Celebrate Shimla’s festive spirit: A guide to the top 8 must-visit events

Shimla, the summer capital of Himachal Pradesh, is renowned for its natural beauty, colonial charm, and cultural significance. If you're traveling to Shimla or planning a trip that includes this beautiful hill station, here are 10 must-visit festivals that you should definitely add to your itinerary!

1. Shimla summer festival:

As the name suggests, the Shimla summer festival is a week-long festival that marks the arrival of summer in Shimla. Various cultural performances, local handicraft exhibitions, and flower exhibitions are held during this time, giving the festival a carnival-like atmosphere. You can also savour Himachali delicacies in the midst of shows and performances that the food stalls offer. I bet you! This is a great time to experience Shimla's vibrant culture against pleasant summer weather.

• When: May to June
• Where: The Ridge
• Drive time from The Hosteller Shimla: Approximately 25 mins

Cultural performance of Shimla

2. Ice skating carnival:

The Ice skating carnival is hosted at Asia's oldest natural ice skating rink in Shimla. Many sports activities, such as Ice hockey and figure skating, are held, adding to the excitement. For those who overthink whether to spend or not, free skating sessions are also available! It becomes a winter wonderland and a paradise for ice skating enthusiasts who enjoy celebratory events and cultural shows.

• When: December to February
• Where: Ice-skating rink
• Drive time from The Hosteller Shimla: Approximately 26 mins

Shimla’s ice skating rink

3. Shimla winter carnival:

The Shimla winter carnival celebrates the beauty of Shimla in winter. Many snow-related activities, such as skiing, snowball fights, and cultural programs, are held during the carnival. Experiencing culture while travelling is always a win! Performances showcasing Himachali folk music and dance will make your trip more memorable.

• When: December to January
• Where: The Ridge ground and Mall road
• Drive time from The Hosteller Shimla: Approximately 20 mins from the Ridge and approximately 2 mins from Mall road, Shimla

Shimla winter carnival

4. Sipi fair:

The Sipi fair is a traditional Himachali fair dedicated to Lord Shiva. During the fair, a goat is slaughtered in honour of the deity. Wrestling competitions and folk dances are the key highlights of the fair. If you are a souvenir collector, you would love to buy local crafts from craft-selling stores. Talking about the food, you can try out local cuisines. While experiencing the fair, you can get a glimpse into rural Himachali’s age-old traditions and local community celebrations.

• When: May
• Where: Suburb Sipur, near Mashobra
• Drive time from The Hosteller Shimla: Approximately 31 mins

5. Bhoj fair:

Bhoj fair is a 3-day festival held in the village of Gumman. The festival is dedicated to a local deity (Kul devta) with traditional rituals and fairs. Devotees from nearby localities visit the festival to offer their prayers to Lord Bansor. Various folk dances and music performances make the fair lit. If you are a spiritual person, you’ll surely enjoy the fair; and even if you don’t, immersing yourself in the local culture as a traveler is always a rewarding experience.

• When: November
• Where: Gumman, Shimla
• Drive time from The Hosteller Shimla: Approximately 1 hr 46 mins

6. Lavi fair:

Lavi fair is a four-day event with its roots in trade and commerce. The fair is known for selling woollen garments and dry fruits, which attract a large number of buyers from all across Himachal Pradesh. Tracing back through history, the Lavi Fair originated from a trade treaty signed between the erstwhile Bushahr state and Tibet in the late 17th century. Cultural performances and exhibitions add to the spark of the fair.

• When: November
• Where: Rampur Bushahr, Himachal Pradesh
• Drive time from The Hosteller Shimla: Approximately 4 hrs

The town of Bushahr in Shimla

7. Himachal Pradesh winter sports festival:

Himachal Pradesh winter sports festival is a thrill for adventure seekers and winter sports lovers. Himachal Tourism organises the festival, featuring skiing, snowboarding, and sledging competitions. The competitions and courses here are beginner-friendly, so don't worry! Besides sports activities, you can also experience cultural performances and winter-themed events to make the most of the trip.

• When: February
• Where: Kufri
• Drive time from The Hosteller Shimla: Approximately 43 mins

8. Christmas:

Christmas breeze is all about winter snows, hot chocolate milk and wearing cosy sweaters. How can someone miss visiting Shimla during Christmas? If travelling to Shimla during Christmas, walk-in at Christ Church, Shimla’s most iconic church, and hum carol with the crowd. You can also shop at Christmas markets and experience decorations around Mall Road.

• When: December

Christmas in Shimla

Conclusion

The blog has covered almost all the events and festivals in and around Shimla. You can experience local Himachali culture by visiting the Shimla summer festival or the Sipi fair, and if you’re an adventure seeker, please do not miss the Ice skating carnival and Himachal Pradesh winter sports festival. Are you looking for an affordable stay? The Hosteller Shimla, located just 12 minutes from the Mall Road Shimla, offers a captivating retreat in the heart of the hills.

Book your stay now at The Hosteller Shimla!

The Hosteller Shimla