Your ultimate guide to Christmas and New Year celebrations in Goa

New Year Celebration in Goa, the ultimate party capital of the world has once again started inviting people from all walks of life to witness the shift of year in the most exhilarating way. From its stunning beaches to cool nightlife, cheaper booze, friendly atmosphere and awesome locations, it would be hard for you to keep yourself away from the buzzing setting of the place during New Year.

It is that time of the year when you can witness midnight crowds, carols, open-air celebrations, beach parties, bazaars selling sweets, stars and baubles.
When in Goa, you’ll never feel short of captivating indulgences that are bound to leave you mesmerized. Let’s look at them below:

 

# Go beach partying

During Goa’s peak season, the party monsters get into action. The region’s coastline is scattered with pretty beaches that are always full of life. You can look forward to Tito’s Lane where numerous bars are constantly organizing dance parties. Most of the shacks throw their own parties- music spills on the beach from restaurants and party places.Those days are over when people were used to sitting on a beach for endless hours seeing the crash of sea waves on the shores. Today, Goa offers a number of fun-filled activities from water sports to sea surfing. Baga and Candolim beaches are primarily known for their great activities for tourists. You can also choose to indulge in activities like Scuba Diving and Snorkeling.

# Savor Goa cuisine

There is a lot more than beaches and parties in Goa, particularly when it comes to attractive dining. Being the land of spices, it’s a treasure house for foodies and if you are visiting the beach state this New Year season, do not miss out on some of the prevalent dishes. Balchão- a special pickle, Cafreal- something like a Portuguese grilled chicken, Chouriço- a spicy sausage, Recheado- spicy filling used in fish, Sorpotel- a spicy Portuguese dish traditionally made with pork and offals.Some of the popular Bakeries you can choose to visit are Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro on 31 January Road in Panjim; Mr. Baker 1922, near the Church square in Panjim; Bakers Street on Chogm Road in Porvorim; A Pastelaria in PanjimFelicidade stores in Mapusa and Marliz in Margao; Nostalgia in south Goa; Rita’s Gourmet Goa in Vasco and some shops in Mapusa and Panjim markets.
 

# Go shopping

The local markets in Goa are very vivacious and wide-ranging with great things to offer. Shopping options extend from high-end designer shops to wayside stalls selling low-cost, affordable clothing and junk jewelry. The big attractions are the Anjuna flea market and the night market at Arpora where one could buy anything at affordable prices. You can even buy gifts for your loved ones from here.

 

# Carols and midnight gathering

Dress up your best and head to a church to witness Missa de Galo, the traditional midnight mass. You could recite a prayer or sing a hymn or two at any of the ancient charming churches in the region. If you are in the South, you can choose to visit the Margaotinto Christmas Special at Clube Harmonia de Margao which guarantees to evoke the ‘spirit of the olden days.’ The tinto is the village center where locals father to exchange news over hot snacks and tea.

# Indulge in the local music

ßCatch a musical or a tiatr (a kind of musical theatre) performance at the Kala Academy in Panjim on the edges of the Mandovi River. The celebration is nothing more happening extravaganza of performing, visual and culinary arts extended across different venues along a 2km stretch of the Mandovi river in Panjim.