Where to Go This December: India’s Top Events

December in India is more than just a month for travel—it’s a celebration of music, culture, and creativity. With a vibrant lineup of festivals and events, it’s the perfect time to explore stunning destinations while immersing yourself in unforgettable experiences. Here are five must-attend events that will make your December truly spectacular.

1. Hornbill Festival, Nagaland

Known as the “Festival of Festivals,” the Hornbill Festival is a grand celebration of Nagaland’s rich heritage. Held annually from December 1 to 10 at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, approximately 12 kilometers from Kohima, this cultural extravaganza showcases traditional dances, music, crafts, and cuisine from various Naga tribes. The festival aims to preserve and promote Nagaland’s diverse cultural heritage. In its 25th edition in 2024, the Hornbill Festival has expanded its global appeal by partnering with countries such as the USA, UK (Wales), Japan, and Peru, as well as Indian states like Sikkim and Telangana, enhancing cross-cultural exchanges. This unique event offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of the Northeast.

Dates: December 1–10, 2024

Location: Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Nagaland

2. NH7 Weekender, Pune

NH7 Weekender, celebrating its milestone 15th edition, returns with unparalleled energy, solidifying its place as “The Happiest Music Festival.” This year’s stellar lineup with 30+ artists features Grammy-nominated British artist Jorja Smith, making her India debut, alongside Bollywood maestro Amit Trivedi, the iconic Usha Uthup, rapper Raftaar, and international sensations like DJ Craze and Youngr. With The House of McDowell’s Soda as the new sponsor and Nodwin Gaming powering an exciting entertainment lineup, the festival goes beyond music to offer an immersive experience. Attendees can dive into gaming zones, savor curated cocktails, and enjoy a variety of culinary delights, creating the ultimate sensory adventure. Whether you’re there for the electrifying performances or the vibrant atmosphere, NH7 Weekender 2024 offers an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, entertainment, and cherished memories for all attendees.

Dates: December 14–15, 2024

Location: Teerth Fields, Pune, Maharashtra

3. Rann Utsav, Gujarat

Spanning the vast white expanse of the Rann of Kutch, the Rann Utsav is a mesmerizing blend of culture and natural splendor. This vibrant festival showcases traditional folk performances, intricate handicrafts, thrilling adventure activities, and luxurious tent accommodations under a starlit sky. A highlight of this year’s celebration is the newly introduced Mohenjo-Daro-themed tent city in Dholavira, offering visitors a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. With pleasant weather enhancing the experience, December is the perfect time to immerse yourself in this enchanting spectacle.

Dates: November 11, 2024 – March 15, 2025

Location: White Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

4. Comic Con India, Delhi

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of pop culture at Comic Con India, the ultimate event for fans of comics, movies, and gaming. Scheduled from December 6 to 8, 2024, at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in Okhla, the Delhi edition promises an exhilarating lineup of activities and attractions. Attendees can witness Delhi’s biggest cosplay contest, featuring hundreds of participants competing for a prize pool exceeding INR 5 lakhs, with a grand cash prize of INR 50,000 awarded daily. The event also offers live performances by renowned artists like Ravi Gupta, Aashish Solanki, and Pranav Sharma, adding a comedic flair to the festivities. Special sessions include a much-anticipated talk with Ryan North, the celebrated author behind series such as Fantastic Four and Adventure Time. Fans can indulge in exclusive merchandise from leading brands and participate in meet-and-greet sessions with international comic book artists. Additionally, the event provides sneak peeks into upcoming movie projects, making it a must-attend for enthusiasts eager to explore the latest in pop culture.

Dates: December 6–8, 2024

Location: NSIC Exhibition Grounds, Okhla, New Delhi

5. Echoes of Earth Festival, Bengaluru

Echoes of Earth, India’s greenest music festival, takes place annually in Bengaluru, blending music, art, and sustainability. Set against a lush natural backdrop, the festival celebrates global and homegrown music across diverse genres like electronic, indie, and folk. It emphasizes eco-consciousness through upcycled installations by brands such as Johnnie Walker, zero-waste initiatives, and workshops on sustainable living. The event features multiple stages designed with repurposed materials, creating a unique blend of innovation and creativity.

Dates: December 7-8

Location: Embassy International Riding School, Bengaluru

6. Sunburn Goa

Sunburn Goa 2024, Asia’s biggest electronic music festival, is back on the beaches of North Goa, blending world-class music with Goa’s unmatched vibe. With a stellar lineup of international and Indian artists, the festival promises high-energy performances across multiple stages, complete with stunning visuals and pyrotechnics.

Dates: December 28-30

Location: Dhargalim, Goa

7. The Hills Festival, Meghalaya

Supported by Meghalaya Tourism as part of its ramped-up initiative for more live music in the state, the fifth edition of The Hills Festival takes place on December 6–7, 2024. The festival promises a weekend celebrating music, art, culture, and cuisine in the heart of Northeast India.

From food to music and adventure activities, the family-friendly (and pet-friendly) festival is set up across two stages – the Hills Live Stage and Electric Hills Stage – and brings in the likes of Mumbai hip-hop artist Yashraj, Australian prog guitarist-composer I Built The Sky, American drumming virtuoso Lis, Delhi NCR-based Nigerian rapper Yung Sammy, London-based Indian producer Robu, plus Samoan-Indian R&B/jazz artist Tiana Khasi, and local acts such as instrumental band Murder In Space, rapper Kim The Beloved and folk band Mookhuri, among others. Other activities include hot air ballooning and art installations.

Dates: December 6 and 7

Location: Lum ‘er Pyngngad, Meghalaya

8. Kantha: Sounds of Asia, Bengaluru

As part of the annual cultural fete BLR Hubba, a new open-air music festival is taking place across 16 days. Kantha – Sounds of Asia kicked off on Nov. 30 with the likes of Carnatic vocalist T.M. Krishna and singer-composer/producer Sneha Khanwalkar and runs on until Dec. 15, 2024 with music every day at the historic venue Freedom Park.

Drumming veteran Ranjit Barot’s act Contraband, Dakhni rapper Pasha Bhai, singer and pop artist Shakthisree Gopalan, Tamil artists Sanjay Subrahmanyan and Sean Roldan as Zhafa, metal band Serpents of Pakhangba, Bengaluru-based rock favorites Parvaaz, qawwali duo The Warsi Brothers, genre-hopping band Pineapple Express and more join the lineup.              

Dates: November 30 – December 15

Location: Freedom Park, Bengaluru

9. Mumbai and Madras Jazz Festival

The world’s interpretations and flavors of jazz come to Mumbai and Chennai this week as part of Mumbai Jazz Festival and Madras Jazz Festival, organized by long-standing Chennai-based event management company Exodus.

The Mumbai Jazz Festival on Dec. 7, 2024 will set up at Phoenix Palladium in Lower Parel, with performances by Estonian act Lonitseera (who blend Estonian folk with modern jazz), international trio led by Basel, Switzerland guitarist Silvan Joray, with American clarinetist and saxophonist Hillai Govreen, Czech vocalist-composer Milli Janatková and Reunion Island-based act Solah. The festival will also present the annual Frank Dubier Award, which is named after the Indian trumpeter, and a lifetime achievement award to veteran keyboardist-composer Louis Banks.

The Madras Jazz Festival for its part, takes place at the Alliance Francaise in Chennai on Dec. 8, 2024 and brings in a similar lineup, with Lonitseera, the Silvan Joray Trio with Hillai Govreen and Milli Janatková collaborating with seasoned jazz saxophonist and educator Maarten Visser.

Dates: December 7 (Mumbai) and December 8 (Chennai)

Location: Phoenix Palladium, Mumbai and Alliance Francaise, Chennai

10. Orange Festival of Adventure and Music, Arunachal Pradesh

The upcoming edition of Orange Festival of Adventure and Music in Dambuk, Arunachal Pradesh brings in a mix of intriguing international acts and homegrown heroes. Among the headliners is Swedish artist Kee Marcello, best known for his work as guitarist with hard rock legends Europe, plus Mumbai hip-hop star Divine, Japanese metal band Saiseiga, Karbi Anglong act Kum Chirui, reggae veteran Brother Culture, hip-hop quartet Wild Wild Women, Congolese artist Romeo and Shillong rapper Reble.

Dates: December 13-15

Location: Dambuk, Arunachal Pradesh