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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I had a fantastic 8-day tour of Sri Lanka with Mango Vacations. From the initial booking, their staff were incredibly helpful, answering all my questions and making sure everything was clear before I departed. Our driver/guide, Mr Hasanka, was excellent! Very professional, friendly, knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. He went above and beyond to make the itinerary work for the group, including timings and locations, and made sure we saw all the key sights. Despite some very long days and lots of driving, he always kept going with a smile. He also shared fascinating insights into Sri Lankan culture and history and gave us great dinner recommendations. A fantastic company and a brilliant guide, i would highly recommended!
Timeless Trails: Unveiling Sri Lanka's Rich HistoryThank you, for giving me the best travel experience! Everything was so well planned, and I am especially grateful to have had Susandu as my guide. Susandu is genuine, kind, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable about Sri Lankan history. He is also full of energy and enthusiasm! He took me from the tallest mountains down to the sea, accompanying me every step of the way. I could not have managed those sharp, steep climbs without his support and encouragement. He always put my safety first, which meant so much to me as a solo female traveler. Thanks to Susandu, I witnessed some of the most amazing and breathtaking views of Sri Lanka. He also has a wonderful eye and real talent for photography and videography, capturing beautiful memories of my holiday that I will treasure forever. It is clear that Susandu truly loves his job and takes great pride in what he does. Along the way, I wanted to explore silk, wood carving, and local plants, and he made it all possible. He knows exactly where to find quality craftsmanship and materials. He also knows Sri Lankan food inside out and took me to some wonderful places to eat. I highly recommend. Thank you, for making my trip so special and unforgettable! 🇱🇰❤️
Highlights of Sri LankaGood guude. Good hotels. Not be eniugh to do not much of a guude. More of a driver
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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
“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
Holiday spirit fills Kandy's Temple of Sacred Tooth with festive cultural shows. Colonial Nuwara Eliya's tea country radiates seasonal joy, while Anuradhapura's ancient stupas and Sigiriya's rock fortress host New Year celebrations.
Duration 14 days Destinations Colombo, Kosgoda, Galle, Yala, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Matale, Dambulla, Sigiriya, PolonnaruwaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Passage Holidays From $4,070
50% off- US$2,035
Discover Sri Lanka Beauty - Small Group Tour 12 Days
“The country is really beautiful with some wonderful friendly people. We saw lots of wildlife including some cheeky monkeys lots of elephants and a leopard.”
Linda, traveled in February
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
Grand Tour Sri Lanka - Small Group Tour 14 Days
“The tour was way beyond our expectations.”
Marjorie, traveled in August
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
Dream Path Of Sri Lanka
“The itinerary was excellent, and I felt that the guide/driver allowed us extra time at stops if we felt necessary.”
Tibor, traveled in February
Beachfront resorts in Mirissa provide the perfect New Year setting after touring Sri Lanka's cultural triangle. Festive meals at Temple of the Sacred Tooth, traditional dance performances in Kandy, and holiday safaris at Yala National Park create unforgettable memories.
Duration 10 days Destinations Negombo, Kurunegala, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, MirissaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Spanish Operator BH Lanka Tours From $1,680
13% off- US$1,462
Sri Lanka Deluxe Travels
“They were happy to accommodate any changes we wanted”
Stephen, traveled in August
Holiday festivities await at Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, with cultural performances and celebrations at luxury resorts. Welcome the New Year at beachfront Cinnamon Beach Resort after visiting tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya and watching whales off Mirissa coast.
Duration 8 days Destinations Negombo, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Udawalawe National Park, Matara, Mirissa, GalleSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Spanish Operator BH Lanka Tours From $1,440
15% off- US$1,224
Splendours of Sri Lanka
“Each destination was more beautiful than the last. This tour is a perfect adventure.”
Josiane, traveled in December
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
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."