Christmas is almost there and so is a long and festive weekend. It is a good time to pack your bags and explore some of the famous Christmas Destinations in India. Celebrate Christmas in some of the most lively places in India that stay awake all through these festivities with cities decorated in lights, bells and the smell of plum cakes and candies luring you into the bakeries. Do not sit back home and spend these long holidays doing nothing, explore some of the most enchanting places across the country during Christmas.

Goa

Image source-Polka Cafe During Christmas, the churches and cathedrals in Goa are decorated beautifully with lights and flowers and midnight mass prayers are conducted in churches. One must surely be a part of these rituals while listening to the little children singing melodious carols. You can enjoy at the night long beach parties with cocktails in bars and pubs. This is truly the place you would want to be on Christmas. Must Visit Churches: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and Santa Cruz Church Also, visit- Indias Smallest State Is Also One Of Indias Famous Tourist Spot Goa

Shillong

Image source-nexplore.org This North Eastern city in India has a fair population of Catholics who celebrate Christmas in full fervor and zeal. This city in Meghalaya can be considered to be one of the best Christmas Getaways in the country with the fun and engaging Christmas activities that are organized here, The Churches are decorated beautifully and you can see a rhythm of enjoyment and happiness all around with people dressed for the occasion and markets flooded with Christmas offerings. Must Visit Churches: Mary Help of Christians Cathedral

Pondicherry

Image source-Flickr This beach place in India has numerous gothic churches and cathedrals that are magnificently decorated around the Christmas days and prayers are offered. The weather also remains pleasant during this time of the year for you to enjoy at the beach. From cookies, gift exchanges, Christmas trees, and a number of activities Pondicherry offers all the Christmas happiness to its tourists and hence it is one of the most recommended places to visit around Christmas. Must Visit Churches: Domus Dei Cathedral Also visit-Pondicherry: The New Goa

Kerala

Image source-avis.co.in Kerala is the seat of Christianity in India and hence there cannot be an any better place than this around Christmas. You can sing carols at the midnight mass, view the Christmas play, overeat on the local feast or simply have a peaceful bonfire on the beaches for an unforgettable experience. You will never run out of options as to what to do, you will find festivity wherever you go in here. Must Visit Churches: Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores Church, St. Francis Church, Edathua Church Also visit-Best Tourist Places to Visit in Kerala

Mumbai

Image source-YouTube Mumbai celebrates every festival in full swing and so does it celebrate Christmas. With fancy decorated Christmas trees on the sidewalk and malls and market place lit up with Christmas lights and the appetizing scent of cakes and date rolls hanging in the air, you will see it all in Mumbai. Lights, music, food, smiles, Santa Claus, you will find everything and everybody in a jovial mood here. So enjoy a great time on Christmas in Mumbai, the city of dreams. Must Visit Churches: Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, St. Thomas Cathedral, Afghan Church

Kolkata

Band performances, glittering dcor and heavy discounts wherever you go, Kolkata knows how to celebrate Christmas in its own style. Like any other festival in Kolkata , Christmas is also celebrated in full swing here as it has so many Christians residing here. You will find Santa is almost all the stores across the city, at some places giving away small gifts to make up your day. So pack your bags and enjoy Christmas in a completely happy way here in Kolkata. Must Visit Churches: St. Pauls Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus, St. Philomenas Cathedral

Bangalore

Image source-Quotemykaam.com The city turns into a feasting place during Christmas. It offers some of the most tempting cuisines and desserts around Christmas. On Christmas eve, do visit the Koshys and enjoy their plum cake & ginger tea, then head towards Thomsons Bakery for the rum-soaked cake, and if you still have some space to eat go to the Caperberry for a tempting turkey dinner. Around Christmas the streets are filled with youngsters enjoying the festivities and it hence smiles all around. Take a break and visit Bangalore this Christmas. Must Visit Churches: Infant Jesus Church and the St. Francis Xaviers Cathedral

Daman and Diu

Image source- Tour Travel World The city around this time has several artistic shows, Corridinho (Portuguese dance) shows, midnight mass in the churches, and the famous tradition where zillions of lamps illuminate the skies. So visit this amazing place specifically around Christmas to experience magic. Visit churches and the serene beaches of Diu and make the most of your Christmas holidays. Must Visit Churches: St.Pauls Church and the Cathedral of Bom Jesus

Manali

Image soure-Sterling Holidays Blog Christmas signifies cold and snow and that is what you will find in abundance here. Enjoy playing with snow, decorate Christmas trees, sit around a bonfire and enjoy the chills around Christmas. Manali has foreigners all round the year and so you can also engage with them understanding their Christmas traditions. It is an ultimate experience to be in Manali around Christmas amidst the snow covered mountains.

Delhi

Image source-Delhi Watcher Delhi celebrates every festival in a grand way. You will find all the malls magnificently decorated and lit up with adoring candles and you will feel as of the entire city is all indulged in the Christmas festivities. Clubs and hotels organize Christmas theme parties and you will find all the food delicacies including cakes and rum balls and endless options of food items. Enjoy to the fullest in the capital this Christmas. Must Visit Churches: St. Alphonsas Church, Sacred Heart Cathedral Church, St. James Church

Shimla

Image source-space-dealer.com If you want to celebrate Christmas in between the snow, Shimla is one of the best place to be. You can take a toy train, watch the snow capped hills, eat at the famous British-era cafes and attend the mass at Christ Church. Walk down the mall road and do some Christmas shopping and also shop some beautiful pieces for your loved ones. Surely this trip will leave you happy and content this Christmas. Must Visit Churches: Christ Church Shimla and the St. Michaels Cathedral Catholic Church

Chennai

Image source-vi.wikipedia.org Chennai is a great option for visiting during Christmas. From carols to mass at its many churches you can explore the religious sides of the festival. At the same time many hotels present special buffet, dinners for its guests. Also you can enjoy nightlong club parties and must visit the Phoenix Market City mall that organizes exciting activities on Christmas and New Years. it is one of my favorite places to visit during Christmas in India. Must Visit Churches: St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, St Andrews Church, Armenian Church 

Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Image source-ScoopWhoop Situated between the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a union territory which is less explored and is a great option to spend Christmas holidays here. This place has a very pleasant climate and the tribal touch to the festivities make it a unique experience for those who plan a trip here. Must Visit Churches:New India Church Of God, Church Silvassa and Our Lady of Piety Church

Sikkim

Think of celebrating these Christmas holidays at an altitude of 5,410 feet in a picture-perfect paradise. Sikkim is one such place that has amazing scenic beauty and mesmerizing sunsets. You can trek along the mountains and have some of the most peaceful Christmas holidays while visiting the churches amidst the snow clad mountain peaks. The lucky ones can experience lie snowfall during their visit. Must Visit Churches:HopeCity Church and the St. Thomas Church

Kasol

Image source-ithaka.travel I have been to Kasol many times but every time you go there is a refreshing experience like never before and this place has the perfect free vibe that you can enjoy during Christmas and take a break away from the monotonous life. I advise you to not stay at any hotel, rather prefer a homestay. They are fun and situated in a far better location along the Parvati river. They offer home cooked meals and you can play along Christmas carols with the friendly locals, enjoying like never before. Read more-Worlds Best New Years Eve Parties