The excitement of the New Year countdown – the "three, two, one!" – can be amplified by choosing the right celebration spot. New Year's Eve is a time for vibrant celebrations, bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new with enthusiasm. Regardless of the past year's challenges, it's always wise to set ambitious goals for the future.
The New Year spirit is aroused in everyone just by seeing the vast decorations on a beach fest or at a carnival. Below lists a few New Year events that would answer the question of what Kerala offers every New Year celebration.
Bonfire of renewal: Cochin Carnival
Kochi residents, known for their unique New Year's tradition of burning an effigy of Santa Claus, usher in the New Year with a display reflecting its burning. The traffic of the city becomes even more slow moving during the carnival celebrations as the city is crowded with both international and national spectators. Cochin carnival begins around 10 days before the New Year. This is always hailed as the greatest of all the festivals by the natives in Kochi. There will be several competitions like bike racing, swimming, kayaking, badminton and football tournaments, tug of war, bench rest, boxing and many more; apart from the DJ and music night.
The most peculiar event is the carnival rally, which starts from Fort Kochi Veli Ground to Parade Ground. This year, everyone is rushing to Kochi to have a glance at the giant, magnificent yellow tree. This year, Kochi offers more with the ongoing Kochi Muziris Biennale.
Nakshathra Thadakkam
Malayattoor carnival is yet another celebratory spot one should not miss during the New Year. The place awaits a glorious view of more than 10 thousand stars illuminated around the 110-acre-wide Manappattuchira check dam every Christmas season, which gives it the name Nakshathra Thadakkam or pool of stars. The lake embankment will be seen as a sparkling chain from a bird's eye view. Cultural events, amusement rides, and food courts set up a proper entertainment atmosphere around the lake.
Setting New Year on the shore: Beach fests
The coastal version of New Year partying has a different dimension of partying. By tasting the different flavours of multiple culinary mastery to varied cultural events and extending music nights, beach fests in Kerala cannot skip one’s New Year event short listing. Kovalam, Varkala, Mararikulam, Arthunkal, Ulavaip Carnival, Cherthala, Cherai, and Kozhikode could satisfy your New Year cravings as well as fulfil the excitement waiting for 2026.
