10-day Shimla Winter Carnival from Dec 24

The 10-day Winter Carnival in Shimla will kick off on December 24 and run through January 2, featuring a blend of cultural performances by renowned artistes from Punjab and local talent. Initially planned to start on December 25, the Municipal Corporation preponed the event by a day after discussions led by Mayor Surender Chauhan. Suggestions for the carnival were sought from councillors, and meetings with district administration, police, and ministers have been conducted to finalize plans.

This year’s carnival aims to highlight the rich culture of Himachal Pradesh’s 12 districts. Mayor Chauhan announced that the popular Voice of Shimla competition would return, and students will be actively involved to provide them a platform to showcase their talents. Officials have been tasked with preparing a detailed framework for the event, which will be presented to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for additional input.

As in the previous year, the Mall Road and The Ridge will be adorned with festive lights. A variety of stalls, including food stalls, will be set up, and visitors can look forward to live music, traditional Himachali dance performances, and other cultural attractions.

This is the second time Shimla is hosting the Winter Carnival during the Christmas and New Year season, drawing lakhs of tourists from India and abroad. The event is expected to enhance the holiday celebrations while promoting the state’s heritage.