Shimla Trip in Christmas and New Year – Complete Travel Guide for a Magical Winter Holiday

Oct 29, 2025

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Shimla, the Queen of Hills, transforms into a fairytale destination during Christmas and New Year. The snowy peaks, pine-covered slopes, twinkling lights, and festive cheer make it one of India’s most sought-after winter getaways. Located at an altitude of around 2,200 meters above sea level, Shimla offers a unique blend of British colonial charm, natural beauty, and holiday festivities.

Whether you want to celebrate Christmas in cozy cafes, witness snowfall, or ring in the New Year under a blanket of stars, Shimla in December is nothing short of magical. This detailed travel guide covers everything you need to plan your Shimla trip for Christmas and New Year, including itinerary, hotels, weather, activities, and local experiences.

Why Visit Shimla During Christmas and New Year

December marks the beginning of peak winter in Shimla. The average temperature during this time ranges between 1°C to 10°C, often dipping below freezing at night. The town is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, pine wreaths, and snowflakes, while hotels and cafes host live music, bonfires, and festive dinners.

The Mall Road and Ridge become the heart of celebrations, offering local food stalls, shopping, and breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. For families, couples, or solo travelers, this is one of the best times to experience winter tourism in Himachal Pradesh.

Ideal Duration for a Shimla Christmas Trip

A 4-day to 5-day trip is perfect to explore Shimla and nearby spots like Kufri, Narkanda, and Mashobra while still having enough time to relax and enjoy the festivities.

Duration	Experience
3 Days	Quick weekend celebration with local sightseeing
4-5 Days	Balanced trip with Kufri, Narkanda, and local events
6+ Days	Extended stay including Mashobra, Chail, and snow treks

How to Reach Shimla

Mode	Details
By Train	The Kalka–Shimla Toy Train (UNESCO World Heritage route) offers a scenic journey of around 5-6 hours through 102 tunnels and 864 bridges.
By Road	Shimla is about 350 km from Delhi and can be reached in 8-9 hours via NH44 and NH5. Regular Volvo and deluxe buses operate from ISBT Delhi.
By Air	The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti (22 km) from Shimla, connected by flights from Delhi and Chandigarh.

Suggested Itinerary for Shimla Trip (Christmas and New Year)

Day 1: Travel from Delhi to Shimla

Overnight or early morning journey from Delhi (around 8–9 hours by car or bus).
Check-in at a hotel on or near Mall Road.
Evening walk around The Ridge, Christ Church, and Mall Road.
Enjoy local dinner featuring Himachali dishes like Siddu or Madra.

Stay Suggestion:
Hotel Combermere, Clarkes Hotel, or Honeymoon Inn Shimla – for a mix of comfort and scenic views.

Day 2: Local Sightseeing and Christmas Celebration

Visit Jakhoo Temple (dedicated to Lord Hanuman) – offers panoramic views of Shimla town.
Explore Christ Church – beautifully decorated during Christmas.
Visit Scandal Point, Town Hall, and Lakkar Bazaar for shopping.
In the evening, attend Christmas Eve celebrations at Ridge or local hotels.
Enjoy live music, bonfire, and festive dinner.

Attraction	Activity	Time Required
Christ Church	Christmas prayers & photography	1 hour
The Ridge	Festive walk, snow view	1.5 hours
Lakkar Bazaar	Souvenir shopping	1 hour
Jakhoo Temple	Trek or drive visit	2 hours

Day 3: Excursion to Kufri and Mashobra

Early breakfast and depart for Kufri (15 km) – known for skiing, yak rides, and snow adventures.
Visit Kufri Fun World, Himalayan Nature Park, and Mahasu Peak.
Later visit Mashobra for peaceful landscapes and apple orchards.
Return to Shimla by evening and enjoy a Christmas dinner or festive buffet.

Activity	Location	Experience
Skiing / Snow activities	Kufri	Adventure and fun
Nature park visit	Kufri	Wildlife photography
Apple orchards	Mashobra	Scenic and calm

Day 4: Narkanda or Chail (Optional)

Take a day trip to Narkanda (65 km) or Chail (45 km).
Narkanda offers snow-covered slopes ideal for skiing and panoramic Himalayan views.
Chail is known for the highest cricket ground in the world and the beautiful Chail Palace.
Return to Shimla in the evening.

In the evening, stroll through the Mall Road to enjoy pre-New Year events.

Day 5: New Year Celebration and Departure

Begin the day with a peaceful breakfast overlooking the mountains.
Attend New Year’s Eve celebrations hosted by hotels and cafes.
Popular venues include The Ridge, Café Sol, and Hotel Willow Banks, where tourists gather for countdown parties and fireworks.
Depart for Delhi by night with unforgettable winter memories.

Weather in Shimla During Christmas and New Year

Month	Average Day Temperature	Average Night Temperature	Snowfall Chances
December	6°C to 10°C	0°C to -2°C	High
January	4°C to 8°C	-1°C to -4°C	Very High

Tip: Carry woolens, gloves, thermals, and snow boots. If you’re visiting in late December, check road conditions due to snowfall.

Top Things to Do in Shimla During Festive Season

Activity	Description
Attend Christmas Mass	Visit Christ Church for a beautiful midnight service.
Enjoy Snow Activities	Go skiing or sledging in Kufri or Narkanda.
Shop Local Handicrafts	Explore Lakkar Bazaar for wooden crafts and woolens.
Café Hopping	Visit heritage cafés on Mall Road for festive treats.
Walk to Jakhoo Hill	Enjoy snow-covered trails and scenic views.
Capture the Snowfall	Perfect for photographers and nature lovers.

Local Cuisine to Try in Shimla

Dish	Description
Siddu	Traditional steamed Himachali bread, served with ghee.
Chana Madra	Chickpeas cooked in yogurt gravy.
Tudkiya Bhath	Spicy rice dish from Himachal.
Bhey	Thinly sliced lotus stems cooked with spices.
Babru	Local version of kachori stuffed with black gram.
Hot Gulab Jamun & Tea	Perfect evening combination in cold weather.

Estimated Budget for Shimla Christmas Trip (Per Person)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (INR)
Travel (Delhi to Shimla Round Trip)	2500 – 4000
Hotel Stay (3 Nights)	4000 – 8000
Food and Local Meals	1500 – 2500
Sightseeing & Local Transport	1200 – 2000
Activities & Shopping	1000 – 2000
Total Estimated Budget	10,000 – 18,000 INR

Travel Tips for Shimla in Winter

Book hotels in advance – the festive season is peak tourist time.
Start early for day trips like Kufri and Narkanda due to short daylight hours.
Carry snow chains for car tires if self-driving.
Drink plenty of water to avoid altitude dehydration.
Keep extra buffer time for return travel in case of snowfall delays.

New Year Celebrations in Shimla

Shimla welcomes the New Year with grandeur. The Ridge and Mall Road are illuminated with lights and music. Local bands perform live, and tourists gather to enjoy the countdown amid a snowy backdrop. Many hotels host gala dinners, DJ nights, and fireworks, making the last night of the year truly memorable.

Venue	Celebration Type
The Ridge	Public celebration with live music
Café Simla Times	Dinner & live performance
Clarkes Hotel	New Year Gala
Hotel Combermere	DJ Night & Buffet
Mall Road	Open-air celebration with crowd countdown

Best Time to Book

Ideally, book your hotels and transport at least one month in advance (by late November or early December) to get good deals. Prices rise sharply during the last two weeks of December.

Conclusion

A Shimla trip during Christmas and New Year offers a perfect mix of snowfall, celebrations, and serenity. Whether it’s sipping hot coffee on a chilly morning, joining carol singing at Christ Church, skiing in Kufri, or counting down to midnight under a starlit sky, Shimla provides an unforgettable holiday experience.

The festive ambiance, colonial charm, and scenic beauty make it one of the best places in India to celebrate the winter holidays. If you’re planning to end the year on a high note, Shimla’s snowy embrace awaits you.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general guidance and travel planning purposes only. Weather conditions, hotel rates, and events may vary depending on time and circumstances. Travelers are advised to confirm all bookings and check local advisories before visiting.

About the author

I’m Himanshu Dhar, a dedicated MIS trainer proudly associated with I Turn Institute. My journey in the realm of data management and automation spans over 14 enriching years. My passion for this field extends to freelancing projects, where I bring real-world practicality into my teaching. My impact in education is marked by the success of over 25,000 students I’ve had the privilege of mentoring, hailing from diverse backgrounds. Beyond the classroom, I’ve had the honor of conducting corporate training sessions and seminars, catering to the unique needs of businesses. Let’s unlock your potential together in the realm of data analysis and automation.