Thiruvananthapuram is hosting a grand Christmas and New Year carnival, highlighted by a giant 50-foot Santa Claus in Varkala. The Santa Claus, which took 19 days to construct using bamboo and screw pine, is the centerpiece of the celebrations organized by a group of youngsters under the leadership of the Sree Sankara Narayana Cultural Center. The event, inspired by the Cochin Carnival, is free to enter and includes cultural programs, attracting visitors from various places. The display of Santa Claus will be available until January 1, allowing for New Year celebrations as well.

Ponmudi, a tourist center in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has reopened after four months following a landslide closure. The area is experiencing a good amount of visitors, especially during holidays, despite ongoing road renovation work from Kallar to Hilltop. The road conditions are still partially incomplete, with some areas having scattered metal pieces and unfinished concrete work, posing risks to travelers. KSRTC has announced bus service schedules to Ponmudi, and travelers are advised to follow the instructions of eco-tourism guides and authorities during their visit.

A complaint has been filed against Thiruvananthapuram Medical College for allegedly bypassing government directives and making an unauthorized appointment to the post of organ transplant coordinator. The complaint, lodged by Dr. Ganapathi from Kollam Shakthikulangara, claims that the appointment was made without following the proper procedures, which require finding suitable candidates through the Employment Exchange or conducting interviews if such candidates are not available. The controversy surrounds the appointment of an individual who allegedly secured a position in the Nephrology department through unauthorized means. There are demands for the current notification to be canceled and for the appointment to be made through the Employment Exchange.