Temple: Hilltop views amid festive vibes.
Top things to do in Shimla
Stroll Mall Road for lights, wreaths, and gifts.
Attend midnight mass with choir at Christ Church.
Ice skate and join winter carnival games.
Ride the Kalka-Shimla toy train for scenic views.
Try Himachali dishes like siddu with hot apple wine.
4. Christmas in Shillong
Meghalaya’s Scotland of the East pulses with authentic carols, Police Bazar illuminations, and Khasi feasts in Shillong Christmas celebrations. Join midnight masses at vibrant churches, browse night markets for handicrafts, and enjoy live music—pure hill-town warmth and culture.
Top places to visit in Shillong
Police Bazar: Illuminated markets with fairy lights and reindeers.
Ward’s Lake: Colourful bridge and tree decorations.
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians: Stained-glass beauty for masses.
All Saints Cathedral: Colonial architecture and nativity scenes.
Umiam Lake: Picturesque views for festive relaxation.
Top things to do in Shillong
Shop festive handicrafts in Police Bazar markets.
Join midnight masses and carol singing at churches.
Explore Khasi cuisine amid celebrations.
Trek David Scott Trail for scenic adventures.
Visit Don Bosco Museum for cultural insights.
5. Christmas in Pondicherry
French Quarter glows with basilica masses, beachside markets, and Peace Garden feasts for Christmas in Pondicherry 2025. Wander Promenade’s lights, relish colonial sweets, and unwind in Auroville’s serenity—a chic mix of spirituality and seaside festivity.
Top places to visit in Pondicherry
French Quarter (White Town): Basilica masses and glowing streets.
Promenade Beach: Festive lights and seaside walks.
Peace Garden: Feasts and serene holiday spots.
Auroville: Spiritual retreats with Christmas serenity.
Beachside Markets: Colonial sweets and stalls.
Top things to do in Pondicherry
Attend basilica midnight masses in French Quarter.
Wander Promenade under holiday lights.
Relish colonial sweets at markets.
Unwind in Auroville’s peaceful vibe.
Enjoy beachside feasts and parties.
6. Christmas in Kochi
Fort Kochi buzzes with Santa Cruz Basilica events, Christmas Village stalls, and coastal carols amid backwater charm. Sample Kerala duck roast, join Veli Ground parties, and cruise festive waters—vibrant blend of tradition and tropical holiday spirit.
Top places to visit in Kochi
Santa Cruz Basilica: Key site for events and carols.
Fort Kochi: Christmas Village stalls and backwaters.
Veli Ground: Party venue with festive gatherings.
Mattancherry Palace: Cultural spots near celebrations.
Marine Drive: Coastal walks amid lights.
Top things to do in Kochi
Join basilica events and coastal carols.
Browse Christmas Village stalls.
Sample Kerala duck roast specialties.
Attend Veli Ground parties.
Cruise festive backwaters.
Pack your bags for a Christmas 2025 long weekend that sparks joy—which destination calls to you?
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