The festive season is a wonderful time to travel and explore new destinations. With the holidays approaching, it’s time to start planning a vacation! From snow-covered alpine villages to sunny tropical beaches, many amazing places become even more magical around Christmas. Read on as we discuss some of the best Christmas vacation destinations to explore this year in India as well as abroad.
Best Christmas Vacation Places in India
Shimla
Why not celebrate a traditional white Christmas in India? Shimla has a small Christian population, which makes Christmas celebrations super grand and joyous.
You can enjoy the charm of snow-capped hills, take a stroll along the Mall Road, and savour delicious meals at various British-era cafes. The entire city is decorated in Christmas lights, streets bustling with tourists, and locals are singing carols and hymns to add to the festive mood.
You can also go trekking to explore the stunning hills or visit the Jakhu Hanuman Temple for a serene view of the city from the hilltop.
Kolkata
Kolkata is widely recognised for its grand Durga Puja celebration. However, many may be unaware that Kolkata is also among the best Christmas vacation destinations. The city comes alive with a dazzling festival featuring illuminated streets, adorned churches, and bakeries brimming with cakes and treats.
Take a stroll down Park Street to see the beautiful decorations, explore food stalls, and enjoy choir groups performing Christmas carols on stage. If you want to attend Midnight Mass, head to the stunning Saint Paul’s Cathedral near Victoria Memorial.
Goa
Goa is one of the best Christmas holiday destinations due to its rich Portuguese legacy and catholic population. During Christmas, the entire city is adorned with poinsettia flowers and lights. The midnight mass draws huge festive crowds at Baroque churches like Bom Jesus Basilica and Se Cathedral.
True to its lively reputation, all-night-long parties come alive on beaches like Anjuna, Mapusa, and Candolim. Also, don’t forget to check out the colourful Christmas carnivals in Panjim and Old Goa.
Auli
Located in Uttarakhand, Auli is a charming snow-clad hill station. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, apple orchards, and dense oak forests, this idyllic hamlet offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
Besides, Auli stands out as a prime destination for skiing and trekking enthusiasts, with the Kuari Pass trek among India’s most sought-after treks.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry has long attracted tourists for its French legacy – beautiful colonial villas, chic boutiques, and tree-lined streets. The quaint little town is popular for its amazing Christmas celebrations, with its cultural events, delicious food, and brightly decorated Christmas markets.
The city has a lot to offer during the Christmas season. You can indulge in delicious holiday treats at the local bakeries, attend Christmas mass at the church, and take a break at the beautiful beaches.
Best Christmas Vacation Places Outside India
Inari, Finland
Inari is a little town in northern Finland that becomes extraordinarily beautiful during Christmas. You can book special private night tours on Christmas Eve that take you to remote areas to see the breathtaking Northern Lights – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Just a short flight from Helsinki, Inari is a perfect Christmas postcard with its snow-covered landscape, cosy log cabins, and Christmas trees everywhere. For anyone who dreams of having a picture-perfect, fairy-tale white Christmas, Inari is just about the best place you could be.
Vatican City, Italy
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, but it goes all out for Christmas in a big way. Many people come to St. Peter’s Square on Christmas Eve to see the Roman pine Christmas tree and life-size nativity scene set up. The tree is specially picked to be around 100 feet tall, towering over the square.
In the evening, a solemn Midnight Mass occurs inside St. Peter’s Basilica, officiated by the Pope. The soaring basilica dazzles with gold mosaic work and sculptures. Besides this, you can walk around neighbourhoods like Piazza Navona and soak up the Christmas spirit in the air.
Cafes sell delicious Italian holiday treats, choirs sing joyful carols, and the smiles of locals and tourists capture the mood of this most wonderful time of the year.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna undergoes a magical transformation in December into a festive Christmas-lover’s paradise. Historic sites like the Schönbrunn Palace and Belvedere Palace are draped in twinkling lights with Christmas trees and wreaths at their gates.
Between these landmarks, the old city centre’s cobblestone streets dazzle with illuminations. At the same time, lively Christmas markets fill the air with the tempting aromas of cookies, chocolate drinks, and grilled meats. You can also ice-skate on large rinks or take relaxing horse carriage rides to see the sparkling sights.
Vienna at Christmastime offers an unbeatable holiday experience steeped in culture, sights, sounds, and special seasonal vibes, making it one of the best Christmas vacation destinations.
Paris, France
Another Christmas vacation destination that dazzles during the festive season with its elaborate light displays, Christmas markets, and lively ambience is Paris. The city hosts authentic Christmas markets where you can try French delicacies, shop for gifts and decorations, and drown in joyful energy. The neighbourhood of Montmartre also has a charming Christmas vibe with light displays and carolers.
Some iconic Paris attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Galeries Lafayette department store also sparkle with thousands of twinkling lights. You can go ice skating at spots around the city or indulge in Christmas Eve dinner at a restaurant followed by Midnight Mass.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a European city with picture-perfect Christmas markets and medieval architecture covered in lights and decorations. Wander through Old Town Square’s artisanal market, ride a horse-drawn carriage, and sip on mulled wine and hot chocolate as you explore the city’s cobblestone streets and charming plazas.
To wrap up the day, you can catch a holiday concert at one of Prague’s ornate churches or attend Christmas Eve dinner at a traditional Czech restaurant.
To end
The most wonderful time of the year opens up some amazing travel opportunities to immerse yourself in Christmas cheer. Based on what kind of holiday experience you’re looking for, destinations like Goa, Pondicherry, Finland, and Vienna are all great places to consider.
But if finances stand in your way, turn to Tata Capital. We offer personal loans for travel that cover all your travel expenses, from airfares to tour packages. The best part? These loans come with flexible repayment tenure of up to 72 months, making your repayment easier.Don’t wait any longer; apply for a personal loan for travel today and visit your dream Christmas holiday destination this year without any financial stress.
FAQs
Countries like France, Italy, and Austria are popular destinations for their festive atmosphere, snowy landscapes, and vibrant Christmas celebrations.
Romantic spots like Goa in India, Prague in the Czech Republic, or Paris in France offer cosy settings perfect for couples during Christmas.
Cities like New York, Vienna, and Paris are famous for extravagant lights, beautifully adorned streets, and festive window displays during the holiday season.
03 December 2024
6 mins read
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