If you were to ask us, where to head for New Year 2025, we will certainly say that you must visit Kerala if possible. Kerala is one of the most happening destinations not only in India but across the world and tourists from across India flock for New Year 2025  in Kerala . Kerala also offers a chance to celebrate New Year 2025 in  a variety of destinations from the hill stations, beaches or backwaters. New Year 2025 in Kerala is all about exotic party places that will make your day more memorable. Tourists from across the globe can be seen in Kerala if you are here during the month of December.

New Years Day  of January 1, 2025 is a  Wednesday and it is going to be a long weekend that will kickoff 2025. If you are planning for celebrating new year in Kerala, here are some tips from us on how best to make the start of a year a memorable day.

 

Please note that Government of Kerala   allows large scale gatherings in New Year 2025 and  restrictions have been removed completely. If you are staying a hotel or resort, you can contact them for any specific new year celebration details

New Year 2025 in Kerala

Kerala New Year is celebrated with much gusto and zest. Kochi has been selected among the top destinations in India to celebrate new Year by Outlook Traveller  and is the most popular place to celebrate New Year in Kerala.

While cruising in a houseboat is an appealing way to celebrate the new year that is unique to Kerala, you will be in for an awesome treat if you attend Cochin carnival or the burning of the gigantic Pappanji or a Giant Santa Claus in Fort Kochi beach. When you attend any new year party in Kerala you’ll find everyone in an enthusiastic party mode, locals and tourists alike and the sun doesn’t set on the New Year celebrations in Kerala.

ALSO SEE- Best Time to Visit Kerala (Updated)

Fort Kochi, Varkala or Kovalam will be among the best places to spend New Years Eve 2024 in Kerala. However, if you ask us to pick one place we would surely pick Fort Kochi, simply because of the carnival celebrations on the day of the new year 2024 which falls on a Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

Ring the New Year 2025 bells with exciting events, memorable activities, and crazy nights by being a part of new year parties in Kochi.

For those who believe that the end of the year needs to be celebrated with groovy music and crazy dancing, then for them, there are some new year parties in Kochi awaiting you.

To enjoy the fullest of Kerala new year, tourists can enjoy the celebrations below

Key Highlights of New Year 2025 in Kerala

1. Santa Burning in Fort Kochi Beach

In Kochi, the burning of Pappanji or a giant statue of Santa marks the end of the current year and start of a new year and is the most famous celebration of New year 2025 in Kerala. The burning of Pappanji is a 500-year-old tradition to mark the end of Xmas and New Year festivities which was started when the Portuguese established its first base in India at Kochi as part of Portuguese New Year celebrations.

This is usually celebrated in Parade Ground of Fort Kochi beach and nearly a hundred thousand people attend the celebrations on the beach every year from all across the state.

Santa Burning in Fort Kochi Beach symbolizes the arrival of hope and harmony that you believe to last for a year. Be spellbound by the sight of the burning Pappanji, which is followed by a grand party that includes all your favorite elements.

People from different classes, castes, and religions enjoy the Pappamji Burning festival during the new year celebration in Kerala.

Check out the Best beaches near Kochi

2. Cochin Carnival

As part of the New Year 2025 celebrations in Kerala, the Cochin Carnival is being conducted for the past several years in Kochi, Kerala. This year, the Cochin Carnival is slotted in between December 25th and January 1st. A week full of celebrations in Fort Kochi, Cochin Carnival is a paradise for all people who are gripped by this wonderful festive mood. So, what awaits you when you reach Fort Kochi for celebrating the Cochin Carnival?

A tradition that started in the Portuguese colonial era, as part of their New Year celebrations, the first edition of the Cochin Carnival in independent India was started in 1984. This was named, ‘Carnivale Cochin’. Be a part of the tradition and cultural customs by experiencing the grand Cochin Carnival, this year.

The official inauguration of Cochin Carnival is done by hoisting the Carnival flag at the Vasco de Gama Square. This festival is a true union of many cultures. The festive occasion uniquely blends the cultures of Portugal, Arab, Dutch, and Anglo-Indian along with those from different parts of India such as Kerala, Karnataka, Punjab, and Gujarat.

One of the best eye-pleasing and heart-catching carnivals that take place during the new year celebration in Kerala.

Cochin Carnival is a mesmerizing and unique experience put forth by the Portuguese during the colonial era. The activities bring in dazzling splendor with a charming elegance that gets imbibed into these festivities. The ceremonial fiesta gives the right ambience for people to celebrate grandly, to one’s heart’s content. The native folk arrives in vibrant coloured attire to mark the occasion of a new dawn. This adds a definitive colour to the gala event.

ALSO SEE –  Cochin Carnival – Kerala’s New Year Celebration

Cochin Carnival is hosted every year in the last week of December and it runs with the New year and ends with a massive procession on New Year’s Day through Fort Kochi. The highlight of the carnival is the massive procession on New Year’s Day. Led by an embellished elephant and accompanied by drums and music, the carnival is a moment to behold and stays with you….well….until the next year! There is also staging of different South and North Indian folk dances during the festivity.

Preparations begin months in advance for hosting the carnival games, fairs and partying. Dressed up in fancy costumes, everyone including the children are seen bursting with enthusiasm and unbridled energy. The available space on the streets hosts impromptu competitions and multifaceted celebrations. Kalam Vara (floor drawing), tug-of-war, bicycle race, swimming in the sea, beach volleyball are some of the programs that take place during the Carnival.

In addition to the usual procession, Events like Sea-Swimming, Beach Volleyball, Beach Football and Beach Bike races make the Cochin carnival more interesting and amusing. Even prizes are awarded to the competition winners. On New Year’s Day elephants are brought out on the roads and the tunes of the instrument known as ‘Panchavadyam’ reverberates throughout the city.

Be a part of various events that test your competitive spirit and fill your mind with absolute joy. Some of these might include beach football, beach bike-race, wrestling, boxing, Kayaking, swimming as well as the marathon.
It’s a given that, the people of Kerala, and all around the world, love being part of a society that follows principles. So, you might as well be wondering about the principles involved in Cochin Carnival. The main ones are peace, progress, environment, adventure, and participation.

A sea of white-paper buntings awaits you at the carnival city; white symbolizes peace as well as tranquility.

The new year parties in Kochi including games and fairs continues until the fireworks take place on 31st December making the grand finale of the carnival.

 

Check Best beach Resorts in Kerala to celebrate new Year

The Vasco Da Gama square and the streets are dotted with makeshift shops selling best things to buy in Kerala, artificial jewelry and traditional garments in New Year and if you are planning to go for New year Parties in Kochi in 2024, you need to book much in advance.

3. Beaches for New Year Celebrations in Kerala

Beaches in Kovalam and Cliff in Varkala are popular venues for the New Year 2025 celebrations Kerala.

The beaches of Kerala come alive every New Year’s Eve every year, and the 2025 celebrations promise to be no exception. Popular spots like Kovalam, Varkala and Cherai draw enthusiastic crowds from near and far. Against the backdrop of swaying palm trees and the rhythmic waves, beachgoers can expect a vibrant atmosphere characterized by fireworks lighting up the night sky. Bonfires dot the shoreline, bringing a touch of warmth to the breezy coastal air, while popular musicians entertain revelers with live music well past midnight. Whether it’s a casual gathering or an organized beach party in a beach facing resort, there’s no shortage of energy and excitement.

To enjoy these festivities safely, it’s wise to plan ahead. Arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach and be mindful of your surroundings, as larger gatherings can get crowded. Keep hydrated, especially when dancing under the coastal humidity, and look out for clearly marked safe zones if you choose to be near sea. Respect the environment by disposing of trash responsibly, ensuring Kerala’s beaches remain pristine for future celebrations. Finally, embrace the local culture by sampling traditional treats from nearby food stalls and interacting with fellow partygoers, making the New Year in Kerala a truly memorable experience.

ALSO SEE – Top 10 Best Beaches in Kerala to visit this year (UPDATED)

4. New Year Parties in Hotels and resorts across Kerala

New Year celebrations in Kerala aren’t just confined to beach bonfires and carnival parades—hotels and resorts across the state also step up with their own lavish parties. Kerala has the most five-star hotels in India as per Ministry of Tourism’s national database.

From renowned five-star properties like Taj Malabar Resort & Spa in Kochi to boutique hideaways such as the CGH Earth resorts in Kumarakom, there’s a celebration style for every traveler. Most of the popular resorts in Kerala will have a gala dinner on new years eve and is mandatory for guests staying in the hotels and resorts Some resorts, like The Leela Kovalam, curate grand themed galas featuring live music, dance performances, and multi-cuisine buffets. Meanwhile, luxury houseboat operators along the backwaters of Alleppey craft floating festivities for those who wish to ring in the New Year under the stars.

At these grand events, guests often enjoy gourmet dining experiences, complete with local Kerala delicacies like appam and stew, paired with an array of global flavors. Live bands, DJ sets, and even cultural shows such as Kathakali or traditional instrumental performances add a special regional touch. Many resorts also organize interactive sessions, where partygoers can learn basic steps of local dance forms or try their hand at cooking demonstrations of Kerala’s signature dishes.

When planning to attend one of these upscale parties, early reservations are highly recommended as rooms and tables fill up fast during the holiday season. And be sure to explore package deals that combine accommodation, a gala dinner, and entertainment, ensuring a hassle-free and memorable start to the new year.

5. Night Shopping in Cities across Kerala

Don’t miss out on the night-shopping experience at Thrissur in Kerala which is also organised around new year . The whole Thrissur city will be decorated with lights as part of the ‘Happy Days: Night Shopping Festival’. Be mesmerized by various cultural programs in Thrissur during this time, which will last till a month until Christmas. With shops open till midnight, it would be a unique experience to get engaged in some wonderful shopping experience en route to Cochin for the carnival at the Fort Kochi.

If you are in Kerala, but not in Cochin, Trivandrum, or Thrissur, you can check-in at various hotels that organize thrilling New Year events. .

5. Spiritual Celebrations in Churches and Temples

In Kerala, spiritual celebrations play a significant role during the New Year, reflecting the region’s diverse religious traditions. Many Christians attend midnight Mass on New Year’s Eve, gathering in churches to offer prayers, seek blessings for the upcoming year, and share fellowship with the community. This solemn vigil often concludes with the chiming of church bells at midnight, symbolizing a fresh beginning.

For those inclined towards Hindu temple worship, early morning visits mark the first auspicious activity of the new year. Devotees offer prayers, participate in traditional rituals, and sometimes enjoy temple-sponsored feasts. Popular temples, such as Guruvayur and Sree Padmanabhaswamy, see a surge in visitors seeking blessings and spiritual upliftment. These gatherings serve as a unifying force, fostering a sense of devotion and gratitude. Regardless of the religious setting, Keralites come together to honor the passage of time, expressing hope and positivity for the year ahead for everyone involved.

What if you miss out on New Year in Kochi?

No need to worry if you miss out on the festivities in Cochin. The capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum offers celebrations as well; especially the Kovalam and the Varkala beach.

If you are not in Cochin, don’t worry. Most hotels in Kerala have grand New Year parties with live bands and DJs for in house guests. If you are already booked with a hotel, check the rates to see whether the Grand New Year Ball rates are included with the room rates. It is a compulsory inclusion in most New Year itineraries. However, be forewarned that tickets will be expensive to get into any new year ball and stags are not allowed.

Kerala may be one of the most ideal destinations to celebrate the new year and December – January is cold and comfortable and is ideal for sightseeing in Kerala. There is no snow and it will be comfortably cold.

However, it is better to book hotels and resorts early for your New Year in Kerala as this is the peak season and the rates of resorts are very high and the climate in Kerala is ideal for a holiday.

From beaches, clubs, pubs, houseboats, and high ranges, you have various options for the new year celebration in Kerala with enthralling crowds and finest gatherings.

New Year has a good climate for houseboat trips in Kerala, bird watching, fishing and canoeing. The winter in Kerala is ideally suited for sightseeing and enjoying various destinations in Kerala such as Athirappilly, Thekkady, Alappuzha, and Munnar to name a few.

It would be wise to book hotels beforehand if you come to Kerala for the New Year celebrations. The climate welcomes you with its pleasant nature; ideal for house-boat rides through calm and serene backwaters.

The new year is the peak tourist season in Kerala and most of the resorts and hotels in Kerala will be sold out in advance. It will be prudent to book your New Year and Xmas Packages in Kerala in advance to ensure that you celebrate the New Year without any hassles as Kerala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world for New Year Celebrations.

It can be noted that Kerala is one of the best destinations for New Year celebrations. Kerala New Year is one of the best in South India amidst the natural beauty and backwaters

Kerala cuisine is one of the most enjoyed entities as you will be treated to a traditional five or seven-course meal as part of the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Various resorts offer the best packages during New Year to ensure you are comfortable and having fun to your heart’s content.

As mentioned before, try not to miss out on the awesome Cochin Carnival and Pappanji burning. Be amazed by the events organized in Thrissur and Trivandrum that will blow your mind.

Thoroughly enjoy your New Year 2024 celebrations regardless of wherever you are in Kerala. Have fun and begin your New Year with resolutions of optimism, hope, and faith. Don’t forget about the amazing cherishable moments, which will become nostalgic in your life. We wish everyone a very happy and eventful New Year.

If you are travelling to Kerala you can find that most of the resorts in tourist destinations across Kerala will offer a grand gala dinner to celebrate the new year with five-course of seven-course meals with popular food in Kerala included as an attraction.

Plan a tour in Kerala during the New Year 2025 and delight in the enchanting beauty of this wonderland

Wherever you are, whatever you do. Enjoy the New year in 2025 :). Everyone at Iris Holidays wishes you a very Happy New Year 2025  and here is our new year gift to you, get a FREE quote for your New year in 2025 in Kerala if you are thinking about planning your holiday in Kerala by clicking on the button below.