From the early start of the month of December, people start planning their Christmas and New Years' plans. The end of the year is a time to celebrate with much enthusiasm. The festival of Christmas, which marks the birth of Lord Jesus may not be celebrated with the same enthusiasm within India as compared to the West but the excitement still remains. The Christian community that resides in different parts of the country, ensure they have great celebrations about their most important festival. Gradually as every place is decked up for the season, the vibe of the place also becomes Christmasy. There are few places in the country where Christmas is brought in with great enthusiasm and you should experience it to get the feel of it all. We give you some places to visit in India to celebrate Christmas 2018. Christmas 2018 Fruit Cake Recipes: Relish the Popular Traditional Dessert This Festival Season.

Goa

 

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Goa needs to be on top of the places to visit for Christmas. The once Portuguese colony which carries a party feel to it all throughout the year, Goa is even prettier during December and New years. With most Christians in their populace, the state is adorned in colourful lights, flowers, Christmas decor in most parts. With a soothing company of beaches and a combination of ancient churches in Old Goa, this part of India has one of the most enthusiastic celebrations of Christmas. You could hop onto a cruise for the Christmas party or relax by the beach by evening and enjoy the atmosphere. Best Way to Travel From Mumbai to Goa: Road, Rail, Air & Sea – All Route Options With Pros and Cons to Reach the Beach Destination.

Kerala

 

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Kerala holds the tag of God's Own Country, which is enough for its description of a beautiful place with natural beauty. You can visit Kerala, enjoy the backwaters and indulge in Christmas feasts. There are many churches where you can be a part of the midnight mass, watch Christmas plays, have local delicacies and have a good festive time. If you love South-Indian food, then a trip to Kerala will be a fulfilling one.

Daman and Diu

 

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Once again being a French colony, the celebratory enthusiasm about Christmas is present here. The Christian community organises cultural programs which have a lovely display of lights, dance forms etc to ring in the festivities. You could attend the masses in the church and enjoy a lovely Christmas spread. You could head to the relatively unexplored beaches in Daman too.

Pondicherry 

 

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If you want to experience a Christmas in an exotic location in the country then head to Pondicherry. The French influence is very much felt in the lanes of this place. A lot of Roman Catholic population, the enthusiasm of the Christmas is very strongly felt. The happy ambience, colourful bylanes, and lovely food, Pondicherry at Christmas is a place to be! There are many churches in here where you can attend the Christmas service and get a little taste of the west.

Shillong

 

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The Christmas feels are celebrated in parts of North East as well. The tribal communities have their own way of ringing in Christmas. Shillong is one of the places in North East which celebrates the festival in much fervour. There are community meals held in various parts. Christmas tree decorations and streets decked up with beautiful displays, Shillong becomes equally festive.

Shimla

 

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There is a winter wave in the Northern part of India currently and many spots are covered in thick layers of pure snow. So if you happen to head up here you will get the double delight of winters and Christmas! There is a sizeable population of Christians in the hill station who decorate the streets and areas with lights, lanterns and also organise several programmes. There are musical events, performances by locals to celebrate the festival. Christmas 2018: Why Do We Build A Snowman on Xmas? Here’s The Right Way To Make One.

Kolkata

 

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The city of joy is much more joyous during the month of December for Christmas. The Park Street in Kolkata has a Christmas parade every year. One could relish the food items at the food stalls, be a part of Christmas carols and choirs. The Midnight mass in the Gothic architectural church is also a feel-good experience. The markets have a variety of Christmas treats- cakes and sweets and are decorated with lovely lights for the occasion. The Kolkata Christmas festival is organised every year which brings together all festive elements of Christmas.

These are some of the places within the country which bring in Christmas with much enthusiasm compared to other parts. Essentially any area that has a considerable population of Christians maintain their annual festive preparations. There are special feasts arranged for the days ahead. If you have been confused about where to experience the festivities of Christmas, we hope the above list helps you to sort your Christmas 2018 plans.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 14, 2018 03:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).