December 21, 2016 TnH Global 0

Winter Holiday Ideas for Christmas and New Year’s Eve

As 2016 draws to a close, we take a look at some exciting promotional packages being offered at popular tourist destinations for the upcoming winter season. So if you’re still unsure about where to go and spend your Christmas-New Year’s Eve break, then read on!

Goa: Every year, Goa is one of the top choices for a Christmas-New Year getaway. It’s the peak season for tourists, with a number of carnivals organized across the state. Anjuna beach in the north is most famous for its dance performances, live band shows, traditional Goan cuisine and drinks throughout the night.

Kerala: Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Kerala is a sight to behold, as everything comes alive in the state during this time. With its pristine beaches, backwaters and serene beauty, Kerala offers something for everyone. This is also the perfect weather for houseboat trips, bird watching tours, fishing and canoeing.

The Cochin Carnival takes place every year in the last week of December and ends with a massive procession on New Year’s Day through Fort Kochi. Led by an embellished elephant and accompanied by drums and music, the carnival also stages different south and north Indian folk dances. Traditional kalam vara (floor drawing), tug-of-war, bicycle race, swimming in the sea, and beach volleyball are some of the key highlights of the Carnival.

Rann Utsav, Gujarat: Another exotic way to bring in the New Year is on the desert sands of the Kutch—at the Rann Utsav in Gujarat. This carnival of music, dance and folklore takes place annually from November to March. Christmas-New Year’s Eve is a particularly special time to enjoy this festival, as numerous fireworks light up the night sky and the city glows with colours of celebration, aesthetic arts and crafts, and grand cultural activities. Most packages include accommodation in premium tents, all meals, and a complimentary Rann safari on an open-top double-decker bus. The best way to reach the festival is to go to Bhuj by train or plane.

Rishikesh: If you are an adventure buff and enjoy water sports, then head to Rishikesh to bring in 2017. There are a number of pocket-friendly New Year’s Eve packages being offered by various camps in the area. The Jungle Luxury Camp offers adventurous activities like rock climbing, rappelling, camp fire, river rafting, cliff jumping, trekking, apart from tented accommodation and all meals. 31st night would be a novel celebration with a DJ, barbeque snacks, gala dinner and cake ceremony at midnight—all on the banks of the river Ganga—and all this can cost you a neat price of just about Rs 5,000!

Neemrana: Neemrana is another favourite destination for tourists looking for a nearby place to celebrate the Christmas-New Year holidays. The Neemrana Fort Palace, located on the Delhi-Jaipur highway, has a mandatory gala dinner for New Year’s Eve priced at Rs 3,500 (with taxes extra). This is apart from the regular accommodation rates that apply—booking early is always advisable, as the hotel gets booked up early.

Dubai: If you’re looking to shell out a few extra rupees and go international to bring in the New Year, then consider Dubai. In recent years, the city has emerged as a popular destination among Indians for Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. The fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa—the tallest building in the world—are attended by thousands of tourists every year. To witness this great show, you just need to book hotel rooms in advance. For the best views of the ceremony, book your room at the Ramada Downtown or the Steigenberger hotel.

The Burj Al Arab—also known as the lone seven star hotel in the world—is located on an artificial island. The hotel provides a special package to attend the New Year’s Eve event, including a New Year’s Eve cocktail party, gala dinner, live entertainment, fireworks show, gifts and much more.

Atlantis, The Palm—one of the most luxurious hotels in the world—is located on the Palm island. The evening of the New Year’s Eve at the hotel begins at 7:30 pm, comprising a panoramic view of the Dubai skyline, gala dinner, and the hotel’s own spectacular fireworks display.

Singapore: Singapore is another great international choice to celebrate New Year’s Eve—close to India, relatively inexpensive, and just right for a 2–3-day break. The biggest NYE celebration in Singapore takes place in the popular Marina Bay area, with live performances and big fireworks displays set against the breathtaking skyline of the city. The Marina Bay Sands hotel is the best choice for this.

The Siloso Beach Party in Sentosa island showcases 12 hours of continual music to accompany your swim in the peaceful ocean waters. It is an outdoor beach fiesta with a huge dance floor and tons of great tunes such as house beats, Latin grooves and Mambo. You can continue the party until the wee hours of the morning hours at any of the fun five unique zones or big foam pool along the beaches.

Clarke Quay has some great clubs with stilt walkers and belly dancers. The Singapore Flyer—the world’s tallest ferris wheel—is a “must see”, providing some of the best views of the city. Other great hotel choices in the city include the Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula Excelsior hotel, Fullerton hotel and the Ritz Carlton.