While Christians make up just over 7% of the Sri Lankan population, Christmas is indeed a globally renowned festival. Records indicate that Sri Lankan customs and traditions were shaped by European colonial influence from the 16th to the 20th century. During this period, Christmas in Sri Lanka became an integral part the local culture. Moreover, to cater to the massive tourism influx during this season, Sri Lanka celebrates the festival with much passion and enthusiasm as the rest of the world!
During this time for sharing love, kindness, compassion, and most importantly – gifts, the Christmas season in Sri Lanka is visible everywhere. From small retail stores to medical and dental clinics, large malls as well as hospitals! Here’s a list of things we believe are a must try during Christmas in Sri Lanka.
Visit a local town
In larger cities, Christmas is typically celebrated with vibrant decorations, sparkling lights, and lively festivities. However, some prefer a quieter, more traditional celebration—a serene and joyous way to embrace the holiday spirit.
For a more conventional Christmas experience, visit the coastal town of Negombo, home to a large Christian community. Here, you can relive the charm of old-fashioned Christmas traditions. Attend intimate midnight masses, enjoying fireworks, and joining locals in carol singing to raise funds for charity.
Pro Tip: For a cozy, home-like atmosphere during Christmas, consider staying in a villa in Sri Lanka. The staff will decorate the space and prepare traditional Sri Lankan Christmas meals to make your holiday truly special.
Stroll around the streets taking in the festive spirit of Christmas in Sri Lanka
If you enjoy wandering through bustling markets during Christmas, Colombo is the place to be! Every street comes alive with the festive spirit. Shops and hotels sparkle with elaborate decorations and dazzling Christmas trees adorned with ornaments at every corner. The joyful laughter of children, the hustle of last-minute bargain hunters, and the whimsical charm of reindeer displays create an atmosphere of pure holiday magic.
To witness the island’s tallest Christmas tree, head to Park Street in Colombo 07. For a visual treat, visit the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, famed for its unique and highly Instagram-able holiday decorations.
Food lovers won’t want to miss the chance to savour delicious Christmas dishes like roasted turkey, steamed fruit pudding, and authentic Sri Lankan curry. Top local spots to check out include Upali’s, Raja Bojun, and Nuga Gama in Colombo, where a feast of flavours awaits.
Climb Adam’s Peak
Visiting a site of religious significance can be a meaningful way to celebrate a revered festival like Christmas. Perched at 2,243 meters above sea level, Adam’s Peak is a sacred mountain that holds spiritual importance. For Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists alike. For Christians, the mountain is particularly significant as it is believed to bear a 1.8-meter footprint of Adam, the first man according to biblical tradition.
Locally known as Sri Pada or the Holy Footprint, this is the fourth-highest mountain in Sri Lanka. It is surrounded by lush, forested hills, offering trekkers breath-taking views throughout the journey. Visiting such a profoundly spiritual site provides a unique and reflective way to celebrate the essence of Christmas.
Must-Do: Consider camping overnight to enjoy a dazzling display of stars, witness the serene beauty of the sunrise, and then begin your descent. Be sure to bring sleeping bags and check the weather forecast before embarking on this unforgettable experience.
Visit a Church during Christmas in Sri Lanka
The festive occasion of Christmas gives one an opportunity to explore the religious aspect of oneself. What’s better than planning a mini expedition exploring numerous churches built throughout the country?
Having a history of Portuguese, Dutch and Britishers rulers, Sri Lanka is heavily dominated by Christian faith and churches. The cities well known for their churches include Colombo, Negombo, Batticaloa and Tewatte. Out of these, Negombo, a city on the western coast of Sri Lanka is popularly nicknamed as ‘Little Rome’. This city alone is home to 25 magnificent Roman Catholic Churches. These highly embellished churches include St. Mary’s, St. Sebastian’s, St. Joseph’s and St. Anne’s amongst others.
Tip: If you plan to visit more than one city, make sure you keep Negombo planned for the Christmas Eve. Believe us; you wouldn’t want to miss their traditional Christmas in Sri Lanka.
Indulge in a Gala Xmas Dinner
Christmas in Sri Lanka wouldn’t be complete without a hearty and delightful meal. Throughout the festive season, hotels and restaurants buzz with life, hosting special dinners and events featuring live music and dance performances. Be sure to savour the traditional Christmas delicacies in Sri Lanka, such as succulent roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and rich Christmas cake.
You can enjoy this festive feast in cities like Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and Nuwara Eliya. From lavish spreads featuring seasonal favourites to all-you-can-eat feasts with plenty of variety. Sri Lankan Blog – Yamu.lk highlights some of the best spreads are available at Hilton, Shangri La and Kingsbury hotels in Colombo, The Grand Kandyan in Kandy, The Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya and Jetwing Lighthouse in Galle. You could also simply visit any of the exclusive four- or five-star hotels in these locations to indulge in a delectable buffet spread.