Was wondering if you have to book or christmas evening (dinner)??. I have never been over Christmas so have never had to book to eat anywhere before. But guessing it will be really busy. Do they charge more for taxi's like they do back home??

Rayof sunshine

I don't know whether you are on a package holiday or DIY. If you are on a package you will find that most hotels do a gala evening on Christmas Eve or Christmas Night and another gala evening on New Years Eve. Both of these gala dinners are usually included in the price of your package and although they are included check with your hotel as you may need to book a table.

If you don't mind where you eat there will be no need to book, even if you have to wait for a little you will get a table but if you want to eat at a particular restaurant it may be better to book, although last year it was not so busy.

The taxis do try to charge more over the Christmas/New Year period. In fact in our experience they did try to charge extortionate charges, we were told it would cost 500rupees for a journey that would normally cost 100 rupees we just walked away from them and said we would walk. They will then agree a price with you. But to avoid any misunderstanding it's always better to agree a price before you get in the taxi.

Been to Goa 7 times but only once over Christmas, prefer Goa at any other time as it is far too busy, full of drunken Indians and the traffic is horrendous. Do not attempt to drive anywhere on Christmas or New Years Eve.

Saying that I am only commenting on Calangute and it was still miles better than the UK.

We spent Christmas in Goa in 2007 and it was fantastic, dinner on the beach on Christmas Eve and at midnight the whole beach erupted with fireworks as far as the eye could see and carols ringing out it felt a bit surreal. The beach was very crowded and taxis were more expensive on Christmas Eve and the roads were very congested, but the atmosphere was brilliant. If you want a traditional Christmas dinner Bernards (CSM Road) do a very good one but you need to book it, also some of the shacks do turkey buffets. We just went to our normal shack.

We had our first Xmas and New Year in Goa last year. Our hotel didn't do Xmas dinner or new years eve dinner. We did book for Xmas dinner at Souymens and it was full but didn't need to book for new years eve, we ate late anyway and then went down to the beach for midnight to our usual shack where we had a fantastic time. Our taxi driver didn't charge us any extra for Xmas and new year although he said it was much quieter last year. probably due to the bomb threats, and he doesn't usually work anyway as he can't do with all the traffic.

The Christmas and New Year eve is celebrated with much fun and recreation in Goa. A large number of domestic and international tourists flock to the beaches of Goa during the Christmas festival to watch Goa at its cultural best. Also you can enjoy the best of Goan music and dance during Christmas