Shimla Winter Carnival Secures Spot as Yearly Celebration

Shimla’s much-loved Winter Carnival is here to stay. The state government has officially approved the event as a permanent fixture on the hill town’s festive calendar, to be held every year from December 24 to January 1. Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla’s notification has sparked excitement among tourists, residents, and those in the hospitality industry, who see it as a big boost for the local economy.

The carnival will now coincide with the peak holiday season — Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year celebrations — ensuring that visitors get more than just scenic views. The Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) has been entrusted with organising the event, giving it structure and continuity.

SMC Mayor Surinder Chauhan welcomed the move, calling it a major step for Shimla’s tourism-driven economy. “The winter carnival ensures vibrant entertainment for visitors and makes their stay in the state capital more memorable,” he said. With lakhs of tourists arriving during the holiday period, the carnival adds cultural flavour to sightseeing while supporting local businesses, hoteliers, and service providers.

The Ridge and The Mall will once again be the heart of festivities, with cultural programmes, performances, and celebrations that extend beyond routine tourist attractions.

Tracing its journey, Mayor Chauhan recalled that the Winter Carnival was first launched in 2023 by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Its success led to a bigger edition in 2024, which ran for ten days and drew enthusiastic crowds. Now, with the government’s decision to make it an annual affair, the carnival is expected to further strengthen tourism and business activity during the holiday season.