Christmas is a religious and cultural festival celebrated worldwide by billions of people. This Christian festival is full of joy, light, and happiness. So this Christmas, if you want to celebrate the festival out of home then here I am going to share a list of the 10 best places to celebrate the Christmas holidays in India.
Are you tired of spending the Christmas holidays at home? Don’t worry, in this article, I am going to tell you about the 10 best cities in India that you can visit during Christmas to enjoy the best of the festival.
Earlier I told you about the best churches to visit in Delhi but in today’s post, I am going to tell you the top 10 places in India for Christmas celebrations with family and friends.
Top 10 Most Popular Destinations in India to Visit For Christmas Holidays 2023
Following are the 10 best cities in India for spending the Christmas holidays with love and light.
1. Kohima, Nagaland
Nagaland is one of the smallest and most Christian-majority states in India. There are many big, beautiful, and historic churches in Nagaland. Kohima city is the capital of Nagaland state. There are numerous Christian landmarks in Kohima that can be great sites to visit during Christmas.
The Mary Help of Christians Cathedral Kohima has one of Asia’s largest crosses. It is the biggest Catholic church in Nagaland and was constructed in 1998. Kohima Ao Baptist Church and Kohima Lotha Baptist Church are some of the biggest churches in Kohima.
2. Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong, famously known as the Scotland of the East is a hill station and the capital city of the Indian state Meghalaya. Meghalaya is one of the Christian-majority states in India, and about 75% of the state population practices Christianity.
Shillong is the home of one of India’s historic churches, the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. It was built in 1913 and is located in the Laitumkhrah locality in Shillong. Shillong is undoubtedly the best place to spend the Christmas holidays.
3. Mizoram
Mizoram is one of the Christian-majority states in India with 87% of the people living in Mizoram being Christians. It is a place full of nature and beautiful-hearted people. Mizoram Presbyterian Church is the major Christian denomination that was established by a Welsh missionary Rev. D.E. Jones starting in 1894.
Mizoram has some other beautiful and divine churches such as the United Pentecostal Church, the Salvation Army, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Church of God (Seventh Day), Kohhran Thianghlim, Roman Catholic, Congregational Church of India, Evangelical Church of Maraland.
4. Velankanni
Velankanni is a small town in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. The Velankanni town is home to one of the most visited Roman Catholic Latin Rite shrines called the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health is one of the country’s biggest Catholic pilgrimage centers. It is built in the Gothic style and its origins can be traced back to the 16th century.
5. Goa
Goa is a famous and one of the most popular tourist destinations in India for both domestic and international tourists. There are many famous and historic churches in Goa for Christians to worship.
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Our Lady of the Mount, Mae De Deus, St. Cajetan, and Se Cathedral are some popular churches in Goa. Goa is without a doubt the best place in India for Christmas celebrations.
6. Pondicherry
Pondicherry is a popular tourist destination in India. It is home to many historic and stunning churches. Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Our Lady of Assumption Church, Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, Hallelujah Assembly of God Church, and St. Andrew’s Church are some of the best and most popular churches in Pondicherry.
7. Manipur
Manipur is a northeast state of India that has Christianity as the second-largest religion in its region. There are many awesome places to visit in Manipur and also the month of December is the best time to visit the state. St. Joseph’s Cathedral and MBC Centre are some of the best churches in Imphal, Manipur.
8. Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a popular tourist destination in the state of West Bengal, which lies in the Himalayan foothills. Christmas is one of the main festivals that are celebrated in the town. St. Andrew’s Church is a historic and famous church located at Mall Road in Darjeeling town. Darjeeling could be a great choice as a visiting place during Christmas.
9. Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is one of the best places to visit during Christmas because the festival of the birth of Jesus is celebrated here so beautifully. Arunachal Pradesh has many Christian residents, around 30% of the state population are Christians.
10. Thrissur
Thrissur, also known by its historical name Thrissivaperur, is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. Thrissur has three major Catholic churches, St. Antony’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane, Our Lady of Lourdes Syro-Malabar Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral, and Our Lady of Dolours Syro-Malabar Catholic Basilica, the largest Christian church in India.
The above are the best cities/ places to visit in India during the Christmas holidays with family and friends. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Also Read: 25 Best Romantic Places/ Cities For Couples To Visit In India