Beautiful Churches to Visit in India During Christmas

December beckons the start of the Christmas holiday season. You can feel the Christmas spirit and holiday vibes all around you and the fest as the streets, malls, a few offices, and homes sparkle with fairy lights and jingle bells. Not to mention, the smell of the special Christmas goodies and the sound of Christmas carols make the festival even more exciting for all, especially children. 

With so much joy all around, what better way to utilise the holiday than visiting beautiful churches in India? There are many sacred, historic and iconic churches in India. The churches mentioned in this list are the best places to celebrate the holy festival. 

So, without any further ado, let us get started. 

• St. Paul’s Cathedral, West Bengal
• Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa
• Moravian Church, Leh
• Christ Church, Himachal Pradesh
• Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Puducherry

St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata, West Bengal

St. Paul’s Cathedral is located in Kolkata, the City of Joy. And it is indeed a joyful place to visit during Christmas. One of the most popular churches in the city, it attracts several tourists during Christmas, it is the place to feel the festive spirit and join in the celebrations with the local Christians. 

Known for its impeccable beauty and stunning Victorian-style architecture, this catholic church in India is a massive structure that stands to date. The structure has stood the test of time, and with one glance at it, you will feel transported back to the colonial era. 

While you may visit this stunning place any time of the year and be equally pleased that you did, the Christmas season has its unique charm. During this time, everyone visiting the church is in a jovial and celebratory mood, which only makes your experience better. 

Also, during this time of the year, the gardens surrounding the church and the streets nearby are fully lit in different colours of lights, and they are decorated, which creates a wonderful sight for tourists.  

Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa

Located in Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is unarguably one of the must-visit churches to celebrate Christmas in India. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this church has a one-of-a-kind architecture that reflects the Portuguese influence in the region. 

While the Church is famous for its architecture and stunning beauty, it is also considered a holy site by Christians worldwide. It is known for holding the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The remains of the Saint are kept in a silver casket, and it is lowered once a year for the public to see, pray and seek blessings of the saint during the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, which happens in December.  

While in Goa, you cannot possibly afford to miss visiting its various famed beaches and party spots. During Christmas, Goa is one of the few states in India where almost every family and household celebrates the festival. 

You can experience the celebration yourself and at the same time enjoy the luxurious amenities and world-class hospitality service by staying at Club Mahindra Varca Resort. Located close to Varca Beach, you get direct access to the beach from the resort, and it is one of the most secluded and cleanest beaches in the state. 

Moravian Church, Leh, Ladakh

Talking about the most beautiful churches in India for Christmas, you cannot miss mentioning this church located in Leh. The beauty of Leh is renowned worldwide, and the natural setting here is divine. And among the many stunning tourist places in the region, the ian Church is a shining jewel. 

Apart from its location in a fairytale-like setting, the church also has the distinction of being one of the highest churches in India. Also, it is one of the smallest churches in the country of the protestant denominations. 

Every year, during Christmas, the locals in the region gather at the church for mass and prayer. It is also a great place for them to meet and greet the people from their community, exchange Christmas greetings and wishes. So, if you are visiting the place during Christmas, it gives you a chance to witness the celebration in the local style and be a part of it. 

While you are holidaying in Leh during Christmas, you must not miss the chance to explore the region and visit other popular places. And while you spend a few days, make sure to enjoy a luxurious holiday by booking your stay at the Driftwood Ladakh, offered by Club Mahindra. 

It is one of the most popular family and couple-friendly resorts in the region and is known to offer the perfect setting to enjoy the natural beauty of Leh and the Christmas spirit. 

Christ Church, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

One of the oldest churches in North India, the Christ Church in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, is also an incredible church to visit during Christmas in India. It was founded by the British in 1857 to serve the Anglican British Community in the region. 

What makes this church special is its grandeur, stunning architecture, and the breathtaking setting where it is located. While the whole structure is enchanting from the outside, as you explore it from within, there is beauty in every corner, and you will be amazed to see the attention to detail in every minute thing. 

The stained-glass windows in the church depict hope, compassion, patience, humanity, and fortitude. A famous landmark in Shimla’s tourism circle, to date, the church stands tall as one of the greatest reminders of the British Raj. 

Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Puducherry

A Popular tourist spot in Puducherry, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral is an architectural marvel. The stunning structure is a visual treat, and it is sure to leave you in awe of its beauty! While the exterior is enchanting, the interior is even better. 

The tranquil and serene setting and the incredible interior will make you stay inside for hours. You can just admire the beauty all around you for several hours and yet not have enough of it. Rated among the most incredible churches in India to visit during Christmas, the locals call it ‘Samba Kovil.’

The church has a fascinating history, and it was built three times after being destroyed by different parties. The structure that stands today was built for the fourth time and is a popular tourist attraction; it draws visitors from all over India during Christmas. 

While you visit Pondicherry, you can book your stay at one of the most premium resorts in the region, the Club Mahindra Puducherry. It is the perfect gateway to visit this church, explore other popular tourist places in the city, and experience the best of everything that Puducherry has to offer. 

Churches in India are more than just a place of worship. Every church has its own unique story and history, which is fascinating to know and explore. So, with the Christmas holiday just around the corner, which of these churches are you excited to visit the most? Wherever you go, make sure to have fun with your family. Merry Christmas!