During December, the city of Srinagar becomes a beautiful Winter Wonderland, showcasing stunning snow-covered scenery and unique seasonal activities. The overall programme of winter activities is aimed at providing opportunities for outdoor adventure, cultural displays, and family-friendly activities highlighting the area's natural beauty and heritage. With its fresh, cool mountain air, frozen lakes, and snow-covered Mughal Gardens, December is one of the best months to experience both serenity and adventure in a winter setting.

Overview of Srinagar Winter Festival December 2025

The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department will host the annual Srinagar winter festival to highlight the excellent winter opportunities that exist within Kashmir. The festival will centre on the many winter sports activities available to both residents and tourists, such as skiing, snowboarding, sledging, ATV rides, and horseback riding.

In December, the winter season officially begins in Kashmir, with the valley receiving considerable snowfall, daytime average temperature ranges of 2-8 degrees Celsius (nighttime below freezing) and transforms into a winter wonderland. It is an incredible sight to see the Dal Lake freezing and the beautiful floating gardens crowned in snow, while the stunning Mughal gardens are transformed into a white blanket of snow.

December Weather & Travel Conditions in Srinagar

Prior to making travel arrangements for the Srinagar winter festival, it is important to be aware of Srinagar's usual weather in December. Temperatures in December can range from as low as -2 degrees Celsius to as high as 10 degrees Celsius; therefore, many visitors visit Srinagar to take advantage of skiing and winter sports activities.

The winter driving conditions in Srinagar can be quite dangerous in December because of the snow accumulation on the roads. The icy roads require drivers to use appropriate winter tyres and drive very cautiously. In addition, during this time of year, many driving routes from Srinagar to the mountain passes and higher altitude areas may also be closed due to extreme snowfall and avalanche risk, especially for the Srinagar-Leh route.

When packing for your winter trip, it is important to pack heavy woollen jackets, thermal innerwear, snow boots with good traction, gloves, hats, and sunscreen because snow reflects UV rays very intensely. It is also advisable to have emergency supplies with you, including food and water as well as blankets and a first aid ki,t to ensure safe travel through the winter months.

Major December Festivals & Events in Srinagar

Skiing Championships & Winter Sports Events

In December, professional ski racing events, professional snowboard competition events and winter sports exhibitions featuring athletes of all skill levels will all occur in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg (Kashmir). These events attract athletes from around India and foreign competitors to showcase the best talent in winter sports. Championship events include several competitions, including slalom ski racing, freestyle snowboarding and speed skating, all with live commentary and areas for spectators to enjoy experiencing the Greatest Show on Earth.

For persons interested in learning how to ski, there are beginner ski schools during December that offer lessons at a rate ranging from two thousand rupees ($40) to three thousand rupees ($60) an hour. Professional guides can provide you with training in snowboarding, sledging & ATV riding. These events will also create a lively atmosphere, with festival booths, local food vendors, and live entertainment, to complement the competition of the sporting events.

Kashmir Food Festival & Wazwan Celebrations

The Kashmir Food Festival, which takes place in December, provides tourists with the opportunity to experience the delicious food culture that is found in the Kashmiri region. During this time, visitors can try several different Wazwan, Dogri Food, and Kashmiri Pandit traditional dishes along with local street foods such as Seekh-Tujji, Nadir-Munje, Masala-Tchutt, Pani Puri and Matka Kulfi. Traditional drinks are Keha with Sheermal and Noon-Chai with Makai-Tchutt.

The Traditional Kashmiri Wazwan consists of multiple courses that are served for festivals and as a way of honouring guests. The traditional Wazwan features rich dishes with strong flavours and a large number of non-vegetarian dishes made from lamb, chicken or fish. Many of the classic dishes include Rogan Josh (spiced lamb curry), Gushtaba (saffron meatballs), Yakhni (yoghurt mutton), and Dum-Aloo (potato delicacy). 

In addition to the numerous food stalls set up throughout Srinagar, there will also be displays of local crafts, live performances, and Cooking Demonstrations to show visitors how to prepare Traditional Kashmiri Food. All venues across Srinagar will feature vendors who provide food and dining options from around the world. This celebration was an opportunity for communities to come together and celebrate the importance of food in Kashmir. Food is a language that crosses cultural and political lines; thus, food brings people together and connects communities.

Winter Sports Festival

The Winter Carnival is an annual event that is hosted by the Department to showcase the winter potential of Kashmir. The focus of the festival is both promoting feelings of warmth and festive during the winter. 

Some of the events in winter sports at this year's Winter Carnival will include: Professional Skiing Competitions, Snowboarding, Sledge Races on Snow Slopes, Snow ATV Rides Over snow-covered terrain, and Horse Riding on frozen meadows. Other winter sport events include Night Skiing in Gulmarg and Gondola Rides in Gulmarg, ATV rides in Sonamarg, and Food Fiestas in Pahalgam.

Srinagar Winter Lights Festival

During December, the winter lights festival in Srinagar will include beautiful decorations, cultural performances, and festive celebrations of the various cultures within the Kashmir region through artistic expression. The Dal Lake area has become a canvas that glows with millions of tiny lights, giving the area a mystical appearance during nighttime hours. The winter lights festival offers an opportunity for people to experience both the traditional winter celebration associated with the Kashmir region as well as the modern-day festive spirit.

Performances will take place each evening at various venues around the Dal Lake area, as well as at the main square of Srinagar. Local artisans have been creating beautiful handmade products such as Pashmina shawls, hand-knotted carpets, and wooden carvings. The festival's market attracts shoppers interested in purchasing authentic Kashmir-style souvenirs.

Evening lighting will create beautiful scenes throughout Srinagar and provide a wonderful setting for photographs. Community bonfire gatherings occur across the valley where both residents and tourists can gather to share warmth and enjoy food, while sharing stories and providing strong support and fellowship among each other, which is part of the traditional culture of Kashmiri hospitality.

Top Things to Do During the Srinagar Winter Festival

Winter Sports & Adventure Activities

In Gulmarg, located only 70 km away, visitors can take skiing lessons for about ₹2000 an hour for each beginner-level class. In addition to skiing, visitors can also try snowboarding or sledging down the beautiful slopes of snow-covered mountains, ride ATVs through the snowy terrain, and much more. All of these can be enjoyed while travelling with a local guide, and there is plenty of affordable, professional-grade equipment available through local operators and hotels in the Gulmarg area.

Shikara Rides on Frozen Dal Lake

The Iconic Dal Lake freezes over in the winter months, producing a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape, as the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas are highlighted by the natural beauty of the area. Shikaras travel across the frozen surface of the Dal Lake, providing guests with unique views of the Dal Lake during the winter season that cannot be seen at any other time of year. Shikaras offer great photography opportunities during sunrise, as the snow on the lake reflects the golden light of the sun.

Explore Snow-Covered Mughal Gardens

Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh - Two beautiful Mughal Gardens covered in white snow and located on Dal Lake, are both a must-visit during December. Both gardens are UNESCO World Heritage sites that feature incredible Mughal architecture, and the white snow is a stunning backdrop to the architectural beauty of the gardens. While visiting in December requires dressing warmly, you will receive a more peaceful experience while visiting both gardens due to fewer crowds during this time of year than during the summer months.

Visit Pari Mahal (Palace of Fairies)

Pari Mahal (Palace of Fairies) located along the Zabarwan mountain range, promises to offer guests another beautiful opportunity to experience historic Mughal architecture set against the white snow-covered landscape. Both the views and the architectural beauty of the structure will create an enchanting experience for visitors.

Kashmiri Culinary Journey

During the winter months, hearty and warm Kashmiri food such as Rogan Josh, Yakhni and Harissa are popular in Srinagar. The Kashmir Food Festival, held in Srinagar each year, showcases a wonderful culinary journey highlighting both traditional Kashmiri food, from Rogan Josh, Gushtaba to Kashmiri Pulao and Kahwa, as well as cultural entertainment and exhibitions.

Some of the traditional dishes that are prepared in the winter include Wazwan (a formal multi-course meal), Yakhni (meat broth), Harissa (a meat and wheat dish) and Kahwa (a spiced Kashmiri tea). Many houseboats and restaurants in Srinagar offer specific December menus featuring a variety of seasonal foods.

Accommodation Options for Winter Festival

Houseboats on Dal Lake

Staying on a houseboat located on the scenic Dal Lake will allow you to experience true Kashmiri hospitality while enjoying the beautiful décor of each houseboat, which has modern heating systems installed to help keep you warm during the cold winter months. The cost for a houseboat stay ranges from economy prices (₹2,000-4,000 per night) to luxury prices (₹8,000-15,000 and above per night). The beautiful lake view of snow-covered mountains and frozen lake water will leave you breathless.

Hotels & Resorts

You will find numerous hotels throughout Srinagar. Some hotels are very reasonably priced (₹1,500-3,000 per night), while others are luxury hotels (₹8,000+ per night). Most decent hotels will feature central heating, hot water systems and warm bedrooms that provide great winter comfort.

Luxury Resorts

If you want to have a premium vacation experience, premium resorts, which offer heated rooms, spa services, premium cuisine and custom-designed packages for individual guests, are available.

Practical Travel Information

How to Reach Srinagar

Srinagar is easy to reach by flying into Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport, located 15 kilometres from the city centre. Flights operate from a variety of places internationally and domestically on a regular basis. Another option is to travel by train from most major cities in India to Jammu, which is 314km away by road or by direct buses to and from several states located in northeastern India.

Best Time to Arrive

Passengers should book their flights and places to stay by September-October for December's festival dates, as the month of December is peak tourist season, with limited availability and increased prices. Booking early provides better prices and access to choose from among hotels in Srinagar.

Transportation Within Srinagar

Use a private taxi service with an experienced driver who knows how to navigate winter driving conditions. Prices range from ₹2,500 to 3,500 daily. Request that your hotel or travel operator arrange your pickup from the airport in advance. Never travel alone at night, and use only official taxi services.

What to Pack

• Heavy woollen jackets, thermal underwear, sweaters, and pullovers
• Waterproof snow boots with excellent traction
• Warm hats, scarves, gloves, and socks (multiple pairs)
• Sunscreen and lip balm (snow reflects intense UV rays)
• Medications for altitude-related concerns
• Power banks and camera equipment for photography

FAQs About Srinagar Winter Festival December

Q: How much will I need to budget for a 5-day Srinagar winter festival experience?

Budget for a nice 3-5 star experience, including staying in a mid-range hotel or houseboat (₹25,000-40,000 for 4 nights), local transportation (₹3,000-4,000), meals (₹4,000-6,000), activities (₹3,000-5,000) and shopping (₹2,000-3,000). The total estimated cost is between ₹37,000 and ₹58,000 per person.

Q: Is it safe to go to Srinagar in December?

Yes, Srinagar is generally considered safe for tourists travelling in December. Hundreds of thousands of tourists safely visit Rishikesh with proper precautions; these include travelling with a government-licensed guide, using licensed taxi drivers, being vigilant of their surroundings and always checking the current travel advisories.

Q: What will be offered at the winter festival if there is no snow in December?

If there is no snow during December, visitors may consider doing a few of the following activities: Stay in a houseboat that has heating, visit Mughal gardens, visit museums, shop in local bazaars, participate in cultural performances, indulge in Kashmiri food and take advantage of a day trip to Nigeen Lake or Pari Mahal.

Conclusion: 

The month of December in Srinagar provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience in wintertime, as it combines extremely beautiful snow-covered topography with multiple cultural events/activities, thrilling adventure sports and beautiful outdoor activities. Visitors may enjoy so many amazing things from going "Extreme" skiing or snowboarding to enjoying one of the most beautiful walks along a frozen lake, while at the same time enjoying the warm, friendly hospitality of the people of Kashmir and their delicious seasonal food. Srinagar's winter appeal is available until the end of February, providing a perfect opportunity for visitors looking for relaxation or adventure in one of India's most beautiful cities.

Are you ready to experience Srinagar's December magic? Contact AarizTourandTravels to customise your winter festival package. Our skilled travel consultants have great experience in designing personalised Srinagar tours tailored specifically to fit the needs, budget, and interests of our clients. So whether you would like to experience a luxury houseboat stay, adventurous packages, authentic cultural experiences, or a family holiday, we will provide all the services necessary to ensure your vacation is designed to give you a stress-free and unforgettable time.