Where Stars Tell Time: Christmas & New Year in the Himalayas
As featured in Condé Nast Traveller's "14 charming Kumaon homestays for the winter," Jilling Terraces invites you to experience the holidays as they were meant to be – intimate, authentic, and filled with natural wonder.
Imagine waking up on Christmas morning in an 80-year-old mountain home, where mist swirls around ancient oaks and the distant Nanda Devi peak glitters like nature's own Christmas star. At 7,000 feet, surrounded by 100 acres of pristine native forest and no-one else, we offer something increasingly precious: the space to truly be with those who matter most.
This season, trade artificial Christmas lights for real starlight, city noise for mountain whispers, and digital notifications for nature's gentle rhythms. With just 7 rooms hosting a maximum of 16 guests, each celebration becomes an intimate gathering where every moment is shared, every meal is a conversation, and every sunset is an event unto itself.
We have curated four Unique Holiday Experiences
Winter Whispers: Pre-Christmas Retreat
December 20-22, 2024
The quiet prelude to festivities
Morning nature walks in frost-kissed oak forests
Afternoon tea and storytelling by the fireplace
Evening meditation under crystal-clear skies
Special winter wellness menu featuring local ingredients
Traditional bonfire under the stars (weather permitting)
Exclusive activity: Guided winter foraging walk
Forest Festivities: The Christmas Special
December 24-26, 2024
Where Christmas magic meets mountain mysteries
Christmas Eve welcome with traditional mountain herbs tea
Special Christmas morning sunrise trek
Festive Christmas lunch with panoramic views
Evening carol singing and storytelling session
Christmas dinner featuring local winter specialties
Exclusive activity: Christmas morning wildlife watching
Walk and hike into our property, enjoy quite time with family and friends
Mountain Reflections: Pre-New Year Pause
December 27-29, 2024
A mindful transition between years
Guided forest bathing sessions
Year-end reflection workshops
Mountain photography walks
Evening stargazing with hot cocoa
Special detox menu options
Exclusive activity: Journaling workshop in secret forest spots
View from our terraces - Clear visibility on most winter days
Skyward Dreams: New Year's Special
December 31, 2024 - January 2, 2025
Welcome 2025 closer to the stars
New Year's Eve special mountain dinner
Midnight stargazing celebration
First sunrise of 2025 from our mountain perch
New Year's Day nature walk
Special fusion celebration meals
Exclusive activity: First light meditation
Essential Planning Guide
Weather & Packing
December temperatures: 12°C (day) to 2°C (night)
Layer your clothing: thermal inner wear, warm mid-layers, windproof outer layer
Essential items: sturdy walking shoes, warm socks, gloves, caps, sunglasses
Don't forget: flashlight/headlamp, water bottle, small daypack
Optional: binoculars for wildlife watching, camera for stunning views
Meal Planning
All meals included in your stay
Special dietary requirements accommodated with advance notice
Traditional Kumaoni dishes featured alongside international cuisine
Fresh, local, seasonal ingredients from mountain farms
Special festive menus for Christmas and New Year
Endless supply of mountain herb teas and fresh spring water
Getting Here
Location: Matial Village, Dhari Tehsil, Nainital
45-minute to 2-hour trek up from Matial village
Reach Matial by 3:30 PM latest for a safe trek up
Porter service available for luggage
Team member accompanies all guests on the trek
Clear travel directions provided upon booking
Important Notes
Early booking essential (only 7 rooms available per slot)
Minimum 2-night stay required
Full payment required to confirm booking
Special rates for booking multiple slots
Check-in by 6 PM strictly enforced for safety
No direct road access - trek required
What's Included
Accommodation in your choice of room/cottage (based on availability)
All meals and refreshments
Guided nature activities
Evening gatherings
Welcome kit with forest essentials
Expert naturalist guides
All listed activities
Special Celebration Details
Traditional bonfires (December only)
Festive decorations using natural materials
Special celebration menus
Photography sessions
Guided star gazing
Local cultural experiences
Join us this holiday season for celebrations that remind us of what truly matters - genuine connections, natural wonder, and the simple joy of being present in a beautiful place with those we love.
Contact us at +91 70420 84935 or email info@jillingterraces.com to begin your mountain celebration story.
Note: With just 7 rooms available per slot, early booking is strongly recommended. Special rates available for extended stays across multiple slots.