Christmas and Ice Skating Carnival

This is one of the major December celebrations in Himachal Pradesh, during which the streets are flooded with lights and decorations.

Your visit to Shimla shall become even more enjoyable if you try your hand at ice-skating. The ice skating sport of Shimla is one of the most sought after adventure sport in Shimla and you can do other activities over there.

Shimla is home to Asia’s only natural ice skating rink. State and national level competitions are often held at this venue. The Shimla Ice Skating Club, which manages the rink, hosts a carnival every year in December January, which includes a fancy dress competition and figure skating events. Annual Ice Skating Carnival in Shimla attracts lots of tourists and adventure lovers to enjoy this wonderful winter sport.

There is a hanging balloon at the Municipal building that works as a signal of whether the skating will take place on that day or not. The clear sky and cold climate accompanied by hard and dry ice makes Shimla ice-skating carnival a success every year.

The rink also provides membership on short and long term basis. Basic equipment like skates, cap, knee pads etc. are available at the rink.It is not hard to learn skating. It just requires strong limbs, a good sense of balance coupled with confidence, rhythmic swinging of the body and the concentration of an acrobat.

Even if you are not an active participant in the sport you would feel the thrill by just watching Ice-Skating Carnival in Shimla.

Interestingly, ice skating and snowfall don’t go together. In a natural ice-skating rink, weather conditions play a crucial role. A clear sky is a must for water to freeze naturally. A few traces of clouds are enough to spoil the day. In fact, if the sky is overcast, the ice begins to melt.

Umpteen films have been shot in Shimla and quite a few songs were picturised at the rink. Films like Mera Naam Joker, Woh Kaun Thi, and Jaanwar have scenes of the Ice Skating Club.

Content last updated in January 2023. Travel with confidence with Sunrsie Himachal Packages from Sunrise Holidays Shimla.