{"id":1119,"date":"2026-10-21T22:30:23","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T17:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/blog\/?p=1119"},"modified":"2026-10-21T22:30:25","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T17:00:25","slug":"places-to-visit-for-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/blog\/places-to-visit-for-christmas\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Best Places to go for Christmas Near Delhi"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good news for everyone in Delhi: <strong>Christmas 2026 falls on a Friday.<\/strong> That means a ready-made three-day long weekend from <strong>Friday 25 to Sunday 27 December<\/strong>, without taking a single leave. So why spend it in Delhi&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is Christmas 2026 and how long is the weekend?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Christmas is on <strong>Friday, 25 December 2026<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Want more time? Take leave on 28 to 31 December and you get nine days off straight into New Year 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the Best Christmas Destinations from Delhi?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is a quick look before we go into details:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Place<\/th><th>Distance from Delhi<\/th><th>Drive time (approx.)<\/th><th>Best for<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Shimla<\/td><td>350 km<\/td><td>7 to 8 hrs<\/td><td>Church service, Mall Road, chance of snow<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mussoorie and Landour<\/td><td>290 km<\/td><td>6 to 7 hrs<\/td><td>Caf\u00e9s, old churches, mountain views<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kasauli<\/td><td>300 km<\/td><td>6 hrs<\/td><td>Quiet colonial town, Christ Church<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rishikesh<\/td><td>240 km<\/td><td>5 to 6 hrs<\/td><td>Ganga, caf\u00e9s, camping, yoga<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nainital<\/td><td>310 km<\/td><td>7 hrs<\/td><td>Lake, Christmas lights, family trips<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Jaipur<\/td><td>280 km<\/td><td>5 hrs<\/td><td>Forts, food, pleasant winter sun<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Lansdowne<\/td><td>260 km<\/td><td>6 to 7 hrs<\/td><td>Peace and pine forests<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Jim Corbett<\/td><td>260 km<\/td><td>6 hrs<\/td><td>Jungle safari, resorts<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Manali<\/td><td>540 km<\/td><td>12 to 13 hrs<\/td><td>Best chance of snow<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>McLeodganj<\/td><td>480 km<\/td><td>10 to 11 hrs<\/td><td>Caf\u00e9s, monasteries, trekking<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Distances and times are approximate and increase with holiday traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Is Shimla good for Christmas?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. <strong>Shimla<\/strong> is the classic Christmas getaway from Delhi. The Mall Road is decorated with lights, and the midnight mass at <strong>Christ Church<\/strong> on the Ridge is a lovely experience. It is one of the oldest churches in North India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Snow chance:<\/strong> Possible in late December, but not guaranteed. Kufri and Narkanda, just an hour away, have better chances. Find <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.progressivetourtravels.com\/blog\/interesting-things-to-do-in-shimla-in-winter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">best things to do in Shimla in Winter<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>How to reach:<\/strong> Drive, or take the Kalka\u2013Shimla toy train from Kalka.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Book hotels early. Christmas and New Year weeks are the busiest time of the year here. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Why visit Mussoorie and Landour at Christmas?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mussoorie<\/strong> is lively and fun, while <strong>Landour<\/strong>, just above it, is calm and full of old-world charm. Landour has lovely old churches like St Paul&#8217;s and Kellogg&#8217;s Church, plus famous caf\u00e9s and bakeries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Walk the Mall Road and Camel&#8217;s Back Road.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eat pancakes and hot chocolate at Landour caf\u00e9s.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watch the sunset from Lal Tibba.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Is Kasauli a good place to go for Christmas celebration?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, if you want quiet. <strong>Kasauli<\/strong> is a small, peaceful hill cantonment with pine trees, clean roads and the charming <strong>Christ Church<\/strong>. It is perfect for couples and anyone who wants to read a book with a view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visit Monkey Point and Sunset Point.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stay at a cosy homestay with a fireplace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Is Rishikesh good for Christmas trip near Delhi?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rishikesh<\/strong> 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 caf\u00e9s with a relaxed vibe. Many caf\u00e9s host small Christmas and New Year events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>River rafting runs in winter too, though the water is cold.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Riverside camping is popular for groups of friends.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Combine it with <strong>Haridwar<\/strong> for the Har Ki Pauri aarti.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trip Final? Find Here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/top-adventure-activities-try-rishikesh-tempotravellerrentindelhi1-lu5uc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Top Adventure Activities to do in Rishikesh<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. What makes Nainital special in December?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nainital<\/strong> is a family favourite. The Naini Lake is lit up in the evening, the Mall Road is full of Christmas decorations, and the old <strong>St John in the Wilderness Church<\/strong> is worth a visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take a boat ride on the lake.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ride the ropeway to Snow View Point.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit nearby Bhimtal and Sattal for quieter lakes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Why is Jaipur counted as one of the top places to visit for Christmas?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not a hills person? <strong>Jaipur<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>See Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Nahargarh at sunset.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enjoy Christmas buffets at heritage hotels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shop for block prints and jootis at Johari and Bapu Bazaar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy to reach by the Delhi\u2013Mumbai Expressway, Vande Bharat or Shatabdi.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Suggested Read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/blog\/diwali-getaways-near-delhi\/\">Best Places for Diwali Vacation in India<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Is Lansdowne worth visiting in winter?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you just want silence, go to <strong>Lansdowne<\/strong>. This small cantonment town in Uttarakhand has pine forests, a lake (Bhulla Tal), and the old <strong>St Mary&#8217;s Church<\/strong>. There are no big crowds and very little noise. Perfect for a digital detox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Can you visit Jim Corbett at Christmas?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. December is a good time for <strong>Jim Corbett National Park<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many resorts in Ramnagar host Christmas dinners, bonfires and live music, so it works well for families. Find <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/blog\/best-resorts-in-jim-corbett\/\">best resort in Jim Corbett<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Where can you see snow near Delhi at Christmas?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If snow is your main goal, <strong>Manali<\/strong> is your best bet among popular spots. Solang Valley and the road towards the Atal Tunnel often have snow in late December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Note:<\/strong> It is a long drive (12 to 13 hours). Overnight Volvo buses are the easiest way.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Roads may close after heavy snowfall, so check updates before going beyond Solang.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carry proper snow boots, gloves and thermals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other snow options: Kufri and Narkanda near Shimla, Auli in Uttarakhand, and Chopta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Is McLeodganj good for a Christmas trip?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>McLeodganj<\/strong> near Dharamshala has a mix of Tibetan culture, caf\u00e9s and mountain views. Visit the Dalai Lama Temple, walk to Bhagsu Waterfall, and do the Triund trek if the weather allows. Nearby, <strong>St John in the Wilderness Church<\/strong> at Forsyth Ganj is a beautiful old stone church in the deodar forest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to plan a Christmas trip from Delhi on a budget?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Book early:<\/strong> Hotel prices in hill stations can double during Christmas and New Year week.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Leave at night:<\/strong> Start on Thursday night to beat morning traffic and save a hotel night.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Take trains or Volvo buses:<\/strong> Cheaper than flights and easier than driving in hill traffic. For a personalized trip, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/\">tempo traveller rental in Delhi<\/a><\/strong> is best way.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stay in homestays:<\/strong> Often cheaper, cosier and with home-cooked food.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Travel in a group:<\/strong> Split the cost of a car and driver.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should you pack for a December trip from Delhi?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Thermals, a heavy jacket, woollen cap, gloves and socks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comfortable shoes with a good grip (roads can be icy in the hills)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moisturiser, lip balm and sunscreen (winter sun is strong in the mountains)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Power bank (cold drains phone batteries faster)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Basic medicines and your ID<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make your winter trip more comfortable with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/maharaja-tempo-traveller-on-rent.html\">Maharaja Tempo Traveller Delhi<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Safety tips for driving to the hills in winter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start early in the day. Avoid driving on hill roads after dark.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watch out for fog on the plains. Winter mornings on highways around Delhi can be very foggy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep the fuel tank full. Petrol pumps are fewer in the hills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check weather and road status before you leave, especially after snowfall.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What are the best weekend getaways from Delhi for Christmas?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best <strong>weekend getaways from Delhi<\/strong> for Christmas are Shimla, Mussoorie, Kasauli, Rishikesh, Nainital, Jaipur, Lansdowne and Jim Corbett.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where can I see snow near Delhi in December?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manali (Solang Valley), Kufri and Narkanda near Shimla, and Auli have the best chances of snow in late December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which hill station is closest to Delhi?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among popular hill stations, Lansdowne and Mussoorie are around 260 to 290 km away, reachable in about 6 to 7 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where can I attend midnight mass outside Delhi?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is it safe to drive to the hills in December?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, if you drive in daylight, check weather updates and avoid roads after heavy snow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This Christmas, give yourself the gift of fresh air, mountain views and a slow cup of hot chocolate. Pick your spot from these <strong>best places to visit for Christmas near Delhi<\/strong>, book early, and enjoy a merry, stress-free long weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 &hellip; <a title=\"10 Best Places to go for Christmas Near Delhi\" class=\"bnm-read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/blog\/places-to-visit-for-christmas\/\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">10 Best Places to go for Christmas Near Delhi<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1131,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[76,7],"tags":[108],"class_list":["post-1119","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-group-tour","category-destinations-in-india","tag-places-near-delhi","bnm-entry"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1119","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1119"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1119\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1132,"href":"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1119\/revisions\/1132"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1131"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tempotravellerrentindelhi.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}