December in Kerala is marked with pleasant weather and delightful cultural celebrations. Festive spirit permeates the air, making the state’s Christmas and New Year celebrations must-attend events. Kochi comes alive with Christmas cheer, Kovalam’s beach parties unfurl New Year celebrations, Alleppey hosts vibrant festivities along its tranquil waterways, and Thiruvananthapuram offers shopping extravaganzas that add to the festive joy. Here’s our guide to some of the best places to visit in Kerala this December.
Kerala’s December experience: Enchanting places to visit
Kochi
Kochi is the place to be if you are in the mood for Christmas and New Year celebrations. This beautiful coastal city hosts a two-week-long year-end carnival culminating in a grand procession on December 31. Visitors can indulge in various activities, including food festivals, fireworks displays, folk art exhibitions, beach football, swimming competitions, cycle races, flea markets, cultural shows, and various beach games. Don’t miss out on traditional Christmas delicacies like dry fruit cake and handmade chocolates.
Major attractions: Fort Kochi, Jewish Synagogue, and Marine Drive
Where to stay: Ramada by Wyndham, Crowne Plaza Kochi, and Le Maritime Kochi
Where to eat: Rice Boat, Oceanos Restaurant, and Mary’s Kitchen
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Alleppey
Alleppey, adored as one of the best backwater destinations in Kerala, turns even more magical during winters. Picture mist-laden paddy fields, pleasant weather throughout the day, and bustling local markets filled with fresh seafood. It is also the ideal time for kayaking across the backwaters. December also marks the Mullakkal Chirappu Festival, a 10-day celebration commemorating the anniversary of the Mullakal Rajarajeshwari Temple. Adorned with garlands and fairy lights, the temple becomes the centre of vibrant processions and colourful floats in the evening, creating a must-watch spectacle.
Major attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Punnamada Lake, and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Where to stay: Sterling Lake Palace, Ramada by Wyndham Alleppey, and Oxygen Resorts
Where to eat: BayRoute Bistro, World In The Pot, and Brews and Burgers Bistro
Book your stay at Sterling Lake Palace via Booking.com
Book your stay at Sterling Lake Palace via Agoda.com
Wayanad
Wayanad is considered one of the best places in Kerala to visit in December, offering pleasant weather and low humidity. Celebrate the festival of lights, Karthigai, dedicated to Lord Kartikeya. Lasting throughout the Karthik month, the festival begins in late November and extends into late December. Houses are adorned with clay lamps, and prayers for the family’s wealth are offered. Crude torches made of palm leaves are lit from communal bonfires, symbolising the Lord’s blessings. Witness the beauty of almost every house covered in lamps and twinkling fairy lights.
Major attractions: Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, and Meenmutty Falls
Where to stay: Windflower Resorts & Spa Vythiri, Wayanad Silverwoods Resort, and Taj Wayanad Resort & Spa
Where to eat: 1980’s A Nostalgic Restaurant, Spice Bowl, and Wilton Hotel & Restaurant
Also read – Discover these beautiful hill stations in South India that are must-visit!
Book your stay at Taj Wayanad Resort & Spa via Booking.com
Book your stay at Taj Wayanad Resort & Spa via Agoda.com
Thiruvananthapuram
For shopping enthusiasts, especially those seeking souvenirs and travel keepsakes, Thiruvananthapuram is one of the best places to visit in Kerala during December. The city brims with Christmas and New Year carnivals, offering a host of shopping extravaganzas, from flea markets to retail malls. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of the city, participating in the revelries alongside the locals. Most carnivals and shopping events offer live music, great food, and hefty discounts.
Major attractions: Kowdiar Palace, Attukal Temple, and Napier Museum
Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn, Vivanta, and Gokulam Grand Turtle on the Beach
Where to eat: Villa Maya, Cafe Jade, and Paragon Restaurant
Book your stay at Hilton Garden Inn via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hilton Garden Inn via Agoda.com
Related – Best places to visit in Kerala: Major tourist attractions & Destinations to Explore
Thrissur
Thrissur is beautiful all year round, but December makes it an even more coveted destination in Kerala. The Guruvayur Ekadashi festival, occurring from late November to early December, is a highlight. The celebration features various festivities, including an elephant procession that walks across the town, paying homage to other temples.
Major attractions: Athirapally Waterfalls, Thrissur Zoo, and Shakthan Thampuran Palace
Where to stay: Hyatt Regency, The Garuda, and Hotel Luciya Palace
Where to eat: Tea Jar Restaurant, Roastown, and Alibaba & 41 Dishes
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Bekal
Embark on an adrenaline-raising adventure in Bekal during December, where the town holds its annual water buffalo race known as Kambala. Running from December to March, this event features pairs of buffaloes racing in a muddy paddy field. The winning pair is rewarded with bananas and coconuts, creating a thrilling spectacle for spectators who can also cheer and feed the animals.
Major attractions: Bekal Fort, Kappil Beach, and Chandragiri Fort
Where to stay: Malabar Ocean Front Resort and Spa, The LaLit Resort & Spa, and Sree Gokulam Nalanda Resorts
Where to eat: Ivory Bar, Backwater Cafe, and Latitude
Book your stay at Malabar Ocean Front Resort And Spa via Booking.com
Book your stay at Malabar Ocean Front Resort And Spa via Agoda.com
Kovalam
Home to three adjacent crescent beaches, Kovalam becomes even more enticing in December with lively beach carnivals that last into the early morning. From food stalls and live music to plenty of shopping opportunities, this occasion is also perfect for mingling with locals.
Major attractions: Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach, and Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium
Where to stay: Samudra Theeram Beach Resort, Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa, and Country Club Kovalam Beach
Where to eat: Bait, The Tides, and Curry Leaf Restaurant
Book your stay at Taj Green Cove Resort and Spa via Booking.com
Book your stay at Taj Green Cove Resort and Spa via Agoda.com
(Feature image credit: Mohammed Hilal M/Shutterstock)
Related: Your Ultimate Travel Guide To Kumarakom
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-How to plan a two-day itinerary for a weekend getaway to places in Kerala?
A 2-day itinerary can help you cover one destination in Kerala. Stay in Munnar for lush green rolling hills, experience a night on the backwaters in Alleppey, or explore Kochi for a delightful weekend. These are also some of the best places to visit in Kerala with family in December.
-What are the best places in Kerala for a workation?
Places like Munnar, Kochi, and Wayanad are ideal for a workation. You can find good hotels here that offer competitive pricing and strong Wi-Fi, both imperative for enjoying a fruitful workation.
-What are the best places for adventure lovers in Kerala?
Adventure enthusiasts can explore trekking in Ponmudi and Varkala, parasailing in Varkala, kayaking in Alleppey, and scuba diving in Kovalam.
-What are the best places in Kerala for a solo trip?
Munnar, Kochi, and Alleppey are ideal for solo trips in Kerala.
-What are the best places to visit in Kerala for a honeymoon?
Perfect honeymoon destinations in Kerala include Munnar, Wayanad, Kumarakom, and Alleppey.
-What are the best places to visit in Kerala for a bike trip?
Enjoy thrilling bike trips from Kochi to Munnar, Trivandrum to Kollam, or Munnar to Thekkady, each taking around 3 to 4 days to complete.
