With Christmas and New Year around the corner, festivity is in the air. The diverse culture and landscapes of India offer several opportunities to enjoy these holidays. Regal banquets in royal castles, parties at the beach or at snowy hilltops... you name it.
Here are some of the best locations to ring in the New Year.
Goa
Goa is perhaps one of the best places to celebrate Christmas, combining religious practices with great beachside festivities. While the streets are decorated with stars, manger scenes, and local food delicacies like bebinca and dodol, the majority of the churches such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of Our Lady Of Immaculate Conception, and Se Cathedral, host holy midnight masses, or Missa De Galo, which adds to the spirituality.
The New Year’s atmosphere in Goa begins with fireworks at Arambol and Calangute Beaches and then dancing with the locals at Cafe Mambo and LPK Waterfront. While an evening cruise on the Mandovi River is most welcome, the unique traditions of effigies being burnt, crib and star making competitions in Mapusa and Vasco provide the celebratory touch. Also, the Goa Sunburn Festival which is set to take place in Dhargalim from December 28 to 30, 2024, makes Goa an ideal vacation destination.
Shillong
Christianity is prevalent in Shillong, and it is evident by the lively manner in which the people there celebrate Christmas, lighting up the streets, homes, and churches. The Mary Help of Christians Cathedral also has its fair share of visitors as gospel music is played during the midnight mass. There are also Christmas markets that sell handcrafted goods and local snacks. The warmth from the carol performances and community feasts makes up for the chilling and damp weather in Shillong.
As the Christmas celebrations get over, bonfires, cultural events, and music festivals mark the beginning of the New Year celebrations and this year, one of the highlights include the Original Full Moon India, which takes place on December 31 at Lum ‘er Pyngngad—a huge ground—where fire shows, bucket cocktails, glow in the dark shows, a UV zone, food stalls, and bar stalls will be there. Locations which also boost the area’s cultural significance and one can indulge in while on vacation include the Police Bazar, Ward’s Lake, and the Cathedral.
Puducherry
It is a fantastic place to celebrate Christmas if you are looking for an exotic beach vacation mingled with Indian and French traditions. The Immaculate Conception Cathedral and the Sacred Heart Basilica's crowded midnight mass is worth visiting. Visitors are treated to Christmas markets, carols, and dinners around the French quarters.
Puducherry also has some iconic New Year parties that you shouldn't miss in 2024. The Old Port Campus beach party has great food, drinks, music, as well as fireworks. At paradise beach, the largest island party, Tranzland, takes place and rocks with the largest buffet, mouth-watering cocktails, and live DJ. At Ashok Beach Resort, there is an amazing beach party with extravagant food, music, dance and drinks. Other great parties include Beach Bash NYE and the Catamaran Beach Festival.
Fort Kochi
Christmas in Fort Kochi is a mixture of fun and celebration with traditions. Streets are vibrant with parades, songs, and decorations. Beautiful masses at St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica are a regular affair. Christmas celebrations conclude with the Cochin Carnival, which is held on the last two weeks of December to January 1. This features artistic displays as well as musical and dance performances. The Pappanji (effigy) is burnt at the end of the celebrations where people come together on the beach to mark a new beginning. It is an event to witness at least once in a lifetime.
Bengaluru
In December, Bengaluru blends the old and the new, and is an exciting holiday location. Services are held at the All Saints’ Church, St. Mary’s Basilica and St. Patrick’s Church, which have beautiful midnight masses. The gorgeously decorated city and famous bakeries like Koshy’s and Thomson add to the positive energy of the people.
Las Vegas 2025 at the Taj Yeshwantpur not only features a casino setting but also has international dancers, a fashion show, and fire displays. Also, enjoy Paparazzi 2025 at Radisson Blu on Outer Ring Road which serves premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and great food for the five hours of the event in addition to a fun photo booth. The city is buzzing with restaurants and rooftops offering dinners and live music concerts during the festive season in MG Road and Indiranagar. The weather in December also complements the atmosphere of the city.
Kolkata
Kolkata's Christmas is celebrated passionately and goes beyond religious boundaries. Park Street is the epicentre of festivities as it is embellished with thousands of lights, together with music and food centres. Hundreds of people congregate at the St. Paul’s Cathedral for the midnight mass. One can also enjoy Christmas foods from popular bakeries such as Nahoum’s that have been synonymous with the holiday atmosphere in the city.
Meanwhile, Eco Park, Prinsep Ghat and other locations begin an exciting New Year countdown featuring live music, cultural performances, and more. Outram Ghat’s New Year’s Eve Cruise Party, scheduled to be on December 31, 2024, offers endless enjoyment with snacks, mocktail or cocktail, a grand dinner, and a fantastic show with a DJ to kickstart the celebrations.
Mumbai
During Christmas and New Year, Mumbai impresses with the unique blend of its rich history and vibrant modern outlook. The large and distinct churches scattered through the city, like St. Thomas Cathedral and Mount Mary Basilica in Bandra, offer exquisite decorations and mark their midnight services by placing nativity scenes. Some marketplaces like Hill Road teem with people busy buying presents and sweets.
For New Year’s eve, Marine Drive witnesses a stunning spectacle of fireworks. The Grand Hyatt and Radisson Blu Mumbai are among the venues that host countdown parties on their rooftop areas in 2024. Meanwhile, breweries like The Finch offer epic live performances, great food and drinks as people wait for the arrival of the New Year. Family-friendly events at Juhu Beach as well as concerts and gigs at Bandstand are some other events that add extra flavour to the Mumbai New Year, making the city one of a kind and definitely not boring.
Manali
Manali remains a popular holiday location. Tourists are escorted into snug lodges and cafes as Manali shines bright on Christmas. The celebration comprises Himachali Kullu folk music, bonfires, and live shows.
There is a lot of hustle and bustle on Mall Road and Old Manali during the New Year as people visit the local markets for seasonal decorations and delicacies. Couples and families will find it to be an amazing trip, all thanks to activities like skiing in the Solang Valley, snow trekking, and the delicious treats at cafes covered in snow.
Delhi
A major draw during Christmas time in Delhi is the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Khan Market, Connaught Place and Dilli Haat become busy hubs for musical performances which are complemented by handicrafts and tasty treats. There are grand celebrations at India Gate, hauling parties at Hauz Khas and rooftop gatherings at 5-star hotels.
Rajasthan
While the snow covered hill stations such as Shimla and Kasauli seem to be the first choice, there is no doubt that Rajasthan deserves equal attention and recognition with its royal backdrop and splendid festivities.
Christmas in Rajasthan is celebrated with cultural events, holiday parties, and food that is a mix of Rajasthani cuisine and international flavours. Rajasthan does sound and feel vibrant with the lakeside of Udaipur, market places of Jaipur and the wide range of celebrations at Jodhpur. Also, note the Sterlings 31st New Year Celebration 2024 at Sterling Balicha and God Father 3.0 on January 1.
The royal gala banquets, fireworks over historic forts, and traditional folk music make Rajasthan one of the best destinations for this winter.