As the calendar pages dwindle, the world ignites with a final and spectacular burst of celebration! Forget lowkey, we are diving headfast into the hottest year-end events happening in India this season! From electrifying concerts to immersive cultural experiences, get ready to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new with a bang. Your ultimate itinerary for the most unforgettable year end experiences starts right here.
Cultural and literary spectacle
As the year draws to a close, India offers a mesmerising escape into its soulful heritage. Forget the noise, these events are where ancient traditions meet intellectual curiosity, inviting you to immerse yourself in the elegant world of poetry, folk music, and civilizational wisdom.
1. Jashn-e-Rekhta, Delhi
An unparalleled celebration of the Urdu language and poetry, Jashn-e-Rekhta is a mesmerising three-day festival that transforms New Delhi into a haven for poetry, music, and art lovers. Imagine a vibrant atmosphere filled with soulful ghazals, intense poetry recitations, theatrical performances, and panel discussions featuring renowned scholars and poets.
When: December 5-7, 2025
Where: Baansera Park, New Delhi
2. Delhi I Rajasthani Mehfil, Delhi
Step away from the city bristle and straight into the heart of the Thar Desert’s cultural soul. The Delhi I Rajasthani Mehfil is an evening that is dedicated to the raw and resonant music of Rajasthan. An event that will feature legendary performers like the Manganiyars and Langhas, this event makes for an intimate experience that is a confluence of generations of musical genius.
When: December 13, 2025
Where: The Piano Man New Delhi (Eldeco Centre), Eldeco Centre, Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi
3. Nalanda Literature Festival, Bihar
Set against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara, this festival is a majestic ode to India’s civilizational heritage and intellectual past. A year-end event that aims to bridge the wisdom of the past with the imagination of the present, expect thought-provoking sessions, interactive workshops, and vibrant cultural performances.
When: December 21-24, 2025
Where: Rajgir Convention Centre, Nalanda, Bihar
Music and art festivals
Crank up the volume! The final weeks of the year ignite with a phenomenal fusion of sound, from global EDM giants to lighting up the stage to groundbreaking festivals that blend cutting-edge music with radical eco-consciousness.
1. Sunburn, Mumbai
Asia’s biggest electronic dance music (EDM) festival, Sunburn 2025 is a pilgrimage for every party enthusiast. A three-day high-octane celebration featuring massive global headliners like David Guetta and DJ Axwell, along with state-of-the-art production, jaw-dropping designs, and cutting-edge visuals, Sunburn is more than just a music festival. An immersive lifestyle experience, this is all set to bring thousands of dance and music lovers under one sky this year-end!
When: December 19-21, 2025
Where: Infinity Bay, Sewri, Mumbai
2. Echoes of Earth, Bengaluru
Dubbed as ‘India’s greenest music festival’, Echoes of Earth is a revolutionary celebration that seamlessly blends world-class music with radical sustainability and conservation. This festival is famous for its large-scale art installations and four immersive stages that are crafted with entirely upcycled, reclaimed, and waste materials, including e-waste. Featuring diverse global sounds and music, this event inspires its attendees to connect deeper with the planet, offering workshops, nature science zones, and even a dedicated pet zone.
When: December 13-14, 2025
Where: Embassy International Riding School, Bangalore
3. The star-studded concert circuit- Sunidhi Chauhan, Post Malone, AP Dhillon, Lucky Ali
The year-end period often transforms major Indian cities into concert hotspots, hosting a staggering array of domestic and international talent. While individual dates and cities vary, the thrill of catching this diverse mix is immense.
Sunidhi Chauhan is set to perform in Pune and Kolkata, while international artist Post Malone will be performing in Guwahati. Lucky Ali and AP Dhillon’s concerts are all set to happen across the country. You can check for further details on District by Zomato and BookMyShow.
Fandom, food and festive celebrations
Ready to indulge your inner geek and your greatest cravings? The year-end calendar is stacked with sensory feasts, from Comic Cons to world-class street food extravaganza. Prepare for a pure, joyous immersion in fandom, flavour and community spirit.
1. Delhi Comic Con, Delhi
The capital turns into a full-fledged pop-culture playground as Delhi Comic Con returns, bigger and bolder than ever! Drive into the weekend packed with celebrity sessions, exclusive merchandise, jaw-dropping cosplay competitions, and everything pop culture.
When: December 5-7, 2025
Where: NSIC Okhla, New Delhi
2. National Street Food Festival, Delhi
A true sensory journey through the lanes of India, this annual carnival celebrates the heart and soul of India's culinary landscape. Organised by NASVI, the festival brings together master street vendors from over 27 states, serving up more than 500 cuisines that range from spicy chaats to regional delicacies and unique desserts.
When: December 12-14, 2025
Where: JLN Stadium, Gate No. 14, New Delhi
3. Indian Cacao and Craft Chocolate Festival, Bengaluru
For the sophisticated palate, this festival is a decadent celebration of homegrown chocolate makers and cacao farmers. India’s first and biggest craft chocolate festival, this event offers unlimited tastings, meet-the-maker sessions, and specialised workshops.
When: December 5-7, 2025
Where: Sabha, Bangalore
4. Hornbill Festival, Nagaland
Held at Kisama Heritage Village, the Hornbill Festival is a spectacular, ten-day ‘Festival of Festivals’ that showcases the rich, diverse culture of Nagaland’s 16 major tribes. A vibrant spectacle of music, dance, food, and traditional sports, this festival offers a rare window into the indigenous way of life.
When: December 1-10, 2025
Where: Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima, Nagaland
Coastal, hill, and winter wonders
As the mercury dips, the scenery heats up! From the misty hills of the South to the serene mountains of Rajasthan, as well as the vibrant coasts of Kerala, these regional spectacles blend breathtaking natural backdrops with deep-rooted traditions.
1. Nutcracker on Ice, Mumbai
For a dazzling festive treat, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) transforms its Grand Theatre into a shimmering ice rink for the India debut of a holiday classic. The internationally acclaimed Imperial Ice Stars are all set to bring their award winning blend of Olympic level ice skating and theatrical magic to the beloved take of The Nutcracker.
When: December 4-14, 2025
Where: The Grand Theatre, NMACC, Mumbai
2. Cochin Carnival, Fort Kochi
The Cochin Carnival is Fort Kochi’s grandest and most electrifying celebration. A year-end event that transforms the port city into a visual delight for two whole weeks, this carnival culminates in a spectacular New Year’s Eve bash. Featuring fairs, food festivals, beach football, bike races, and cultural performances, the climax of this event is the burning of Pappanji, a massive effigy of an old man that symbolises the farewell to the old year and welcoming the new.
When: December 23, 2025- January 1, 2026
Where: Fort Kochi, Kerala
3. Mount Abu Winter Festival, Rajasthan
Set against the serene backdrop of the Aravalli hills, Rajasthan’s only hill station hosts a vibrant three-day cultural extravaganza. Jointly organised by the RTDC, the festival kicks off with a grand procession and the serene Deepdaan ceremony at Nakki Lake. showcasing a spectacular mix of Rajasthani folk music, traditional dances, traditional games, and handicrafts, this festival celebrates the state’s heritage in the winter chill.
When: December 29-31, 2025
Where: Mount Abu, Rajasthan
4. Poush Mela, Shantiniketan
Poush Mela is a truly authentic and earthy celebration of rural Bengal’s culture. A festival that is intrinsically linked to Rabindranath Tagore’s Visva-Bharati University, this three-day fair celebrates the winter harvest. Expect to be mesmerised by the Baul fakirs, energetic Santhal tribal dances, and a vast artisan alley with hundreds of stalls selling unique handicrafts.
When: December 23-28, 2025
Where: Purba Palli Ground, Bolpur, Santiniketan
5. Perumthitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy, Kerala
Deeply traditional and powerfully ritualistic, this festival showcases the ancient culture of North Kerala. Centring around the performance of Theyyam, the atmosphere during this event is intense, spiritual, and deeply moving, offering a rare and authentic glimpse into the religious and cultural life of the region.
When: December 14-24, 2025
Where: Kottamkuzhy, Kasaragod district, Kerala