8 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas and New Year in India (2026–27)

December has a way of making even the most committed homebodies want to pack their bags. Suddenly, Christmas playlists are on repeat, hot chocolate becomes a personality trait, and everyone wants to know where they should be when the clock strikes twelve on December 31.

And honestly, who can blame them?

After all, we’ve grown up watching Home Alone, The Holiday and Love Actually. We’ve seen those picture-perfect Christmas trees, snow-covered streets, cosy fireplaces, surprise celebrations and people falling in love somewhere between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

Now imagine having your own version of that December, except the backdrop is the Himalayas, a Rajasthani desert, a beach in the Andamans or a little Christmas-lit town in Northeast India.

That’s the beauty of celebrating Christmas and New Year in India. You don’t have to fly halfway across the world to find festive experiences. You can celebrate Christmas with bonfires in the mountains, witness carol singing in Kerala, enjoy Shillong’s Christmas market in Meghalaya or welcome January with your feet in the sand.

Whether you’re looking for a snow-filled Christmas, an adventurous New Year group trip or a relaxed holiday away from the usual celebrations, here are the 8 best places to celebrate Christmas and New Year in India in 2026–27, along with trip options, starting prices and recommended durations.

Quick Guide: Best Christmas and New Year Destinations in India

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick comparison of the best destinations, their trip durations and starting package prices.

Prices are indicative. JustWravel package starting prices based on available trip listings and festive departures. Regular and special festive editions have different prices. Prices, departure availability and inclusions are subject to change. Check individual trip pages for the latest details.

1. Himachal Pradesh

If there’s one destination in India that can make you feel like you’ve walked straight into a Christmas movie, it’s Himachal Pradesh.

Think snow-covered rooftops, pine forests, cafés serving steaming hot chocolate, Christmas decorations and evenings that end around a bonfire. Add a little music, a slice of plum cake and a group of fellow travellers, and you’ve got yourself a December worth remembering.

Manali is among the most popular places to celebrate Christmas and New Year in India. The town gets lively during the festive season, with cafés, restaurants and hotels organising special dinners, music nights and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Shimla offers a different kind of Christmas charm. Its colonial architecture, illuminated Mall Road and the iconic Christ Church make it a lovely place to experience the festive atmosphere.

Want something a little less crowded? Explore Kasol, Jibhi, Bir and McLeod Ganj. These destinations offer mountain cafés, riverside stays, scenic trails and plenty of opportunities to slow down.

Average trip duration: 6–11 days
Package starting at: ₹17,100*
Why visit: Snow-covered mountains, cosy cafés, bonfires, adventure activities and festive group celebrations.
Best for: Friends, solo travellers, couples and adventure enthusiasts.

2. Uttarakhand

Not every Christmas needs a crowded party, and not every New Year’s Eve needs a nightclub countdown.

Sometimes, all you need is a mountain view, a warm meal, a bonfire and good company.

Uttarakhand offers exactly that.

From the snowy slopes of Auli to the riverside camps of Rishikesh, the state has plenty of options for a memorable winter holiday.

Auli is particularly popular among winter travellers for its snow-covered slopes and panoramic Himalayan views. Chopta offers beautiful mountain scenery and access to the Tungnath trek, while Mussoorie brings the charm of a classic hill station.

Then there’s Rishikesh, where you can welcome the New Year beside the Ganges, enjoy a Ganga Aarti and experience the adventurous side of the destination through river rafting and camping.

Average trip duration: 7–10 days
Package starting at: ₹20,700*
Why visit: Snowy Himalayan landscapes, riverside celebrations, adventure activities and peaceful mountain stays.
Best for: Couples, friends, solo travellers and adventure enthusiasts.

3. Spiti Valley

Yes, Spiti Valley is technically part of Himachal Pradesh. But anyone who has visited this cold desert knows it deserves a spotlight of its own.

Especially in December.

While most people are looking for Christmas decorations and crowded celebrations, Spiti offers something completely different. Imagine waking up in a snow-covered village, watching the mountains disappear into the winter mist and spending your evenings in a warm homestay with a cup of butter tea.

Sounds like a Christmas movie, just with a slightly more adventurous plot.

Kaza, Langza, Komic, Hikkim and Key Monastery are among the places that make Spiti special. The ancient monasteries, traditional mud houses and dramatic landscapes look particularly striking during winter.

The experience is less about elaborate parties and more about embracing the quiet side of the festive season.

You can spend your days exploring winter villages, experiencing local hospitality and photographing landscapes that look almost unreal.

Average trip duration: 8–9 days
Package starting at: ₹24,000*
Why visit: Snow-covered villages, frozen landscapes, ancient monasteries and extraordinary winter scenery.
Best for: Adventure seekers, photographers, experienced mountain travellers and people looking for an offbeat New Year.

4. Kashmir

If your Christmas wishlist includes waking up to snow outside your window, sipping kahwa and watching the mountains turn white, Kashmir might just be your answer.

December marks the beginning of Chillai Kalan, Kashmir’s 40-day period of intense winter that starts around December 21.

The temperatures drop, the mountains receive snowfall and the valley transforms into a beautiful winter landscape.

Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar are among the most popular places to visit in Kashmir during this season.

Gulmarg is particularly popular for snow activities, skiing and the famous Gulmarg Gondola. Pahalgam offers beautiful winter scenery, while Srinagar is known for Dal Lake, traditional houseboat stays and its beautiful Mughal gardens.

You can spend your days exploring the valley, enjoying winter activities and discovering local cuisine. Evenings are best spent indoors with warm Kashmiri food and a cup of kahwa.

Average trip duration: 5–6 days
Package starting at: ₹27,450 (Kashmir Winter Trip, 5N/6D festive departure listing).
Why visit: Snowfall, frozen landscapes, winter activities, houseboat stays and traditional Kashmiri hospitality.
Best for: Couples, families, solo travellers and snow lovers.

5. Rajasthan

Who said Christmas has to involve snow?

Rajasthan offers a completely different festive experience, one that swaps pine trees and fireplaces for illuminated palaces, desert camps, folk music and starry skies.

December is also one of the most comfortable months to explore Rajasthan, with pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler evenings.

Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are among the most popular destinations to include in a Rajasthan winter itinerary.

In Jaipur, explore the Pink City’s colourful markets, heritage landmarks and local food scene.

In Udaipur, spend your evenings overlooking Lake Pichola, explore its palaces and enjoy the city’s romantic atmosphere.

And then comes Jaisalmer, where the festive celebrations take a desert turn. A night at a desert camp, traditional Rajasthani performances, local food and a sky full of stars make for a memorable New Year’s Eve.

Average trip duration: 7–8 days
Package starting at: ₹31,500*
Why visit: Heritage architecture, desert camping, cultural performances, royal experiences and pleasant winter weather.
Best for: Friends, couples, families, culture enthusiasts and travellers who prefer warm-weather celebrations.

6. Andaman Islands

Some people want to spend Christmas wearing their favourite winter sweaters. Others want to spend it in shorts, with a beach in front and absolutely no plans for the day.

If you’re in the second category, the Andaman Islands are calling.

December is among the best months to visit the Andaman Islands, with generally pleasant weather and favourable conditions for exploring its beaches and islands.

Start your trip in Port Blair before heading to Havelock Island and Neil Island.

At Havelock, visit Radhanagar Beach, known for its beautiful coastline and sunsets. Explore Elephant Beach for water activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving.

Neil Island offers a slower pace, with beautiful beaches, coral reefs and relaxed island experiences.

During the festive season, several resorts and hotels organise Christmas dinners, festive gatherings and New Year’s Eve celebrations. These are usually property-specific, so check the arrangements before booking.

Average trip duration: 5–6 days
Package starting at: ₹33,500*
Why visit: Beautiful beaches, water sports, island hopping, scuba diving and pleasant tropical weather.
Best for: Couples, friends, families and beach lovers.

7. Kerala

When it comes to Christmas celebrations in India, Kerala deserves a special mention.

The state has a significant Christian community, and Christmas is celebrated with great enthusiasm across several cities and towns. From beautifully decorated churches and illuminated Christmas stars to midnight Mass and traditional festive meals, Kerala offers an experience that goes beyond the usual holiday festivities.

Fort Kochi is particularly interesting during this time. Its colonial streets, churches, cafés and festive decorations create a lively atmosphere. The Cochin Carnival also adds to the celebrations around New Year, with cultural programmes, parades and the traditional burning of the Pappanji effigy on December 31.

But don’t limit your Kerala trip to Kochi.

Head to Munnar for its tea plantations and mist-covered hills. Visit Thekkady for spice plantations and wildlife experiences. Explore Alleppey for a houseboat stay through the backwaters, and head to Varkala for a laid-back beach holiday.

Average trip duration: 7–8 days
Package starting at: ₹31,500*
Why visit: Traditional Christmas celebrations, midnight Mass, festive food, backwaters, beaches and tea plantations.
Best for: Families, couples, food lovers and travellers looking for cultural experiences.

8. Meghalaya

If you’re looking for a destination where Christmas is not just another date on the calendar, Meghalaya should be on your list.

The festive season brings a special charm to Shillong and several other parts of the state. Churches are decorated, homes light up with Christmas stars, carols fill the air, and communities come together for celebrations.

Shillong is particularly beautiful around Christmas. Its churches, illuminated streets and festive gatherings make it one of the best places in Northeast India to experience the holiday season.

But Meghalaya has plenty more to offer beyond its Christmas celebrations.

Explore Cherrapunji’s dramatic landscapes, visit the living root bridges, discover the beautiful village of Mawlynnong and experience the crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River in Dawki.

If you have a few extra days, you can also extend your journey to Kaziranga National Park in Assam for a wildlife experience.

Average trip duration: 6–9 days
Package starting at: ₹30,000*
Why visit: Beautiful Christmas celebrations, decorated churches, community festivities, waterfalls, living root bridges and scenic landscapes.
Best for: Solo travellers, friends, families, photographers and culture enthusiasts.

This December, Make Your Own Holiday Movie.

Somewhere, a Christmas tree is waiting to be decorated. Somewhere, a mountain is waiting to be covered in fresh snow. There’s a bonfire waiting to be lit, a beach waiting for a midnight countdown and a bunch of strangers who might just become your favourite travel memories.

You could spend another December watching Home Alone for the twentieth time. Or you could give yourself a December worth making a movie about.

So, whether it’s a snowy Christmas in Himachal, an adventurous winter in Spiti, a festive escape to Meghalaya or a beachside New Year in Andaman, there’s a journey waiting for you.

Explore JustWravel’s Christmas and New Year 2026–27 group trips.
Pick your destination, find your fellow Wravelers and end the year somewhere extraordinary.

Because the best way to welcome a new year is to give it a story worth telling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas and New Year Trips in India