Literature Festivals to Christmas Markets: Top December Events in Delhi You Can Attend!

December in Delhi brings a vibrant cultural tapestry of music, art, literature and heritage. From intimate Sufi mehfils to grand stadium concerts, this month offers something for every enthusiast. Whether you're drawn to progressive jazz, traditional folk performances or immersive heritage experiences, the capital's diverse calendar promises unforgettable evenings under the winter sky.

Rainbow Lit Fest

Delhi's pioneering queer and inclusive literary festival returns with over 80 speakers and performers from across the globe. This two-day celebration features 44 sessions across dual stages, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, feminism, mental health and public policy. Spotlight conversations include discussions with celebrated artists, historical retrospectives on LGBTQ+ rights in India and the unique perspectives of queer parents. The festival culminates with the Rainbow Awards for Literature and Journalism, recognising outstanding creative and journalistic work. Expect poetry readings, theatrical performances, film screenings and engaging panel discussions that foster dialogue and understanding. Entry includes access to a queer-friendly bookstore and cultural pop-ups.

When: December 6-7, 2025

Where: Gulmohar Park Club, New Delhi

Price: Rs. 499 for single day, Rs. 899 for season pass (50% student discount available)

Jashn-e-Rekhta: Celebrating 10 Years

The world's largest Urdu language festival returns for its landmark 10th edition, transforming Baansera Park into a three-day celebration of poetry, literature and culture. Over 300 artists across 35 sessions perform on five distinct stages including Mehfil Khana, Dayaar-e-Izhar, Sukhan Zaar and Bazm-e-Khayal. Experience soul-stirring performances from legends like Sukhwinder Singh, Salim-Sulaiman, Javed Akhtar and Shankar Mahadevan, alongside special tributes including "Dil Abhi Bhara Nahin" honouring Sahir Ludhianvi. The Orchestral Qawwali Project makes its India premiere, whilst poetry enthusiasts can attend the legendary Rekhta Mushaira. Beyond performances, explore Aiwan-e-Zaiqa's culinary delights, browse the Rekhta Books Bazar, discover artisanal crafts and enjoy an enchanting Light & Sound Show along the Yamuna riverfront as twilight falls.

When: December 5-7, 2025

Where: Baansera Park, Sarai Kale Khan

Price: Rs. 600 per person (single day), Rs. 1500 (3-day pass)

German Christmas Market 2025

The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce presents the 26th edition of Delhi's beloved German Christmas Market, supported by the German Embassy. This two-day festive extravaganza transforms PSOI Lawns into a European winter wonderland featuring authentic German delicacies, mulled wine, bratwurst and traditional Christmas treats like lebkuchen and stollen. Browse through specially curated stalls offering handcrafted treasures, unique gifts and holiday goodies, alongside German technology displays and Indo-German handicrafts. The family-friendly celebration includes live music performances, festive games, children's activities and a warm communal atmosphere that captures the true spirit of the season. With German products, sustainable green energy solutions on display and a delightful blend of cultural exchange, this market has become an annual highlight for diplomats, expats and locals alike.

When: December 13-14, 2025

Where: PSOI Lawns, Vinay Marg, Chanakyapuri

Price: Rs. 600 per person (free for children below 12 years)

G.O.A.T India Tour: Lionel Messi

Witness footballing greatness as eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi returns to India after 14 years for the G.O.A.T Tour. Delhi's finale event features a celebrity 7v7 match, masterclasses with scouted young talents and nail-biting penalty shootouts showcasing the Argentine legend's genius. The experience begins with celebrity appearances followed by aspiring footballers sharing the pitch with their idol, before Messi demonstrates the beautiful game his way. The historic afternoon concludes with a heartfelt felicitation and soulful musical tribute celebrating his extraordinary career. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows Indian football fans to witness the greatest player of all time in action, marking a monumental moment for Indian sports culture and celebrating Messi's enduring global legacy.

When: December 15, 2025

Where: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

Price: Rs. 4,720 upwards

A.R. Rahman: Harmony of Hearts

Delhi's most anticipated musical evening arrives as double Oscar and Grammy winner A.R. Rahman presents a soul-stirring celebration of rhythm, faith and timeless artistry. This one-night-only experience blends Sufi inspiration with live orchestral magic, featuring the maestro's iconic compositions spanning three decades. Opening the evening, Jhalaa—India's first raag-based band personally curated by Rahman—sets the tone with traditional sounds reborn through innovation. Expect an immersive journey through Rahman's legendary catalogue from "Jai Ho" to "Kun Faya Kun," alongside spiritual compositions that bridge classical Indian traditions with contemporary global influences. The Dadasaheb Phalke Artist of the Year delivers an evening where every note resonates with emotion, making this three-hour concert a historic moment for Delhi's music lovers.

When: December 20, 2025

Where: Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium

Price: Rs. 999 upwards

Sunidhi Chauhan: I Am Home India Tour

Bollywood's powerhouse vocalist Sunidhi Chauhan brings her electrifying "I Am Home" tour to Delhi, celebrating over two decades of unforgettable hits. With 22 awards and 2,500 songs spanning multiple genres and languages, this concert promises pure electric energy as lights drop and bass hits. Fans can expect a setlist featuring career-defining anthems like "Sheila Ki Jawani," "Beedi Jalaile," "Dhoom Machale" and "Kamli," alongside forgotten favourites and fresh surprises. Known for her unmatched stage presence and powerful vocals, Sunidhi's performances transform venues into high-energy celebrations where every moment counts. This isn't nostalgia—it's Sunidhi unstoppable, untamed and home. The tour, powered by Mastercard, marks her grand return to India's live music scene with bigger sound and tighter groove.

When: December 27, 2025

Where: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

Price: Rs. 2000 upwards

Journeying Across the Himalayas

Royal Enfield's much-anticipated cultural festival returns for its second edition, transforming Travancore Palace into a celebration of Himalayan heritage. This seven-day extravaganza features immersive exhibitions exploring Ladakhi Pashmina, indigenous knowledge systems and material culture from the mountains. Expect performances ranging from Balti ghazals to folk-fusion acts, alongside curated films by Himalayan storytellers, artisan-led workshops and regional culinary experiences. The Himalayan Bazaar showcases crafts directly from mountain communities, whilst panel discussions address sustainable tourism and cultural preservation. With the theme "Ours to Tell," this festival amplifies authentic voices from across the Himalayan landscape.

When: December 5-10, 2025

Where: Travancore Palace, New Delhi

Price: Rs. 299 upwards

Jacob Collier Live in Delhi

Six-time Grammy winner Jacob Collier brings his ambitious Djesse World Tour to the capital with a full band experience. The British multi-instrumentalist, known for his mind-bending harmonies and virtuosic musicality, promises an extraordinary evening of jazz-pop fusion. Collier's performances transform into communal experiences as he conducts audience participation, loops vocals in real-time and seamlessly shifts between piano, drums, guitar and synthesisers. Expect hits from his critically acclaimed Djesse series alongside collaborative tracks featuring Indian artists like Anoushka Shankar. His concerts are renowned for their innovative production, with cutting-edge lighting and sound design creating an immersive sonic universe. This marks his third Indian tour following sold-out performances in previous years.

When: December 2, 2025

Where: JLN Stadium, New Delhi

Price: Rs. 2499 upwards.

The Manganiyar Seduction

Director Roysten Abel's acclaimed theatrical masterpiece returns, featuring 40 musicians from Rajasthan's Manganiyar community in an unforgettable audio-visual spectacle. Seated in illuminated red-curtained cubicles arranged four storeys high, the musicians create a mesmerising crescendo of Sufi kalams, qawwalis and folk melodies. The stage design, inspired by Jaipur's Hawa Mahal and Amsterdam's red light district, transforms as individual boxes light up sequentially, building dramatic tension. This 70-minute performance has captivated audiences across 20 countries and earned rave reviews from The New York Times and NPR. The production showcases traditional instruments including harmonium, tabla, dholak, sarangi and kamaicha, whilst exploring themes of devotion, love and spiritual yearning through poetic Sufi couplets.

When: December 13-15, 2025 

Where: To be announced

Price: Rs. 999 upwards

The Burrah Project 3.0

Delhi's biggest Punjabi music festival returns with two days of electrifying performances from chart-topping artists including Ammy Virk, Garry Sandhu, Gurnazar and Sukh-E. Heart-thumping bhangra beats fill the air as the venue transforms into a vibrant celebration of Punjabi culture with traditional motifs, bright colours and festive décor. Food lovers indulge in authentic culinary delights from buttery naans and spicy chaats to succulent gravies and refreshing lassis, creating a foodie's paradise. Beyond music, expect Bhangra and Gidda performances, dhol acts and Delhi's finest DJs maintaining non-stop energy. Previous editions have attracted over 20,000 attendees annually, cementing The Burrah Project's reputation as the capital's premier celebration of Punjab's rich musical heritage and warm hospitality.

When: December 20-21, 2025

Where: Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium

Price: Rs. 799 upwards

Delhi Comic Con 2025

India's premier pop-culture celebration returns for its 15th edition, transforming NSIC Exhibition Grounds into a three-day fandom paradise. Since its 2011 debut, Delhi Comic Con has attracted over 52,000 visitors annually, featuring everything from comics and manga to sci-fi and virtual gaming adventures. This year promises cosplay competitions with prize pools exceeding Rs. 5 lakhs, exclusive merchandise from Marvel, DC and WWE, and appearances by renowned international creators. Previous guests have included Ryan North, Jason Loo, Dan Parent and Japanese voice actors from One Piece and Demon Slayer. Beyond entertainment, the festival offers workshops, panel sessions with industry professionals, PC and console gaming tournaments, VR experiences and networking opportunities for emerging creators, making it the ultimate winter destination for India's vibrant geek community.

When: December 5-7, 2025

Where: NSIC Exhibition Ground, Okhla

Price: Rs. 899 upwards

Pet Fed Delhi 2025

India's biggest pet festival returns for its 11th edition, celebrating the bond between pets and their families across three acres of lush greenery. Recognised by the Limca Book of Records as India's Biggest Pet Carnival, this two-day extravaganza features expert-led masterclasses, dog and cat play zones with agility rings, fashion shows, police dog demonstrations by trained squads, adoption camps and over 150 global pet brand stalls. Expect live contests including Pet's Got Talent, Temptation Alley challenges, and trick competitions with prizes and hampers. The festival offers free entry for all pets, dedicated off-leash zones, complimentary pet buffets, veterinary health check-ups, and delicious food options for humans. Founded by Akshay Gupta, Pet Fed creates inclusive spaces where pet parents and animal lovers unite.

When: December 13-14, 2025

Where: NSIC Exhibition Grounds, Okhla

Price: Rs. 699 upwards

Canvas of Connection Workshop

Inspired by the Australian First Nation's Songlines exhibition, this two-day collaborative art workshop at Humayun's Tomb Museum invites participants to explore mark-making, storytelling and collective creativity. The experience begins with movement-based exercises, encouraging intuitive gestures and rhythmic patterns on a shared canvas. Day two deepens the journey through personal narrative mapping, where participants translate their stories of transformation, refuge and memory into flowing lines and symbols. Guided by principles of mindful presence and communal energy, the workshop demonstrates how individual rhythms merge into collective artwork. This accompanies the National Museum of Australia's touring exhibition, creating a dialogue between indigenous storytelling traditions and contemporary collaborative art practices.

When: December 6-7, 2025

Where: Humayun's Tomb Museum, Sunder Nursery

Price: Rs. 300

AP Dhillon: One of One Tour

Punjab's global music sensation AP Dhillon headlines his highly anticipated India tour, bringing electrifying energy to Indira Gandhi Stadium. Known for chartbusters like "Brown Munde," "Excuses" and "With You," Dhillon's concerts blend Punjabi hip-hop with R&B and trap influences, creating an explosive atmosphere. The evening features long-time collaborator Shinda Kahlon alongside cutting-edge production, immersive visuals and crowd interactions that transform the stadium into a massive celebration. As part of a charitable initiative, Rs. 100 from every ticket contributes to Punjab flood relief efforts, with Dhillon personally matching donations. Expect performances of recent hits including "Thodi Si Daaru," "STFU" and "Without Me" alongside fan favourites that have amassed over five billion streams globally.

When: December 7, 2025

Where: Indira Gandhi Arena, New Delhi

Price: Rs. 2499 onwards

Roohani Wednesdays ft. Gurdas Maan

Legendary Punjabi icon Gurdas Maan graces Khubani for an intimate evening of soulful melodies and timeless classics. The singer, whose career spans decades with beloved anthems like "Dil Da Mamla Hai," represents the very soul of Punjab through his emotionally charged vocals and poignant storytelling. This Roohani Wednesday transforms the upscale venue into a symphony of nostalgia, where Maan's powerful voice resonates with both traditional Punjabi folk sensibilities and contemporary musical arrangements. Expect an evening filled with heartfelt renditions, spontaneous interactions and the kind of authentic connection that has made Gurdas Maan a household name across generations. The performance promises to transcend mere entertainment, offering a spiritual journey through Punjab's rich musical heritage.

When: December 10-11, 2025

Where: Khubani, Aerocity, New Delhi

Price: Rs. 7000 upwards

Songs of the Stone at Qutub Minar

Experience a first-of-its-kind immersive musical soirée beneath the illuminated grandeur of the Qutub Minar. Sitar maestro Mehtab Ali Niazi and his ensemble present an evening of semi-classical music where centuries of architectural stillness meet the resonance of live performance. As dusk transitions to night, the monument's majestic presence becomes both stage and muse, creating an unforgettable confluence of heritage, sound and atmosphere. This intimate gathering brings together art and architecture connoisseurs for a rare celebration of India's timeless legacy. The evening includes a curated selection of Indo-fusion cuisine and non-alcoholic beverages, enhancing the sensory experience. Limited to a discerning audience, Songs of the Stone reimagines how we engage with historical monuments—not as static relics but as living spaces for cultural expression.

When: December 13, 2025

Where: Qutub Minar, Mehrauli

Price: Rs. 5,400

ZIKR by IBTIDA: An Evening with Usha Uthup

This exclusive baithak-style gathering brings legendary vocalist Usha Uthup into an intimate circle of just 150 guests for an unprecedented evening of music and conversation. Unlike traditional concerts, ZIKR unfolds as a storytelling session where Uthup's timeless classics are rendered in their purest, most personal form. The icon shares candid reflections on her remarkable journey, her distinctive voice and the memories that shaped generations of music lovers. Between soulful renditions, guests enjoy single malt tasting sessions that complement the atmosphere of reflection and celebration. This rare opportunity to experience Uthup's repertoire without barriers—where every note, laugh and pause reaches you directly—represents a cultural homecoming where music, memory and intimacy converge.

When: December 13, 2025

Where: Venue to be announced, Gurugram

Price: Rs. 15000

Boho Bazaar 7.0: The Epic Flea Market

Delhi's beloved shopping carnival returns to JLN Stadium with over 200 curated pop-ups showcasing independent designers, artisans and vintage collectors from across India. This two-day extravaganza features everything from bohemian fashion and quirky accessories to handcrafted home décor, artisanal gifts and unique stationery. Beyond shopping, enjoy performances by 10+ local bands creating the perfect soundtrack, whilst 50+ food stalls serve diverse cuisines ranging from street food to craft cocktails. The festival includes interactive workshops, a dedicated kids' zone, Instagram-worthy photo installations and surprise giveaways throughout. With its relaxed vibe and eclectic mix of offerings at budget-friendly prices, Boho Bazaar has become a December tradition for Delhiites seeking unusual finds and weekend entertainment.

When: December 20-21, 2025 (12:00 PM - 10:00 PM)

Where: JLN Stadium, Delhi

Price: Rs. 299 upwards

Bismil Ki Mehfil: Main Hoon Sufi

Sufi sensation Bismil brings his powerful mehfil experience to the capital for the grand finale of his India-wide tour. The young artist, trained in classical traditions from both Moradabad and Delhi gharanas, has redefined contemporary Sufi music with his emotionally charged vocals and intimate performance style. Backed by a full ensemble featuring harmonium, tabla, sarangi and modern instrumentation, Bismil creates an atmosphere where melody transforms into devotion and audiences become part of the collective spiritual experience. Expect soul-stirring renditions of Sufi kalams, ghazals and original compositions that explore themes of divine love, surrender and human emotion. The evening crescendos from gentle beginnings to high-energy performances where the entire arena sings in unison, embodying the true spirit of a traditional mehfil.

When: December 27, 2025

Where: Indira Gandhi Arena

Price: Rs. 799 upwards