Good news for everyone in Delhi: Christmas 2026 falls on a Friday. That means a ready-made three-day long weekend from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 December, without taking a single leave. So why spend it in Delhi’s smog and traffic? Pack a warm jacket and head out. In this guide, we list the best places to visit for Christmas, from snowy hills and old churches to calm rivers and royal forts.
When is Christmas 2026 and how long is the weekend?
Christmas is on Friday, 25 December 2026. Most offices are closed that day, so you get Friday, Saturday and Sunday free. Leave on Thursday night (24 December) to enjoy Christmas Eve at your destination.
Want more time? Take leave on 28 to 31 December and you get nine days off straight into New Year 2027.
What are the Best Christmas Destinations from Delhi?
Here is a quick look before we go into details:
| Place | Distance from Delhi | Drive time (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimla | 350 km | 7 to 8 hrs | Church service, Mall Road, chance of snow |
| Mussoorie and Landour | 290 km | 6 to 7 hrs | Cafés, old churches, mountain views |
| Kasauli | 300 km | 6 hrs | Quiet colonial town, Christ Church |
| Rishikesh | 240 km | 5 to 6 hrs | Ganga, cafés, camping, yoga |
| Nainital | 310 km | 7 hrs | Lake, Christmas lights, family trips |
| Jaipur | 280 km | 5 hrs | Forts, food, pleasant winter sun |
| Lansdowne | 260 km | 6 to 7 hrs | Peace and pine forests |
| Jim Corbett | 260 km | 6 hrs | Jungle safari, resorts |
| Manali | 540 km | 12 to 13 hrs | Best chance of snow |
| McLeodganj | 480 km | 10 to 11 hrs | Cafés, monasteries, trekking |
Distances and times are approximate and increase with holiday traffic.
1. Is Shimla good for Christmas?
Yes. Shimla is the classic Christmas getaway from Delhi. The Mall Road is decorated with lights, and the midnight mass at Christ Church on the Ridge is a lovely experience. It is one of the oldest churches in North India.
- Snow chance: Possible in late December, but not guaranteed. Kufri and Narkanda, just an hour away, have better chances. Find best things to do in Shimla in Winter.
- How to reach: Drive, or take the Kalka–Shimla toy train from Kalka.
- Tip: Book hotels early. Christmas and New Year weeks are the busiest time of the year here.
2. Why visit Mussoorie and Landour at Christmas?
Mussoorie is lively and fun, while Landour, just above it, is calm and full of old-world charm. Landour has lovely old churches like St Paul’s and Kellogg’s Church, plus famous cafés and bakeries.
- Walk the Mall Road and Camel’s Back Road.
- Eat pancakes and hot chocolate at Landour cafés.
- Watch the sunset from Lal Tibba.
3. Is Kasauli a good place to go for Christmas celebration?
Yes, if you want quiet. Kasauli is a small, peaceful hill cantonment with pine trees, clean roads and the charming Christ Church. It is perfect for couples and anyone who wants to read a book with a view.
- Visit Monkey Point and Sunset Point.
- Stay at a cosy homestay with a fireplace.
4. Is Rishikesh good for Christmas trip near Delhi?
Rishikesh is great if you do not want extreme cold. You get the Ganga, the evening aarti at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan, and lots of cafés with a relaxed vibe. Many cafés host small Christmas and New Year events.
- River rafting runs in winter too, though the water is cold.
- Riverside camping is popular for groups of friends.
- Combine it with Haridwar for the Har Ki Pauri aarti.
Trip Final? Find Here: Top Adventure Activities to do in Rishikesh
5. What makes Nainital special in December?
Nainital is a family favourite. The Naini Lake is lit up in the evening, the Mall Road is full of Christmas decorations, and the old St John in the Wilderness Church is worth a visit.
- Take a boat ride on the lake.
- Ride the ropeway to Snow View Point.
- Visit nearby Bhimtal and Sattal for quieter lakes.
6. Why is Jaipur counted as one of the top places to visit for Christmas?
Not a hills person? Jaipur is perfect in December. The winter sun is soft, the forts look golden, and the food is amazing. Jaipur is best place to visit in Winter.
- See Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Nahargarh at sunset.
- Enjoy Christmas buffets at heritage hotels.
- Shop for block prints and jootis at Johari and Bapu Bazaar.
- Easy to reach by the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, Vande Bharat or Shatabdi.
Suggested Read: Best Places for Diwali Vacation in India
7. Is Lansdowne worth visiting in winter?
If you just want silence, go to Lansdowne. This small cantonment town in Uttarakhand has pine forests, a lake (Bhulla Tal), and the old St Mary’s Church. There are no big crowds and very little noise. Perfect for a digital detox.
8. Can you visit Jim Corbett at Christmas?
Yes. December is a good time for Jim Corbett National Park. The Jhirna and Dhela zones stay open in winter, and the Dhikala zone usually opens from mid-November. Book safari permits online well in advance.
Many resorts in Ramnagar host Christmas dinners, bonfires and live music, so it works well for families. Find best resort in Jim Corbett.
9. Where can you see snow near Delhi at Christmas?
If snow is your main goal, Manali is your best bet among popular spots. Solang Valley and the road towards the Atal Tunnel often have snow in late December.
- Note: It is a long drive (12 to 13 hours). Overnight Volvo buses are the easiest way.
- Roads may close after heavy snowfall, so check updates before going beyond Solang.
- Carry proper snow boots, gloves and thermals.
Other snow options: Kufri and Narkanda near Shimla, Auli in Uttarakhand, and Chopta.
10. Is McLeodganj good for a Christmas trip?
McLeodganj near Dharamshala has a mix of Tibetan culture, cafés and mountain views. Visit the Dalai Lama Temple, walk to Bhagsu Waterfall, and do the Triund trek if the weather allows. Nearby, St John in the Wilderness Church at Forsyth Ganj is a beautiful old stone church in the deodar forest.
How to plan a Christmas trip from Delhi on a budget?
- Book early: Hotel prices in hill stations can double during Christmas and New Year week.
- Leave at night: Start on Thursday night to beat morning traffic and save a hotel night.
- Take trains or Volvo buses: Cheaper than flights and easier than driving in hill traffic. For a personalized trip, tempo traveller rental in Delhi is best way.
- Stay in homestays: Often cheaper, cosier and with home-cooked food.
- Travel in a group: Split the cost of a car and driver.
What should you pack for a December trip from Delhi?
- Thermals, a heavy jacket, woollen cap, gloves and socks
- Comfortable shoes with a good grip (roads can be icy in the hills)
- Moisturiser, lip balm and sunscreen (winter sun is strong in the mountains)
- Power bank (cold drains phone batteries faster)
- Basic medicines and your ID
Make your winter trip more comfortable with Maharaja Tempo Traveller Delhi.
Safety tips for driving to the hills in winter
- Start early in the day. Avoid driving on hill roads after dark.
- Watch out for fog on the plains. Winter mornings on highways around Delhi can be very foggy.
- Keep the fuel tank full. Petrol pumps are fewer in the hills.
- Check weather and road status before you leave, especially after snowfall.
FAQs
What are the best weekend getaways from Delhi for Christmas?
The best weekend getaways from Delhi for Christmas are Shimla, Mussoorie, Kasauli, Rishikesh, Nainital, Jaipur, Lansdowne and Jim Corbett.
Where can I see snow near Delhi in December?
Manali (Solang Valley), Kufri and Narkanda near Shimla, and Auli have the best chances of snow in late December.
Which hill station is closest to Delhi?
Among popular hill stations, Lansdowne and Mussoorie are around 260 to 290 km away, reachable in about 6 to 7 hours.
Where can I attend midnight mass outside Delhi?
Christ Church in Shimla, Christ Church in Kasauli, and the old churches of Landour and Nainital hold Christmas services. Check timings with the church beforehand.
Is it safe to drive to the hills in December?
Yes, if you drive in daylight, check weather updates and avoid roads after heavy snow.
This Christmas, give yourself the gift of fresh air, mountain views and a slow cup of hot chocolate. Pick your spot from these best places to visit for Christmas near Delhi, book early, and enjoy a merry, stress-free long weekend.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!