January is one of the most active cultural months in Delhi NCR, driven by winter weather, national holidays, craft fairs, art seasons, and large public festivals. Events span Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and nearby hubs, with a mix of free public gatherings and ticketed experiences.
National & Seasonal Festivals
| Event | Date / Window | Location | Entry | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republic Day Parade | 26 January | Kartavya Path, New Delhi | Free (pass required) | Full ceremonial parade, cultural tableaux, air show; passes released in advance |
| Lohri Celebrations | 13 January | Community grounds, hotels, farmhouses | Mostly free / ticketed parties | Bonfires, Punjabi folk music, dance, seasonal food |
| Makar Sankranti | 14 January | Parks, rooftops, community venues | Free | Kite flying, til-gud food, regional gatherings |
| Surajkund International Crafts Mela | Late Jan–Feb | Surajkund, Faridabad | Ticketed | Crafts, handlooms, food courts, cultural performances |
Art, Culture & Exhibitions
| Event / Format | Dates | Venue | Entry | Why Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India Art Fair (Main Edition) | Late January | NSIC Grounds, Okhla | Ticketed | South Asia’s biggest contemporary art fair |
| Ongoing Art Exhibitions | All month | NGMA, IHC, Dhoomimal | Free | Modern & contemporary Indian art |
| Photography & Design Shows | Jan | Alliance Française, galleries | Mostly free | Curated visual culture |
| Cultural Talks & Performances | Weekly | India Habitat Centre, IIC | Free / ticketed | Literature, music, dance |
Music Concerts & Live Performances
| Event Type | Frequency | Venues | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bollywood / Popular Music Concerts | Weekends | JLN Stadium, IG Arena, Aerocity | Large-scale ticketed shows |
| Sufi & Classical Music | Throughout Jan | Kamani, IHC, cultural venues | Evening performances, seated format |
| Indie & Alternative Music | Weekly | Piano Man, Summer House | Club-style gigs |
| Jazz & Blues Nights | Weekly | Piano Man Jazz Club | Winter is peak season |
Theatre, Comedy & Spoken Word
| Event | Schedule | Locations | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theatre Plays | Fri–Sun | Shri Ram Centre, Kamani | Theatre lovers |
| Stand-up Comedy Shows | Daily | Noida, Gurugram, Delhi | All ages (show-dependent) |
| Poetry & Storytelling | Weekends | IHC, cafés, cultural hubs | Literary audience |
| Open Mic Nights | Weekly | Cafés, clubs | Entry-level performers |
Food Festivals & Dining Experiences
| Event / Experience | Dates | Area | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Food Festivals | Mid–Late Jan | Major malls | Regional & global cuisine |
| Restaurant Week / Chef Specials | Jan | South Delhi, Gurugram | Set menus, seasonal dishes |
| Street Food Pop-ups | Weekends | CP, Noida, Gurugram | Winter snacks, desserts |
| Food Truck Carnivals | Select weekends | NCR outskirts | Casual outdoor dining |
Family, Kids & Outdoor Events
| Event | Dates | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children’s Activity Carnivals | Weekends | Malls, stadiums | Families with kids |
| Zoo & Biodiversity Walks | All month | Delhi Zoo, Yamuna Biodiversity Park | Day outings |
| Amusement Park Winter Events | All Jan | Adventure Island, WOW | Family fun |
| Heritage Walks | Weekends | Lodhi Garden, Mehrauli | All ages |
Sports, Fitness & Community Activities
| Event Type | When | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Runs & Walks | Weekends | Central & South Delhi | Winter-friendly fitness |
| Cycling Rallies | Jan | NCR outskirts | Amateur & club rides |
| Yoga & Wellness Sessions | Weekly | Parks, studios | Morning sessions |
Shopping, Markets & Flea Event
| Market Type | Dates | Locations | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Flea Markets | Weekends | Delhi & Gurugram | Clothes, décor, food |
| Handicraft Bazaars | Jan | Dilli Haat, Surajkund | Indian crafts |
| Pop-up Shopping Events | Jan | Malls & open grounds | Lifestyle brands |
Nightlife & Clubbing
| Event Type | Frequency | Hubs |
|---|---|---|
| DJ Nights | Fri–Sat | Aerocity, CP, CyberHub |
| Theme Nights | Weekly | Clubs & lounges |
| After-parties | Event-linked | Concert venues |
January is one of the most vibrant months in Delhi NCR’s cultural calendar, with winter weather creating the perfect backdrop for festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and outdoor experiences. From national celebrations and craft fairs to live music, theatre, food events, and family-friendly outings, the city and its surrounding hubs offer something for every kind of visitor. Whether you are planning a weekend outing, a cultural evening, or a full month of exploration, this January 2026 event calendar serves as a reliable starting point to navigate what’s happening across Delhi NCR.
FAQs
What are the biggest events in Delhi NCR in January?
January typically features the Republic Day Parade, Surajkund International Crafts Mela, Lohri and Makar Sankranti celebrations, major art fairs, winter food festivals, and a full schedule of concerts and cultural performances.
Is January a good time to attend outdoor events in Delhi NCR?
Yes. January’s winter weather makes it ideal for outdoor festivals, craft fairs, heritage walks, community runs, and open-air concerts, though early mornings and late evenings can be cold.
Are January events suitable for families and children?
Many January events are family-friendly, including Surajkund Mela, zoo visits, children’s carnivals, museum exhibitions, and daytime cultural programmes. Nightlife and club events are more adult-oriented.
Do I need tickets for most January events?
Entry requirements vary. Public events like Republic Day celebrations are free with passes, exhibitions are often free, while concerts, comedy shows, art fairs, and food festivals usually require tickets.
Where can I find last-minute event updates or ticket links?
For real-time updates, platforms such as District, BookMyShow, Insider, AllEvents, and DelhiEvents regularly list confirmed events, ticket availability, and schedule changes.
Are events spread across Delhi NCR or limited to central Delhi?
Events take place across the entire NCR, including New Delhi, South and Central Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and nearby cultural hubs, offering plenty of options beyond the city centre.
How should I plan weekends in January using this calendar?
A good approach is to mix one major event, such as a concert or festival, with a lighter activity like an exhibition, food outing, or heritage walk, especially during colder weekends.