Step into Goa as the year winds down, and you will feel it instantly, a state alive with colour, sound, and energy. Imagine walking through streets alive with music and art, feeling the thrill of adrenaline-pumping activities, and discovering hidden gems in quaint villages or bustling markets. From serene riverside moments to electrifying sports events, from creative installations that spark your imagination to festive lights that seem to dance in the evening breeze, Goa invites you to experience it all.
Here, every day offers something new: cheering alongside children, exploring interactive performances, sampling local flavours, or witnessing feats of athleticism that leave you breathless. Beyond its famous beaches, Goa opens doors to Regenerative tourism experiences, where culture, adventure, and community blend seamlessly. Whether it’s connecting with local traditions, exploring the serene hinterlands, or participating in immersive festivals, visitors truly feel like Goa as the state becomes a living celebration, offering memories that stay long after the moment has passed.
Diwali (October 19 – 20, 2025, Goa)
Goa lights up in festive splendour as Diwali is celebrated on 20 October 2025, marking the beginning of the state’s vibrant festive season. The celebrations extend across towns and villages with homes aglow with diyas, fireworks illuminating the night sky, and communities coming together for cultural performances. On the eve of Diwali, the traditional Narkasur Parade takes place in many parts of the state, where creatively built effigies of the Narkasur are carried through the streets and burnt at dawn, celebrating the ‘Shrikrishna Vijayotsav’, the triumph of good over evil. With the festival coinciding with a long weekend, travellers can look forward to experiencing Goa’s rich cultural traditions, while local artisans, homestays, and boutique hotels thrive amid the festive cheer.
Vintage Car and Bike Show (October 2025, Panaji)
The Vintage Car and Bike Show in Panaji showcases a stunning array of classic vehicles, from vintage motorcycles to antique cars. This event celebrates the rich automotive heritage and attracts enthusiasts and collectors from across the region. Visitors can enjoy a display of meticulously restored vehicles and engage with their passionate owners.
Tripurari Poornima (November 5, 2025, Sanquelim)
Tripurari Poornima is a spiritual spectacle, where thousands of lamps float on miniature boats along the Valvanti River. Jointly organised by the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Goa and Department of Tourism, Government of Goa and other Government Department, visitors can experience the serene Goan hinterland, quaint villages, eco-friendly homestays, and local cuisine, highlighting Goa beyond the beaches and city lights.
IRONKIDS and IRONMAN 70.3 Goa (November 8–9, 2025, Miramar Beach, Panaji)
The IRONMAN 70.3 Goa is a premier triathlon event featuring a 1.9 km swim in the calm waters of Miramar Beach, a 90 km bike ride across the Zuari Bridge, and a 21.1 km run to the Governor’s Palace. The accompanying IRONKIDS event offers a non-competitive run for children aged 6–16, promoting fitness and community engagement attracting athletes from India and abroad.
Goa Rugby 7s 2025 – Season 2 (November 15–16, 2025, GMC Athletic Stadium, Bambolim)
The Goa Rugby 7s brings together teams from across India and beyond, offering high-energy thrills for fans and participants alike. Supported by the Tourism Department and the Crocotycles Rugby Foundation, it highlights local talent, encourages youth participation, and strengthens Goa’s sports tourism ecosystem.
International Film Festival of India (IFFI) (November 20–28, 2025)
Goa transforms into a global cinematic hub during IFFI, held across venues including Entertainment Society of Goa, Inox, Kala Academy and Goa Marriott Resort. Filmmakers, critics, and cinephiles from around the world converge here, while local businesses, artists, and youth engage with international cinema, making it a vibrant cultural experience.
Serendipity Arts Festival (December 12–21, 2025, Panaji)
The Serendipity Arts Festival celebrates creativity in all forms including visual art, performances, and interactive installations fill Panjim with imagination. Local artists, craftsmen, and vendors gain visibility and support, while visitors experience a festival that combines modern infrastructure with Goa’s cultural heritage.
Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Old Goa (December 3, annually)
On 3 December, Goa celebrates the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa. A nine-day novena precedes the feast, drawing pilgrims from across India and abroad. The day is marked by a solemn Pontifical Mass, while the surrounding streets come alive with fairs, stalls, and festive delicacies. This celebration offers both a profound spiritual experience and a glimpse into Goa’s enduring religious heritage.
Christmas to New Year Weeklong Celebrations (December 25, 2025 – January 1, 2026)
Goa’s festive season culminates in a weeklong celebration from Christmas to New Year. Churches glow with lights and music, carols fill the air, and communities’ welcome travellers with warmth and hospitality. Enjoy gala dinners, music performances, and thrilling activities like bungy jumping. This week also offers a magical opportunity to witness the last sunsets of the year on Goa’s pristine beaches, creating serene and unforgettable memories as you welcome 2026.
From Diwali to Tripurari Poornima, IRONMAN, Rugby 7s, IFFI, and Serendipity Arts Festival, Goa’s year-end calendar is a feast for the senses. Add Christmas cheer, New Year celebrations, and adrenaline adventures, and the state becomes a playground of light, culture, and joy. In Goa every festival, performance, and adventure invites you to join in, connect with local communities, and create memories that will stay with you forever. This year, let Goa light up your senses, thrill your spirit, and welcome you to a celebration like no other.
