Festivals of Shimla district are celebrated with great vigour and gaiety. A number of festivals are celebrated in the district which enriches the cultural heritage of the country immensely. The chilly winters and snowfall makes the place ideal for the celebration of some unique festivals attracting a plethora of tourists from distant places. Spirit of the festivals can also be prominently witnessed among the residents of the district. The splendid decorations, vibrant cultural programs and grandeur of festivals of Shimla district are worth experiencing.

Summer Festival
Summer festival is organized in the district of Shimla in the month of May, every year. The famous ridge ground serves as the venue for this festival. It is characterized by vibrant cultural functions including performances of local people and school children. Several famous personalities also become a part of this festival and its cultural functions.

Ice Skating Carnival
Ice skating forms one of the major attractions of Shimla which allures a plethora of sports lovers. Shimla also owns the credit of hosting the only natural ice skating rink in the whole of Asia. It forms an exquisite pass time for the players as well as viewers. The activity of ice skating begins in the month of December and continues up to February. Chilling cold and clear blue skies form the ideal atmosphere for this sport in Shimla. During this festival, two sessions are organized every day, one in the morning and the other in the evening. However the sessions greatly depend on the condition of frozen ice on the ground. In the municipal building, situated near the Scandal Point, has a hanging balloon which serves as a signal as to whether the game would be organized for the day or not. Visitors can receive membership for the whole season, for shorter terms or even for a single session. At the rink, skates are provided to the participators. Other added attractions of the festival include gymkhanas ice hockey, fancy dress carnivals and beautiful dance performances.

Rhyali Festival
Rhyali festival is celebrated in Shimla in the rainy season and is one of the most significant festivals of the district. Rain plays and important role in Shimla as the livelihood is mainly dependent on agriculture. The festival is celebrated with the purpose of making the Rain God happy so that their agricultural production flourishes greatly.

Baisakhi
One of the most significant festivals of Shimla is Baisakhi which is celebrated on the first day of the Baisakh month. In Shimla this festival is known as Bisha or Bissu. The festival marks the beginning of harvest season.

Christmas
The winters give a magnificent white visage to the district and the celebration of Christmas marks grandeur. The place also houses some beautiful churches which are beautifully decorated during Christmas. The heavy snowfall in Shimla further augments the spirit of the festival.

Diwali
Shimla celebrates Diwali with great joy and fervour. Apart from Hindus, people belonging to other religion also celebrate it with utmost vigour. The illuminated district during Diwali looks majestic.

Navaratri
Navaratri is another important festival of Shimla and Dussehra marks the end of this grand festival. Huge idols of Ravana are burnt in Dussehra which signifies the victory of good over evil.