Delhi is filled with a contagious festive spirit as Christmas approaches and New Year's Eve draws near. With more festivals and gatherings added to the usual film screenings, heritage walks, talk shows, and art installations, the city becomes a hub of diverse festivals that cater to varied tastes and interests. From traditional celebrations to modern cultural showcases, there's something for everyone to enjoy and partake in. Delhi's December offers a plethora of activities that resonate with the spirit of the season, including colourful markets, cultural performances, and delectable winter street food.
Explore the top events you must not miss this weekend and more in the capital this winter. Find where to book your tickets and mark your calendars.
Find out what to do over the coming weekend as you choose an event from the list that suits your pace.
Experience the vibrancy of Urdu at Jashn-e-Rekhta, a three-day festival that passionately celebrates the multifaceted beauty of the language through diverse art forms. This festival serves as a dedicated platform to nurture and showcase the rich tapestry of Urdu in language, literature, and culture. The event witnesses talk shows and speeches by the various renowned figures of the field across all age groups. You can immerse yourself in the cultural heritage through engaging activities such as Ghazals, Poetry Symposiums, Qawwali, Sufi melodies, and a myriad of other exquisite experiences.
Dates: December 8 to December 10
Venue: Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium
Address: National Stadium, India Gate Cir, National Stadium, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
You can secure your tickets on their booking website.
Step into the spotlight with the Centre Stage Festival, a thrilling two-day cultural extravaganza that will take place in December at Sunder Nursery. The festival will showcase five dynamic young performers and ensembles from the realms of dance and music. This festival is a jubilant tribute to creativity and cultural expression, and the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art will present it. The event is a journey through the rich tapestry of India's performing arts, celebrating our cultural landscape's diverse and vibrant facets.
Dates: December 8 - December 9
Venue: Amphitheatre, Sunder Nursery
Address: Bharat Scouts and Guides Marg, Opposite Humayun’s Tomb, Nizamuddin, National Zoological Park, Sundar Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110013
You can book the tickets for the screening on their booking website.
People in Delhi must not miss the Rainbow Lit Fest - Queer & Inclusive, which is the largest literary festival in South Asia and Southeast Asia that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community. This inclusive event brings together diverse voices to create informed narratives. The festival will span two days and feature over 60 participants, including Seema Anand, Kalki Koechlin, and John Oinam. It entertains music, drag, dance, film screenings, and drama, fostering a vibrant celebration of diversity and expression.
Dates: December 9 to December 10
Venue: Gulmohar Park Club, New Delhi
Address: Block C, Gulmohar Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110049
You can find your tickets on their ticketing website.
Experience the grandeur of Comic Con India, the most extravagant pop-culture celebration in the subcontinent. Multiple shows held annually across India attract a colossal gathering of over 200,000 fans. Its digital presence engages an expansive audience of over 20 million enthusiasts. This mega-event serves as a unifying platform for diverse fandoms, spanning comics, toys, merchandise, anime, cosplay, TV shows, movies, gaming, and beyond. Enthusiasts must join the spectacle where passion runs high, and the world of pop culture comes alive in a vibrant fusion of creativity and fandom.
Dates: December 8 to December 10
Venue: NSIC Exhibitions Ground, Okhla
Address: NSIC Estate, Okhla Phase III, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110020
You can book your tickets here to join the mega spectacle.
As the whole of December remains festive in the capital, there are still more events in the month for you to look forward to.
Experience the ultimate food and entertainment carnival in India with Zomaland. This festival is the largest event of its kind, offering a wide range of culinary delights, engaging games, and a fantastic lineup of artists. Visitors can immerse themselves in a gastronomic adventure celebrating the vibrant intersection of flavours, entertainment, and community. The gathering will turn your weekend full of food, fun, and frolic at this immersive experience. Discover a world where every bite is a celebration and every moment is infused with the joy of shared experiences.
Dates: December 16 to December 17
Venue: JLN Stadium
Address: H6MM+5P9, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Pragati Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
You can find your tickets for the event on their partner website.
Step into the spotlight at the Great Indian Sneaker Festival, where you can find an exclusive assortment of over 5,000 limited-edition shoes. This event is a celebration of the latest trends, edgy styles, and high fashion, unveiling the dynamic street culture that has enamoured the nation. The festival will take place over two days, inviting Delhiites to immerse themselves in a showcase of urban culture and excitement. From dawn till dusk, you can partake in a continuous revelry of fashion, music, and the vibrant pulse of urban lifestyle.
Dates: December 22 to December 24
Venue: Ambience Island, Gurgaon
Address: DLF Phase 3, Sector 24, Gurugram, Haryana 122022
You can find your tickets for the event here.