December 21, 2022
5 Places to Visit in North India for Christmas and New Year Celebrations
CM Content Team
Updated on : 05 December, 2023, 09:20 am
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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:
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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.
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Travel Tip:- At 2,050 meters above sea level, Manali boasts breath-taking landscapes. However, its high altitude presents challenges. To mitigate altitude-related issues, newcomers, especially those from lower altitudes, should take it easy on the first day. This gradual approach allows the body to acclimate to reduced oxygen levels, promoting a safer and more enjoyable experience in the refreshing mountainous setting. |
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.
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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.
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Travel Tip:- While Dharamshala is one of the known places to visit in India for Christmas and New Year, respect local culture by dressing modestly when visiting religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees, remove footwear before entering temples and monasteries, signifying humility on sacred ground. Adhering to these customs not only pays homage to the spiritual significance of the places but also fosters a harmonious connection between visitors and the local traditions. |
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.
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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.
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Travel Tip:- Wear sturdy and warm footwear, especially if you plan to explore the town on foot. Comfortable and insulated shoes will keep your feet warm. Also, Mussoorie has hilly terrain, so comfortable and sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the scenic landscapes and walking along the Mall Road. Warm up with local winter delicacies. Try local teas, hot soups, and traditional Garhwali dishes to experience the regional flavours. |
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.
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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.
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Travel Tip:- Nainital is one of the famous places to visit in India for Christmas and New Year but it can get quite cold during winter. Remember to pack layers, including thermal wear, to stay warm. Make the most of daylight hours to explore attractions like Naina Devi Temple and Snow View Point. The crisp winter air enhances the beauty of these spots. |
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.
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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.
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Travel Tip:- Arrive at Srinagar first and check into Kashmir House Boats Resort, a Club Mahindra affiliate resort in Srinagar the heart of Dal lake. Explore tourist places in Srinagar while acclimating to the cold climate for the first 2-3 days. Gulmarg is about 59 km from the resort. So, rent a private vehicle and drive to Gulmarg, which should take about one and a half hours. |
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.
Best places to visit in India
Tourist places in India - By Region
About Club Mahindra
Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. (MHRIL), a part of Leisure and Hospitality sector of the Mahindra Group, offers quality family holidays primarily through vacation ownership memberships and brings to the industry values such as reliability, trust and customer satisfaction. Started in 1996, the company's flagship brand ‘Club Mahindra’, today has over 290,000 members , who can holiday at 140+ resorts in India and abroad.
