As the festive season of Christmas and New Year approaches, Kashmir’s tourism sector is gearing up to welcome visitors. However, while Gulmarg continues to dominate as the preferred choice for New Year celebrations, other equally mesmerizing destinations like Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Doodhpathri are struggling to attract similar footfall. Gulmarg’s unparalleled charm as a ski resort and winter wonderland has made it the crown jewel of Kashmir’s winter tourism. With all accommodations sold out for New Year, it remains the top choice for travelers seeking adventure and revelry amidst pristine snow. However, the low bookings for Christmas suggest an opportunity to amplify promotional efforts around this festival. Other destinations, like Pahalgam and Sonamarg, have also reported limited Christmas bookings, with New Year reservations showing only a marginally better response. Meanwhile, places like Doodhpathri still lag behind in terms of holiday season popularity. To ensure that the festive cheer spreads beyond Gulmarg, a concerted effort is needed to promote Christmas and New Year celebrations at these lesser-explored winter locations. Christmas, with its universal appeal, offers a unique opportunity to showcase Kashmir’s cultural diversity. Destinations like Pahalgam and Sonamarg could host themed events, such as Christmas markets featuring local handicrafts, traditional Kashmiri cuisine, and live performances. New Year celebrations, often associated with grandeur and excitement, can be reimagined at destinations like Doodhpathri and Pahalgam to offer a blend of adventure and tranquility. Bonfires, fireworks and live music can create a unique and unforgettable experience for tourists. Additionally, promoting activities like sledding and horse rides in these areas can cater to adventure enthusiasts, while family-friendly events can make them appealing to a broader audience. And many tourists shy away from exploring lesser known destinations beyond Gulmarg due to concerns about connectivity and accommodation quality. Addressing these challenges by improving roads, ensuring reliable transport, and upgrading hotel facilities can significantly enhance the appeal of other lesser known spots. Moreover, creating bundled travel packages that include multiple destinations can encourage tourists to explore beyond the usual hotspots. Marketing and promotional efforts need to be equally robust. Social media campaigns, travel vlogs, and collaborations with influencers can highlight the unique experiences offered at these destinations during the festive season. Offering special discounts and packages for Christmas and New Year can further incentivize travelers to consider alternative locations. The government and tourism authorities can also play a crucial role by organizing winter festivals and providing support to local businesses to host events. Ultimately, diversifying the festive offerings across Kashmir’s many scenic destinations will not only enhance tourist footfall but also distribute economic benefits more evenly. While snowfall is a significant draw for tourists visiting Kashmir during the festive season, it is crucial to have contingency plans in place for destinations that may not experience snow, especially apart from Gulmarg. In such cases, these destinations can focus on their inherent natural beauty, cultural richness, and unique experiences. Pahalgam, for instance, can highlight its lush pine forests and riverfront trails, offering nature walks, photography tours and horse-riding activities.