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Be a part of the traditional Christmas vibes like a local
Goa’s biggest draw is its incredible coastline, with over 50 beaches. Add to this the lush green mountains in the south, and a plethora of streams and creeks; it's a nature lover’s delight. The best time to visit Goa is during winter when the sea is calm and the weather is pleasant. The erstwhile Portuguese colony is also one of the best places in India to enjoy Christmas. When celebrated like a local, a Goan Christmas is an experience unlike any other.
While the country gears up for New Year's Eve, Goa embraces the yuletide spirit. I saw the whole city decked up in lights; from massive cathedrals to non-descript lanes, the vibe of Christmas was omnipresent. For a full Goan experience, here are a few things you must try.
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Goa has over 400 churches beautifully decorated and lit during Christmas. I was truly spoilt for choice. Fellow travellers told me that Se Cathedral, the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, and the Basilica of Bom Jesus were some of the oldest ones I must visit.
It was a surreal experience – hundreds singing hymns and carols in unison, ringing church bells, and colourful fireworks. I walked along with the lively parades listening to the echos of hymns and carols through the night. Christmas trees of myriad shapes and sizes glistened at every nook and corner of the city. I had never experienced Christmas like this before.
Ballroom dances used to be popular in Goa. Before the pubs and discos came around, they were the go-to place for social entertainment. This age-old activity can be relived at the Christmas Ball. There are still a few sought-after places in Goa where you can experience this blast from the past. Men dressed in black tuxedos and women in beautiful gowns recreate the times of graceful romance, unlike today’s app-based dating culture.
The most popular haunts for these dances are Quinta de Valadares in Verna, Emerald Lawns in Parra, Clube Harmonia de Margao, and the Taleigao Community Centre. Most of these parties begin after the midnight mass and continue into the wee hours of the morning. The tempo increases as the night progresses, starting with the waltz, to the cha-cha and jive, and then popular Goan songs mixed with other trending music numbers. Live bands with guitars, saxophones, and trumpets belt out tunes all night.
The night markets of Goa come alive during Christmas, with the entire town revelling in the festivities. I had always wanted to explore this shopping experience, and it didn't disappoint. In addition to an impressive range of Christmas paraphernalia, the shops sold costume jewellery, antiques, leather accessories, apparel, souvenirs, handicrafts, lamps, spices, and a whole host of other things.
Most of these markets are near the beach with restaurants and bars in the vicinity. With a mix of tourists and locals in the fray, the markets were buzzing with activity during this period. The colourful stalls and halogen lights added to the festive vibe. The Arpora Saturday Night Market in North Goa is one of the biggest of its kind. Other notable night markets are Mackie's Saturday Nite Bazaar and Ingo's Saturday Night Market.
Whether it's a private party with family, a get-together with friends or a candlelight dinner with your loved one, an evening on the Mandovi River at Christmas is special. I was really looking forward to this part of my trip. With the shores beautifully lit up, the view from the cruise was spectacular. The highlight was catching the sunset on the horizon from the boat's deck. As evening fell, the other boats twinkling over the dark waters were a sight to behold. There are plenty of options to suit your budget and taste. Tickets start at INR 500 and vary according to the add-ons in your package.
Did you know that under the Portuguese, between the 16th and 18th centuries, Goa was known as the Rome of the East? Remnants of that grandeur are still visible in parts of Old Goa and more so during Christmas. The magnificent churches and towering cathedrals are draped in the lights of Christmas hue. After dark, these gorgeous structures stand out in the skyline. The old-world charm here blends perfectly with the traditional Christmas spirit. The 16th-century Se Cathedral, the Church of St. Catejan, and the Chapel of St. Catherine are must-visits during this time.
Known for its delicious cuisine, Christmas is the perfect time to sample the best of Goa’s culinary offerings. Beachfront restaurants and shacks serve an array of delightful Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, Mediterranean, Continental, and even Lebanese fare.
I was spoilt for choice at every beach I visited. A few upscale restaurants serve traditional Christmas dinners as well. These are highly sought-after buffets serving roast turkey, pork sorpotel, stuffed chicken, grilled seafood, and plum cake, among others.
During Christmas, the bakeries in Goa dish out mouthwatering cakes, homemade chocolates, pastries, desserts, and biscuits. Popular Goan desserts such as Bebinca (a layered cake made with coconut milk, ghee and egg yolk), Marzipan, Neureo (pastries stuffed with coconut), Gons (a lip-smacking sweet made with tender coconut) and Letri ( a coconut and bread sweet) are a must try.
Bebinca was my favourite sweet, and I carried a few boxes home. Another favourite is the time-tested rich plum cake packed apricots and dry fruit. The German Bakery at Anjuna or Benaulim, Mr Baker 1922 at Panaji, and Simonia's Goa at Parvorim are some of the oldest and most popular bakeries in Goa.
The Christmas and New Year's Eve vibe is incomplete without music, and there's no better place for gigs than year-end Goa. Everyone has heard about Sunburn – one of the biggest music festivals in the country. This three-day fest, touted to be Asia's largest electronic dance and music festival, happens in Goa towards the end of December. It happens at a different beach every year. The best DJs from all over the world are flown in to keep the crowds grooving all night long.
Why wait till New Year's Eve to go nightclub hopping? Clubs across Goa are buzzing during Christmas as well. Goa is India's premier party destination and the location of the clubs is perfect – near the beach, the shopping district, and the best eateries. It's no wonder why nightclubs in Goa are a major draw for tourists.
The crowds are carefree, the booze is cheap, and there's a feel-good atmosphere all around. Some of the top nightclubs in Goa are Tito's at Baga, Antares at Vagator, Club Cabana at Arpora, and SinQ at Candolim.
Christmas in Goa was an exhilarating experience for me – midnight mass, the decorations, fireworks, the euphony of hymns and carols, festive parades, the night markets, and all the delicious food. It was an absolute treat to the senses.
Christmas in Goa is unlike anything I've experienced anywhere in India. Head to Goa this Christmas and make sure you celebrate like a 'true blue Goan'.
Tip: Watch the spectacular firework shows on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve at the beaches of Baga, Calangute, Palolem, Colva and Bogmalo. Impromptu dances and music are common on these beaches during this time.
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