Christmas in Goa

Updated on Mar 20, 2024 by Stacey Parsons

If during the festive period you're keen to enjoy some sun, sand and sea, Goa at Christmas is truly memorable.

If you're searching for a festive break which is filled with uninterrupted blue skies and temperatures closer to 30°C as opposed to 3°C, have you considered spending some time in Goa for Christmas? If you need a little more convincing than simply the heat, here are some of our favourite excuses to consider your 2024 Christmas in Goa.

Reasons to visit Goa for Christmas...

1. The palm-backed beaches

Goa is home to an incredible number of golden sandy beaches, some which are busy and bustling, and plenty which are quiet and laid-back. No matter which you choose, there's a couple of things guaranteed - you can soak up the glorious sunshine or get lost in a good book under the shade of a palm, the choice is entirely yours. For more information on the locations of our favourite beaches in Goa, visit our top 10 beaches blog post.

Above: Calangute Beach, North Goa

Above: Cola Beach, South Goa

Above: Palolem Beach, South Goa

2. The colourful beach shacks and tasty cuisine

It's hungry work relaxing on the beach all day, and, especially in North Goa, beach goers are blessed by a fantastic selection of colourful makeshift beach shacks, all ready to quench your thirst and satisfy your stomach. From famous Goan fish curry to Kingfisher beer and everything in-between, enjoy fantastic value for money meals at these friendly beachfront restaurants. To tempt you further, here are our favourite beach shacks in Goa.

3. The superb luxury hotels

If your Christmas present to you and your loved one (or whole family) is that of a luxury Christmas break, you're in luck when it comes to Goa. From exquisite resorts along the ample coastline to jungle wellness retreats and everything in-between, Goa certainly doesn't fall short if you're keen to indulge over the festive period. Some of our favourite luxury hotels include Taj Exotica and Alila Diwa Goa. Here's a little more info on these, plus a couple more.

Above: The Leela

Above: Taj Exotica

Above: Alila Diwa Goa

4. The opportunity for long stay escapes over Christmas and New Year

It's more cost effective than you might initially think to embark on a long stay holiday to Goa, plus, it's a fantastic excuse to get away not just for Christmas, but New Year too! Spend more time doing what you love, whether that's lazing on the sands, exploring the wilderness or a bit of both, and with beach shack meals costing around £3 per person, you can keep the cost down too. Find out more about long stay holidays in Goa.

5. The fun and festive Christmas celebrations!

Celebrated by both Christians and Hindus alike, everyone comes together during Christmas in Goa, and some fantastic festivities, food and fireworks can be found all over the state.

A particularly wonderful place to visit during this time is the Church of Our Lady Immaculate Conception in Panjim, which is lit beautifully for the occasion. Market places are embellished with tinsel, Christmas trees light up local areas and you’ll find traditional Goan Christmas cake (made with wine and dry fruit) everywhere. Other Goan festive desserts include dodol, made with coconut and cashews, and neuros, made with dried fruit and coconut.

Above: Decorated tree with presents. Image credit: PhilMacDPhoto | Shutterstock