Food & Shopping
Night Carnival
Kohima town after dark — street food, stalls, live sets and a completely different crowd.
What it is
The Night Carnival (also listed in the official programme as Night Bazaar, Winter Carnival and Carnival Cum Bazaar on different days) turns central Kohima into an open-air evening market. It ran at 6:00 PM every single day of the 2025 festival, spread across BOC, Main Town, NMHC and the New Secretariat Junction, with New Ministers Hill added on some nights.
Why it matters
The Kisama arena closes in the late afternoon; the Night Carnival is what keeps the ten days alive after dark, and it is where the festival stops being a performance and becomes a town celebration. It is also the best place to eat cheaply and well.
Where it takes place
Central Kohima — BOC, Main Town, NMHC, New Secretariat Junction and New Ministers Hill, depending on the night.
Getting there: see how to reach Kisama and Kohima, and the Kisama Heritage Village venue guide.
Who should attend
Everyone, especially budget travellers and food-first visitors. It is walkable from most Kohima accommodation, so no transport is required.
Before you travel, check the ILP & PAP permit requirements and budget guidance.
Programme days (2025 archive)
In the official Hornbill Festival 2025 programme, this event appeared on:
- Day 1, 1 December 2025 — 6:00 PM Night Carnival
- Day 2, 2 December 2025 — 6:00 PM Night Carnival
- Day 3, 3 December 2025 — 6:00 PM Night Carnival
- Day 4, 4 December 2025 — 6:00 PM Night Bazaar
- Day 5, 5 December 2025 — 6:00 PM Winter Carnival
- Day 6, 6 December 2025 — 6:00 PM Night Carnival
- Day 7, 7 December 2025 — 6:00 PM Winter Carnival
- Day 8, 8 December 2025 — 6:00 PM Carnival Cum Bazaar
- Day 9, 9 December 2025 — 6:00 PM Night Carnival
- Day 10, 10 December 2025 — 6:00 PM Winter Carnival
These are archived 2025 timings. The 2026 programme will be published separately once released by the Government of Nagaland.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a ticket for the Night Carnival?
No. It is a public street carnival in Kohima town, separate from the Kisama arena entry.
Which night is best?
The official 2025 programme listed carnival activity on all ten evenings, with different zones on different nights. Weekend evenings are the busiest.