We love Goa in December! With Christmas just around the corner, the whole place comes alive with the festive spirit. Fairy lights and paper stars twinkle outside every home. Portly men dressed as Santa spread the cheer. Churches are filled with the sweet melody of carols and hymns. Goa is all ready to embrace the spirit of Christmas.
Historic significance
The Portuguese ruled Goa for over five centuries. And their influence is evident in every walk of life even today be it their culture, cuisine or architecture. It was also due to the Portuguese regime that Goa has such a huge population of Christians. However, the tradition of celebrating Christmas has transcended religious bounds, and has become an occasion to celebrate with family and friends.
The grand old renaissance and baroque churches of Goa are bedecked for the season and restored to their former glory. Stepping into one of these churches feels like stepping into another era.
Festive food
Rum soaked plum cakes are synonymous with Christmas in Goa. But there are other treats too. During Christmas, Goans share special delicacies with their neighbours. They call this 'Kuswar'. Typically there are about 22 items as part of the Kuswar, but the time-pressed modern generation has cut this down to a more convenient selection.
Our favourites Goan treats include Bebinca, Dodol, Nankaties and Perada to name a few.
Things to do
December brings with it travellers from around the world. The weather is just perfect for a sunny beach holiday. While North Goa has bustling beaches with a vibrant nightlife, shacks and water sports, the South is quiet and far from the madding crowds. The revelries begin well before Christmas and go on till New Year. So if you're planning a trip make sure you don't miss out on the best season in Goa.
Christmas Edition 2018 Now in GOA!
Offering a unique blend of unpeated and peated single malts, is the Paul John Christmas Edition 2018. Delight in rich aromas of succulent fruit cake, wild plum and light smoke, woven into a creamy sherry with lots of honey. Relish the distinctive flavours of warm spice, laced with delicate sweetness and lingering notes of hazelnut and exuberant fruit. The rare dry Oloroso finish, infused with exquisite dry dates and figs, is long and memorable.
Distillery Visitor Center
Goa is home to Paul John Whisky, the distillery is located in Cuncolim, South Goa. The pure underground table of water in Goa, along with rain-fed water sources and water flowing through the Western Ghats enhances the purity of the spirit. This whisky has won more than 200 international awards in 6 years and has recently opened a Visitor Centre at Paul John Distillery, the first of its kind in India. Visitors can learn the art of whisky making and also understand the story of this whisky. Witness the craft and time honoured process behind the making of Paul John single malts here.
We invite you to join us at Goa, and celebrate Christmas with us!
