6 Reasons to Celebrate Christmas in Goa

Cover Photo by Craig Adderley

The Portuguese left an ineffaceable impression on Goa after their four centuries of rule. Right from the architecture to the chicken cafreal recipes and the balcao-fronted houses, Goa shows a distinct Portuguese influence. Around one-third of the entire population of Goa identifies as Catholic. Other than this, India’s smallest state also bestows you with some stunning golden sand beaches and blissful blue skies. Now imagine what Christmas would be like in Goa? Let us fire your imagination!

There is a lot that you can do in Goa during Christmas. Let’s kick it off for you: -

1. Midnight Mass

Join hundreds of locals for Midnight Mass at Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panjim. This is held on the stairs in front of the church and has to be the most popular thing to do if you are planning a visit to Goa during Christmas time. Be sure that you arrive early on Christmas Eve and reserve your place so that you are able to enjoy the stunning view of the church. During this time, it is festooned with fairy lights with a charming nativity scene set out in front. Truly a sight to behold!

This is the only one of around 400 churches in Goa that is open till midnight on Christmas Eve. And while you are here, do not miss out on singing some hymns and carols with the locals. You can then head to the community centre to celebrate Christmas at the grand Christmas ball. We are sure that you will be left mesmerised by the decorations of the interiors of the church. Memorize it as a thumb rule – some of the best places to visit in Goa during Christmas are marked by the midnight mass.

2. Exclusive Celebration in Fontainhas

Just a stone’s throw from Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, you will come across Goa’s Latin Quarter is known as Fontainhas. If witnessing Christmas in Fontainhas isn’t on the itinerary of your Goa tour package, then it’s time to tweak it. Festivities here are different from Goan celebrations and also quite exclusive. Housing dilapidated heritage homes, Fontainhas is a dream-like spot. All these houses are speckled beautifully with star lanterns, tinsel, buntings, streamers, bobbles, and poinsettias that make it all the more mesmerising. You can simply go on an evening stroll. Be sure to witness carol singing, litany, and a live brass band at St. Sebastian Chapel. There are also food and drinks arrangements by the local community. It is with a good reason why Christmas carnivals in Goa are so puffed up.

3. Scrumptious Goan Feast

Talking about food, Goan delicacies are a must-try, especially during Christmas. Whether you are planning to celebrate the day at the beach with your friends or at the church with your loved ones, good food is a must. And Goan cuisine sure knows how to tempt your palate! Treat yourself to an extravagant Christmas feast including pork sorpotel, roast turkey, and an assortment of grilled seafood. Do not miss out on the traditional fruit cake made of wine and dry fruits without which a Goa Christmas party is incomplete. This is prepared in almost every household in Goa. But it does not end here. There are various other local sweet delicacies like Dodol (a jelly pudding made of jaggery and coconut milk), Neureos (stuffed dry fruits and coconut), Kulkul (golden brown curls glazed with sugar), Perad (Guava cheese), and Baath (a Portuguese cake made of coconut milk and semolina). Remember to leave room for Goa’s most popular dessert, Bebinca (a layered cake made of coconut milk, butter, eggs, and flour).

4. Party Hopping

The erstwhile party capital of India offers you a pulsating experience. While Goa already boasts of great nightlife, this is the best time to experience the music extravaganza here. The dubstep and tinny trance beats will have you grooving in no time. And we are sure that you will cut a rug to the thumping beats of local bands like jive, waltz, and fox-trot. Goa truly hosts some of the best techno and rave parties that you can attend at Vagator and Anjuna. These are some of the best places to visit in Goa at night especially during Christmas time. And with the exhilarating vibe, amazing bonhomie, and glittering decorations, Goa will have your heart. Do not skip the Sunburn Music Festival. Touted as Asia’s biggest music festival, this electronic music extravaganza showcases the talents of renowned international and Indian musicians.

If ‘crowds’ aren’t your thing, you can simply pick a quiet spot on the beach from where you can witness the spectacular fireworks as they illuminate the sky while you gulp down some chilled beer. What would be a better Christmas celebration in Goa than that!

5. Crib-Making

Christmas is an amazing time to get an insight into one of the most important traditions of Goa. And when it comes to recreating the birth scene of Jesus Christ, the locals here are not afraid to go the distance. One of the most popular cribs was a near-life-sized crib last year that cost more than ₹3 lakhs. You can tell that crib-making is an important part of Christmas celebrations in Goa. People from all across the state gather around this time of the year to make cribs for the local churches and Chapels. Along with that, there are various competitions held that showcase the creativity of the locals. Also, live cribs make rounds in villages which are accompanied by choirs sings carols. So, if you wish to catch a glimpse, rent a bike and ride across the town to check out some of the most stunning cribs.

6. Mandovi River Cruise

Round up your Christmas celebration with a cruise in Goa! Witness the splendid city skyline of Panjim and admire Goa’s beauty as the silhouettes of the Portuguese Museum and other landmarks go by. Goa at Christmas time is a little more beautiful, so be sure you do not miss out on any of it. Experience the stunning sunset while relishing a hot cup of coffee, and if you are here with your partner, you can indulge in a romantic candlelight dinner as well. You can also witness Goan folk dances like Kunbi (Konkani folk dance), Dekni, and Corredinho (Portuguese folk dance). Mandovi River is undeniably one of the best places to visit in Goa during Christmas.

From its sun-soaked beaches to its idyllic backdrop, from its Portuguese-inspired Goan cuisine to its vibrant flea markets; everything makes Goa a perfect holiday spot. But it is during Christmas time when you get to see Goa beyond the lenses of conventional tourism. We hope that this information regarding Christmas in Goa will help you spend your holidays in the most remarkable way possible.

Wish you a merry Christmas!