It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas carols filling the air, shops decked with mistletoe, and people scurrying to finish their Christmas shopping – it’s enough to put you in the festive spirit. To top that, you have the chill winter breeze to embrace as you delve into a couple of Christmas sweets. If you’ve never experienced what Christmas is like in Goa, well now is your chance to do so. The atmosphere is so electric and vibrant that you’ll wish that it were Christmas every day! Want to know more about how to make the best of this season? Continue reading to know some of the unique ways to celebrate Christmas in Goa.
Looking At Goa’s Churches Through A Festive Lens
Goa is home to over 400 churches built with the finest architecture. If you had to visit Goa in any other season, surely you would’ve marveled at the long altars and acoustically-sound interiors. But during Christmas, you get to enjoy all those elements along with the spirited cheer of the locals. The sound of hymns reverberating against the pillars of these churches creates an angelic ambiance that practically enhances the Christmas spirit. And that ambiance cannot be substituted for anything else, making it one of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Goa.
Along with that, each church is decorated uniquely. And we’re not talking about just a few stars and streamers hanging from the walls. The interiors and exteriors of the churches are lit with a combination of fairy lights along with handmade cardboard posters depicting the nativity. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panjim, St. Alex Church in Calangute, and Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa are some of the many main ones you should visit. Click a couple of Insta-worthy pictures from these places to grace your follower’s feed!
If you’re missing a sense of community, attend the midnight mass at a church nearest to you. They start at around 10 pm and you’ll have to come early to save a seat. So, keep that in mind!
Jive The Night Away With Goa’s Christmas Eve Dances
Known for its vibrant nightlife, Goa is recognized as the ideal destination to awaken one’s party animal. But during the Christmas season, the dancing and party mood is taken to a whole new level.
Christmas Eve dances are Goa’s long-standing tradition that will never fade away. With decked-up halls and local bands providing eargasmic tunes (especially the Konkani ones), we can definitely say that you’ll have a ball of a time. Dance on into the night into the wee hours of the morning. If the venue you’ve chosen is overlooking the shore, try catching the sunrise for a more enthralling experience. Who knew that Rockin’ around the Christmas tree could be so much fun!
Some local bands known for their jivey tunes: A26, True Blue, The Runks, Raagas 2 Riches, Black IN White
Some Christmas eve dance venues to dance the night away:
- SinQ Night Club, Candolim
- Cohiba, Sinquerim
- Emerald Lawns, Parra
- Southern Deck, Benaulim
- Blueberry Hall, Cortalim
Indulge In Goa’s Crib-Making And Star-Making Competitions
You don’t want to miss the star-making and crib-making competitions held in various parishes across Goa. They’re an enchantment! The enthusiasm and passion involved in making these cribs and stars can indeed be seen in the manner they’re showcased. If you’re staying at goSTOPS Calangute, you’ll find it super easy to lay your eyes on any of these wonderful cribs and stars. Just head out of your dorm and walk on any Goan street, you’ll find each Church and each landmark decorated with the most sophisticated cribs enacting the birth of Jesus along with stars made with recyclable material. If you want to spend an offbeat evening far away from the usual partying scene, then embark on a crib hopping escapade! Trust us, you’ll love it and it is a pretty unique experience among the many other ways to celebrate Christmas in Goa.
Tingle Your Taste Buds With Goa’s Christmas Delicacies
Apart from the fancy decor and vibrant feel that fills people’s homes, the scrumptious food in Goa is what most looked forward to. We suggest buying loose-fitting clothes, if you decide to celebrate Christmas in Goa because, oh boy, you’ll be needing them! Traditional Goan sweets like dodol, bebinca, kulkuls, bath, neureos, and a lot more fill the air with a sweet, irresistible aroma that cannot be ignored. Also, don’t forget the special rum cakes and fruit cakes freshly baked from steaming ovens. Grab a cup of hot coffee, rest your legs on the side table, have an assortment of Goan sweets by your side, and relax the evening away while you listen to some “Jingle Bell Rock.”
Some bakeries are known for selling traditional Goan sweets:
- St. Joseph’s Bakery, Mapusa (There’s one in Panjim too)
- La Confiserie Bakery, Candolim
- Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro, Fontainhas, Panjim
- Nicolau Bakery, Raia
- Jackris Bakery, Margao
- Dom Pedros, Margao
End The Night By Viewing Fireworks Lighting Up The Sky
There’s nothing more mesmerizing than viewing fireworks light up the dark expanse of the sky. You can even get a deeper revelation of this colorful display by listening to Katy Perry’s “Firework.” It’ll be pretty ironic if the DJ decides to play that song during that very moment!
Old Goa has the most number of churches around its region. And it’s pretty majestic to see all these churches light up their best sparkles at the stroke of midnight. If you want to enjoy this colorful expanse along the coastal belt, visit the Calangute, Candolim, Vagator, Arambol, and Anjuna beaches along with a couple of friends swaying in high spirits! (wink, wink). When you’re tired of beaches, you can also consider going offbeat in Goa to visit less known islands, plantations and old mansions.
Ready To Have A Christmas Blast In Goa?
Goa is, hands down, one of India’s one-stop party destinations. And spending your Christmas vacation in the bustling corners of Goa is an experience altogether. Now, you know some unique ways to celebrate Christmas in Goa, but what about accommodation? Drop into our goSTOPS property in Calangute for affordable rates and the latest amenities. Since we’re central to all the action, finding some of these unique ways will be even more convenient. Book your stay in our dorm to cut down some of the expenditure and use it instead to enjoy your Christmas stay in Goa.
FAQs
Is Christmas A Good Time To Go To Goa?
There are numerous reasons why you should visit Goa during Christmas. The hot tropical climate coupled with the festive mood and sandy beaches makes Goa such an appealing place of interest. If you haven’t seen how Christmas is celebrated in Goa, then you haven’t seen the entirety of this little state.
How Is Christmas Celebrated In Goa?
Christmas in Goa is celebrated by the decorating of Christmas trees, and homes along with the preparation of Goan sweets. During this season, families get together and share a bit of the Christmas spirit by exchanging gifts and sweets with one another. You will also find stars and cribs adorning the houses, shops, and churches in Goa which lights the state into bursting colors.
Is It Cold In Goa In December?
The temperatures in December range between 24°C to 26°C. With such temperatures, you can expect the climate to be much more pleasant than other states in India, making it an ideal destination to celebrate Christmas.
