Holiday Season Guide for Celebrating in Style: Shimla and Kasauli Edition

The promise of a new beginning. Reminiscing cherished memories with friends. Indulging in good food and dancing the night away. Christmas and New Year’s are the seasons to celebrate—and we’ve got the perfect guide to make it unforgettable.

Whether you’re in the mood to explore the holiday markets or ready to usher in the new year with your loved ones in a luxurious private villa, there are myriad ways to embrace the holiday spirit! 

Don’t have a blueprint for how to celebrate yet? Explore these Christmas and New Year party destinations in Himachal Pradesh—Shimla and Kasauli, to be precise—for some revelry with friends.

Why Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Himachal Pradesh?

From snow-capped mountains and lush green hills to crisp winter air and old-world charm, Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Himachal Pradesh are celebrations waiting to happen. A unique and beautiful blend of elements like local cuisine, festive cheer, winter sports, sightseeing spots, and cultural heritage amalgamate to make this state the perfect holiday paradise.

Here are the top reasons why this magical location deserves to be on your celebratory radar this season:

1. Give in to the Joy of Christmas 

While the joy-filled festival of Christmas is a highly commercialised affair in metropolitan cities, Himachal Pradesh offers a refreshing spin on it. Think a stellar mix of local Christian customs and delightful decorations adorning the streets of the state, transforming it into a festive wonderland. 

For instance, the Christmas celebration in Shimla and other nearby towns like Manali include midnight masses in quaint local churches—a beautiful and insightful way to absorb the region’s culture.

During the holiday season, towns in Himachal Pradesh tend to offer local Himachali feasts to celebrate Christmas and New Year. While luxurious private villas by ELIVAAS like Alpenglow in Chattyan, Kasauli provide gourmet dining through chef-on-call services, you can also try regional holiday specialities such as kadhi, siddu, dham, and chana madra to add a flavourful twist to your festivities.

2. Perfect for Every Celebration

Reality check: Not everyone in your friend group shares the same interests. But that doesn’t mean the celebration of Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Himachal Pradesh can’t be extraordinary for everyone.

Whether you’re an ardent enthusiast of adventurous activities or your friend loves a laid-back get-together in an opulent private property like ELIVAAS’ Everly in Narkanda, Shimla, there is something for everyone in the serene hills and valleys of Himachal Pradesh.

3. A Mix Pot

Here’s a round-up of the best Christmas and New Year party destinations in Himachal Pradesh:

• If you’re seeking adventure and an adrenaline rush as a top note to bring in Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Himachal Pradesh, you won’t be disappointed. Our top picks: Choose between the Beas Kund Trek in Manali or enjoy an early morning hike to Triund in Dharamshala for a dose of thrill, fresh air, and spectacular views of the hills in winter.

End the day at a beautiful ELIVAAS private villa like Ekaksha in Ghandigram, Kasauli, for a cosy evening with loved ones and warm meals to celebrate new beginnings. 

• Sometimes, the simplest things in life bring the most joy and happiness. Does that sound like the vibe of your squad? Then here’s a plan for you:

Book a private villa by ELIVAAS, like Silvana in Narkanda, Shimla, to ring in Christmas or New Year with a low-key party. Add live music, karaoke, food, and drinks to the mix for the ultimate celebration whilst enjoying the tranquil views of nature, and you’ve got a celebration that’s both chic and heartwarming.

• Take the sporty route with your friends this holiday season and celebrate New Year’s Eve in Himachal Pradesh like never before. Nestled just a short drive from Manali is a beautiful destination called Solang Valley, offering winter sports such as skiing, sledging, paragliding, and snowboarding.

Once you’ve had your fill of snowy adventures, fall back into the comfort of your private villa like ELIVAAS’ Fleur De Lis in Chattyan, Kasauli.

4. More Than Just Parties

While partying is an integral element of celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Himachal Pradesh, the fun doesn’t stop there. Take it up a notch by discovering and shopping in the local markets during the holiday season and indulging in some sightseeing.

Got a shopping itch? Visit Mall Road in Shimla and Old Manali market, which come alive during Christmas and New Year with collectibles like handmade crafts, souvenirs, and woollen clothes—all of which make great holiday gifts for loved ones! 

Post-shopping, enjoy sightseeing in Himachal Pradesh by exploring the Dal Lake in Dharamshala, taking in the snow-dusted mountains in Manali, or visiting the ancient temples of Kullu. After all, what could be more fun than shopping and sightseeing during the holiday season?

Top Party Destinations in Himachal Pradesh

Now that you’ve got a complete edit of things to do with your friends, all that remains is to fix the perfect spot! While the state is packed with breathtaking small towns and charming hill stations that serve as the perfect backdrop for celebration, our bets are on Shimla and Kasauli for an unparalleled experience with your loved ones. 

Still two ways about which location to finalise? Sit back and relax; we’ve done the legwork for you. Ahead, find our top two Christmas and New Year party destinations in Himachal Pradesh that will take your celebration to the next level.

Shimla

Boasting old-world charm with its colonial architecture and greenery, this should be your choice if you’re looking for a quaint New Year and Christmas celebration in Shimla.

The best part? ELIVAAS offers three opulent and comfortable private villas, including Skylounge in Narkanda, Shimla, to elevate all your party plans. Featuring outdoor sitting areas, private gardens, saunas, and more, these villas in the ELIVAAS Skyline series promise to be the top New Year party destinations in Shimla for you and your group.

Kasauli

Located in the Solan district of the state, Kasauli is a cantonment established by the British Raj that is now renowned for its trekking opportunities, orchards, colonial-era houses, and greenery. From enjoying a trek with your friends at Gilbert Nature Trail to unwinding at a lavish ELIVAAS property like Wisteria, Kasauli is a refreshing getaway to reminisce and start anew. 

While there are a plethora of options to choose from in this small town, these private New Year party destinations in Kasauli should be your go-to for a celebration that weaves luxury with fun and nature.

Takeaway

Away from the bustling city clubs, Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Himachal Pradesh offer a respite to those looking for a different kind of celebration. Pleasant weather, the bounty of nature, local food, colourful markets, and luxurious private villas in Himachal Pradesh combine to spruce up your plan for the ultimate wholesome experience.

From relaxing in the tranquil panoramic views of Shimla whilst being grateful for a new year to celebrating on a scenic trek with your significant other, these New Year party destinations in Himachal Pradesh guarantee a celebration like no other. The only thing left to do? Reserve your luxury villa in Shimla or Kasauli with ELIVAAS and turn your holiday plans from reel to real.