Every single person remains excited for the festive season throughout the year. But what if you could spend an entire month as a festival? Sounds like a dream. Well, it isn’t a dream. Winter festivals in December in India allow you to live this idea and spend the entire month like a continuous holiday.

However, you cannot find that in one place. It’s spread over the country, in different states. So, if you look at it, you have a chance to move around the nation, attending the diversity firsthand. To help you with that, Next Holidays, the best travel agency in India, would provide all support for anything you need.

For now, let’s read about the festivals in December 2026 in India.

List of 11 Best Festivals in December 2026 in India 

A fun fact is that India is the only nation in the world to have so many festivals in a month. Aside from Hindu festivals in December, you can celebrate various cultural festivals that make the month short. Put it this way, most countries don’t have as many festivals in the entire year as India has in a month.

So, the following table showcases December festival list: 

Did you notice something? These festivals cover some various locations that are also some of the famous tourist spots. So, your December isn’t just full of festivals; it’s also full of travel. But it is best if you look at the major events to cover in these festivals.

7 Events and Festivals in India in December: What to Expect 

Christmas is one of the most popular festivals in December, but India offers vibrance when it comes to festival celebrations. India celebrates various festivals in December so let’s see what you can expect in these fairs and festivals in December: 

Rann Utsav, Kutch 



Date: December 1 – February 28, 2026
Venue: Kutch, Gujarat

Once actor Amitabh Bachchan said, “Kutch ni Dekha to Kuch ni Dekha,” which means “If you haven’t seen Kutch, you haven’t seen anything.” The Kutch Festival gives you a unique opportunity to test it. If you visit, this is what you get to see:

Special Dates to Visit in December 2026 

• 3-5 December – Second Full Moon 
• 19-31 December to 1 January – Christmas Celebration 
• 19 December – Dark Moon 

Things-to-do in the Rann Utsav in Gujarat 

• Sufi & Folk Songs, Instrument Music by Bhorrindo, Manjira, Morchay, Jodia Pava & Rava. 
• Enjoy the vegetarian feast, including various recipes from Brahmins and Jains and food items avoiding Kandmool, that is, potatoes, onions, garlic, & yams. 
• Tour around & explore handicrafts, embroidery, hand block printing, wood carving, mudwall printing, silver work, and more work. 

Gujarat is also famous for its Navratri celebration. Navratri in Ahmedabad 

Hornbill Festival, Nagaland 



Date: December 1-10
Venue: Kisama Heritage Village, Nagaland

This year the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland will be a bit special, do you know why? It is because the festival has completed its 25 years, so the celebrations will be more special. This festival is an initiative to showcase and embrace the rich culture of the Naga tribes. Let’s see what you should expect at this festival:

Things-to-do in the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland 

• Attend the cultural performances of several naga tribes that include traditional dance, folk music, and war dances. 
• Visit the beautifully decorated tribunal morungs belonging to specific tribes, giving you a chance to interact with locals and learn more about them. 
• Join and enjoy the traditional sports & games like naga archery, wrestling, and mock battles as well. 
• Explore the locally made handicrafts like jewellery, bamboo products, wood crafts, etc. 

Hot Air Balloon Festival, Rajasthan 



Date: To Be Announced in 2026
Venue: Pushkar, Rajasthan

One of the oldest cities in Rajasthan, offering you a chance to explore the city from a panoramic view. This December, visit Pushkar to enjoy the Hot Air Balloon Festival and see the town, lakes, architectural buildings, and desert area. Let’s see what you can expect here:

Things-to-do in the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Pushkar 

• Enjoy panoramic views of the entire city during the ride, from its temples to lakes. 
• Watch the captivating view of the sunrise from the bird’s-eye perspective. 
• Explore the Brahma temple, lakes, and the Pushkar bazaar for shopping various artifacts. 
• Enjoy a camel and jeep safari around the desert & surrounding area. 

Perumthitta Tharavad Festival 



Date: December 14, 2026
Venue: Kottamkuzhy, Kerala

Do you know there is an undiscovered cultural treasure in the southern part of India? It is the Perumthitta Tharavadu Festival, celebrated in Kottamkuzhy, Kerala, which is a captivating presentation of history, devotion and the fusion of 1500 years of cultural legacy. Let’s see what you can see in this festival: 

Things-to-do in the Perumthitta Tharavad Festival in Kerala 

• Visually attracted to Theyyam manifestations or dance forms such as Perumthitta Tharavad, Elayoor Theyyam, Chamundi Theyyam, and more. 
• Walk into the folk tales and lore through these tribal dance forms. 

Also check: Kerala Tour Packages 

Mount Abu Winter Festival, Rajasthan 



Date: December 29-31, 2026
Venue: Rajasthan, India

The Hill Station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is giving you an opportunity to enjoy one of the best winter festivals in India. More than the festival, you will enjoy the most captivating landscapes to visit during that time. However, there is much more to explore:

Things-to-do in the Mount Abu Winter Festival in Rajasthan 

•  Live in the electrifying culture of Rajasthan and its past glory and royalty in a three-day festival tour. 
• Enjoy the performances of folk artists from various regions, majorly from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab & Haryana. 
• Attend fairs, music concerts, handicrafts presentations, and mouthwatering food items in the festival. 

Feast of Francis Xavier, Panjim 



Date: December 3, 2026
Venue: Panjim, Goa

If you plan to spend your early weeks in Goa and are seeking a festive environment, visit Panjim in Goa. In the early days of the month, attend the Feast of Francis Xavier festival that marks the anniversary of the saint’s death. Here’s what you can do & expect in the festival: 

Things-to-do in the Feast of Francis Xavier Festival in Goa 

• Visit various pilgrimage sites related to the festival decorated with lights, such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa & the Mission San Javier del Bac. 
• Be a part of religious sacraments in the festival and attend various events that occur in Goa overall. 
• Feast on the various local food dishes available in the restaurants in the town.
  
  

Galdan Namchot, Ladakh 



Date: December 14, 2026
Venue: Leh Ladakh, India

This December, spend your winter days in Leh Ladakh celebrating under the vibrant decoration of their religious monasteries. Celebrate the birth of a Tibetan Buddhist scholar, Tsongkhapa. Here’s what you can do in this festival: 

Things-to-do in the Galdan Namchot Festival in Ladakh 

• Enjoy the decoration of the entire city with blissful lights signifying the victory over darkness. 
• Eat the traditional food and dishes prepared by the locals. 
• Attend the cultural events like prayers and midnight masses in monasteries. 

Also check: Leh Ladakh Tour Packages 

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