As the New Year is around the corner, there is excitement among travelers about choosing the best places. I am pretty sure most of you might be planning to head towards Shimla in Himachal Pradesh this time. Did I guess right? If so, this blog is going to help you a lot as it covers the major places, top events, and a lot more to make your New Year in Shimla an exciting and thrilling one. With its snowcapped landscapes and excited festive spirits, Shimla offers an unforgettable and incredible way to start the fresh year.

7 Best Locations for an Adventurous New Year in Shimla

Adventurous New Year in Shimla
Image is Only for Reference

Shimla is a mesmerizing hill station located in Himachal Pradesh that attracts many tourists, especially for New Year's festivities. The pristine snow-capped landscapes, charming rich vegetation, and lively atmosphere create the perfect setting for celebrating an amazing 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 due to the pleasant weather conditions.

  1. The Ridge and Mall Road
  2. Kufri
  3. Kali Bari Temple
  4. The Orchid Hotel Shimla
  5. Mashobra
  6. Jakhu Temple
  7. Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary

The Ridge and Mall Road

The Ridge and Mall Road
image is Only for Reference

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 enjoy mouth-watering Himachali snacks, live musical performances, fireworks at midnight, and a variety of refreshing beverages to make this special night memorable for a lifetime. The Ridge and Mall Road are ideal for couples, families, and groups of friends looking for a thrilling and chilling celebration.

Location: Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Things to do in the Ridge and Mall Road: Horse Riding, Shopping for Local Handicrafts, Strolling 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

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. 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

Kali Bari Temple

If you want to begin the first day of the year with some positivity and enthusiasm, Kali Bari Temple is one of the best places to celebrate New Year in Shimla. It is one of the oldest and most famous temples of the Goddess Kali in Shimla. During the daytime, you can visit this place and seek blessings from Goddess Kali, also known as Shyamala, to start the fresh beginning with hope and positivity. Interested ones can pay their visit to Kali Bari Temple for the calm and religious New Year celebrations in Shimla.

Location: 4548+9PV, Mall Rd, Kali Bari, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001

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
  • Ridge, Shimla

4. The Orchid Hotel Shimla

The Orchid Hotel Shimla
Image is Only for Reference

Enhance your New Year celebration in Shimla at the Orchid Hotel and enjoy rooftop dining that offers a wide range of multi-cuisine delicacies. Just imagine enjoying New Year's Eve 2024 with a stunning view of hills while enjoying great food, music, and entertainment. How breathtaking a scene, it is! Explore Orchid Hotel in Shimla to experience the vibrant nightlife in India, especially New Year.

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

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 and calm festive vibe. Interested ones can join lively New Year parties at 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 quieter yet festive vibe to welcome 2025.

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

Nearby Hotels:

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

Nearby Restaurants:

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

Nearby Attractions:

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

6. Jakhu Temple

Jakhu Temple

Nestled atop Jakhoo Hill, Jakhu Temple, also spelled as Jakhoo Temple, is an ancient temple located in Shimla dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Hanuman. Many prefer to start their new journey of life by visiting sacred places. If you lie on the same list, this Jakhu temple is your type of place. Visiting Jakhu Temple on New Year at Shimla brings hope, faith, and positivity to your mind.

Location: 452M+89V Temple Hanumanji, Jakhu, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001

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

Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary
Image is Only for Reference

If you love exploring biodiversity and the natural world in its unspoiled form, Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary is the ideal place for you to visit. The bonfire at Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary provides a New Year countdown in a unique yet serene way, making it among the must-visit places to celebrate an amazing New Year in Shimla.

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:

  • The Hatu Peak
  • Himalayan Nature Park
  • Stokes Farm

Shimla, located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, attracts thousands of travelers in the last week of December to enjoy the fascinating New Year festivities. Be it exploring adventurous activities like paragliding or skiing or just enjoying the serene beauty of the beautiful Himalayas, Shimla always offers the perfect blend 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? Pre-planning and advanced booking are important to avoid last-minute chaos. For the same, choose from the best Shimla tour packages and enjoy the countdown. We assure you this time you are going to have the best New Year countdown in the lap of the Himalayas.

New Year in Shimla - FAQs

Q1: What are the best places that host New Year parties in Shimla?

Numerous restaurants, bars and pubs, resorts, hotels, and farmhouses host lavish New Year parties in Shimla. Some of them are as follows:

  • The Orchid Hotel Shimla
  • The Zion
  • Royal Tulip Shimla Kufri
  • At The Oberoi Cecil
Q2: What are the adventurous activities to explore in Shimla on New Year?

There are various exciting activities that you can explore on New Year in Shimla including:

  • Skiing
  • Paragliding
  • Snow Trekking
  • Winter River Rafting
Q3: How can I make my New Year’s Eve in Shimla an unforgettable one?

There are various things you can do to make your NYE in Shimla a memorable and glorious one including:

  • Attending gala parties at renowned hotels and restaurants
  • Witnessing massive fireworks at The Ridge and Mall Road
  • Exploring various adventurous activities in Kufri
  • Spending quality time with your family at calm places
Q4: Where can I stay to enjoy the best New Year celebration in Shimla?

Here are the best hotels to make your stay comfortable during NYE in Shimla:

  • Hotel Woodrina by Eco Hospitality
  • The Hosteller Shimla
  • The Retreat Mashobra by RSH Group
  • Hotel Chaman Palace
Q5: At what time does a New Year party start in Shimla?

Most New Year parties in Shimla typically start around 8 PM on the 31st of December and it lasts around 2 AM.

Q6: What is the average temperature during New Year in Shimla?

The ideal temperature during New Year in Shimla typically varies from –1 to 11 degrees Celsius.

Q7: Where can I watch fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve in Shimla?

You can witness massive fireworks displays on NYE in Shimla at The Ridge and Mall Road at midnight.

Q8: What are the best New Year’s gifts to buy in Shimla?

If you are looking to buy the best gifts to give someone on New Year in Shimla, check out the below list:

  • Himachali hats and Caps
  • Paintings
  • Woolen Items
  • Local Handicrafts
Q9: How much budget is required to have a hassle-free New Year trip in Shimla?

It totally depends on your travel plan, hotel accommodation, and places you visit in Shimla. However, you can contact Myholidays, an online travel agency, to book your New Year Shimla package based on your budget and preferences.

Q10: What are the major New Year events in Shimla?

Explore the best places to attend the NYE event in Shimla and have an incredible experience. Some of them are:

  • Devicos Bar
  • Rendezvous Bar and Restaurant
  • Himani Bar & Restaurant
  • Cloud Nine Bar