Top Places to Visit During December Long Weekends in India

December is the month that brings travel to life in India. The weather is perfect, the festive spirit is high, and the year-end calls for a pause, a reflection, and a little indulgence. This year, the calendar gifts us two golden opportunities to take a long weekend holiday in December — around Christmas and New Year. Whether you’re after snow-capped mountains, royal palaces, sun-kissed beaches, coffee estates, or private villas, India has a destination for every kind of traveller. From North India’s snowy escapes to Goa’s legendary beach parties, vineyards near Mumbai to hill retreats in South India, December is the perfect month to get away.

Long Weekend Getaway In North India

Kashmir

For travellers dreaming of a winter fairytale, Kashmir in December is the ultimate destination. The valley transforms into a snowy paradise where Gulmarg’s slopes become a playground for skiers and snowboarders, while Pahalgam looks straight out of a Christmas postcard with its pine forests dusted in white. Srinagar’s Dal Lake, partially frozen, offers surreal shikara rides that feel otherworldly in the misty cold. Add to this a steaming cup of kahwa, the warmth of Kashmiri hospitality, and the soft glow of winter sunsets, and you have one of the best December long weekend holiday ideas in India. Perfect for honeymooners, families, and snow seekers alike, Kashmir is where winter dreams come true.

Manali

Few places capture the essence of a December long weekend holiday like Manali. Blanketed in snow, this Himachali town is as adventurous as it is celebratory. Solang Valley becomes a hub for skiing, paragliding, and zorbing, while Old Manali’s rustic cafés host Christmas gatherings with music, mulled drinks, and bonfires. On the main streets, markets are decorated with fairy lights, and local Himachali cuisine warms travellers after a day in the snow. Whether you’re travelling with friends for a festive adventure or with family for a cozy mountain holiday, Manali in December offers both thrill and charm.

Shimla

Shimla in December is the definition of old-world charm. With its colonial architecture draped in frost, Mall Road glowing with winter lights, and Christ Church hosting festive midnight masses, Shimla is a destination where tradition meets celebration. The open-air ice skating rink is one of its highlights during winter, making it a favourite among families. Short day trips to Kufri allow for snow adventures, while evenings spent in heritage hotels add a regal touch to your holiday. A December long weekend in Shimla is less about adrenaline and more about soaking in timeless elegance, making it perfect for those who want a slower pace with festive sparkle.

Rishikesh

Not every December getaway has to be about snow. Rishikesh in December offers a different kind of experience — one that’s rooted in spirituality and nature. The Ganga flows serenely under a golden winter sun, yoga retreats bring peace and renewal, and bonfires on the banks create intimate evenings. Adventure lovers can still enjoy white-water rafting, while culture seekers can attend evening aartis at Parmarth Niketan. For travellers looking for balance at the year’s end — a mix of adventure, spirituality, and peace — a long weekend holiday in Rishikesh is one of the most rejuvenating ways to close the year.

Long Weekend Holiday Near Delhi

Mussoorie

Few places near Delhi shine in December like Mussoorie. Known as the “Queen of Hills,” the town feels wrapped in winter magic during this time. Mall Road glitters with festive decorations, Camel’s Back Road offers enchanting sunset walks, and Lal Tibba provides panoramic Himalayan views often veiled in mist. Couples find romance in its cozy cafés, while families enjoy the simple joys of mountain living. Bonfires, hot chocolate, and the possibility of a snowy Christmas make Mussoorie in December a truly unforgettable long weekend holiday idea.

Kasauli

For those who want to avoid the bustle of bigger hill stations, Kasauli in December is a retreat of peace and quiet. Nestled in pine forests, this colonial town invites travellers to slow down. You can visit Christ Church for its old-world charm, hike up Monkey Point for sweeping valley views, or simply spend your evenings under a blanket of stars by a warm fire. Unlike Manali or Shimla, Kasauli is about intimacy and solitude — making it one of the most thoughtful December vacation ideas near Delhi for couples and small groups.

Nainital

Nainital in December offers a winter holiday straight out of a storybook. The Naini Lake glimmers under soft sunshine, the town is decorated with festive lights, and the cool weather is perfect for boat rides and strolls through bustling Tibetan markets. The snow-draped hills add to the charm, making it ideal for families who want a mix of activity and relaxation. A long weekend holiday in Nainital lets you enjoy the joy of winter without going too far from Delhi.

Jaipur

If you’d rather swap snow for sunshine and heritage, Jaipur in December is a fantastic idea. The weather is pleasantly cool, ideal for exploring Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, and bustling bazaars. Around Christmas and New Year, the city’s rooftop restaurants and luxury hotels host elegant feasts, while markets brim with festive energy. A December long weekend in Jaipur blends culture, shopping, food, and history — offering travellers a colourful, vibrant way to end the year.

Udaipur

A short flight or a train from Delhi brings you to the regal charm of Udaipur in December. Known as the “City of Lakes,” Udaipur dazzles under winter skies with its shimmering waters, grand palaces, and rooftop dining experiences. A boat ride on Lake Pichola, visits to City Palace, and heritage hotel stays make it one of the most romantic December vacation ideas. Around New Year, luxury properties host gala dinners and cultural performances, ensuring your holiday ends in grandeur.

Long Weekend Holiday Near Mumbai

Nashik

A December holiday near Mumbai doesn’t always have to be about beaches or hills — it can be about wine too. Nashik in December is when vineyards are at their best, offering tastings, live music evenings, and countryside feasts. Whether it’s a day at Sula Vineyards or a stay in a boutique villa surrounded by rolling hills, Nashik makes wine lovers and leisure seekers equally happy. Perfect for couples, groups of friends, or even corporate outings, a December long weekend holiday in Nashik is a refreshing alternative to the usual destinations.

Alibaug

Just a ferry ride or a short drive from Mumbai, Alibaug in December is one of the most accessible and charming coastal escapes. The weather is cool, the skies are clear, and the beaches are perfect for leisurely walks or picnics with family. December is also a popular time for private villa stays in Alibaug, where you can enjoy private pools, barbecues, and bonfires by the sea. Water sports, fresh seafood shacks, and historic forts like Kolaba add variety to the experience. A long weekend holiday in Alibaug is ideal for Mumbaikars who want a quick yet refreshing getaway without the hassle of long travel.

Lonavala

A classic favourite, Lonavala in December combines the charm of misty hills with easy accessibility from Mumbai and Pune. Known for its scenic drives, viewpoints like Tiger Point, and caves such as Karla and Bhaja, Lonavala is both adventurous and relaxing. The weather is pleasantly cool, perfect for treks and long walks through lush landscapes. Luxury villas and resorts here make it a convenient spot for group celebrations or romantic holidays. For those who don’t want to venture too far yet crave a change of scenery, a December long weekend holiday in Lonavala is one of the most reliable choices near Mumbai.

Long Weekend Holiday In Goa

North Goa

December is when North Goa steals the show. Anjuna and Baga beaches transform into hubs of music, dance, and fireworks. Midnight Christmas masses, beachside barbecues, and legendary New Year parties make it the ultimate choice for travellers who want high-energy celebrations. A long weekend holiday in Goa in December is all about letting loose.

South Goa

For those who want luxury and peace, South Goa in December offers serene beaches, yoga retreats, and five-star resorts. While still festive, the vibe here is calmer, with candle-lit beach dinners and wellness-focused stays. A December vacation in South Goa is perfect for couples and families seeking balance.

Long Weekend Holiday Near Bangalore

Coorg

Coorg in December is postcard-perfect. Coffee plantations glisten under winter sun, Abbey Falls roars at its fullest, and evenings are made for fireside gatherings with traditional Kodava meals. Villas tucked away in plantations make the experience intimate, while treks and wildlife add adventure. A long weekend holiday in Coorg balances relaxation with exploration.

Kabini

For wildlife enthusiasts, Kabini in December is paradise. Jeep safaris reveal tigers, leopards, and elephants, while luxury lodges offer riverside views and candle-lit dinners. A December long weekend in Kabini blends thrill with indulgence, making it ideal for families and couples alike.

Hampi

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi shines in December when the weather is cool enough to explore its sprawling ruins. Boulders glow in golden light, temples feel timeless, and the vibe is both historic and bohemian. A December vacation in Hampi is one of the most unique cultural experiences near Bangalore.

Long Weekend Holiday In South India

Ooty

Ooty in December feels timeless. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway takes you through misty hills, tea plantations roll endlessly into the horizon, and colonial cottages welcome you with fireside meals. For families and couples, an Ooty long weekend holiday offers old-school charm and natural beauty.

Munnar

Munnar in December is Kerala’s crown jewel. Mist floats over tea slopes, Eravikulam National Park beckons with its wildlife, and evenings are best spent in hillside resorts with sweeping valley views. A December vacation in Munnar blends nature, relaxation, and adventure.

Pondicherry

Pondicherry in December is where French colonial charm meets festive cheer. Streets glow with fairy lights, bakeries brim with Christmas treats, and the seaside Promenade becomes the perfect holiday stroll. For a coastal yet cultural long weekend holiday, Pondicherry is unbeatable.

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal in December is peaceful, cool, and wrapped in mist. The lake is perfect for boating, Bryant Park blooms even in winter, and villas offer cozy escapes. A December long weekend in Kodaikanal is ideal for those seeking quiet reflection and nature’s embrace.

India in December offers a kaleidoscope of experiences: snow in Kashmir and Manali, lakes and palaces in Udaipur, wine trails in Nashik, beaches in Goa, and tea gardens in Ooty and Munnar. Whether you want adventure, culture, relaxation, or celebration, there’s a perfect December long weekend holiday waiting for you. All that’s left is to plan early, book smart, and step into the New Year with memories to cherish.