December is the most exciting time to travel in India. The weather becomes pleasant, hill stations get covered with snow, beaches fill with parties, and cities light up with Christmas decorations and New Year celebrations. Whether you want a peaceful holiday in the mountains, a beachside party, or a family-friendly Christmas vacation, India offers everything.If you are planning where to go this festive season, this detailed guide by Destinations Desire covers the best places to celebrate Christmas and New Year in India 2025, along with popular events, entry ticket prices, and travel tips.
1. Goa – India’s Number One New Year Destination
Goa is the most popular place to celebrate Christmas and New Year. Churches, beaches, clubs, and resorts host big events throughout the last week of December.
Why Goa Is Perfect for Christmas & New Year
- Warm and pleasant weather
- Stunning beaches
- Biggest New Year parties in India
- Affordable shacks and restaurants
- Churches decorate beautifully for Christmas
Best Places to Celebrate
- Baga Beach
- Calangute Beach
- Vagator Beach
- Anjuna Beach
- Palolem Beach (for peaceful celebrations)
Famous Events in Goa 2025
- Sunburn Festival 2025 (Vagator)
Tickets: Rs 4,000 to Rs 15,000 - Hilltop New Year Party (Anjuna)
Tickets: Rs 2,500 to Rs 7,000 - Tito’s NYE Bash
Tickets: Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000
Goa Events & Tickets
You can check updated ticket details here:
https://insider.in/goa-events
2. Manali – Snowfall, Bonfires and Winter Magic
If you want a white Christmas or a snowy New Year, Manali is one of the best hill stations to visit.
Why Visit Manali in December
- High chance of snowfall
- Beautiful mountain views
- Winter adventure activities
- Christmas celebrations in cafes
- New Year bonfire parties
Best Places to Celebrate
- Old Manali
- Solang Valley
- Mall Road
- Hidimba Temple
Popular Events & Ticket Prices
- New Year Night at Old Manali Cafes
Tickets: Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000 - Solang Valley Adventure Fest
Tickets: Rs 2,000 onwards
Cab Booking (Himachal Travel)
For Manali travel, here is a useful cab booking link:
https://www.uber.com/in/en/
3. Shimla – Classic Winter Celebration
Shimla offers a peaceful Christmas and New Year celebration with pleasant snowfall, lively markets, and colonial charm.
Why Shimla Is a Good Choice
- Snowfall in late December
- Beautiful Christmas decorations
- Family-friendly
- Churches host midnight masses
Top Spots
- The Ridge
- Mall Road
- Christ Church
- Kufri for snow activities
Shimla New Year Event
- Shimla New Year Eve Ridge Show
Tickets: Free - Mall Road Cafe Celebrations
Tickets: Rs 800 to Rs 2,000
4. Mumbai – Biggest Concerts and Club Parties
Mumbai is famous for high-energy New Year events, luxury celebrations, and big concerts.
Why Visit Mumbai
- Celebrity events
- Large concerts
- Best nightclubs in India
- Great for groups and couples
Best Celebration Venues
- Marine Drive
- Juhu Beach
- Gateway of India
- Colaba clubs
Top Events in Mumbai 2025
- Imagica New Year Bash
Tickets: Rs 2,500 to Rs 7,000 - Mumbai Cruise Party (Gateway of India)
Tickets: Rs 3,500 to Rs 20,000 - Juhu Beach Countdown Party
Tickets: Free entry
Event Passes
5. Delhi – Concerts, Clubs, and Christmas Markets
Delhi becomes extremely lively during Christmas week. From Christmas markets to DJ nights, the capital offers something for everyone.
Why Visit Delhi
- Large New Year concerts
- Biggest clubs in India
- Fun Christmas markets
- Easy to reach
Top Celebration Spots
- Aerocity
- Connaught Place
- Hauz Khas
- India Habitat Centre
Famous Events in Delhi 2025
- New Year Party at Aerocity Clubs
Tickets: Rs 2,500 to Rs 10,000 - Kingdom of Dreams Celebration
Tickets: Rs 1,500 to Rs 4,000 - Delhi Christmas Market (CP)
Entry: Free
Event Link
https://bookmyshow.com/events-in-delhi
6. Kerala – Houseboats and Beach Celebrations
If you want a peaceful Christmas holiday with nature, beaches, and good weather, Kerala is perfect.
Top Places for Celebration
- Munnar
- Alleppey
- Kochi
- Varkala
- Kovalam
Why Kerala for Christmas & New Year
- Christmas vibes in churches
- Beach parties in Varkala and Kovalam
- Calm, family-friendly celebrations
- Kochi Carnival makes New Year special
Famous Events
- Kochi Carnival Parade
Entry: Free - Varkala Beach New Year Countdown
Entry: Free to Rs 500
7. Kolkata – Cultural Christmas and New Year Charm
Kolkata is famous for its traditional Christmas celebrations, especially at Park Street.
Why Visit Kolkata
- Best Christmas decorations in India
- Cultural concerts
- Affordable New Year events
Best Places
- Park Street
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- New Town
- Eco Park
Top Events
- Park Street Christmas Festival
Entry: Free - New Year Night at Eco Park
Tickets: Rs 300 to Rs 1,000
8. Bangalore – For Live Music and Club Nights
Bangalore offers energetic New Year celebrations, especially for young travellers.
Why Visit Bangalore
- Great weather
- Live music shows
- Beautiful cafes
- Tech-city vibe
Top Spots
- MG Road
- UB City
- Koramangala
- Indiranagar
Famous Events
- Las Vegas Night at UB City
Tickets: Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000 - Bangalore Palace New Year Concert
Tickets: Rs 1,500 to Rs 6,000
Event Link
9. Pondicherry – Peaceful Beach Celebration
Pondicherry is perfect for people who want a calm yet festive vibe.
Why Pondicherry is Ideal
- Calm beaches
- White Town cafes
- Beautiful churches
- Budget-friendly
Top Events
- Rock Beach New Year Celebration
Entry: Free - White Town Cafe Parties
Tickets: Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000
10. Gulmarg – For Snow Lovers and Adventure Seekers
Gulmarg is ideal for people who want a full snow experience along with skiing and winter sports.
Why Visit Gulmarg
- Heavy snowfall
- Best skiing place in India
- Beautiful scenery
- Peaceful Christmas atmosphere
Best Events
- Gulmarg Winter Festival
Entry: Free - Gondola Snow Experience
Tickets: Rs 780 to Rs 1,000
Best Budget-Friendliest Places to Celebrate
- Kasol
- McLeodganj
- Rishikesh
- Jaipur
- Udaipur
Budget travellers can find many cafes and open-air events with low entry fees.
Conclusion
India offers endless options for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Whether you want snow, beaches, luxury parties, cultural events, or peaceful holidays, you will find the perfect destination. Goa is best for parties, Manali and Gulmarg are ideal for snow, Kerala is perfect for nature lovers, and Delhi–Mumbai–Bangalore offer high-energy celebrations.
For more travel guides, event updates, and destination ideas, visit DestinationsDesire.com
Frequently Checked Questions (FCQ)
Some of the top Christmas destinations in India are Goa, Kerala, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pondicherry, and Shimla. These places offer beautiful decorations, festive events, and Christmas markets.
Popular New Year destinations include Goa for beach parties, Manali and Gulmarg for snow celebrations, Delhi and Mumbai for big concerts and nightlife, and Kochi or Kerala for a calm festive experience.
Manali, Shimla, Gulmarg, Auli, and Nainital are famous for snowfall in December. These destinations give a magical “white Christmas” experience.
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Goa parties: Rs 2,000 – Rs 15,000
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Mumbai concerts: Rs 2,500 – Rs 20,000
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Delhi New Year parties: Rs 1,500 – Rs 10,000
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Hill station events (Manali, Gulmarg): Rs 1,000 – Rs 3,000
