Goa – the perfect and crazy beach destination in India – becomes bustling and ritzy in December as this winter month receives maximum footfall from all over the world. Backpackers & vibrant youth, honeymooners, and families flock to Goa in December.Goa beats all other cities for sizzling New Year & Christmas parties. From beaches & shacks to swanky resorts, sparkling nightclubs, and casinos; the party places don’t cease to attract tourists here. But there’s a lot more that you can include in your Goa holiday tour.
Goa In December: Places To Visit In 2024
Here, take a quick glance at the best places to visit in Goa in December. Visit Goa as the city sets itself to sparkle with enthusiasm and celebrates all these happening parties & festivities in absolute glee and merriment.
1. Old Goa – Christmas Celebrations
If you visit Goa during Christmas, you’ll find some super enthralling things in store. Goa looks dazzling during Christmas, and the happy-go-lucky locals soak in complete festivity. Streets and beaches are decorated with strings of lights, stars, ribbons, and life-size ornamented Christmas trees, making it among the most delightful places to visit in India in December.
Key attractions: Midnight mass in any of the 400 churches of the state, cakes & puddings at bakeries, and sumptuous Christmas dinner with roasted turkey, pork sorpotel, assorted grilled seafood, & Bebinca
Events: Feast of St. Xavier on December 3rd (every year)
Also Read: Nightlife In Goa
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2. Anjuna Beach – For New Year Parties
Goa holds the reputation of the most vibrant & happening party destination. And if it’s the New Year’s Eve party, it will be more lively & exhilarating. Almost all the beaches have their celebration. But the unforgettable New Year party scene at Anjuna beach makes it one of the most happening places to visit in North Goa in December. Beach shacks and pubs like Shiva Valley & Curlies throw the most fabulous parties with a super enthusiastic crowd, live animated music, delicious food, and amazing ambience. But the spectacular fireworks are definitely the show-stoppers.
Key attractions: Burning the Old Man (a Goanese tradition where a dummy old man with torn clothes is burnt to ashes, symbolizing the destruction of ancient worries and odds), techno music, and refreshing beverages & food
Related Post: New Year In Goa On A Budget
3. Arpora – Midnight Shopping
Retail therapy in Goa is never on the back seat and December is no exception. Arpora’s Saturday Night Market is one of the best places to visit in Goa in December to shop to your heart’s content. Though it functions from November to April, the shopkeepers always bring out the best to satiate the influx of tourists in December. The market opens every Saturday at 6 pm and runs till early morning. This shopping paradise looks all the more happening because of the hippie ambience.
Key attractions: Live bands, Street DJ, Fire eaters, seafood kiosks, poi jugglers, and Goanese souvenirs
Events:
4. Dona Paula Bay – Water Sports And More
For those planning a Goa trip in December, watersports in the relaxing weather are to die for. Dona Paula Bay is known for offering the best-happening adventure sports here. The activities are safe and well-guided and inculcate exuberance. Be a brave heart and try all of them, for it’s worth an experience.
Key attractions: Dinghy sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, and scuba diving
Related Post: places to visit in North Goa
5. Cidade De Goa – More For Watersports’ Lovers
Cidade de Goa is a swanky 5-star resort nestled on the sprawling Vainguinim beach of Goa. One of the most sizzling places to visit in Goa in December, this place offers a wide range of watersports. And you needn’t be staying there for these watersports. All you need to ensure is that you book in advance.
Key attractions: Windsurfing, parasailing, water skiing, water biking, canoeing, banana boat riding, and dinghy sailing
6. Chorao Island – Visit Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Located on the Mandovi River, Charao Island is home to the famous Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. This small & pristine island should be on the list if you visit Goa in December. The month of December makes it an ideal place to spot the most colourful & rare domestic & migratory birds in the fascinating bird sanctuary. This place is a hot favorite for nature lovers, trekkers, ornithologists, and those looking for little respite from back-to-back parties.
Key attractions: Rare birds in the bird sanctuary and vintage churches & Portuguese homes in the Charao village
Related Post: Watersports In Goa
7. Clubs, Bars, And Shacks – Experience The Nightlife
Goa offers the most happening pubs, clubs, and beach shacks. Amongst all the places to visit in Goa during December; Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, and Arpora have the best clubs and shacks. All these places offer the most happening party scenes in Goa with great music, delectable food, cool crowd dancing to the electrifying beats, and amazing jamming sessions.
Key attractions: EDM gigs, beachside barbecue & bonfire (on prior requests), and free booze hours
Most popular clubs: Tito’s Club and Britto’s Bar & Restaurant (Baga Beach) | Club Cubana (Arpora) | Club Antoos (Calangute)
Related Post: Hotels In Goa Near Baga Beach
8. Casinos – Witness The Lavishness
The casinos on huge boats and ships docked in River Mandovi are the best places to visit in Goa in December for those who would love to earn a little extra. These casinos receive the maximum crowd of local & international travelers in the month of December. The packages offered by most of the casinos include unlimited drinks & food till you play.
Key attractions: Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Texas Hold’em Poker, 3 Card Poker, 5 Card Poker, Mini Flush, Casino War, Pontoon, Money Wheel, Sic Bo, and slot machines
Most popular casinos: Casino Paradise, Casino Pride, Deltin Royale, and Deltin Jaqk
You May Also Like To Read: Backpacker’s Hell
December is just around the corner. What are you waiting for? Plan your sizzling holiday in Goa and take a tour of the most happening places in Goa in December with your loved ones to experience fun and adventure at the same time. Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the same, answered to make your planning smooth!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Goa
Which are the most luxurious hotels in Goa?
Some of the best hotels in Goa where you can enjoy luxury are Taj Exotica Goa, W Goa, Grand Hyatt, Radisson Hotel, Vivanta By Taj, Fahrenheit Hotel, Club Mahindra Varca Beach, and more.
Which are some least-crowded places to visit in Goa in December?
Even though Goa experiences an influx of tourists from around the world in December, there are many parts where you won’t find the crowd. Galgibaga Beach, Cola Beach, Fort Tiracol, and Arvalem Caves are among the less-known hidden places in Goa.
What are the places to be visited in Goa for bachelors in the month of December?
Baga Beach area and Panjim are some buzzing places where you must go if you’re planning a Goa trip in December for bachelors.
Baga Beach area is a happening place to enjoy nightlife in Goa. The Tito’s Lane in Baga is dotted with some hypnotic pubs like Mambo’s and Kamaki. During the day, you can indulge in various watersports such as parasailing and jet ski ride in Baga Beach. Panjim, on the other hand, is where you can gamble all night long in the cruise casinos.
What are the best places to visit during December with good weather and adventures?
Other than Goa, Pondicherry, Kerala and Rann of Kutch are among the best places in India you must visit in December. During this time of the year, these places experience the best of weather conditions, comparing with other months.
Is Goa expensive in December?
Yes, December is the peak tourist month in Goa and therefore the prices are high. The high demand of services including flights, accommodation, food, and activities lead to a hike in prices.
Where can I go for Christmas in Goa?
Here is a list of places that you can head to for celebrating Christmas:
1. Popular churches in Goa like Bom Jesus Basilica, Church of Lady of the Rosary for attending midnight mass and watching Christmas parade
2. Popular Goan beaches for watching fireworks
3. Clubs and bars in Goa for Christmas party
4. Popular restaurants to enjoy some special Christmas dinner
What to wear in Goa in December?
Wear light clothes in Goa. You would not need any warm clothes for a beach destination like this, even in December. Make sure you add a lot of colour to your clothes to blend in the Goan vibe:
1. Swimsuits
2. Skirts
3. Jeans/Cotton pants
4. Light fabric tops
5. Ganji tops
6. Short pants
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
