10 Best Places To Visit In Shimla In December To Enjoy Winter Wonderland

Explore the magnificent places to visit in Shimla in December for a winter wonderland trip.

Places to visit in Shimla in December showcase the real magic of this beautiful capital of Himachal Pradesh. This winter wonderland offers the chilly weather, snow-covered landscape, and festive spirit in December. Be it adventure, spirituality, or serene isolation, Shimla has it all. From enthralling winter sports to the serenity of temples and views, Shimla, during December, serves up a unique mix of beauty and festivity.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Shimla In December

Here are the top 10 places to visit in Shimla in December that you cannot miss during your awaited trip:

1. The Ridge

The Ridge is an open space at the centre of horse rides, cultural performances, and vibrant markets.

Photo: Virusism / Wikimedia Commons

Situated in Shimla, the Ridge Centre offers a view of snow-capped mountains and their festive ambience during December. This is an open space at the centre of horse rides, cultural performances, and vibrant markets. The Ridge, done up beautifully with Christmas decorations, forms the perfect spot for an evening stroll. Beautiful Christ Church enhances the festive spirit of the town with its special holiday services conducted during this time of the year. These make The Ridge one of the best places to visit in Shimla in December.

Major Attractions: Panoramic views of the Himalayas, colonial-era buildings
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Shimla airport (22 km)

2. Mall Road

Mall Road is one of the most entertaining and lively places to visit in Shimla in December.

Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons

Mall Road is the primary street, full of activity, with shops, coffee shops, and restaurants lining it throughout. This December, this iconic street gets very nicely decorated with lights and festive ornaments, exuding a feel of magic. On this street, one can get a feel for everything, from shopping for local handicrafts to relishing hot snacks or simply soaking in the wintry atmosphere. With the cool mountain breeze and snowfall at regular intervals, it becomes really exquisite and one of the best places to go in Shimla in December.

Major Attractions: Shopping, cafes, Gaiety theatre
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Shimla airport (22 km)

3. Kufri

Kufri, decorated with snow all over, offers adventure sports like skiing, tobogganing, and ice skating.

Photo: wilford peloquin / Wikimedia Commons

Situated a mere 16 km away from Shimla, Kufri is one such place loved by snow enthusiasts. In December, Kufri is covered with snow that offers adventure sports like skiing, tobogganing, and ice skating. A dashing amusement park, Kufri Fun World, lies at the top and adds further fun to its rides and amusements. The marvellous views of the snow-laden mountains in Shimla around offer a treat, and an array of winter activities add to their charm.

Major Attractions: Skiing, Himalayan Nature park, Green valley
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Shimla airport (34 km)

4. Jakhoo Temple

One of the best places to visit in Shimla in December, this hill has the famous Jakhoo temple.

Photo: Minaxi choudhary / Wikimedia Commons

Situated at the highest point in Shimla, at the top of Jakhoo Hill, is Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The December month snowfall generally covers up the temple and surroundings, making it mystical in the winter wonderland. This 108-foot-tall Hanuman statue is of prime importance. The panoramic views of Shimla town and the snow-laden Himalayas from this hilltop are truly captivating. This temple is also located for a group of monkeys residing within the premises, making it one of the good places to visit in Shimla in December.

Major Attractions: Hanuman statue, panoramic views, trekking
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Shimla airport (24 km)

5. Christ Church

Christ Church has magnificent architecture, endowed with beautiful stained glass windows.

Photo: ShashankSharma2511 / Wikimedia Commons

Christ Church, one of the best destinations to visit in Shimla in December, is located on The Ridge. The beautiful church was built in neo-Gothic style. During Christmas, it gets decorated and illuminated during December’s month. Its magnificent architecture, endowed with beautiful stained glass windows and set amidst peaceful surroundings. This makes it the best place to get the feel of Christmas. One can have a spiritually enriching time by attending Christmas. Its serene surroundings lets you find peace and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of life.

Major Attractions: Stained glass windows, neo-Gothic architecture
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (23 km)

6. Shimla State Museum

This museum, displaying history, art, and archaeology of the state, is a great place to visit in Shimla in December.

Photo: Jazze7 / Wikimedia Commons

The rich cultural legacy of Himachal Pradesh is on display at the Shimla State Museum, sometimes called the Himachal State Museum. This museum in Shimla is one of the best places to travel in Shimla in December. It offers warmth from the cold outside and provides much-needed knowledge about history, art, and archaeology. It showcases a great collection of traditional costumes, jewellery, paintings, and sculptures that pinpoint the local culture. If you want to know about the regional heritage and stay indoors, there could not be a better way than visiting this magnificent museum in Shimla.

Major Attractions: Traditional costumes, jewellery, paintings, sculptures
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Shimla airport (25 km)

7. Chadwick Falls

Chadwick Falls provides a tranquil haven in the middle of nature, encircled by thick trees.

Photo: Vigneshkannusamy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Chadwick Falls is around seven km from Shimla. It’s a serene, noteworthy location that takes on an allure in December. The waterfall provides a tranquil haven in the middle of nature, encircled by thick trees and scenes blanketed in snow. Water soaks through the icy rocks and falls to create an enthralling view. These surroundings are quiet and perfect for a quiet place to travel in Shimla in December. Group this off with a trek to Chadwick Falls, making the snow-covered trails even more of an adventure and a beautiful experience.

Major Attractions: Waterfall, trekking, snow-covered landscapes
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (27 km)

8. Green Valley

Green Valley, with a picture-perfect winter scene, forms one of the places to visit in Shimla in December.

Photo: Amandeep619316 / Wikimedia Commons

Green Valley is another lovely, serene spot, which is a must-visited place to see in Shimla in December, on the way to Kufri from Shimla. The snow that falls in December covers the entire valley. It forms a picture-perfect winter scene that is simply amazing to behold. The pine and deodar woodlands are thick and stand out with their brilliant green hues due to the snow. Green Valley is one of the best places for photography, peaceful picnics, and soaking in the bewitching beauty of natural scenes in Shimla during winter.

Major Attractions: Snow-covered forests, scenic views, photography
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Shimla airport (30 km)

9. Annandale

The landscape of Annandale offers a great location for golfing, picnicking or going for a leisure walk.

Photo: Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons

December turns Annandale, a flat terrain surrounded by thick deodar forests, into a beautiful winter wonderland of Shimla. This historic ground, used as a playground by British officers at one time, hosts various sports and activities today. The snow-covered landscape offers a great location for golfing, picnicking, or going for a leisure walk. An interesting insight into the military history of India is provided by the Army Heritage Museum. Annandale is serene, with picturesque views.

Major Attractions: Golfing, Army Heritage museum, snow-covered landscape
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (24 km)

10. Scandal Point

One of the best places to visit in Shimla in December, Scandal Point, with festive decorations, is lively.

Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons

Scandal Point lies on the centerline of Mall Road, an exquisite viewpoint with historical importance. It gets decorated with festive decorations in December and becomes a lively picture. The name “Scandal Point” was given because of a romantic legend between a British lady and an Indian maharaja. Today, it is a busy meeting point for locals and tourists. Scandal Point, enveloped with views of snow-covered hills and a vivacious atmosphere, is the ideal vantage point.

Major Attractions: Stunning views, historical significance, vibrant atmosphere
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (22 km)

Places to visit in Shimla in December offer the Winter Wonderland, festive ambience, and exciting activities. It’s a place that offers you adventure, spiritualism, and serenity as per your choice. Right from cute bazaars and historical to magical experiences, everything will stay with you as sweet memories. Let TripXL help you to visit Shimla this December and experience its enchanting winter charm.

Cover Photo: UmaShankarKumaran / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can drive up to Shimla in December. One must certainly look at the weather and road conditions. Have your vehicle winter-ready.
Pack warm clothing that includes thermal wear, heavy jackets, gloves, scarves, and woollen hats. It is also advisable to carry waterproof boots to cope with the snow and to keep your feet warm and dry.
Yes, Shimla hosts a whole range of winter festivals and events associated with Christmas and New Year celebrations in December. One such mega event is the Winter Carnival, which winds up with cultural programs, songs, and dances coupled with local cuisine.
There are plenty of accommodation options in Shimla. One may consider an advance booking in view of the holiday period.
Yes, Shimla has different sports activities during winter, such as skiing, ice skating, and snow trekking. You can also indulge in horse riding, visit the local markets, or just soak in the festive decorations and lights.

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