A Guide to Giving Your Christmas Celebration a Refreshing Goan Spin

Christmas is a magical time, with the promise of a new year and the festive spirit enveloping everyone. It’s a season best spent with family and friends – but a good celebration requires the ideal location to have a holly jolly Christmas! 

Case in point: Have you ever considered Goa for a quick getaway to usher in the festivities? Whether you have a penchant for taking a stroll with your loved ones through the beautiful Christmas lights or you prefer dancing the night away, there is a way for everyone to celebrate Christmas in Goa! 

From throwing a close-knit party in one of the luxurious apartments in Goa to indulging in all the merry things to do in Goa during Christmas, here’s a breakdown of how to celebrate the season in style.

Attend the Christmas Eve Mass

Goa has a significant Christian population that still follows the traditions and customs brought by the Portuguese colonists. 

This Portuguese influence is also evident in the state through its cuisine, architecture, culture, language, agriculture, and more. As a consequence, Christmas in Goa is often a blend of seasonal delicacies, religious ceremonies, dances, and more. 

If you are in the mood to absorb the best of festive spirit, then consider attending a Christmas Eve mass at a local church or cathedral. While there are a myriad of more than 400 churches across Goa to visit, the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral are renowned for their stunning Christmas decorations of lights and candles. 

During Christmas time, these churches witness a large number of locals, tourists, and devotees who visit to see the decorations and participate in the mass. 

Our say: Since the mass service on Christmas Eve often runs through midnight, it is a good idea to have accommodation nearby so you can make the most of your visit. Book comfortable apartments in North Goa, such as the Veera Prestige by Alaya Stays, right in the heart of Candolim, North Goa. It is within walking distance of the churches, ensuring you make the most out of the midnight service while enjoying a seamless stay.

Enjoy a Traditional Goan Christmas Feast 

Are you on a quest for things to do in Goa during Christmas that embrace the memo of “go local, eat local”? Then you won’t be disappointed. It is often a ritual for families and friends to get together post-mass to indulge in traditional Goan delicacies and local dishes to celebrate Christmas.

Here’s what you can do: Head straight to a beach shack or consider trying out a fancy restaurant known for its local feasts during the season. 

From bebinca, vindaloo, fruit and plum cakes, fish curry rice, and sorpotel, you will be spoilt for choice as you celebrate Christmas the Goan way. 

If you have booked a luxurious villa like Nyx’s Haven by Alaya Stays in Vagator, North Goa, you could order in and throw a little Christmas party for your loved ones! The 7-BHK private villa features an outdoor sitting area and a private pool which makes it the perfect spot for hosting a great Christmas get-together. 

Go for a Beach Party with Friends and Family

While Goa is best known worldwide as a coastal paradise to unwind in, there is more to it that attracts a flock of tourists globally. Highly acclaimed for its spectacular nightlife, parties, and festivals, Goa is also the number one destination if you are looking to let your hair down and celebrate. But if you are looking for celebratory things to do in Goa during Christmas, then beach parties should be at the top of your list!

Famed beaches like Calangute, Vagator, Anjuna, and Baga become hotspots during December, hosting vibrant Christmas parties packed with bonfires, upbeat music, food, drinks, and more! 

Give into the revelry and bring in Christmas with your loved ones without any worry—book one of Alaya Stays’ apartments in Goa to enjoy the lively celebrations and still be close to the party action.

Take a Walk and See the Christmas Decorations 

If you have ticked off booking one of the apartments in Goa, which is close to all famous spots and makes things to do in Goa during Christmas a breeze, then here’s another thing to add to your list.

During the festival, homes come alive as families decorate their spaces with lights, Christmas trees, candles, ornaments, and more. These decorations are best seen on foot and hence, it is a great idea to take a midnight stroll with your family, friends, or even solo to see the Christmas decor in all its glory! 

In addition to the festive displays, carols are an integral element of the festival, and you may come across groups of carolers on the streets. They travel from house to house and sing carols in languages like Konkan, Marathi, and English, spreading the Christmas cheer throughout the streets. Seeing the decorations and enjoying the local carols will prove to be one of the truly magical things to do in Goa during Christmas for all the right feels.

Shop from the Local Christmas Markets 

During Christmas time, Goa transforms itself into a destination for ultimate Christmas markets, which sell beautiful souvenirs, handmade ornaments, traditional Goan sweets, and more. So, if you are on the lookout for things to do in Goa during Christmas which strike a balance between having fun and getting some shopping done, then discover these local festive markets during the season.

For instance, the Anjuna Flea Market and the Mapusa Market are held every year and are popular spots which attract shoppers from around the world for cute mementoes and charming gift options! 

Takeaway

Thanks to its Christian population, Goa celebrates Christmas unlike any other state in India. Blending old Portuguese traditions with a contemporary touch, the state becomes the ultimate destination to absorb some festive spirit and ring in the new year! 

The best part? You can make the most of this experience without breaking the bank by booking comfortable apartments in Goa with Alaya Stays. Our 6 villas are located in popular destinations across North Goa, with features like a private pool, gym, kids’ zone, balcony, lift, restaurant, and bar, your stay will be as convenient and festive as it is relaxing.

After all, when your stay is as comfortable and elegant as it should be, enjoying the things to do in Goa during Christmas will be your only priority!