December is among the happiest months of the year to see India, and the numerous festivals in December in India were even more special. As winter approaches, the nation is illuminated in cultural events, music events, colourful fairs and traditional celebrations. Whether it is peaceful temple festivals, wild beach carnivals or desert music nights, December has something to offer to all types of travellers. Regardless of your passion to love culture, adventure, food or music, all these celebrations are a perfect blend of fun and festive spirit. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the diversity of India and some of the most famous festivals in India which take place in the country during December.
Top Festivals in December in India
December is a month of some of the most colourful and cheerful celebrations throughout India, cultural fairs, and fantastic music festivals. It is also the right time of the year to enjoy colourful traditions, the winter carnival and special festive experiences.
1. Hornbill Festival - Nagaland
One of the most recognisable festivals in India in December is the Hornbill festival that takes place in December every year in Kisama village near Kohima. It is also known by the name of the Festival of Festivals that brings together tribes of Nagaland to demonstrate their culture and traditions, dances, music, and way of life. The festival site is full of folk shows, indigenous sports, war-dance exhibitions, bamboo crafts and Naga food. Tourists are fond of colourful costumes, active drumming and the friendly hospitality of people. The Hornbill Festival is the ideal blend of tradition, nature and revelation.
Location: Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima
Duration: 1–10 December
2. Karthigai Deepam - Tamil Nadu
Karthigai Deepam is a gorgeous festival of lights that is observed throughout Tamil Nadu, particularly in temples such as Annamalaiyar Temple in Tiruvannamalai. This is one of the most peaceful festivals in December in India, held in early December. Hundreds of oil lamps glorify houses and temples, and the atmosphere is so peaceful and spiritual. The families paint their doorsteps with colourful kolams, light traditional clay lamps and conduct rituals that honour lord Shiva and lord Murugan. It is like Diwali, but it has strong Tamil connections.
Location: Celebrated across Tamil Nadu (major celebrations in Tiruvannamalai, Chennai, Madurai)
Date: Early December (varies by Tamil calendar, typically around Dec 5–7)
3. Madras Music Season - Chennai
Madras Music season, which begins in December, is one of the world's largest cultural events showcasing Carnatic music and classical dance. It is an important event among music festivals in December in India that attracts thousands of artists and viewers to Chennai. Throughout the day, performances take place in the sabhas (cultural halls) such as vocal concerts, instrumental music, and Bharatanatyam. The whole city is in the mood, and the cultural lovers are delighted to hop around different sabhas. Whether you are a classical music fan or just a curious person, this festival shows the Indian artistic heritage at its best.
Location: Various sabhas and music academies across Chennai
Date: Mid-December to January
4. Christmas
December always feels a little different in India, where the weather turns colder, the nights get quieter, and celebrations start to fill every corner. Christmas brings a warm, comforting glow to the many colourful festivals in December in India. The chill in the air, twinkling lights, and smell of homemade treats make everything feel a little more magical. Families gather, laughter fills homes, and small traditions suddenly feel priceless. Whether it’s midnight mass or cosy celebrations at home, Christmas reminds us to slow down, cherish our people, and welcome the season with love.
Locations: Celebrated throughout the nation
Date: 25 December 2025
5. Rann Utsav - Gujarat
Rann Utsav turns Kutch's white desert into a living carnival. The ideal time to attend this desert festival is in December, when the weather is favourable and the landscape is lit under the moonlight. Being one of the very popular festivals in India during December, it offers cultural shows, folk dances, handicrafts, adventure sports, camel rides, and luxury tent stays. The full-moon night in the white salt desert is another unforgettable experience for travellers. Rann Utsav is the ideal way to spend winter holidays with coloured Kutchi artwork, music and food.
Location: Dhordo Village, Great Rann of Kutch
Date: Runs November to February (major events in December)
6. Poush Mela - Santiniketan
Poush Mela is a Bengali traditional fair, held in Santiniketan in December. It glorifies rustic arts, Baul music and local culture. Folk dances, tribal drumming, open-air performances and a large marketplace of handicrafts transform the fairgrounds. It is one of the most heartfelt experiences among the fairs and festivals in December in India. Another popular thing that people love here is Bengali sweets, handmade jewellery, paintings and ethnic clothes. The atmosphere is leisurely, artistic and cosy, making it ideal for people who like slow travelling and culture.
Location: Visva-Bharati University Grounds, Santiniketan
Date: Late December (starts around 24–26 December)
7. Cochin Carnival - Kerala
Cochin Carnival is an annual event that is held in Fort Kochi at the end of December. It is a mixture of music, dancing, parades, beach life and colourful street parties, and this makes it worth travelling, especially to those who like festive parties at the seaside. Being one of the vibrant festivals in December in India, it also incorporates traditional games, bike parades, fancy dress and fireworks. The burning of the giant Papanji statue on New Year is an iconic way of ending the year. The streets are vibrant and culturally in nature.
Location: Fort Kochi, Kerala
Date: 23 December – 1 January
8. Winter Festival - Mount Abu
This winter festival is hosted in the hill town of Mount Abu, celebrating the culture of Rajasthan through folk music, folk dances such as Ghoomar and Gair, a boat race and fireworks. It is a rejuvenating blend of hill-station scenic and cultural occurrences, which is why it is a favourite in the list of festivals in December in India. One of the major attractions is the procession to Nakki Lake. Travellers are pleased with local food, handicraft stalls and the cool winter climate.
Location: Nakki Lake & surrounding grounds, Mount Abu
Date: 29–31 December
9. Konark Dance Festival - Odisha.
The Konark Dance Festival is another graceful festival in December, and it is held on the outskirts of the iconic Sun Temple every December. The outdoor stage, with its spectacular lighting backdrop, presents the best classical Indian dancers, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi and others. Visitors have the opportunity to experience a harmonious blend of heritage, architecture and art in the quiet environment of winter. Craft stalls and traditional music are also characteristics that make the festival a cultural delight. Konark provides a great, memorable experience in December to lovers of dance and history.
Location: Open-air auditorium near Sun Temple, Konark
Date: 1–5 December
10. Magnetic Fields Festival – Rajasthan
One of the busiest music festivals in India is the Magnetic Fields Festival in Alsisar, Rajasthan, which is held in December. It is held in a royal desert palace and is a combination of electronic, indie and experimental music, art installations, desert camping and night-long parties. The festival brings together young travelers and musicians from around the world. Magnetic Fields provides a different cultural and musical experience with rooftop gigs, sunrise sessions, and breathtaking desert scenery. It is ideal for people who want a contemporary, vibrant, and imaginative festival in the desert of Rajasthan.
Location: Alsisar Mahal, Alsisar, Rajasthan
Date: Mid–December (dates vary yearly)
11. Kankaria Carnival - Ahmedabad.
One of the busiest fairs and festivals in December in India is the Kankaria Carnival, which is celebrated around Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad. The seven-day festival involves cultural shows, laser shows, amusement rides, food booths, magic shows, parades and exhibitions. The whole lakefront is lit up with lights and music, making it a family-friendly event. Tourists of any age can have fun with interactive entertainment areas and colour decorations. It is a happy city festival, which demonstrates the culture of Gujarat, their creativity, and the spirit of community in the winter season.
Location: Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad
Date: 25–31 December
12. Sunburn Festival - Goa
The Sunburn Festival in Goa is one of the largest music festivals in December in India , and it has brought along with it the global DJs, EDM lovers and travellers. Located in the Vagator Beach, it brings three days of extreme shows, beach parties, dance areas, food bars and after parties that last till late in the night. The festival brings out a young, electric ambience that is ideal among the young people who take pleasure in music and nightlife. Sunburn has breathtaking sea scenes, colourful crowds, international music performers, and it is a perfect December party experience in India.
Location: Vagator Beach, Goa
Date: 27–29 December
13. Galdan Namchot - Ladakh
Galdan Namchot is a great Buddhist festival in Ladakh, which is typically held in mid or late December. It is the birth and spiritual enlightenment of renowned Tibetan Buddhist saint Je Tsongkhapa. Being one of the cultural festivals in December in India, it illuminates the monasteries and houses of Ladakh with butter lamps, which are a symbol of wisdom and tranquillity. Individuals cook traditional foods, go to monasteries, and pray to gain prosperity. The warm lights and the festive mood make the cold winter nights shimmer. Galdan Namchot also marks the beginning of Ladakh’s New Year celebrations, making December special in the region.
Location: Across Ladakh (monasteries & homes)
Date: Mid–December (varies by Tibetan lunar calendar)
14. New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve feels different across India, especially when it arrives right after so many colourful festivals in December in India. The mood slowly shifts from celebration to reflection. People look back at what the year gave them, wins, mistakes, surprises and start thinking about what they want to change. Streets get livelier as cafes, homes, and even small neighbourhood corners turn into countdown spots. Friends look for new year getaways, families cook something special, and everyone holds on to one simple hope that the coming year opens a better door than the one closing behind them.
Location: Celebrated across India
Date: 31 December
Conclusion
It is an ideal month to enjoy the festival spirit of India in December. The festivities bring colour, music, culture and happiness to every part of India. From traditional rituals to vibrant carnivals and music evenings, every event will have something peculiar for every traveller. Visiting the numerous festivals in December in India, will ensure you have fun in the country as you make memorable experiences. Whether you love culture, adventure or just happy celebrations, you cannot find a better month to enjoy the busy festival season in India than December.
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