Christmas in the mountains just hits differently, and with thoughtfully curated Christmas and New Year Packages taking care of your stay, travel, and festive experiences, the whole celebration feels effortlessly magical.
Across India, places like Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie, Nainital, Ooty, Darjeeling, Shillong, and Gangtok offer cool weather, scenic views, and festive vibes in December. Some get snow, some sparkle with Christmas markets, and many host midnight mass in beautiful old churches. These hill stations serve up the perfect mix of winter charm and relaxed holiday energy.
If a peaceful, festive getaway is what you’re craving, keep reading, these hill stations might just be the Christmas plan you didn’t know you needed.
Top-Selling Hill Station Holiday Packages
12 Best Hill Stations to Celebrate Christmas in India
1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla is one of the best hill stations to celebrate Christmas in India. During December, the town lights up with festive decorations, Christmas markets, and a lively holiday atmosphere. Christmas in hill stations in India is all about strolling along Mall Road, enjoying the crisp mountain air, and relaxing in cozy cafés with hot drinks.
The Ridge and Jakhoo Temple add charm to the experience, while Kufri offers snow activities for adventure lovers. Christ Church stands beautifully lit during the season, making it a perfect spot for photos.
Christmas in Shimla is ideal for families, couples, and friends looking for a cozy yet vibrant escape, blending scenic beauty with traditional holiday cheer.
Attractions in Shimla: Mall Road, Ridge, Jakhoo Temple, Kufri, Christ Church
2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali is one of the best places to visit during Christmas in India, offering snow-covered mountains, bustling markets, and a cozy holiday vibe. Christmas in hill stations in India in Manali combines adventure and relaxation perfectly.
Visitors can enjoy Solang Valley for skiing and paragliding, explore Rohtang Pass, or stroll through Old Manali’s charming streets filled with cafés and shops. Hidimba Temple adds a cultural touch, while the surrounding mountains make the perfect backdrop for a peaceful winter getaway.
The festive season brings local decorations, bonfires, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, making Manali a must-visit for families, friends, and couples who want both adventure and a memorable Christmas experience.
- Attractions in Manali: Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hidimba Temple, Old Manali
3. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
Mussoorie, known as the Queen of Hills, is perfect for Christmas in hill stations in India. It is one of the best hill stations to celebrate Christmas in India, offering panoramic mountain views, peaceful streets, and festive decorations.
Visitors can enjoy strolling along Camel’s Back Road, take in the scenery at Lal Tibba, or visit Kempty Falls for a day trip. Gun Hill offers easy viewpoints and some adventure fun. The town feels lively yet relaxed during December, with cozy cafés, bonfires, and Christmas markets creating a warm holiday atmosphere.
Mussoorie is ideal for families, couples, and friends seeking a calm yet cheerful mountain retreat to enjoy the holiday season.
Attractions in Mussoorie: Camel’s Back Road, Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Lal Tibba
Nainital is a charming hill station that’s perfect for a December getaway. The town is centered around the scenic Naini Lake, and the surrounding mountains add a peaceful, festive vibe during winter.
Families love visiting for the calm atmosphere, cozy cafés, and colorful Christmas markets. The Mall Road is lively with decorations, local shops, and delicious street food, while viewpoints like Snow View Point offer breathtaking views.
Whether you’re boating on the lake, visiting Naina Devi Temple, or just strolling along the streets, Nainital blends relaxation with the festive spirit, making it one of the best hill stations to celebrate Christmas in India with family.
Attractions in Nainital: Naini Lake, Mall Road, Snow View Point, Naina Devi Temple, The Mall
5. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling is a classic hill station known for its tea gardens, colonial charm, and stunning mountain views. December brings a crisp winter atmosphere, perfect for exploring the town’s scenic spots and festive markets.
Families and friends enjoy rides on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, visits to monasteries, and catching the sunrise at Tiger Hill. The town is also dotted with cozy cafés where you can sip famous Darjeeling tea while enjoying the winter air.
With its combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and lively streets, Darjeeling is a top choice among hill stations to visit in December.
Attractions in Darjeeling: Tiger Hill, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda, Tea Gardens
Gangtok is one of the top hill stations to celebrate Christmas in India, offering a perfect mix of scenic beauty, culture, and festive cheer. The town is lively during December, with MG Road lit up and local markets bustling with visitors.
Gangtok’s monasteries, like Rumtek and Enchey, add a spiritual charm, while Tashi View Point and nearby hills provide stunning panoramic views. Families enjoy strolling through streets, tasting local delicacies, and soaking in the relaxed winter vibe.
With its combination of adventure, sightseeing, and holiday spirit, Gangtok is one of the best places to visit during Christmas in India and an ideal stop among hill stations to visit in December.
Attractions in Gangtok: MG Road, Rumtek Monastery, Tashi View Point, Enchey Monastery, Namgyal Institute
Shillong is a lively hill station and a top choice for a December getaway. The city comes alive with festive lights, music, and local markets, creating a warm holiday atmosphere.
Shillong is family-friendly, with easy access to scenic spots, waterfalls, and viewpoints. Wards Lake, Elephant Falls, and Shillong Peak are popular attractions, while the local cafes offer a cozy place to enjoy the chilly weather.
The mix of culture, natural beauty, and festive charm makes Shillong one of the best places to visit during Christmas in India, and a must-include among hill stations to visit in December for those seeking a relaxed yet cheerful holiday.
Attractions in Shillong: Wards Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Don Bosco Centre, Lady Hydari Park
Ooty, the Queen of Nilgiris, is another top hill station to celebrate Christmas in India. The town has a cool, misty climate in December, making it perfect for a festive winter escape. Ooty’s Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, and Doddabetta Peak attract visitors looking for nature and sightseeing.
Families especially enjoy toy train rides, local markets, and cozy cafés that bring a cheerful holiday vibe. With its serene landscapes, scenic viewpoints, and friendly environment, Ooty is easily one of the best places to visit during Christmas in India and a popular option among hill stations to visit in December for a peaceful, scenic getaway.
Attractions in Ooty: Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Rose Garden, Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Munnar, with its endless tea plantations and misty hills, is one of the top hill stations to celebrate Christmas in India. Christmas in hill stations in India feels extra magical here with cool December weather, peaceful landscapes, and cozy cafés. Families can enjoy leisurely walks through the tea gardens, visit waterfalls, or explore Eravikulam National Park for some nature time.
Munnar is considered one of the best hill stations to celebrate Christmas in India with family, offering a calm holiday atmosphere combined with sightseeing and scenic beauty. It’s perfect for those who want to escape the city and spend the festive season surrounded by greenery and fresh mountain air.
Auli is a snowy paradise and easily one of the top hill stations to celebrate Christmas in India. Christmas in hill stations in India becomes a white wonderland here, with skiing, snowboarding, and crisp mountain air adding to the festive charm.
Families love cable car rides, snow trekking, and cozy stays with a view of the Himalayas. Auli is one of the best hill stations to celebrate Christmas in India with family, combining adventure, stunning landscapes, and holiday cheer.
It’s perfect for those looking to experience a snowy, active, yet relaxed Christmas in the mountains.
Attractions in Auli: Auli Ski Slopes, Gurso Bugyal, Auli Ropeway, Nanda Devi Peak, Chenab Lake
11. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Gulmarg is famous for its heavy snowfall and breathtaking Himalayan scenery. Winter transforms the town into a true winter wonderland, making it perfect for skiing, snow trekking, or just enjoying the snow.
Families can explore the town, take scenic rides on the Gulmarg Gondola, and visit local attractions. With its festive and snowy charm, Gulmarg is one of the best hill stations to celebrate Christmas in India with family, offering a unique winter experience for both adventure seekers and those looking for a cozy mountain escape.
Attractions in Gulmarg: Gulmarg Gondola, Apharwat Peak, Gulmarg Ski Slopes, St. Mary’s Church, Outer Circle
12. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal is a serene hill station in Tamil Nadu, perfect for a relaxing December getaway. Families can enjoy boating on Kodaikanal Lake, walking along Coaker’s Walk, or visiting Bryant Park and Pillar Rocks. The misty mornings, cool weather, and peaceful surroundings make it ideal for a calm holiday.
With cozy cafés and scenic viewpoints, Kodaikanal is one of the best hill stations to celebrate Christmas in India with family, while also being a top choice among those looking for Christmas in hill stations in India. It’s perfect for travelers seeking tranquility along with festive cheer.
Attractions in Kodaikanal: Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park, Pillar Rocks, Silver Cascade Falls
After exploring all these beautiful hill stations, it’s clear that Christmas in India can be just as magical as anywhere else. Whether you’re wandering through Shimla’s twinkling streets, enjoying snow sports in Auli, sipping tea in Darjeeling, or soaking in the misty views of Kodaikanal, every hill station brings its own festive charm. The lights, the markets, the cozy cafés, and the cold mountain air all come together to make the holiday special.
The best part? You can plan a getaway with family, friends, or even a solo trip and still feel the festive vibe everywhere. So pack your warm clothes, get ready for some adventure and relaxation, and make this Christmas truly memorable in the hills!
