7 Best Places to Celebrate New Year in Shimla 2026

Are you planning for a trip in India this New Year? While the country is home to plenty of beautiful places that receive a horde of travelers, nothing quite compares to the magic of the mountains. This New Year 2026, skip the beach crowd and imagine waking up to the snow-covered mountains. Plan your New Year in Shimla for a truly memorable celebration. To keep you well-informed, here is a blog post listing the seven best places to celebrate the New Year. Read on!

Top 7 Places for New Year Parties in Shimla

Shimla is a mesmerizing hill station, known for its snow-capped landscapes, colonial heritage, and lush greenery. Together, these elements create the perfect setting for celebrating New Year in Shimla. Whether you're looking for a serene moment amidst natural beauty or want to get engaged in a festive atmosphere, Shimla has everything to please everyone. If you're planning your visit to this magnificent hill town other than this special occasion, consider visiting either from April to June or from November to January as the weather is pleasant during these months.

1. The Ridge and Mall Road

The Ridge and Mall Road are among the top list of revelers for a great New Year celebration in Shimla. During New Year's Eve, the bustling streets of Ridge and Mall Road become a top attraction with lights, music and crowds, making it the center of Shimla on New Year. Here, you can savour mouth-watering Himachali snacks, such as Siddu as well as enjoy live musical performances, fireworks at midnight.

Still wondering why Shimla is a great choice when it comes to the best place for New Year in Himachal? Don’t worry, pay a visit to this beautiful destination and get to know all the reasons

• Location: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM - The Ridge
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM - Mall Road
• Things to do: Horse Riding, Shopping for Local Handicrafts, Stroll Along the Historic Ridge

Nearby Hotels:

• Hotel Shiwalik Regency - Mall Road Shimla
• Hotel Marina Shimla
• Treebo Maharaja, Near Mall Road
• Royale Retreat - Luxury Hotel in Shimla
• Hotel Woodville Palace Shimla (A Heritage property since 1938)

Nearby Restaurants:

• Pakwan
• Devicos Restaurant & D Lounge Bar
• Himachali Rasoi
• 45 The Central
• Amayaa Restaurant

Nearby Attractions:

• Hawa Ghar
• Marina Waterfall
• Kali Bari Temple, Shimla
• Rani Jhansi Park
• Johnnie's Wax Museum

2. Kufri

If you are bored of attending New Year parties in Shimla and dreaming of an NYE surrounded by snow, Kufri is the ultimate spot for you. Kufri is a charming town renowned for its winter wonderland atmosphere and there are various activities you can explore here, including skiing, ice skating, and snow trekking. Shimla’s New Year parties are not the only thing you can do this New Year, but you can welcome the next year with fun and adventure with the activities that are offered by this astonishing destination. Here, interested ones can also attend lush parties during NYE 2024 at several resorts and enjoy bonfires, live DJ music, and local musical performances, amidst a breathtaking snowy backdrop. Kufri is ideal for anyone who wants a picturesque and snow-covered setting to celebrate New Year in Shimla. So, what are you waiting for? Book your affordable flights to Shimla and make the most of your trip.

Things to do in Kufri: Skiing, Horse Riding, Yak Rides

Nearby Hotels:

• Black Pearl Cottages
• Gulmarg Height Homestay, Kufri-Shimla
• Hotel Kufri Holiday Inn
• Hotel Kufri Ashray
• Kufri Star Inn (A Unit of Trip Platter)

Nearby Restaurants:

• The Food Junction
• The Cafe Kufri Terriers
• Restaurant & Rooms Northern Lights
• Mountain View Restaurant, New Kufri
• HPTDC Cafe Lalit Kufri

Nearby Attractions:

• Kufri Fun World
• Himalayan Nature Park Kufri
• Green Valley
• Indira Tourist Park
• Nagsons Amusement Park Hip Hip Hurray

3. Kali Bari Temple

For a spiritual start to New Year 2026, you can also visit the sacred Kali Bari Temple located on Mall Road in Shimla. This pilgrimage site offers peacepositivity anddivine atmosphere. . Dedicated to the Shyamala Mata, it is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Shimla. During the daytime, you can visit this place and seek blessings from Goddess Kali, also known as Shyamala, and start your New Year in Shimla.

Location: Mall Rd, Kali Bari, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001

Opening Hours: 6 am to 7 pm (Daily)

Nearby Hotels:

• Hotel Chaman Palace
• Hotel Gulmarg
• Hotel Hilltop
• Treebo Maharaja, Near Mall Road
• Hotel Ganga

Nearby Restaurants:

• Devicos Restaurant & D Lounge Bar
• 45 The Central
• Goofa Ashiana Restaurant
• Zaika Shimla
• Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar

Nearby Attractions:

• Chadwick Falls
• Bantony Castle
• Christ Church, Shimla
• Shree Hanuman Temple, Jakhu
• The Ridge

4. The Orchid Hotel Shimla

This is another interesting destination that you will love for sure when it comes to spending New Year in Shimla 2026. Soak in the breathtaking views of the surroundings from the hotel and enjoy rooftop dining that offers a wide range of multi-cuisine delicacies. In proximity to Jakhu Ropeway, you can also enjoy a thrilling cable car ride while relishing stunning views of hills. How breathtaking a scene, it is! So, if you are planning to have a vibrant New Year celebration in Shimla, then visit The Orchid Hotel in Shimla with your loved ones.

• Location: Shimla Bypass, Frood, Sanjauli, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171006
• Contact Number: 09169166789
• Check-in time: 2:00 PM
• Check-out time: 12:00 PM

Nearby Hotels:

• Hillspeak Shimla
• Him Star View
• Cedar Snow View Resorts
• The Bay Leaf Resort
• Hotel DK Residency

Nearby Restaurants:

• Cafe Vindhyas
• Singh's Tandoor
• The Corner Cafe
• Amayaa
• Hide Out Cafe

Nearby Attractions:

• Viceregal Lodge
• Jakhu Ropeway Shimla
• Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary
• Marina Waterfall
• Rothney Castle

5. Mashobra

Mashobra offers a peaceful and calm escape from the busy streets of Shimla on New Year, making it one of the top places to visit in winter in India to enjoy a relaxing festive vibe. Interested ones can join lively Shimla’s New Year parties at the boutique hotels near Mashobra with bonfires, live folk music and traditional Himachali food. With its calm and serene atmosphere, Mashobra is perfect for those who prefer a quiet yet festive vibe to welcome 2026.

Things to do in Mashobra: Paragliding, Horse Riding, Birdwatching, Trekking, Camping

Popular Hotels:

• The Retreat Mashobra by RSH Group
• Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels
• Divine Hills Mashobra
• Tranquil Inn
• Nature Home Stay

Popular Restaurants:

• Aahar Villa Mashobra
• Kennedy House (Club Mahindra Shimla Mashobra)
• Kapoor Vaishno Bhojnalya Mashobra
• WelcomCafe Cedar
• Aamantran

Popular Attractions:

• Craignano Nature Park
• Himalayan Nature Park Kufri
• Green Valley
• Rashtrapati Niwas, Mashobra
• Himachal State Museum

6. Jakhu Temple

Nestled atop Jakhoo Hill, Jakhu or Jakhoo Temple is an ancient temple in Shimla. This sacred site is dedicated to the Hindu deity, Lord Hanuman. Many people prefer to start their New Year or new journey of life by visiting sacred places. If you are one of them and in Shimla for New Year 2026 celebrations, then visit Jakhu Temple as it brings hope, faith and positivity to your mind.

Location: Temple Hanumanji, Jakhu, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001

Opening Hours: 7 AM to 8 PM (Daily)

Nearby Hotels:

• The Hosteller Shimla
• Jakhu Vibes Shimla
• Hotel Fairmount Shimla Forest Greens
• Hotel Prestige
• Hotel Woodland

Nearby Restaurants:

• Cafe Under Tree
• Devicos Restaurant & D Lounge Bar
• Amayaa Restaurant
• Hills Edge Restaurant
• Goofa Ashiana Restaurant

Nearby Attractions:

• Shree Hanuman Temple
• Jakhud Temple
• Rani Jhansi Park
• The Lift
• Bantony Castle

7. Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary

Celebrating New Year's Eve in Shimla? The Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary offers a memorable and peaceful countdown with its signature bonfire, making it one of the most visited spots in the city. Also, if you love exploring diverse plant and wildlife species, this sanctuary is the ideal place for you. Here, visitors might spot mammals like the Ghoral, common leopard and barking deer, as well as birds such as Koklass pheasant, Himalayan woodpecker and yellow-billed magpie.

Location: NH 22 Charabra Mashobra, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171012

Contact Number: 01772624186

Opening Hours: Sunday to Monday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Nearby Hotels:

• Hotel Woodrina by Eco Hospitality
• Hotel Woodpark
• Mashobra Valley B&B || Shimla
• Saanjh~The Musical Sunset
• Hotel Deepwoods

Nearby Restaurants:

• Dawat Restaurant Est.1999
• Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Shimla
• 45 The Central
• SATWIK Restaurant
• Cafe Sol

Nearby Attractions:

• Hatu Peak
• Himalayan Nature Park
• Stokes Farm

Located in Himachal Pradesh, Shimla draws thousands of travellers in the last week of December who come to enjoy its fascinating New Year festivities. Be it exploring adventurous activities like paragliding, skiing or just enjoying the serene beauty of the beautiful Himalayas, Shimla is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Are you ready to experience the best celebration of New Year in Shimla and create unforgettable moments with your loved ones? Choose from the best Shimla tour packages and enjoy the countdown.

New Year in Shimla - FAQ's