Sharvani ChandvaleMost believe that the best time to visit Goa is during Christmas. Winter has brought with it the sound of carols, the sparkle of a Christmas tree, and the thousands of lights that will deck Goa’s streets. Christmas in Goa is a much-awaited festival, celebrated with gusto and warm cheer. Pair this with its perfect cool winter evenings and pink skies, and you have no reason not to be here. What’s more, you get a headstart on New Year and experience a spectacular offbeat Christmas in Goa. Go bakery hopping to taste Christmas sweets in Goa, crib hunting, attend the Midnight mass and the parties after, and just bask in the merriness of it all. Here are 7 unique things you can do this Christmas 2022 in Goa.
So how can you truly experience Christmas in Goa?
Here’s a quick summary of all the things you can do in Goa in December during Christmas:
#1 Traditional Carol Singing in Goan Churches
During the week preceding Christmas in Goa, you might hear a tuneful Christmas carol here and there. However, the real event to be experienced is on the eve of Christmas when chorus groups gather to sing Christmas carols. They usually take place in church squares such as the Holy Spirit in Margao or the Immaculate Conception in Panjim. Apart from that, the winding lanes of the Latin Quarters also hold plenty of surprises for you. It’s a wonderful way to set the tone for your Christmas in Goa.
#2 Christmas Dinners with Goan Hosts
Goan Christmas feasts will leave your bellies and souls satisfied. Often they are extravagant spreads of meat-based dishes and sweets like Xacuti, Sorpotel, Bebinca, Mackerels, Rechado Prawns and so on. This is paired with traditional port wine or any other liqueur of the host’s choice. While it is not ideal to barge into a home for a Christmas dinner, Soul Travelling often curates wholesome Christmas dinner experiences that you won’t forget.
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#3 Midnight Mass + Christmas Eve Parties in Goa
It’s a Goan tradition to attend the midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and then party afterwards. You can just walk into any church to witness what makes the midnight Mass unique. After that, there are plenty of restaurants and local homes that host lively after-Christmas parties. There is dancing, good food and drinks, and these events can go on until dawn. While this means a late start on Christmas day, Goans do not hesitate from making the best of Christmas eve.
#4 Goan Sweet Tasting in Local Goan Bakeries
The weeks preceding Christmas witness Goan bakeries gearing up for the increase in demand for traditional Goan Christmas Sweets. They are usually available for pre-order and are often sold out a few days before Christmas. So if you want a taste of the traditional Christmas sweets in Goa, it’s best to do it a week before. Just walk into cute bakeries in Panjim and have a bite of everything on display!
#5 Go Christmas Shopping in Goa
‘Tis the season to collect all Christmas-themed souvenirs from your Goa trip! The local markets in Panjim, Mapusa and Margao tend to have some exclusive Christmas essentials on sale. Apart from that, there are plenty of stores in the Latin Quarters, Panjim, Assagao and Anjuna for some quintessential Christmas goodies.
#6 Embark on a Crib-Hopping Adventure in Goa
They say that no two cribs are the same in Goa. And for good reasons! There is so much creativity that pours out every year that viewers are left awestruck. People enthusiastically partake in the preparations weeks before Christmas day. While some are life-sized and beautiful, others are small and aesthetic. It’s worth walking or driving around through the villages, and coming across these works of art. Some popular spots are the Our Lady of Immaculate conception church, the Holy Spirit Church, outside homes and big and small churches in other Goan villages.
Final Thoughts – You’re Missing Out on a Colourful Time in Goa!
If you are curious about things to do in Goa during New Year’s, being part of the Christmas celebrations is one of them. You get to bask in decorated, well-lit streets, and wolf down delectable Goan Christmas delicacies. It’s a wonderful time to be in the state, especially with the slight chill of winter and the clear, colourful skies. If you aren’t sure how to make the best of your Christmas in Goa, hit us up and we may have just the right experience for you!
