Ready for an exchange of sceneries this upcoming Christmas and New Year 2019? How about a tropical festive holiday to exotic Sri Lanka? Something new, exciting and such a beautiful, beautiful place! You will find Christmas has something truly magical here in this far-away country and New Year will be a blast with fireworks and the whole shebang. In the morning, embrace 2020 with a dive in the ocean or even a hike up the mountain peak – it is up to you! Here’s some inspiration for your Christmas Holiday to Sri Lanka:
Sri Lankan Christmas Markets
Wait, Christmas markets in Sri Lanka? Really?? Yes, really! In the capital city Colombo and the historical town of Galle, there will be magical Christmas Markets where you can go shopping, totally getting you into the festive spirit!. Christmas trees, colourful sparkling lights, beautifully wrapped gifts, traditional Christmas snacks and festive tunes, there will even be street performers and the ambience will be lively and merry. The most famous Christmas Markets in Colombo and Galle are Columbus Christmas Street and Galle Face Green Fair. Go check them out if you can!
Try the traditional Sri Lankan Christmas Cake
Yes, it is true, Sri Lanka has a ‘Christmas Cake’ that is quite famous and also quite delicious. Influenced by the European cuisine in the colonial times, the Sri Lankan Christmas cakes are made with cashew nuts, marzipan and spices and they are wrapped up in red or green festive paper. There’ll be a run on these cakes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – make sure to get a bite of them while you can! (you can also find them on the Christmas markets in Colombo and Galle!).
The Midnight Mass in Colombo
If you are in Colombo on Christmas Eve, you may want to go experience The Midnight Mass at St. Lucia’s Cathedral where the birth of Christ is celebrated with singing, candles and prayer.
Christmas Carols at Groote Kerk in Galle
Groote Kerk in Galle is the place to be for Christmas Carols this Christmas in Sri Lanka 2019. This historic church was built by the Dutch in 1755 and you can be sure the bells will be ringing this Christmas.
Christmas dinner in Colombo
Almost every hotel will have Christmas decorations, festive events and gourmet dinners and buffets on those special days of the festive season. Here are some places you could check out:
This chic hotel in Colombo turns into a true Christmas venue in December. There will be a Christmas Market held from December 12th to December 23th and there will be Christmas carols on December 21st. The Christmas decor is truly spectacular and you can also come in for a fabulous Christmas dinner (reservations are recommended!). The on-site Taprobane Restaurant gets our taste buds going with a special Christmas Lunch buffet featuring roasted turkey and all the trimmings. This international buffet costs LKR. 6,000net for adults and LKR. 1,500 for children.
For festive coffees and cocktails, go to Rare Bar & Kitchen in Colombo. There will also be special festive treats and merry tunes.
Shang Palace at Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo serves up a delicious Christmas buffet with roast turkey, plum butter and creamy brandy butter – everything you crave for when dreaming of a Christmas dinner. You can go on Christmas Eve for dinner or on Christmas Day for brunch or dinner. The price for this traditional feast is LKR 6,500++.
Christmas Dinner in Galle
Aqua Forte is the place to be for a fantastic authentic Italian Christmas dinner. Handmade pasta, a great selection of wines, the chef has prepared a special Christmas Menu and for the full experience, you can go for the curated 4-course Christmas dinner paired with the perfect wines. Make sure to reserve a table!
Stay in a gorgeous private pool villa
Did you know you can get a private chef to come to your pool villa and cook up a delicious Christmas meal? Yes, it is possible! Play your favourite Christmas songs, share precious moments together in your Sri Lankan holiday home and share a delicious meal together in the living room of your holiday home. In the morning, you can plunge into the pool or head towards the beach where you get white sands instead of white snow to celebrate the festive season 2019. What a special year, it is!
