Christmas to New Year brings 50,000 vehicles into Shimla amid festive rush
The hill town of Shimla turned into a buzzing carnival during the year-end festivities, as nearly 50,000 vehicles rolled in from other states between December 25 and December 31. The rush hit its peak on New Year’s Eve, when more than 4,300 vehicles crossed the Shoghi barrier in a single day, stretching the city’s traffic and civic systems to their limits.
Midnight Magic on the Ridge
As the clock struck twelve, thousands of revelers thronged Mall Road and the Ridge, welcoming 2026 with fireworks, music, and cheers. Young visitors danced to DJ beats, exchanged hugs and greetings, while police personnel kept a watchful eye to ensure safety across the city’s hotspots.
Traffic Snarls and Overflowing Parking Lots
By afternoon, Shimla’s parking spaces were bursting at the seams. Visitors scrambled for spots, forcing police to open temporary roadside parking for 2,500 vehicles. But this only slowed traffic further, leaving long queues of cars inching through the city. Despite extra traffic police on duty, congestion remained a headache for both tourists and locals.
Festive Spirit, But No Snowfall
Crowds gathered near the reporting room, where locals broke into the traditional Nati dance, joined by tourists eager to soak in the festive vibe. Winter Carnival stalls and selfie points on the Ridge and Mall Road stayed packed late into the night. Yet, the missing snowfall left many visitors disappointed. Hoping for snow, tourists drove to Kufri and Narkanda, only to return empty-handed. Still, most agreed the pleasant weather and lively atmosphere made the trip worthwhile.
Food, Hotels, and Local Delights
Police cleared the Ridge after midnight for crowd control, but celebrations carried on inside hotels. Some tourists grumbled about inflated food and beverage prices. Surprisingly, hotel occupancy stayed lower than expected, hovering around 30–40%. On the brighter side, local bakeries thrived, selling cakes priced between ₹250 and ₹1,000 well before the New Year countdown.
Tourists from Across India
Visitors poured in from Punjab, Haryana, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Bihar, adding to the city’s vibrant mix. Despite traffic jams and missing snow, Shimla’s charm, music, and festive energy ensured the New Year began on a high note.
