Hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, glittering star lanterns and Christmas trees up for sale, the aroma of plum cake in the air, twinkling lights and figurines of Santa Claus adorning the streets and shops, a festive ambience everywhere, and the world is gearing up for the most favourite season of the year.
Also, we are near the time of the year to bid adieu to fabulous things and to step into a new one with new resolutions and immense happiness.
Ooty
Ooty is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu. It is the first choice for honeymooners or couples, with lush green tea and spice plantations catching the eye. Furthermore, Ooty Lake and the pine forest add to the place’s charm, making it worth considering for your next vacation in South India.
There are many sightseeing spots in Ooty; therefore, it is vital to plan a 3-5-day trip. It is a blend of cultural hills and nature, best visited between June and October.
Key Attractions in Ooty
- Mudumalai National Park: Spread over 688.59 sq km, it is a tiger reserve located in the Nilgiri District of Tamil Nadu.
- Avalanche Lake: Formed out of a landslide in the 1800s, the Avalanche Lake is situated 21-22 Km from Ooty. Enjoy the still scenery or take pictures to take home memories.
- Needle Rock View Point: Located in the Nilgiris, it offers panoramic views of the rolling hills and lush tea plantations.
- Parsons Valley: It is a reserved forest, offering wildlife spotting, stunning nature views, and the Parsons Valley Dam. It’s also a key trekking point to join the trails leading to Mukurthi National Park.
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ooty that offers rides with breathtaking views along the journey.
Activities to do in Ooty
Ooty offers scenic views and adventure activities to keep tourists entertained. There are various activities to do, including discovering waterfalls.
- Dining on local dishes: You can try authentic dishes like Kaima Idli, Fresh Nilgiri tea, Idli Dosa, along with various chutneys.
- Nightlife: Ooty’s nightlife includes stargazing around bonfires. Moreover, there are classic-style clubs and drinks with night stroll music and dance.
- Shopping: Tourists can buy fragrant spices and cardamom, a speciality.
- Festivals/Events: The Boat Race during the summer, Flower Show, Rose Show, Thaipoosam, and Mariamman are some of the worth-visiting festivals.
Chennai
Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, and is well decorated with lights for Christmas and the New Year. The churches are beautifully decorated with different lights and carnival nights.
Highlights of Chennai during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, San Thome Basilica. For Dinner and parties, the best places are The Leela Palace and the ITC Grand Chola hotels.
Moreover, if you are a beach person, then visit Marina Beach for the New Year’s festivities gala.
Key Attractions for Christmas and New Year in Chennai
- San Thome Basilica: Neo Gothic Roman Catholic church, is a significant pilgrimage.
- St Mary Church, Fort St George: It is the oldest Anglican church, having historical graves and records.
- Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Perambur: Enjoy the festive spirit here with prayers, musical performance and events.
- George Town and Broadway: Feast on the roasted chestnut, wagon rides, shopping for handcrafted things, procession of Santa Lucia Procession.
- Marina Beach: It is a vibrant public space, where people gather for a festive atmosphere, party and strolling.
Activities to do in Chennai
- Enjoy the midnight at the historic churches in Chennai.
- Strolling at the famous beaches for fun and relaxation.
- Join the crowd to enjoy stare at the fireworks.
- Go shopping at the markets handmade scented candles and decor items, famous plum cakes, cookies and chocolates.
Bengaluru
Bengaluru is one of the prominent places to visit in South India for Christmas and the New Year festivities. It is the most happening city with themed parties, midnight masses, and lighted streets.
Bengaluru stands out as a popular vacation destination for Christmas and New Year celebrations. The Christian heritage and the modern party culture make it more appropriate to spend vacation time.
Furthermore, the weather in the area is delightful and not as cold as in some other prominent cities. It offers whatever you call, from charity and social services to high-energy nightlife, to have an energetic start.
Key Attractions for Christmas and New Year in Bengaluru
- St Patrick’s Church, Brigade Road
- St Mary Basilica, Shivajinagar
- Brigade Road and Church Street
- Pubs and Breweries
- MG Road and UB city
Activities to do in Bengaluru
- Visit churches, be part of the carol singing, candle lit prayer and capture festive decor.
- Explore the streets, buy the local products such as spices or tea to take back home.
- Visit the Microbreweries and Pubs and try their menu for Christmas and New Year.
Cochin
Cochin, Kerala, is an iconic destination for celebrating New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve. There are various churches there to visit, specially decorated for the Christmas and New Year festivities with beautiful lights.
The whole scenery in Cochin matches the festive vibe, with carols, candle-lit prayers, and more.
Cochin Key Attractions
- Fort Kochi Beach: Join the festivities on the beach for New Year countdowns, fireworks and a joyful evening.
- Feast in traditional style: Dive into the delicious plum cakes, traditional wines, appam and seafood from the waterfront restaurants.
Activities to do in Cochin
- Visiting iconic churches by Christmas evening and attending various fairs organized.
- Join the street parade and cultural performances.
- Witness Pappanji Burning at New Year’s Eve at midnight by Fort Cochin.
Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is a historic town in the southernmost state of Tamil Nadu. It is a popular place for New Year’s and Christmas celebrations. The place has a number of churches, resorts and beaches to enjoy the festive brunches.
Moreover, various gatherings are organised for the day to maximise the celebration.
Key Attraction in Mahabalipuram
- Mahabalipuram Lighthouse: The beautifully painted lighthouse is an old building providing a great view of the Goan nature’s beauty.
- Tiger Cave: These are rock cut caves, while in Mahabalipuram enjoy visiting the place in day time.
- Mamalla Beach Resort: It is a budget friendly option to relax and celebrate the New Year festivities.
Activities to do in Mahabalipuram
- Book resorts by the beach side, make sure to check if it is kids and pet friendly as per your travel requirements.
- Sightseeing the famous and historic places in the daytime.
- Visit local churches, join the traditional prayers for a spiritual Christmas experience.
- Photography at the beach for beautiful pictures to keep as a memory.
Thiruvananthapuram
It is a preferred destination for anyone looking for a vacation spot in South India. It is easy to reach, plus a vibrant city for Christmas and New Year celebrations. St. Joseph Cathedral is a famous church to visit near the nearby beaches and backwaters.
For Christmas and New Year festivities, people can enjoy the parties, dining and cultural events. Explore the backwaters and beaches along with large EDM parties.
Key Attraction in Thiruvananthapuram
- Kovalam Beach: A famous beach for relaxation, a short drive from the main city.
- St Joseph’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Palayam: Join for the special celebration arrangements.
- Lourdes Church: Known for its peaceful ambiences, festive surroundings, lights and decoration for Christmas till Diwali.
Activities to do in Thiruvananthapuram
- Feast and Food: Try the traditional Christian Christmas meals — cake, wine, and seafood.
- The beach walks around sunset and sunrise to capture the movements forever in your memories.
- Souvenirs: Buy festive treats, coir products, spices and coir products.
Kodaikanal
For those seeking a peaceful getaway in the lap of nature, the alluring hill station of Kodaikanal is a perfect choice and a must-visit place in Tamil Nadu to celebrate this Christmas and New Year.
Known for its mesmerizing natural beauty and soothing climate, it is reckoned as the “Princess of Hill Station”.
Treat yourself to the spellbinding views of sprawling lush green tea plantations and rolling hills when you are at Kodaikanal.
Key Attraction in Kodaikanal
- Coaker’s Walk: It is a pedestrian pathway providing breathtaking valley views, ideal for leisure walk, especially beautiful in the early mornings.
- Pine Forest: A serene forest that is lined with towering trees, perfect picnic place and best to take a walk in nature.
- Pillar Rocks: A stunning place for photographs and for admiring nature’s beauty.
- Bryant Park: It is a park near the Kodaikonal lake consisting of rare flora and fauna, ideal to visit with family and friends.
- Guna Caves: Famous for photography and the adventures, located in dense forest settings.
- Lake View Point: Popular view point for sunset and sunrise. Offers panoramic view of stunning Kodaikanal lake.
Activities to do in Kodaikanal
- Admire the natural beauty of the place.
- Buy the local handicrafts and specialities involving spices, tea and handmade chocolates. Moreover, aromatic oils and woolens as souvenirs.
Puducherry
For spending Christmas and New Year holidays Pondicherry is the most charming tourist destination in South India. It carries the festival vibes starting from early December. People love visiting here for the elegant French colonial charm present all over the city.
Moreover, the beach parties, beautifully decorated churches and vibrant year end atmosphere.
Key Attraction in Puducherry
- Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Vibrant energy, Carol singing, and celebration extended till New Year.
- Our Lady of Angels: The church holds Christmas eve and day masses followed by the carol singing and choirs.
- White Town: Your eyes will gleam with the beautiful streets decorated with lights and wreaths. Carol singing, plum cake by market are other attractions.
Activities to do in Puducherry
- Feasts, because festivals are for enjoying delicacies. Check out the restaurants and famous local places for plum cakes.
- Shopping, celebrations are doubled when you shop from the Christmas markets for keepsakes, ornaments and goodies.
- Beach parties are something you can’t miss when in Pondicherry, so join and match the vibe.
Kanyakumari
How about watching the New Year begin, admiring the most incredible sunrise? Then visit the iconic tourist attraction Kanyakumari. It is said to be the only place in India where you can observe the sunrise and sunset at the same beach.
Home to many pristine beaches and beautiful churches, Kanyakumari is one of the best places in Tamil Nadu to celebrate Christmas and New Year. The place offers a unique opportunity to behold the confluence of three oceans – the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean.
Key Attraction in Kanyakumari
- Vivekanand Rock Memorial: It’s an iconic place to visit when you have time during the festivities to explore Kanyakumari historic place.
- Thiruvallur Statue: A towering 133 foot statue situated beside the Vivekanada Rock Memorial.
- Kanyakumari Beach and Triveni Sangum: Popular place for the sunset and sunrise views.
- Vattakottai Fort: A seaside fort, having lush green surroundings offering beautiful views.
Activities to do in Kanyakumari
- Join the carol singing in the iconic churches.
- Attend the community events
- Take part in public celebrations and New Year countdowns.
Goa
Goa has a party vibe even on a typical day, so for the festivities, it is a hotspot. Your Christmas and New Year plan are sorted if you are choosing Goa for the holidays.
Key Attraction in Goa
- Basilica of Bom: Decorated for the Christmas and New Year festivities with carol singing and midnight masses.
- Fountainhas: take a stroll around the Panjim Latin Quarters specially decorated with star shaped lanterns and lights.
- Baga and Calangute: Attend the lively music and events or take walks for calmer vibes.
- Anjuna Flea Market: During Christmas and New Year the unique finds are available in markets and so many stalls specially set up for the festive stuff.
Activities to do in Goa
- Relax by the beaches: Goa is all for beaches, enjoy the classic party scene with loud music and crowd.
- Enjoy Sunset and Sunrise: Enjoy the magical sunset and sunrise by the beaches and take memorable photos.
- Dive in the Goan Savoury: There are street food and cafes/restaurants selling the Goan authentic dishes.
- Enjoy the Goan folk dance: Local organisations and communities organise cultural events where traditional dance forms like — Fugdi, Mando and Dekhni are presented.
Conclusion
South India is a paradise to explore during long vacations such as Christmas and New Year. There are a number of places as it is blessed with natural destinations like mountains, lakes, rivers, canals and beaches. Therefore, it is beneficial for all types of travellers whether honeymooners or family groups.
FAQs
Q1. Where to celebrate New Year in Tamil Nadu?
A1. Velankanni and Chennai are the best places to visit for the grand celebration of the New Year and Christmas eve.
Q2. Which place is best for a family trip for Christmas Vacation?
A2. Ooty and Kodaikanal are ideal places for families to visit during vacation to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
Q3. Which is better for Christmas and New Year celebration: Beaches or Mountains?
A3. Beaches are good for energetic celebrations while mountains are good for peaceful and laid back celebrations.
Q4. Is there a midnight mass service in Tamil Nadu?
A4. Yes, there is a midnight mass service celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Q5. What is the weather in Tamil Nadu during the Christmas time?
A5. The weather ranges from 18-28 degree celsius, ideal for sightseeing and beach side relaxation.
