In the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, Christmas takes on a distinctly tropical twist. The 17th-century ramparts are strung with fairy lights, boutique storefronts sparkle with festive décor, and the sound of carols drifts from centuries-old churches. Days here unfold easily – wandering through art galleries, discovering design boutiques, or browsing festive pop-ups selling handmade crafts, cinnamon-scented candles, and local treats.

At Fort Bazaar, families can join in festive fun with interactive children’s activities – from mask carving to treasure hunts – while parents unwind over spa treatments or afternoon cocktails. As evening falls, Christmas Eve dinners in the hotel’s candlelit courtyard bring together the best of island ingredients and seasonal flavours. New Year’s Eve in Galle is elegant yet relaxed – think champagne, live jazz, and the soft pop of fireworks echoing from the beaches below. For something livelier, nearby Unawatuna and Talpe host beach parties that last well into the night.

A little further along the coast, Kumu Beach in Balapitiya is the perfect setting for a laid-back seaside celebration. With its oceanfront lawns, infinity pool, and stylish suites, it’s ideal for families or groups looking to take over the entire property for an intimate Christmas or New Year’s gathering. Picture sunset cocktails by the pool, a festive seafood barbecue under the palms, and a midnight dip beneath a canopy of fireworks – barefoot luxury at its most effortless.

On the coast, Christmas means sunshine, sea breeze, and celebration. From Negombo in the west to the southern surf towns of Weligama, Mirissa and Hiriketiya, the air is filled with festive cheer. Close to Colombo, Wallawwa offers a peaceful base for families wanting to relax before or after flights. Negombo, with its strong Catholic heritage, celebrates Christmas in full – with church services, carols, and midnight mass.

Further south, luxury beach hotels and villas host elegant Christmas lunches, beach barbecues, and candlelit dinners under the stars. In Weligama, kids can swap Santa hats for surfboards, while in Mirissa, catamaran cruises offer sunset sails on Christmas Eve. Down in Hiriketiya, a bohemian crowd gathers for bonfires on the sand, live music, and laid-back new year’s Eve festivities.

No Sri Lankan Christmas is complete without indulging in the island’s iconic seasonal sweets. The centrepiece is the rich, boozy Christmas cake – a dense fruit cake steeped in brandy, spice, and tradition. Alongside it sits love cake, a fragrant blend of semolina, cashew nuts, honey, and rosewater – a cherished nod to Sri Lanka’s Portuguese past. The light sweetness of milk wine and king coconut wine (crafted from the sap of king coconuts) perfectly complements the cakes, while breudher, a Dutch-inspired fruit loaf, is best enjoyed warm with a slice of cheese or a smear of butter. Together, these treats are more than desserts; they’re a celebration of Sri Lanka’s cultural melting pot and the joy of festive indulgence.