From Sunburn Music Festival to Hot Air Balloon Festival -- here are all the places where you can live it up in December

It is that time of the year when everyone’s planning their holidays if they aren’t already on one. Booking.com curated a list of all the festivals where people can enjoy unique experiences be it classical folk dance, art camp to hot air balloon rides or a crash course on ancient tribal lives.


Here’s a list of all the festivals

Feast of Francis Xavier, Goa

Goa hosts one of the biggest Christian festivals called the Feast of St Francis Xavier in the first week of December every year.

It honours the memory of the saint on the date he died. For nine days, Goans from all over the state participate in the festivities and events. The Church services begin at 4 am and thousands of people come together at the Basilica of Bom Jesus to participate in the mass and enjoy the local delicacies and music afterwards.

Galdan Namchot, Ladakh

The Galdan Namchot festival in Ladakh commemorates the day of Buddhahood of a Tibetan saint-scholar, Tsongkhapa. It is celebrated on the 25th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. In 2019, the festival will begin on 21 December.

During the festival, Ladakh glitters as monasteries, public and residential buildings are lit up beautifully. Ladakhis begin to celebrate the New Year with this festival which continues till the Dosmoche festival in February. So pack your winter clothes and get ready to relish traditional dishes such as vegetable and chicken noodle soup or thupkas.

Hornbill Festival Kohima, Nagaland

Hornbill Festival is celebrated from December 1st - 10th every year in Kohima, Nagaland to promote the richness of Naga culture. People can explore tribals life by living in tribal huts. The dated lifestyle is dated includes using drums and gongs and wearing costumes and wooden carvings.


Hot air balloon festival in Hampi, Mysore and Bidar

Karnataka hosts one of the most exciting Hot air balloon festival in December. People can attend the festival at three places in Karnataka simultaneously – Bidar and Mysore, as well as the historically significant village of Hampi.

Usually, adventurers paraglide in Bidar or bungee jump in Mysore or zipline in the rich ruins of Hampi, and other palaces of Mysore. To add to the fun, every participant of the balloon rides, is given free insurance.

Sunburn Festival, Goa

If you want to dance through the New Year, then Asia’s biggest electronic dance music festival, the Sunburn Music Festival might be the place for you. Held at Vagator beach in Goa, the Sunburn Festival is a three-day experience of amazing music and unmissable lineup with DJ Snake, Chainsmokers and Martin Garrix this year. It will take place from 27th - 29th of December.