I’m planning a family vacation to **Goa this December** (2 adults + 2 kids) and need some advice. Since it’s peak season, I want to make the most of it without getting stuck in too much crowd. * Which part of Goa is better for families – **North Goa** (more happening) or **South Goa** (quieter beaches)? * Are there good family-friendly resorts or hotels you’d recommend? * What activities can kids enjoy apart from beaches? * How crowded does it get in December, especially around Christmas & New Year? * Any tips for booking transport, sightseeing, or day trips (like Dudhsagar Falls or spice plantations)?

I’ve visited Goa multiple times in December with family, and honestly, it’s one of the best months to go—pleasant weather, festive vibes, and everything in full swing without the monsoon chaos. Here’s how I’d plan a **family-friendly trip**: --- ### 🌴 **Where to Stay** * **North Goa (Baga, Calangute, Candolim):** Great for families who want easy access to beaches, restaurants, and shopping. North Goa is livelier and has more activities for kids. * **South Goa (Colva, Palolem, Agonda):** Quieter, cleaner beaches, perfect if your family prefers relaxation over nightlife. **Tip:** Book in advance because December is peak season due to Christmas and New Year. --- ### 🏖️ **Must-Visit Beaches** * **Baga & Calangute:** Safe for swimming, plenty of food stalls, and water sports options. * **Palolem (South Goa):** Picturesque crescent-shaped beach, calmer waters for kids. * **Colva & Benaulim:** Relaxed vibe, less crowded, great for long family walks. --- ### 🏰 **Sightseeing & Activities** * **Historic Forts:** Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort – short trips with great photo opportunities. * **Churches:** Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral in Old Goa for a cultural experience. * **Dudhsagar Waterfalls:** If your family enjoys nature and adventure. * **Cruises:** Sunset river cruises on Mandovi River – very family-friendly. * **Water Sports:** Banana boat rides, jet skiing, and parasailing (pick reputable operators for safety). --- ### 🍽️ **Food & Dining** * Go for **local Goan cuisine** – fish curry rice, prawn balchão, bebinca for dessert. * Many family-friendly cafés and shacks serve Indian, continental, and seafood options. * Tip: Ask for less spicy versions if traveling with kids. --- ### 🛍️ **Shopping & Evening Fun** * **Markets:** Anjuna Flea Market, Mapusa Market – souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, and clothes. * **Nightlife for Adults:** If you’re looking for a casual evening vibe, some beaches have live music without being too crazy for families. --- ### 💡 **Travel Tips** * **Best time to visit:** December is ideal – avoid the later part of New Year if you want fewer crowds. * **Transportation:** Rent a self-drive scooter or car if comfortable; taxis are available but can be pricey. * **Packing:** Light cotton clothes for the day, a few warm layers for evenings, sunscreen, and hats. --- **My Personal Take:** For a family trip in December, I’d **split your stay**: 3–4 days in North Goa for activity and fun, 2–3 days in South Goa for relaxation. This gives a mix of adventure, sightseeing, and downtime for everyone.

Family Trip to Goa in December – Need Suggestions

Yashwantkk

I’m planning a family vacation to Goa this December (2 adults + 2 kids) and need some advice. Since it’s peak season, I want to make the most of it without getting stuck in too much crowd.

Which part of Goa is better for families – North Goa (more happening) or South Goa (quieter beaches)?
Are there good family-friendly resorts or hotels you’d recommend?
What activities can kids enjoy apart from beaches?
How crowded does it get in December, especially around Christmas & New Year?
Any tips for booking transport, sightseeing, or day trips (like Dudhsagar Falls or spice plantations)?

Indiatourpkgs

I’ve visited Goa multiple times in December with family, and honestly, it’s one of the best months to go—pleasant weather, festive vibes, and everything in full swing without the monsoon chaos. Here’s how I’d plan a family-friendly trip:

—

🌴 Where to Stay

North Goa (Baga, Calangute, Candolim): Great for families who want easy access to beaches, restaurants, and shopping. North Goa is livelier and has more activities for kids.
South Goa (Colva, Palolem, Agonda): Quieter, cleaner beaches, perfect if your family prefers relaxation over nightlife.

Tip: Book in advance because December is peak season due to Christmas and New Year.

—

🏖️ Must-Visit Beaches

Baga & Calangute: Safe for swimming, plenty of food stalls, and water sports options.
Palolem (South Goa): Picturesque crescent-shaped beach, calmer waters for kids.
Colva & Benaulim: Relaxed vibe, less crowded, great for long family walks.

—

🏰 Sightseeing & Activities

Historic Forts: Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort – short trips with great photo opportunities.
Churches: Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral in Old Goa for a cultural experience.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls: If your family enjoys nature and adventure.
Cruises: Sunset river cruises on Mandovi River – very family-friendly.
Water Sports: Banana boat rides, jet skiing, and parasailing (pick reputable operators for safety).

—

🍽️ Food & Dining

Go for local Goan cuisine – fish curry rice, prawn balchão, bebinca for dessert.
Many family-friendly cafés and shacks serve Indian, continental, and seafood options.
Tip: Ask for less spicy versions if traveling with kids.

—

🛍️ Shopping & Evening Fun

Markets: Anjuna Flea Market, Mapusa Market – souvenirs, handicrafts, jewelry, and clothes.
Nightlife for Adults: If you’re looking for a casual evening vibe, some beaches have live music without being too crazy for families.

—

💡 Travel Tips

Best time to visit: December is ideal – avoid the later part of New Year if you want fewer crowds.
Transportation: Rent a self-drive scooter or car if comfortable; taxis are available but can be pricey.
Packing: Light cotton clothes for the day, a few warm layers for evenings, sunscreen, and hats.

—

My Personal Take:
For a family trip in December, I’d split your stay: 3–4 days in North Goa for activity and fun, 2–3 days in South Goa for relaxation. This gives a mix of adventure, sightseeing, and downtime for everyone.