SHIMLA: The picturesque hill stations in Himachal Pradesh are gearing up for a festive extravaganza during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Hoteliers in Shimla, Manali, Gushaini, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Dalhousie and Dharamshala extend warm welcomes to tourists, with special packages offered by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) and private owners alike to make the celebrations all the more special this year. 

There are private hotels, homestays, in peripheral towns  and HPTDC hotels offering a variety of dance and Dine parties for all tastes.

They can have the ice skating sessions at Rivoli, Asia's oldest skating rink. 

Guests can enjoy festivities at various locations, including The Palace in Chail, Holiday Home in Shimla, Hotel Pinewood in Barog, Manali Complex, Dharamshala Complex, Hotel T Bud in Palampur, Hotel Manimahesh in Dalhousie, and Hotel New Ros Common in Kasauli.

HPTDC's New Year packages encompass boarding, lodging, and vibrant celebration events. Ticket charges range from Rs. 2912/- to Rs. 7080/- per couple, with room rent as an additional cost.

The HPTDC properties will be adorned with colorful lighting, hosting Gala Nights featuring Dine 'N' Dance, DJ with live music, dance competitions, and fun activities for children.

Attractive prizes, including titles like Manali Queen and Bhagsu Queen, await the best performers. The festivities include a variety of snacks and a sumptuous dinner.

Amit Kashyap, Managing Director of HPTDC, emphasized the special arrangements made to protect guests from the cold weather. Visitors staying in HPTDC properties will be treated to a diverse range of Himachali, Indian, Continental, and Oriental cuisines, accompanied by entertainment and dance.

Even private hotel owners have also decorated their premises to make Christmas and New Year festivities all the more memorable for the guests.