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Shillong in December wears a festive calm. The chill in the air adds freshness to waterfalls, streets, and pine forests. Places to Visit in Shillong in December are known for their scenic charm, lively bazaars, and peaceful viewpoints. Winter makes it easy to explore both natural beauty and heritage spots without the usual tourist rush. From cultural landmarks like the Don Bosco Museum to misty escapes like Laitlum Canyons, the city offers the perfect blend of quiet and celebration. It is also the month when the Christmas markets in Police Bazar light up the evenings.
10 Places To Visit In Shillong In December
These places to visit in Shillong in December offer the best mix of winter beauty, peaceful landscapes, and vibrant seasonal culture.
1. Ward’s Lake
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
Ward’s Lake’s curved pathways become quieter in December, making it ideal for slow walks surrounded by pine and cherry trees that hold the last of their autumn leaves. The wooden bridge across the lake becomes a scenic spot for photos as mist floats low over the water in the mornings. Boating continues during winter, and visitors often enjoy a 15 to 20-minute paddle on the calm surface. The garden around the lake blooms with winter flowers, especially bright poinsettias. You will often spot local families and students relaxing on benches or feeding the swans.
Temperature: 7°C to 14°C
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
Timings: 8:30 AM – 7 PM
Nearby Attractions: Police Bazar, Lady Hydari Park
2. Laitlum Canyons
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
Laitlum Canyons stretch out into a wide, open landscape that looks even more dramatic in December. The cool air clears the view across the deep gorges and distant hills, and the silence here is broken only by the sound of the wind. Visitors often come early in the day when the clouds start to lift and the sun highlights the layered cliffs. From the edge, the scenery drops steeply into valleys where small villages are hidden among the slopes. Those looking for a longer walk can hike down to Rasong village, though many stay at the top to take in the view.
Temperature: 6°C to 13°C
Timings: 6 AM – 5:30 PM
Nearby Attractions: Smit Village, Laitkor Peak
3. Don Bosco Museum
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
Don Bosco Museum becomes a quiet yet fascinating stop in Shillong during December. The museum’s seven floors take visitors through the culture, history, textiles, and traditions of the Northeast. Each level focuses on a different theme, ranging from tribal artefacts and bamboo crafts to traditional tools and dance forms. The rooftop skywalk remains open in winter, giving a clear view of Shillong’s hills under the cold blue sky. Inside, the galleries are well-lit and easy to navigate, offering relief from the outdoor chill.
Temperature: 8°C to 14°C
Entry Fee: ₹100 for adults, ₹50 for students
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Nearby Attractions: Shillong Golf Course, State Central Library
4. Lady Hydari Park
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
Lady Hydari Park stays peaceful and well-kept during December. The garden paths are lined with trimmed hedges, and winter flowers like dahlias and marigolds bloom across the lawns. The colder weather keeps the place less crowded, which makes it comfortable for slow walks or resting on the benches under shaded trees. There is a small zoo inside the park with enclosures for deer, peacocks, and a few other animals, which remains open during winter and draws local families, especially with children. The lawns are clean and open enough for sitting or enjoying a packed snack.
Temperature: 7°C to 13°C
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Nearby Attractions: Ward’s Lake, Shillong Peak
5. Mawphlang Sacred Grove
Photo: Ritika74 / Wikimedia Commons
In December, Mawphlang Sacred Grove is about 25 kilometres from Shillong, protected by the Khasi people and considered sacred. Visitors must enter with a local guide. The path runs through old trees and stone altars used in tribal rituals. The air inside feels heavier, and nothing, no leaf, stone, or twig, can be taken out. The guide usually shares stories about ancestral ceremonies and the rules followed even today. Most of the walk is flat and shaded, so it’s easy for any age group. Out of all the places to visit in Shillong in December, this forest stands out because it’s still respected and guarded by belief.
Temperature: 6°C to 12°C
Entry Fee: ₹20 per person (Guide charges extra)
Timings: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Nearby Attractions: David Scott Trail, Khasi Heritage Village
6. All Saints Cathedral
Photo: Denny George / Shutterstock
All Saints Cathedral was built during the British era, the church features carved wooden interiors, sloped roofs, and stained-glass windows that glow with soft light in the winter sun. Masses in the days leading up to Christmas are open to all, and the air carries the sound of carols and bells. On regular days, it stays peaceful; visitors step in to sit for a while or light a candle in the side chapel. Out of the many places to visit in Shillong in December, this one feels especially rooted in the season. It blends history, quiet faith, and festive spirit without needing much time or planning.
Temperature: 8°C to 13°C
Timings: 7 AM – 6:30 PM
Nearby Attractions: Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Police Bazar
7. Sweet Falls
Photo: Hemantraj8873 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sweet Falls lies on the outskirts of Shillong and becomes a striking sight in December when the mist is light and the skies are clear. The waterfall drops sharply through forested cliffs, and its narrow stream crashes down with a loud, steady roar. It is not a place for swimming or climbing, as the rocks below are steep and slippery, but the viewpoint above offers a direct and powerful view of the fall. A short walk through pine woods leads to the edge, where safety railings are installed.
Temperature: 6°C to 12°C
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Crinoline Falls, Lady Hydari Park
8. Police Bazar (Christmas Market)
Photo: mdsharma / Shutterstock
Police Bazar transforms completely in December. Streets are lined with lights, small kiosks pop up selling Christmas décor, warm snacks, woollens, and handmade candles. Shops extend their hours, and the whole area stays busy with music, chatter, and movement till late evening. Visitors come here not just to shop but to feel the festive atmosphere. Children queue up for Santa hats, local choirs sing carols outside stores, and food stalls serve plates of momo, chowmein, and grilled meat. The crowd is manageable during the day, but evenings are the liveliest.
Temperature: 7°C to 14°C
Timings: Shops open from 10 AM – 9 PM
Nearby Attractions: Ward’s Lake, All Saints Cathedral
9. Cathedral Of Mary Help Of Christians
Photo: Sankhaneelbaruah / Wikimedia Commons
The Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians stands quietly on a hill in Laitumkhrah and looks especially welcoming in December. Its blue-and-white structure, tall windows, and sloped roofs give it a simple but striking appearance. You can light candles or sit in the wooden pews. As Christmas nears, the cathedral is decorated with lights, handmade stars, and nativity displays placed near the altar. It’s one of the places to visit in Shillong in December that doesn’t ask for much time, just a quiet moment in a place that’s been part of the city for generations.
Temperature: 7°C to 13°C
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: All Saints Cathedral, Don Bosco Museum
10. Elephant Falls
Photo: Bito4 / Wikimedia Commons
Elephant Falls flows with steady force in December, fed by clear streams from the hills above. The area has three levels of cascades, each connected by stone steps and viewing platforms. The first fall is wide and gentle, the second flows through rocks, and the third drops straight into a small pool surrounded by dark cliffs. Visitors take their time at each level, stopping for photos or just to watch the water. The surrounding trees stay green through the season, and sunlight filters through in patches, especially around noon.
Temperature: 6°C to 13°C
Entry Fee: ₹30 per person
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Shillong Peak, Air Force Museum
Walks by the lake, music from churches, mist over the canyons, and the smell of food from market corners, each part stands on its own. You can spend time without watching the clock. These places to visit in Shillong in December don’t just fill your days, they make you want to stay longer. Book your Shillong trip this December with TripXL and make it count, one quiet moment at a time.
Cover Photo: Kunwar Raj Singh Ranhotra / Unsplash
