As the holiday season approaches, the jingling of bells and the joy of celebration fill the air, signaling the most magical time of the year. If you’re planning to make your Christmas and New Year truly special, consider heading to India’s scenic hill stations for an unforgettable festive getaway. These picturesque destinations not only offer a winter wonderland experience but also provide the perfect setting to celebrate Christmas with joy and ring in the New Year with hope and cheer.
Hill stations across India come alive during this time, adorned with festive lights, vibrant Christmas markets, and the warm spirit of togetherness. Whether you’re looking to bask in the charm of snow-covered landscapes or explore lively streets buzzing with festive fervor, you’ll find countless options to create cherished memories.
Here’s a curated list of some of the top hill stations in India to celebrate Christmas and New Year:
Places to visit during Christmas in India
1. Manali
If we talk about the best hill stations for Christmas vacation in India, then Manali has to be on top of the list. Manali is an all-time favorite and budget-friendly hill station to visit during Christmas. Every year, we get the news that Manali is crowded with tourists who rush to this magical place to celebrate the festivities right in the heart of the Himalayas and make the most of it amidst the beautiful backdrops.
Manali offers a fairytale setting, with its stunning landscapes and lush greenery, and during winters, it begins to snow as well, making it one of the best Indian destinations to celebrate white Christmas.
Besides offering mesmerizing views, you can also make the most of your white Christmas in India by hitting the snow by indulging in activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and so on.
Imagine sitting by the fire on the day of Christmas, sipping on a hot cup of cocoa, as the strong wind brushes through your hair, making you feel like you have reached Wonderland. Manali is also one of the best hill stations in India to witness snowfall during Christmas.
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2. Shimla
Another spot in our list of places to visit in North India for Christmas is Shimla, in all its stunning glory. Shimla offers a beautiful vibe not just during the Christmas season but throughout the year with its rustic churches, which are all decked up during the time of Christmas, making Shimla not only one of the best places to visit during Christmas in India but also one of the best places to witness White Christmas in India.
While strolling through Mall Road, which, by the way, is going to be crowded with tourists from all corners of the country, you will witness the street lit up with fancy lights, and every shop will look like a newlywed bride who is all decked up.
Shimla is one of the best hill stations in India to witness snowfall during Christmas, and you can also indulge in various adventure sports if you are into adrenaline-pumping activities for the best Christmas holidays in the hills.
Besides that, it is also quite affordable, so Shimla falls on our list of budget-friendly hill stations to visit during Christmas. There is no reason why you shouldn’t head to Shimla for the festive season.
3. Lansdowne
Lansdowne, blessed with an abundance of beauty, is undoubtedly one of the picturesque places to visit in North India for Christmas. Dotted with beautiful churches and scenic beauty offering stunning backdrops of the surrounding mountains, Lansdowne is one of the best places to visit during Christmas in India.
Lansdowne is popular for its natural beauty, with its flowering thickets, and pine and oak trees, making it one of the most Instagrammable places.
Lansdowne, being one of the budget-friendly hill stations to visit during Christmas, also offers plenty of adventure activities that you can indulge in, such as rappelling, cliff jumping, and if you want to take your adventure up a notch, you can go for trekking as well.
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4. Gulmarg
Gulmarg, also known as the meadow of flowers, is said to be a little piece of paradise surrounded by the mighty Pir Panjal Ranges. During winter, the place gets covered in a thick blanket of snow, turning it into a winter wonderland, and making Gulmarg one of the popular destinations to celebrate white Christmas.
Gulmarg has a good number of churches that hold a mass during Christmas Eve, and it is a sight to behold and an experience worth having. The popular Saint Mary’s Church here looks like a tiny countryside chapel, especially when it’s laden with snow.
Gulmarg is no less than any of the hill stations for Christmas vacation in India and offers plenty of adventure activities to indulge in when you are vacationing in Kashmir. You can go trekking, skiing, and snowboarding, and you can also take the popular Gondola rides in Gulmarg.
5. Auli
If you are looking for a calm place to spend your Christmas vacation and are eagerly looking for Indian destinations to celebrate White Christmas, you should definitely head to Auli.
Auli is the ski resort of India and gets covered in a thick sheet of snow, making it one of the best places to celebrate White Christmas in India.
Auli is home to the highest man-made artificial lake in the world and offers some cool adventure activities, including skiing, trekking, and so on. You can also go exploring the various lakes in Auli. One thing is for sure, you are in for a calm and peaceful Christmas celebration, making it one of the best hill stations in India to witness snowfall during Christmas with a peaceful atmosphere.
6. Gangtok
Another spot in our list of hill stations to celebrate Christmas in India is Gangtok, nestled against the backdrop of the great Mount Kanchenjunga. During the winter season, the place gets covered under a thick sheet of snow, making Gangtok one of the hill stations in India to witness snowfall during Christmas or to simply experience a White Christmas in India.
The best part about Gangtok is that it is dotted with a number of churches, and on Christmas Eve, tourists can visit these churches and take part in various activities, including carol singing, and more.
If you are looking for hill stations to celebrate Christmas in India where you can party, then Gangtok is the place for you because it hosts a number of parties and has plenty of nightclubs, making it a perfect place for Christmas events at hill stations in India.
Christmas Holidays In The Hills
7. Ladakh
We know that Ladakh does not fall in our list of places for Christmas events at hill stations in India, but it is definitely one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in India with the calmest and serene vibe amidst the rusty mountains, offering views of the place as far as you can see.
The Leh Market lights up during the festive season, even though there are fewer people in Ladakh during this time because surviving the extreme cold is not everyone’s cup of tea.
Ladakh may not be the best hill station to celebrate Christmas in India, but it is definitely worth visiting during this time of the year for a surreal experience amidst the cold desert. You can check various Ladakh tour packages to explore Ladakh in winter.
8. Spiti Valley
Spiti Valley is another spot in our list of non-popular hill stations to celebrate Christmas in India. Even though Spiti Valley is a popular destination, celebrating Christmas here is not so popular among tourists.
However, if you want to make the most of your vacation at one of the calm and serene hill stations to celebrate Christmas in India, you can definitely go for Spiti Valley tour packages for the best experience of your life.
But let us warn you, Spiti in winters is freezing cold, and not everyone can survive the cold, but if you are a hardcore adventure junkie, then you should definitely check it out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Q: Which is the best hill station in India to celebrate Christmas?
A: Manali is the best hill station for Christmas with snowfall and festive vibes.
Q: What are the 5 hill stations in India?
A: 1. Manali
2. Shimla
3. Darjeeling
4. Mussoorie
5. Nainital
Q: Which place is best for Christmas in India?
A: Goa is great for Christmas celebrations, while Manali and Shimla offer a snowy experience.
Q: Which hill station to visit in December?
A: Manali, Shimla, and Auli are perfect for December.
Q: What is the ideal time to visit Indian hill stations for a snowy Christmas?
A: The ideal time is mid-December to January, especially around 20th December.
