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Experience festive cheer at these top Christmas markets across Goa to ring in the holiday season.
Christmas has evolved into a highly anticipated holiday season for all of us, filled with wintery joy. From beautifully decorated Christmas trees to colourful illuminations all around, everything feels festive and fun during Christmas. Personally, my friends' Christmas parties are the highlight of the year, with themed attire, Santa hats, and Christmas lights galore!
Irrespective of where you live, December is when Christmas markets come alive, with stalls stocking fascinating Christmas paraphernalia, including ornaments, pastries, and trinkets. However, nothing beats the charm of Christmas celebrations in Goa. During this time of year, the entire state is virtually dedicated to creating a vibrant atmosphere.
So, if you have never heard of these places before, here is a curated guide to some of Goa's best (and my favourite) Christmas markets to check out this holiday season.
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No trip to Goa is complete without a visit to Anjuna's famous flea market. Luckily, I visited the market on a Wednesday, which is the only day when the market is open. While interacting with some locals, I got to know that this market was founded more than three decades ago by bohemians who wanted to earn money to extend their stay and enjoy life's highs.
During Christmas, the Anujuna Flea Market transforms into a funfest, with a carnivalesque atmosphere. You can expect to see wonderfully lit-up stalls and crowds of visitors bargaining for the best deals just before the Christmas holiday.
The Anjuna Flea Market offers a variety of merchandise, which make for perfect little Christmas gifts, including local handicrafts, spices, clothing, artificial jewellery, and accessories. While some of these items may seem on the pricier side, but nothing that a bargain couldn't solve!
There is paid parking available for two and four-wheelers. Additionally, you can enjoy a good pedicure near the parking lot. If you have an eye for spotting unique items in such places, you will leave with the best finds in the market.
Margao Market is one of the best Christmas markets that I've ever visited in Goa. The market is located in Margao, a small village on the northeastern coast of Goa. The market has been operating since early 2001 – according to what I learnt from the local shopkeepers – and it remains one of the most popular Christmas markets in Goa to date.
It’s hard to miss the market's colourful decorations and lights, especially in the evenings when they can be seen from afar.
A paradise for food lovers, the market is known for whipping up tasty local dishes. There are some amazing stalls set up near the beach, which sell traditional Goan dishes. I particularly loved the appetisers here, which were prepared using the freshest ingredients and aromatic spices. Don't miss the delectable treats to satiate your Christmas cravings.
Besides food, Margao Market is also famous for live performances by local artists at nightfall. This adds to the festive atmosphere, making it a memorable experience.
While there are many Christmas markets in Goa, I think Calangute market stands out due to its prime location on the beach and high tourist footfall. During Christmas, the Calangute Market Square come alive with Christmas colours. From clothes and jewellery to home decor and accessories, It is the perfect place to indulge your inner shopaholic.
The market boasts several beautifully decorated stalls selling authentic Goan delicacies and crafts. You will also see religious decorations, such as nativity scenes and crèches made of gingerbread houses, at this market. Additionally, there are plenty of food stalls serving traditional dishes, such as pork belly bhajia, fish curry, fried chicken, and kebabs – the latter two being my personal favourites.
If you're looking for something different on your trip to Calangute this Christmas, check out this market. It is sure to charm you as it charmed us!
For an unparalleled shopping experience, Arpora Night Market is a must-visit during the festive season. The market offers the perfect setting to spend time with family and friends and to shop for a variety of locally made Christmas gifts.
Held only on Saturdays, this all-inclusive market caters to all tastes and budgets. Here, you will find beautiful handicrafts, clothes, and other items made by local artisans from nearby villages. In addition, the market stalls offer the hottest and trendiest Christmas delicacies.
The market also hosts live music performances to get you in the holiday spirit. Some of the memorable acts that I witnessed while walking through the streets of Arpora on Christmas were stilt walkers performing acrobatics as well as several Kathakali and Bharatanatyam dance performances. Whether you're a shopaholic or a food enthusiast, this market will please you with its artistic, visual, and gastronomic appeal.
Mackie's Night Market is a unique Christmas experience in Goa and has become one of the most popular places to visit during the season. And I wholeheartedly recommend it.
The market is held every year and offers something for everyone: food (vegetarian and non-vegetarian), drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), clothing (for adults and kids), and everything else, from electronics to toys. This shopper's paradise has everything, from Christmas presents to quirky accessories, making gift-finding easier. There are also many shops selling traditional handicrafts, such as silver jewellery and pottery products. I totally loved the jewellery, by the way!
A true highlight of the market is the Christmas Tree Maze. You must find your way through the maze with the help of Santa, who guides you through to the end. Kids, in particular, will enjoy this. There are several other activities that you can participate in, such as making snowmen, singing carols, and even finding Santa’s lost reindeer. Additionally, there are live musical performances by local talents in Goa to enjoy. Mackie’s Night Market itself can be your family's one-stop Christmas vacation destination.
The Arambol Street Market is one of the biggest and most popular Christmas attractions in Goa. Located along the Arambol beachfront, it is a superb place offering Christmas decorations and various fun activities. When I visited the market during Christmas, I spent hours browsing through the merchandise at the rows of shops selling souvenirs and crafts. At the heart of the market, you will find stalls, selling everything from clothing and jewellery to books and accessories.
We decided to try the burgers and hotdogs here and they were surprisingly good! Afterwards, we hung around to watch the tree-lighting ceremony, which was quite a spectacle. The market also hosts a parade, a nativity scene, and music concerts, among others. With more than 900 stalls, this street market sure has something to cater for everyone's interests.
These open-air Christmas markets in Goa are a delightful experience for locals and visitors alike. The street markets often span across the entire town and offer a vibrant and bustling display of Christmas lights at the beautifully curated stalls. Without a doubt, Goa is one of the best places to spend a truly merry Christmas.
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