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December in India is an amazing time filled with celebrations, traditions, and joyful gatherings. This month offers something special for everyone from vibrant cultural festivals to religious fairs and modern music events. These festivals in December in India bring together people from different backgrounds, which create a lively and unforgettable atmosphere filled with music, dance, and festive spirit. December is the perfect time to experience India’s diverse heritage whether you want to witness grand processions, enjoy folk performances, or participate in thrilling winter festivals.
10 Best Festivals In December In India
Let’s explore some of the most exciting festivals in December in India and make your winter vacations unforgettable:
1. Hornbill Festival
Photo: Yves Picq / Wikimedia Commons
Hornbill Festival is one of the best festivals in December in India, and it celebrates the vibrant tribal culture of Nagaland. The Hornbill Festival showcases traditional dances, music, handicrafts, and local cuisine, which is held in Kisama Heritage Village. Visitors can enjoy exciting events like archery, wrestling, and indigenous games, which make it a unique cultural experience. The festival also features a grand night carnival, folk storytelling, and rock music performances, which create an unforgettable festive atmosphere.
Date: December 1–10
Location: Kisama Heritage Village, Nagaland
Things To Do: Enjoy the thrilling Naga warrior dance and taste traditional Naga dishes like smoked pork
2. Rann Utsav
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Px Here / Image For Representation Only
Rann Utsav is a vibrant festival that takes place in the stunning white salt desert of Kutch. This destination for festivals in December in India is famous for its cultural performances, handicraft bazaars, and adventure sports like paramotoring and camel rides. The festival offers an unforgettable experience under the moonlit sky of the Rann. Visitors can also stay in luxurious tented accommodations, enjoy traditional Gujarati cuisine, and witness soothing sunrise and sunset views over the endless white desert.
Date: November to February
Location: Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Things To Do: Stay in a luxury tent and enjoy folk dance performances under the full moon
3. Christmas & New Year Celebrations
Photo: Rantemario / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Goa is one of the most exciting Indian festivals in December. It is known for its grand Christmas and New Year celebrations, during which the entire state lights up with festive decorations, midnight masses, beach parties, and grand feasts. The energy of the celebrations, along with fireworks at midnight on New Year’s Eve. The lively music, bustling flea markets, and beautifully decorated churches create a magical atmosphere, which makes Goa a perfect destination for festivals in December in India.
Date: December 25 (Christmas) & December 31 (New Year)
Location: Goa
Things To Do: Enjoy the Christmas Eve mass at Basilica of Bom Jesus and dance at the beach parties in Baga and Anjuna’
4. Poush Mela
Photo: Vikasswami / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Poush Mela is a traditional Bengali fair that takes place in Shantiniketan and was founded by Rabindranath Tagore. It is one of the best festivals in December in India that highlights Baul music, tribal dances, and handmade crafts. The festival promotes Bengal’s rich cultural traditions, and visitors can explore the art, literature, and folk performances that make this event special.
Date: December 23–26
Location: Shantiniketan, West Bengal
Things To Do: Listen to live Baul folk music and shop for handcrafted Bengali artifacts.
5. Winter Festival
Photo: tasveere byqusai / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Mount Abu hosts the Winter Festival, which is a grand celebration of Rajasthani culture. The festival includes folk performances, adventure activities like boat races, and a stunning fireworks show. It is an exciting destination for festivals in December in India, especially for those looking to enjoy traditional music, dance, and local cuisine. The festival also features a colorful procession through the streets, showcasing Rajasthan’s rich heritage and vibrant traditions.
Date: December 29–31
Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Things To Do: Witness the grand procession, and enjoy firework displays over Nakki Lake.
6. Konark Festival
Photo: Prateek Pattanaik / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Konark Festival is a classical dance festival that takes place against the background of the Sun Temple in Odisha. This cultural Celebration showcases India’s finest Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Kuchipudi dancers, which make it a must-visit for art lovers. The festival also features a handicraft and sand art exhibition, which shows Odisha’s cultural artwork. The mesmerising performances, combined with the temple’s stunning architecture, create a lively atmosphere that celebrates India’s rich artistic heritage.
Date: December 1–5
Location: Konark, Odisha
Things To Do: Enjoy mesmerising classical dance performances in the open-air auditorium near the Sun Temple
7. Losar Festival
Photo: Ailiajameel / Wikimedia Commons
Losar Festival marks the Tibetan New Year and is one of the best festivals in December in India, which is celebrated in Ladakh. The festival features colourful masked dances, prayers at monasteries, and feasts of traditional Ladakhi cuisine. It is an ideal time to experience the rich Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the festive spirit of Ladakh. The celebrations also include the lighting of butter lamps, cultural performances, and a ritual which offers to bring good fortune for the coming year.
Date: Late December (varies as per the Tibetan calendar)
Location: Ladakh
Things To Do: Watch the vibrant Cham dance performed by monks at Hemis Monastery
8. Magnetic Fields Festival
Photo: Wendy Wei / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Magnetic Fields Festival is an electronic music and arts festival held in a 17th-century palace in Rajasthan. It attracts music lovers from all over the world and offers an unforgettable mix of music, art installations, and desert camping. This destination for festivals in December in India is a must-visit for those looking for a unique blend of heritage and modern music culture.
Date: December 15–17
Location: Alsisar, Rajasthan
Things To Do: Dance under the stars at the desert rave party.
9. Perumthitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy Theyyam
Photo: Emil saji / Wikimedia Commons
Theyyam is one of Kerala’s most sacred and visually stunning traditional rituals. The Perumthitta Tharavad Theyyam is a December festival in which performers dress as deities and perform spiritual stories. The energetic drumbeats and vibrant makeup make this one of the most fascinating Indian festivals in December. Visitors can witness over 50 unique Theyyam performances, each showcasing ancient folk, divine expressions, and amazing fire dances.
Date: December (varies annually)
Location: Kasaragod, Kerala
Things To Do: Witness the Theyyam performers’ transformation into divine beings through intricate dance movements
10. Chennai Music Festival
Photo: Vindheim / Wikimedia Commons
The Chennai Music Festival is also known as the Margazhi Festival, and is a month-long celebration of Carnatic classical music. It attracts some of India’s most talented musicians and offers soulful performances in traditional temples and concert halls. It is one of the best festivals in December in India for music enthusiasts. The festival not only showcases mesmerising vocal and instrumental performances but also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of South Indian classical arts.
Date: December to January
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Things To Do: Attend live Carnatic music concerts by renowned artists
These festivals in December in India offer a mix of tradition, music, dance, and cultural heritage, which make December the perfect time to explore India’s rich diversity. These festivals promise an unforgettable winter getaway whether you seek spiritual experiences, adventure, or musical retreats. Plan your trip with TripXL and enjoy the vibrant celebrations that make December a truly special month in India.
Cover Photo: Bhrigu bayan / Wikimedia Commons
