Mussoorie in December: Weather, Snow Chances, Christmas, Winterline Carnival and New Year

December turns Mussoorie into a winter postcard. The air is crisp, the Doon valley lies clear below, and on good evenings the famous Winterline paints a band of orange and pink along the horizon. In the last week of the month, Christmas lights go up in Landour, the town holds its Winterline Carnival, and New Year brings the year's biggest crowds.

What is the weather in Mussoorie in December?

Cold and mostly clear, with days of about 8°-13°C and nights near or below freezing. Skies are usually sharp early in the month, making it one of the best times for views of the snow peaks. Fog can roll in on some days, and it gets colder as the month goes on.

Does it snow in Mussoorie in December?

Sometimes, but usually only in the last week of December, and often just a light fall in Landour and on the Dhanaulti road. January is the more likely month. If snow is your main goal, keep your dates flexible and watch the forecast; see our full guide to Mussoorie snowfall time. For a better chance close by, head to Dhanaulti and Surkanda Devi.

Christmas in Mussoorie and Landour

Landour's old churches, bakeries and cottages make it the most charming place to spend Christmas in Uttarakhand.

• St Paul's Church near Char Dukan and Kellogg Memorial Church are decorated for the season; many visitors come for the carols.
• The bakeries and cafes around Char Dukan and Sister's Bazaar are busy with plum cake, hot chocolate and pancakes.
• Mall Road is lit up and lively in the evenings.

Driving into Landour needs prior vehicle registration; read the Landour vehicle registration rules or walk up from Picture Palace.

What is the Winterline Carnival?

A festival of music, food, folk culture and adventure events held in Mussoorie in the last week of December, usually for about five days from around 25-26 December. It is named after the Winterline, the rare sunset band seen from Mussoorie in winter. Expect performances on Mall Road, local food stalls, heritage walks and sports events.

The exact dates and schedule are announced by the district administration and Uttarakhand Tourism in December each year; check before you travel.

New Year in Mussoorie

New Year's Eve is the busiest night of the winter, with full hotels, long traffic jams and parties at many hotels and cafes.

• Book stays well in advance, and check that your hotel has parking.
• Drive up from Dehradun early in the day; the road can jam for hours on 30-31 December.
• Police may restrict vehicles entering town on peak days; park lower and take a taxi or walk.
• For a quiet New Year, stay in Landour or on the Dhanaulti road.

Things to do in Mussoorie in December

• Watch the Winterline at sunset from Camel's Back Road or Lal Tibba.
• Walk the Landour loop past Char Dukan, Lal Tibba and Sister's Bazaar.
• Take a snow day trip to Dhanaulti and Surkanda Devi if it has snowed.
• Visit George Everest's House for wide views of the Doon valley and the peaks.
• See more ideas in things to do in Mussoorie.

Where to stay and what to pack

Mall Road is the most convenient base; Landour is the quietest and most atmospheric. See the best areas to stay in Mussoorie. Ask whether rooms have heaters and hot water.

• Heavy jacket, thermals, woollen cap and gloves
• Shoes with grip for icy lanes
• Moisturiser, lip balm and sunscreen