Flower fest, light show to begin in Thiruvananthapuram on December 24

Ranging from competitions in floral decorations and installations to a Chrysanthemum festival, the much-anticipated festival of flowers and lights, ‘Vasantholsavam,’ is all set to offer a visual treat for people from December 24 to January 4, 2026 in Thiruvananthapuram.

This edition of Vasantholsavam, organised by the department of Tourism and the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) on Kanakakkunnu grounds in the city, is curated by Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute, Palode. The flower fete along with the light festival illuminating the city’s streets and heritage structures during the Christmas and New Year season will be a double delight for visitors.

The Tourism department has earmarked a budget of ₹1.18 crore for the light show. The flower festival will have competitions in around 70 categories including those relating to exhibition of flower plants, ornamental plants, orchids, anthurium, cactus, and adenium. Government and private institutions, nurseries and individuals can take part in the competitions. There will be separate first, second and third prize winners, besides overall champions in each category.

More than 25,000 plants will be on display at the fete, apart from around 15,000 plants in the competitions category. An expo of flower decorations and a competition in this category will also be held for adults and students. Visitors can buy flowers and plants from the stalls put up by nurseries as well.  Ticket for adults is priced at ₹50 while for children it is ₹30.