Christmas & New Year Tours in Sri Lanka
Picture yourself climbing the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress, then exploring Dambulla's cave temples filled with Buddhist art. You'll watch cultural dance performances in Kandy, ride through stunning tea plantations heading to Ella, and honestly, the safari through Udawalawe National Park is where you might spot elephants roaming freely. Sri Lanka's got that magical mix of culture and wildlife.
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Informative trip and memorable trip, perfect trip.
Sri Lanka Intro TourGood guude. Good hotels. Not be eniugh to do not much of a guude. More of a driver
Discover Sri Lanka Beauty - Small Group Tour 12 DaysGuides were experienced, ensuring we had the best chances to spot wildlife. The accommodations were comfortable, with some offering views of the surrounding nature. The overall experience was a perfect adventure.
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10 best Christmas & New Year Sri Lanka tour packages
Compiled by
NinaSri Lanka travel expert at TourRadar
- Sri Lanka Intro Tour
- Discover Sri Lanka Beauty - Small Group Tour 12 Days
- Splendours of Sri Lanka
- Grand Tour Sri Lanka - Small Group Tour 14 Days
- Sri Lanka Highlights - 11 Days Private / Small Group Comfort Tour
- Timeless Wonders of Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Eco-Travel Trek
- Dream Path Of Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Deluxe Travels
- Semi-Luxury Travel Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Intro Tour
“One of the wonderful and well managed trips I have ever.”
Murph, traveled in November
Colombo's illuminated Gangaramaya Temple and Kandy's festive performances usher in the season. Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya radiates holiday magic before New Year celebrations amid tea plantations. December departures feature special seasonal activities.
Duration 8 days Destinations Colombo, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Matale, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Udawalawe National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Passage Holidays From $1,890
50% Off- US$945
Discover Sri Lanka Beauty - Small Group Tour 12 Days
“It was crammed with memorable experiences. Our small group came away filled with admiration for Sri Lanka, its majestic scenery, art and monuments, wildlife, people and great food.”
Antonio, traveled in December
Sri Lanka's holiday season stretches from Negombo to Colombo with special festivities. Seasonal dinners, Mirissa beach fireworks, and UNESCO sites like Sigiriya Rock complement traditional village celebrations.
Duration 12 days Destinations Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, Tangalle, Mirissa, Galle, Colombo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator ASY Tours Sri Lanka From $1,390
9% Off- US$1,265
Splendours of Sri Lanka
“I was amazed by the well preserved historical sites. This is a great tour.”
Dane, traveled in January
Sri Lanka's cultural treasures come alive during holidays, from Anuradhapura's ancient stupas to Kandy's Temple of the Tooth. Nuwara Eliya's hill country hosts seasonal festivities before New Year's beachside celebrations in Bentota.
Duration 12 days Destinations Colombo, Negombo, Pinnawala, Peradeniya, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Matale, KandySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Passage Holidays From $4,479
50% Off- US$2,240
Grand Tour Sri Lanka - Small Group Tour 14 Days
“It is a good mix of cultural sites, wildlife experiences and more relaxing activities.”
Ralph, traveled in January
Temple of the Tooth in Kandy offers special holiday ceremonies alongside festive dinners and coastal New Year celebrations. Mirissa's seasonal whale watching and traditional performances showcase Sri Lankan holiday customs.
Duration 14 days Destinations Negombo, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala National Park, Tangalle, Mirissa, GalleSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator ASY Tours Sri Lanka From $1,490
9% Off- US$1,356
Sri Lanka Highlights - 11 Days Private / Small Group Comfort Tour
“Seeing so many elephants was a true highlight, and the jeep was safe and comfortable.”
Melanie, traveled in November
Holiday spirit fills the air with festive BBQ dinners at Udawalawe camp and seasonal celebrations in colonial Nuwara Eliya. The waters of Mirissa offer Christmas whale watching, while Coconut Tree Hill provides a stunning New Year's sunset backdrop. Seasonal decorations add charm to each stop.
Duration 11 days Destinations Negombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Matale, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Nanu Oya, Ella, Udawalawe National Park, MirissaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Panoramic Tour & Travels From
9% Off- US$1,473
Timeless Wonders of Sri Lanka
“Everything was perfectly organized. we learned so much about Sri Lanka, its culture, history, and attractions.”
Gina-Maria, traveled in June
Duration 10 days Destinations Negombo, Kegalla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Ginigathhena, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, DikwellaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Spanish Operator Exotic Perla From
9% Off- US$1,490
Sri Lanka Eco-Travel Trek
“Sri Lanka's natural beauty is breathtaking, and its people are remarkably gentle and kind.”
John, traveled in February
From Christmas Eve at colonial churches in Nuwara Eliya to New Year's celebrations on Mirissa's beachfront, holiday magic fills the air. UNESCO sites like Temple of Tooth Relic and Yala National Park safaris round out the festivities.
Duration 9 days Destinations Hambantota, Mirissa, Negombo, Kurunegala, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Matale, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, EllaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Spanish Operator Capital Lanka Tours From $1,415
25% Off- US$1,061
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in Sri Lanka
When is the best time to book a Christmas & New Year tour in Sri Lanka?
Book your Sri Lanka Christmas and New Year tour 4-6 months ahead. December draws large crowds and popular accommodations like Amaya Lake Resort in Dambulla and Coral Rock Resort in Hikkaduwa fill up quickly. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The Christmas period had perfect weather and festive celebrations but booking early was essential as hotels were fully booked."
What special Christmas & New Year activities are included in Sri Lanka tours?
Tours during the holiday season combine traditional celebrations with local culture. Expect festive gala dinners cultural shows and hotel celebrations. Cinnamon Wild Yala puts on traditional Sri Lankan New Year's Eve events complete with local dance and fireworks. Visitors can browse Christmas markets in Colombo or attend midnight mass at historic churches. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The New Year's celebration at our beach resort in Bentota was magical with traditional dancers fireworks over the ocean and an incredible feast."
What cultural experiences are unique to Christmas & New Year tours?
The holiday season brings special access to cultural events across Sri Lanka. Visitors can attend midnight mass at Kandy's Temple of the Tooth join New Year celebrations in local villages and explore festive markets in Colombo. Places like Sigiriya Village Hotel blend Sri Lankan traditions with holiday festivities. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Experiencing both Buddhist temples and Christian churches during Christmas time gave us a unique perspective on Sri Lankan culture."
How much do Christmas & New Year tours in Sri Lanka typically cost?
Standard 8-10 day holiday packages run USD 1000-2000 while luxury options including stays at properties like Cinnamon Lodge Habarana reach USD 2500. Budget about USD 295 extra for entrance fees and activities. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The Christmas/New Year period was more expensive but worth it for the special celebrations and experiences."
What is the weather like during Christmas & New Year in Sri Lanka?
December and January offer reliable weather across Sri Lanka. The central hills near Nuwara Eliya stay cool at 15-20°C making them perfect for exploring tea plantations. Coast areas like Bentota and Mirissa see temperatures of 27-30°C ideal for beach time. According to TourRadar travelers: "The weather during Christmas week was perfect - sunny days for safaris and cool evenings in the hills."
What type of accommodation can I expect on a Christmas & New Year tour?
Hotels embrace the holiday spirit with special decorations and events. Notable options include Heritance Kandalama in Dambulla which pairs mountain views with Christmas festivities and Araliya Green Hills in Nuwara Eliya known for its New Year's celebrations. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Our hotel in Kandy was beautifully decorated for Christmas with local touches blending with traditional decorations."