If you’re thinking of taking a tropical holiday Sri Lanka is a must on your bucket list this Christmas. The climate is cooler and families from all over the world visit the country to meet family, friends and even visit places they have missed during their time away.
For those who love the festive time, Sri Lanka though being a majority Buddhist country do in-fact celebrate Christmas. Here are some events and sights not to be missed this season in 2019
Decorations in and around Colombo City
If you can’t make it for the fair a drive around Colombo is a must during the Christmas season. Most of the decorations are sponsored by the private business establishments while the government organisations do have a few displays. Most decorations are set up as early as mid November. Here are some pictures from December 2018.
Christmas Markets
Visit these events organised by the local and international hotel chains, the Sri Lanka Tourism Board, business establishments, local schools and charities. Each market has something unique but all have something you would not want to miss - the Christmas delights! Here are some image snap shots from the events;
Christmas Market by Hilton Colombo
Dec 01 - Dec 28, 2019
The market at Hilton starts off with a show by a local entertainment group followed by gourmet dishes displayed at Lobby. The items for sale will include some local and international delights with sausages, cold cuts, cheeses, jams with gold flakes, organic produce, French cognac butter & eggnog in a bottle.
Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/538981120000839/
Christmas at the Kingsbury Hotel
Dec 06 - Dec 22, 2019
This event by the Kingsbury hotel in Colombo promises gourmet delights, special buffet spreads, on demand catering as well as.
Event link: https://www.thekingsburyhotel.com/experience-christmas-magic-at-the-kingsbury-this-december.html
Christmas Market at the Arcade Independence Square
Dec 07 (10am - 9pm)
This event will include over 40 stalls stocked with curated, Christmas specialty food, drinks, gifts, novelty items and decorations. There is also live music, and events for kids including a santa's workshop. Something for the whole family.
Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/arcade-independence-square/christmas-market/1424543231037909/
Christmas Fest 2019 - Organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Board
Dec 20 - Dec 22, 2019
This annual event by the Sri Lanka Tourism Board promises a memorable Christmas for locals and foreigners alike. The fiesta includes food festival, Christmas choirs, kids entertainment, fireworks, a bazaar and many more.
Midnight Mass or Carol Services
The Christmas midnight mass is usually celebrated at 12:00 midnight on the 24th of December and is a crowded event which Catholic worshipers attend. Sri Lanka has several local churches and most churches will definitely have the midnight mass. Here are a few popular churches for this.
St Mary’s Bambalapitiya
St Anthony’s Kochchikade
All Saints Borella
St. Theresa’s Church Thimbirigasyaya
A few closely associated events include the carol services held just before Christmas. Here are a few events you should not miss if you are interested in listening to a carol service;
O Come All Ye Faithful by the Archdiocese of Colombo
Dec 12 2019 7 PM – 10 PM
This annual event is organised by the Archdiocese of Colombo and the Saint Joseph Vaz Trust, with this years theme being ‘Love, Peace & Harmony.’ This year the even pays tribute to those who were affected by the Easter day bombing with children who were affected by the bombing also being invited.
Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/798301413953464/
A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols by Trinity College Kandy
Sunday, December 1, 2019 at 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Trinity College Kandy is a leading school in Sri Lanka and this event is an annual event. They hope to have a Festival of Nine Lessons and carols at the college chapel.