If you were to ask us, where to head for New Year 2026, 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 in Kerala . Kerala also offers a chance to celebrate New Year 2026 in a variety of destinations from the hill stations, beaches or backwaters. New Year 2026 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, 2026 is a Thursday and it is going to be a long weekend that will kickoff 2026. 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.
Kerala, becomes a canvas of lights, colours, music, and festival fever, with the winding down of the end of December and the new year beckoning. The New Year celebrations in Fort Kochi on the coasts of the state and the towns of Thiruvananthapuram combine the different traditions, festivals, and religious and community-based events in the state.
Suppose you are considering celebrating the onset of January in a place where fireworks and feasts are a combination of folk dances and seaside then Kerala can provide you the some of the best New Year experiences in India.
New Year Celebrations in Kerala-The complete list
Although celebrating the New Year (December 31 – January 1) is common all over the world, the Kerala style of celebrating this moment demonstrates its multi-layered culture: Portuguese, Dutch, British, Arab, and native Malayali. Apart from that, one of the most popular events is the Cochin Carnival that takes place on an annual basis in Fort Kochi. The Carnival could be traced to 1984, when it was held in the International Year of Youth. The Carnival developed over the years to be the largest year-ender event in Kerala, not only in terms of entertainment but also by symbolic activities such as burning of Pappanji, cultural processions, sports, and community games.
One of the traditions that depicts the discarding of the old year and the arrival of hope, renewal, and the community celebration is on New Year’s Eve, a ritual called Pappanji, where a drama-covered effigy of an old man is burnt in the Parade Ground in the middle of the night.
1. Cochin Carnival (Fort Kochi)
When: Late December-January
Setting: Kochi (Ernakulam district), Kerala.
What Happens: Festival (sports, cultural, food, art and craft, street decorations), multi-day festival.
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.
ALSO SEE – Cochin Carnival – Kerala’s New Year Celebration
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.
The themes of peace, participation, adventure, and environment are common in the Carnival. Carnival. It is multicultural, as there are local and international tourists. One can trace Portuguese, Dutch, and Malayali influences in arts, music, architecture, food, and general ambience. Light festival
2. Santa Burning in Fort Kochi Beach
When: December 31, 2025
Setting: Fort Kochi , Kerala.
What Happens: Festival (sports, cultural, food, art and craft, street decorations), multi-day festival.
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.
ALSO SEE – Check out the Best beaches near Kochi
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.
3. Vasantholsavam and Thiruvananthapuram Light festival
When: The last days of December, first days of January (Christmas to early January, it is also likely during the same time as the New Year), Kerala Tourism.
Where: Kaplan grounds, Kanakakunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram (capital city), Kerala Tourism, 31st December 2012.
The city and the palace are illuminated with extensive light displays and installations. Kerala Tourism. There are flower shows and exhibitions with rare plant collections, bonsai, thematic and garden decor, which add to the festive mood. Kerala Tourism. Small trade fairs, food festivals, cultural programmes, and amusements are held on the grounds. Tourists have a combination of both entertainment and community interaction. Kerala Tourism
4. Beach Parties all across Kerala
The New Year festivals are celebrated in other towns and on the coast like Kovalam, Alappuzha, the several beaches of Kochi, and smaller communities, but the most famous ones are Fort Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Fireworks, beachfront parties, local musical shows, and community prayer meetings also feature in such festivals. Some locations enlarge the number of ornaments and outdoor concerts, whereas some are more traditional and family-oriented.
ALSO SEE – Top 10 Best Beaches In Kerala To Visit (Updated)
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.
5. 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.
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.
ALSO SEE – Check Best beach Resorts in Kerala to celebrate new Year
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.
6. 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.
How to Celebrate New Year In Kerala 2026 like a local ?
The following are some recommendations on how to make your trip to Kerala during the year-end special and experience Kerala to the fullest.
1. Plan for Fort Kochi Early
You need to reserve earlier in case you want to go to the Cochin Carnival. A number of hotels and homestays are pre-reserved several months before. Ensure that they are near Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, or Ernakulam. Transport and road traffic may be extremely congested following the main event; think about the means through which you can safely get back home.
2. Timing Matters
Celebrations normally kick off in mid-December and continue till January 1 or even later in some regions. The focal moments are, however, the burning of Pappanji, the Carnival Rally, and midnight fireworks, which are recapitulated around Dec 31 – Jan 1. Daytime can be spent on decorations, street art, and the local fairs; night on the main events.
3. Select Your Style of Celebration.
Various individuals like different fashions. Fort Kochi and Carnival are your places of choice in case you are fond of crowds and a party atmosphere. In more relaxed and family-friendly parties, a visit to the coastal beach or resort town can provide less wild festivals with a lower local touch and a smaller number of enormous crowds. It could also be more satisfying for the cultural tourists to attend traditional music, dance, folk music, or local temple/church events during the period around the New Year.\
4. Cultural Respect and Safety
Kerala is a socially conservative location in most facets, but modern and partying. Wear decently in case of attending a crowd or worshipping. Take precautions in big audiences. In certain years, there have been problems of overcrowding in Fort Kochi Pappanji. Check on exits, be punctual, and maintain meeting points in case you are in a group.
Adhere to local traditions: a great number of individuals can attend midnight mass or church services, or temple prayers. Fireworks are typical, although concerns about the environment (noise, plastic, and fireworks debris) are becoming increasingly important, and therefore, obey local regulations.
New Year in Kerala- Travelling and Staying Tips.
Accommodation And Stay
Book at least one month before Fort Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram because of the high demand. Hotels and boutique accommodations increase prices.
A homestay or guesthouse can be the cheaper variant, and it is likely to be booked in advance. The choice of temporary accommodation should be made such that it is closer to the festival sites (Fort Kochi, Parade Ground, beaches) so that traffic jams and unnecessary walk-throughs are avoided.
Transportation
The states of Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram have common international flights; request timetables before the year ends so as to avoid any delay. Ride or take a bus at the latest time possible, or use a car to save time on parking and traffic jams. It is possible that walking or riding a bike can be more entertaining in Fort Kochi, where numerous activities are performed in small spaces.
Weather And Clothing
Late December or early January brings pleasant weather in Kerala, and temperatures are between 25 and 30 °C during the day and lower at night. The level of humidity is lower than in monsoon months. Take light cottons during the day and a shawl or a light jacket in the evenings in case the coastal wind is powerful. Good shoes are essential, particularly when walking on the street or on the beach.
Budgeting
Due to the fact that it is a high season of eventthere it will be high prices for hotels, restaurants, and event-ticketed shows. Allow an additional budget for local traveling, eating, festivals, fireworks, and maybe paid events. There are free events (such as the Pappanji burning and Carnival Rally), and there are probably paid events (such as concerts and parties).
Proposed New Year Tour in Kerala.
When a person has decided to have a tour in Kerala on the New Year, it would be a mixture of nature, culture, rest, and celebration all combined in a single memorable tour. Different landscapes in the state will also enable you to enjoy misty hill stations, golden beaches, backwaters of serenity, and the colorful city life, and make it an all-round destination to kick start your year.
A New Year itinerary in Kerala would be properly scheduled and begin with Kochi (Cochin), which is the cultural gateway to the state. The definitive things to do in this instance include enjoying Cochin Carnival, the most attended festival in the world, which is a seven-day festival of art, dances, music, and the spectacular Pappanji being burnt on New Year’s Eve in Fort Kochi. You can also consider sightseeing some of the historical sites of China and then move on to your next destination in the excursions, like the Chinese fishing nets, the Mattancherry Palace, and Jew Town.
And you are determined to see Kochi, see Alleppey (Alappuzha), and spend your vacation in the backwaters. The trip along the palm-grown canals of the houseboat will be the happiest mode of ushering in the morning of the New Year, with its lisping fowls and its green paddy fields. They will be traditional Kerala meals and the fun and easy beat of being in the country.
Then see the clouds of hazy mountains at Munnar, and there are no boundaries to the tea gardens. It is also the perfect place to enjoy couples as well as families due to the cool weather and stunning views. Tour tea museums, waterfalls, and spice plantations, or just enjoy a small resort with mountain views.
And finish your tour of the New Year with some days in Kovalam or Varkala Beach, where you will be in a position to enjoy Ayurvedic massages, beach evenings, and fireworks. The serene Arabian Sea, golden sunsets, and beating waves provide the best place to contemplate and renew.
You can use it in a romantic getaway or go on a wild New Year party, but Kerala, with its blend of nature, culture, and hospitality, assures you that the New Year tour will be your fairy tale.
Why Kerala is the best destination to celebrate new year 2026 ?
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 2026 and delight in the enchanting beauty of this wonderland
Wherever you are, whatever you do. Enjoy the New year in 2026 :). Everyone at Iris Holidays wishes you a very Happy New Year 2026 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.
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