5 Places to Visit in North India for Christmas and New Year Celebrations

With the schools closing for winter holidays and earned leaves accumulating by the year-end, Christmas is one of the best times to satiate your wanderlust. 

North India has some exciting places to visit in India for Christmas and New Year. It provides an enchanting Christmas and New Year experience with its snowy landscapes and winter charm.

The region creates a cosy ambience, making it an ideal setting for festive celebrations or indulging in winter sports like skiing and revelling in the unique charm that the cold season brings to the region. No wonder the north is a renowned destination for Christmas or New Year trips in India.

So, start checking flights and train reservations as we compile a list of some of the best places to visit in North India for Christmas and New Year celebrations. 

• Manali, Himachal Pradesh

• Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

• Mussoorie, Uttarakhand

• Nainital, Uttarakhand

• Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

Explore the enchanting winter wonderlands of North India for a perfect Christmas-like atmosphere with snowy landscapes and festive charm. Immerse yourself in the unique blend of holiday cheer and winter magic that these destinations offer during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Here are some of the best places to visit in India for Christmas and New Year:  

• Manali

Once a sleepy village, Manali is now a well-known tourist destination. The mighty Himalayas and the slowly falling average temperature make Manali one of the best places to celebrate Christmas and New Year in North India. 

If you like a traditional religious Christmas mass, visit the Gibal Prayer House Church or the Arcor Lutheran Church. You also have the option to munch on some lip-smacking cuisines at Mall Road or explore places like Solang Valley, Mall Road, etc. 

Manali offers a perfect setting for those seeking memorable Christmas trips in India. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit amidst the breath-taking scenery, making it one of the top places to visit in India for Christmas and New Year.

You can stay at either Club Mahindra White Meadows or Club Mahindra Snow Peaks during your visit to Manali. Both resorts in Manali are well known for their scenic location and great services.  

• Dharmashala

Most cricket lovers are probably aware of Dharmashala's HPCA stadium, one of the world's most picturesque international stadiums. However, the scenic stadium is just a glimpse of what Dharmashala can offer, especially during the winter. 

Frequent snowfalls, a pollution-free environment, and numerous sightseeing destinations make Dharmashala one of the best places to celebrate Christmas and New Year in North India. 

Moreover, Dharmashala is also home to The Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration. So, it’s one of the best places to learn Tibetan culture and history.

Check into a resort in Dharamshala by Club Mahindra for a comfortable stay while getting some of the best views of Dharmashala right from the resort itself. 

• Mussoorie

The cold yet comfortable weather of Mussoorie makes it one of the best places to visit in North India for the New Year celebration, along with Christmas.

The charming hill station has a distinct colonial vibe that comes alive during the winter holidays. From shopping at the city’s mall road to nature walking and trekking, Mussoorie can keep you busy in winter. Hence it is one of the best places to visit in India for New Year starting from Christmas. So you can enjoy the entire week.

Stay at the resort in Mussoorie by Club Mahindra to explore this magical hill station. Enrol in a botanical class or have an authentic Garhwali dinner at the resort to enjoy a fulfilling winter vacation. 

•  Nainital

One of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in India, Nainital is a perfect winter getaway for both couples and families. The beautiful hill station on the foothills of Kumaon is famous for its placid lakes, colonial edifices, and numerous trekking and camping locations. 

Moreover, it's one of the best hill stations near New Delhi, situated about 312 km away. So, a 7-hour drive from New Delhi via AH2 can take you to Nainital. 

Club Mahindra Corbett Resort can be an ideal place to stay near Nainital. It is situated 65 km away from Nainital city and is spread over a vast landscape, the resort is situated on the banks of the Kosi river. From night camps to bonfires to relaxing massages and Kumaoni folk dance, the resort has numerous options for entertainment and fun.  

• Gulmarg

Everyone knows that Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Well, Gulmarg is one of the most beautiful places in Kashmir. The lush green coniferous forest surrounding snowy peaks is the signature beauty of Gulmarg. 

It is one of the best places to visit in North India for Christmas if you're a skiing enthusiast. The place has Government authorised rental shops for skiing equipment. If you're not much into skiing, take a ropeway ride in Gulmarg Gandola, one of the highest ropeway ferries in the world. The other tourist attractions in Gulmarg are Saint Mary's Church, Shiv Temple, and Maharaja Palace.

India is predominantly a country with a hot climate. So, the winter season can't be an excuse to stay at home. Instead, get out with your family and friends and spend a memorable vacation in the above places.