A very sunny Christmas in India

Christmas in India is a vibrant, colourful celebration. It is a joyful, inclusive festival that highlights India’s diversity, and a time of religious significance for the country’s Christian community.

Churches around the country are adorned with beautiful lights, traditional nativity scenes and colourful flowers. People of all religions exchange gifts and feasts of regional dishes and sweets are lovingly prepared.

If you’re looking for a Christmas holiday with a difference, India has so much to offer. Explore majestic palaces, the thrill of a private safari, yoga and meditation at a private retreat, or embark on a luxurious train journey through breathtaking scenery.  There are countless ways to spend the festive season in this wonderful country.

What are Christmas holiday traditions in India?

Christmas holiday traditions vary from community-to-community and region-to-region, but here are some of the most common ones you might encounter if you’re spending Christmas in India:

Processions: In regions such as Goa and the Northeast of the country, the streets come alive with street processions as locals mark the holiday with music, floats, and re-enactments of the nativity.

Decorations: During the festive period, many homes and churches are adorned with colourful lights, festive decorations and Christmas trees. Rangoli patterns provide a festive welcome, while mango leaves are commonly used to decorate homes, as the mango tree is considered sacred in India. If you visit during the holiday period, you can also see paper star lanterns hung outside homes to symbolise the Star of Bethlehem.

Family Gatherings: Just like the rest of the world, family gatherings are an important part of Christmas celebrations in India, with loved ones getting together to enjoy the festivities and exchange gifts.

Festive Foods: India is known for its delicious assortment of traditional foods and during the Christmas period, there are plenty of Christmas dishes to feast upon. Plum cake is a popular Christmas treat in the country, while other delicacies include rose cookies, kuswar (a mix of traditional sweets and snacks) and appams (thin pancakes).

Community Celebrations: There are many fantastic community get-togethers to enjoy, including Christmas fairs, markets, community feasts and carol singing. Charity is at the heart of many of these community events, with money often being raised for those in need.

Midnight Mass: Midnight mass on Christmas Eve is a central part of Christmas celebrations in India, especially for the country’s 20 million Catholics.

Fireworks: In areas such as Goa and other northeastern parts of the country, impressive firework displays light up the night sky on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Best places to visit for Christmas in India?

Whether you want to experience traditional celebrations or unique cultural festivities, there are a variety of destinations in India that are ideal for a Christmas visit. The best places to visit at this time of year include:

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state in India, is a fantastic place to enjoy a Christmas filled with fun, adventure and happy memories.

The state’s capital, Chennai, is famous for celebrating Christmas in a big way – visit the beautiful Santhome Basilica, enjoy the decorations at Phoenix Market City or visit the Leela Palace for a luxurious festive experience.

Ooty is another fabulous place to visit in Tamil Nadu. Here, you’ll find beautiful tea plantations and scenic valleys perfect for a winter getaway. Or, for ancient temples, including the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, a rich cultural heritage, and historic churches, head to Madurai.

With its French colonial architecture, prime location and luxurious accommodation, Palais de Mahé Pondicherry is a superb place to stay during the festivities.

Delhi

At the other end of the country, Delhi reveals the many layers of India’s history, culture and vibrant energy. Consisting of Old and New Delhi, the city allows visitors to enjoy bustling markets and serene, tree-lined avenues.

Delhi celebrates Christmas with so much love and enthusiasm, it’s a great place to visit during the festive season. In fact, many people believe that Delhi is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in the whole of India.

Whether you spend your days exploring the capital’s must-visit churches, such as St. Alphonsa’s Church, St. James’ Church or Sacred Heart Cathedral Church or you visit Delhi’s iconic malls and high-end boutiques for your festive shopping fix, you’re sure to leave with happy memories. Enjoy a Christmas Day dinner at one of countless high-end restaurants, take a guided tour of Old Delhi to admire the beautiful Christmas decorations or have a festive brunch at one of the city’s impressive five-star hotels.

Regarding accommodation, The Imperial, Leela Palace and Andaz are all great places to stay over the festive period.

Kolkata

Kolkata, the capital of India’s West Bengal State and formerly known as Calcutta, is one of the best destinations to visit in India over Christmas – there’s a reason it’s known as the City of Joy! From enchanting decorations on Park Street and Bow Barracks, to Allen Park’s Christmas market and special services at churches such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and St. Philomena’s Cathedral, there are plenty of things to see and do.

Indulge in a lavish Christmas Eve dinner at The Oberoi Grand or The Taj Benga. Book a scenic boat ride on the Hooghly River or soak up the atmosphere at one of the city’s many Christmas bazaars. One of the highlights of the festive season in Kolkata is the Christmas Carnival, held annually on Park Street, it is one of the largest in India and well worth a visit.

Kerala

Kerala, a state on India’s tropical Malabar coast in the country’s southwest, boasts a rich and multicultural society and Christmas is widely celebrated throughout the region with a unique local charm. Immerse yourself in the peaceful celebrations, delight in the local cuisine and soak up the cultural festivities that make Christmas in Kerala special.

The city of Kochi is famous for its magical festive atmosphere, with beautifully decorated homes, historic churches such as the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica and St Francis Church, and the vibrant, colourful Cochin Carnival.

For a different Christmas experience, embark on a private safari in Periyar National Park or Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and marvel at the tigers, magnificent elephants and other exotic wildlife. Enjoy an Ayurveda retreat with personalised treatments, yoga and meditation sessions for a restful break.

The Old Harbour Hotel Cochin, Philipkutty’s Farm and Windermere Estate will all provide a luxurious base for your stay.

Karnataka

Situated just north of Kerala, Karnataka offers the perfect balance of cultural diversity and stunning natural beauty, making it a great place to celebrate Christmas. Churches and streets are lit with twinkling lights and the beautiful aromas of plum cakes and mulled wine fill the air.

Some of the best places to visit in Karnataka during Christmas include Mangalor, with its coastal charm and delicious seafood, Madikeri, a hill town known for Raja’s Seat, and Mysore with its historical palaces, temples and museums.

Best Christmas food in India?

Food plays a central role in the festive celebrations of an Indian Christmas with a whole host of traditional festive meals on offer. Here are some of the Indian Christmas dishes you should try during your visit.

Kulkuls: Kulkuls are crispy, sweet and deep-fried cookies that are easily identified thanks to their shell shape design. They are particularly popular in India’s western states.

Plum Cake: Plum cake is a festive treat savoured throughout India. This rich and fruity cake is soaked in rum or brandy and is a must-try if you visit for Christmas.

Pork Vindaloo: This spicy dish made with pork marinated in a blend of spices, vinegar,

and garlic is especially popular in Goa.

Kerala Fish Curry: This creamy fish curry is typically made with mackerel or kingfish, coconut milk and common Indian spices. The dish is particularly popular in Kerala but is enjoyed throughout the country.

Indian Christmas Holiday Packages

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Book your exclusive Indian Christmas Holiday Packages with cazenove+loyd

For those who seek not just a trip but an unforgettable journey, cazenove+loyd offers tailor-made luxury travel that goes beyond the ordinary. Our personalised service and insider knowledge ensure every aspect of your Indian Christmas getaway is crafted with care, from handpicked accommodation to one-of-a-kind experiences that showcase the very best of each destination.

With access to private tours and hidden gems, we can elevate your holiday and turn your dream Christmas trip to India into a fantastic reality. Contact our team today so we can start planning your getaway.