10 Things to Do in Goa in December

Goa is buzzing throughout the year for various reasons but December is the peak of the tourist season, when the weather is moderate and holiday season is at bay. These are some of the reasons visitors choose to come to Goa in December.

1) Sunburn

Sunburn is a commercial electronic dance music festival held in Goa in the month of December. It is a three-day experience of unlimited fun and frolic with your friends. The festival begins in the evening and goes on till late at night. With a mesmerising sunset at the backdrop, the massive stages, laser lights of different colours in every direction, booming sound systems, incredible visuals and a loud grooving crowd along with a world-class line-up of artists tuning in to your favourite songs across all genres, LIVE! I’m sure it doesn’t get any better for all the music lovers out there!

2) Christmas Eve Dance

With almost 400 churches in Goa, people can easily attend a Midnight Mass at one of the churches on Christmas Eve. After the midnight mass many people attend the Christmas Eve dance. The exciting vibes, great bonhomie and sparkling decorations around make the Christmas Eve special. The food served during Christmas is exceptional and many home made sweets such as Bebinca, Dodal, Doce and Baath caske are distributed amongst neighbours and friends alike.

3) Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis Xavier

Feast of Saint Francis Xavier, renowned festival in Goa is carried out to honour the death of Saint Xavier, popularly known as 'Goencho Saib' (Lord of Goa) by locals. Though essentially a Christian festival, all Goans irrespective of their caste and religious faiths come to the Basilica of Bom Jesus located in Old Goa to participate in the feast. This festival is celebrated on the 3rd of December during the celebrations, hundreds of devotees from all over the state, the country as well as the world flock Goa to offer their prayers to St. Francis. Older than 450 years, his remains are still incorrupt and can be viewed by the public once in every ten years during the exposition in Old Goa.

4) Dolphin Spotting

Goa is blessed with a wonderful coastline and is surrounded by the Arabian Sea. So, take a boat and plan a sit out. When you venture into the deeper regions of the sea you can spot the enduring dolphins. Your best chance to see a dolphin is at Aguada, Sinquerim, and Candolim in North Goa. There are professional guides who can accompany you and explain the behaviour and lifestyle of these delightful mammals.

5) Clubs, Bars and Shacks

When you are in Goa you cannot miss a visit these best nightclubs, bars and shacks, which will, for sure, blow your mind away. The party clubs of Goa are the hottest destination for a night out. What draws visitors in huge numbers is the rocking music, international DJs, a range of drinks and snacks etc. There are numerous wonderful bars and pubs all over the state that offers delicious range of drinks. The beach shacks in Goa are something to fall in love with. Theses shacks on the beaches are famous for providing delicious snacks, meals and drinks.

6) Crash a Goan wedding

December is the peak wedding season in Goa. The good weather during this period calls for a large number of weddings to occur. So, you will find people getting married in almost all churches. If you get the opportunity you should definitely witness a traditional Goan wedding which is quite different to a traditional Indian wedding. Do not be disrespectful or rude but attend the wedding politely and witness the rituals.

7) Saturday Night Market

The Saturday Night Market takes place on the busy sands of Arpora, Goa. Arpora’s Saturday Night Market is one of the best places to visit in Goa in December. The market sets up in the evening around 7 and goes on till dusk in the morning. From dresses to bags to trinkets, you will find everything at this market for the best and cheap price. This shopping paradise looks all the more happening because of the hippie ambiance all over.

8) Crib hopping around Goa

There is no doubt that Goa is the best place in India to be during the Christmas week. Making a crib during the Christmas is definitely a must do. Christmas crib is a popular attraction during the celebrations in Goa. People participate in various crib making competitions that are held and they display their creativity. The most prominent ones are those depicting the village of the Jesus. Many tourists and even the locals go around seeing the cribs made by the people using their innovative idea.

9) Attend the Liberation Day Parade

Goa achieved its independence from the Portuguese colonial rule in 1961. Every 19th of December, Goa celebrates the Liberation day and there are parades where they pay tribute to the freedom fighters and the Indian Navy. So if you are in Goa in December you will get to watch this parade that ultimately unify and meet at the Campal ground in Panjim.

10) Visit Dudhsagar Falls

Dudhsagar is one of the key highlights of Goa which is set in the Molem region of Goa. December is the time when Dudhsagar Falls are in their full form roaring wild and making quite a riveting display. It is one of the most amazing and iconic attractions of Goa. It also the fifth tallest in the country with a height of 310 metres, the waterfall abounds with water during all seasons. It’s a must visit when you are in Goa to make your holiday really remarkable.