Christmas & New Year Tours in Sri Lanka
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10 best Christmas & New Year Sri Lanka tour packages
Compiled by
NinaSri Lanka travel expert at TourRadar
- Premium Sri Lanka in Depth
- Simply Sri Lanka
- Sri Lankan North East Adventure W/Trincomalee Beach break
- Sri Lanka All island Classic Tour
- Exploring Cultural Treasures and Natural Wonders in 5 Days
- Sri Lanka Deluxe Travels
- Dream Path Of Sri Lanka
- Premium Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Itinerary 7 Days
- Sri Lanka Solo Journey Group
Premium Sri Lanka in Depth
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very comprehensive itinerary, gives you multifacetted insight into this beautiful, diverse country.”
Stefania, traveled in January
Duration 14 days Destinations Negombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Galle, Colombo Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Premium From $6,815
20% Off- NZ$5,452You save $1,363
Simply Sri Lanka
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was organized perfectly.”
מירי,, traveled in November
Sri Lanka's cultural treasures come alive during the holidays, from Kandy's sacred Temple of the Tooth to Galle's historic fort. Savor traditional meals at local enterprises like Hela Bojun while immersing yourself in Colombo's vibrant markets.
Duration 8 days Destinations Negombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Unawatuna, Galle, Matara, Colombo Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,175
20% Off- NZ$940You save $235
Ancient Buddhist sites of Anuradhapura set the stage for holiday festivities and special dinners in Colombo. Tropical Trincomalee hosts vibrant New Year's celebrations, with visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites completing the experience.
Duration 10 days Destinations Colombo, Anuradhapura, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Negombo Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $3,460
10% Off- NZ$3,114You save $346
Sri Lanka All island Classic Tour
52 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing trip! Everything went so smooth and our guide Vishwa is a ultimate professional at his job!”
Elina, traveled in December
December brings 46 departures to UNESCO sites like Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple. Holiday celebrations at 3-4 star hotels showcase ancient ruins, wildlife safaris, and tropical beaches, complete with festive meals and cultural performances.
Duration 14 days Destinations Colombo, Pinnawala, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, TissamaharamaSee all destinations Age Range 3 to 80 year olds Operator Mango Vacations From
10% Off- NZ$1,632
Exploring Cultural Treasures and Natural Wonders in 5 Days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a pleasure to travel with him. Couldn't have imagined or hoped for a more enjoyable tour.”
Peter, traveled in December
Sri Lanka's Temple of the Tooth hosts special ceremonies while colonial Nuwara Eliya provides Christmas Eve charm. Yala National Park's leopards offer unique New Year encounters. Holiday supplements apply for December 24th and 31st at hotels.
Duration 5 days Destinations Colombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala National Park Age Range 1 to 97 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Operator Apple Vacations Pvt Ltd From
10% Off- NZ$692
Sri Lanka Deluxe Travels
22 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent choice of route and locations to visit. All hotels were great.”
Rehmat, traveled in January
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, Kurunegala, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Matale, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Udawalawe National Park, HambantotaSee all destinations Age Range 1 to 75 year olds Operated in English, German, Spanish, Dutch Operator BH Lanka Tours From $2,505
25% Off- NZ$1,879You save $626
Dream Path Of Sri Lanka
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It covered historical, cultural, religious places of significance, and we saw lots of natural beauty too.”
Joshua, traveled in January
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 1 to 75 year olds Operated in English, German, Spanish, Dutch Operator BH Lanka Tours From $2,060
25% Off- NZ$1,545You save $515
Duration 9 days Destinations Negombo, Kurunegala, Habarana, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Premium From
25% Off- NZ$4,095
Sri Lanka Itinerary 7 Days
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had some great experiences in amongst a lot of driving.”
Debra, traveled in April
Sri Lanka's festive season shimmers with cultural performances in Kandy, scenic train journeys through Nuwara Eliya's tea estates, and wildlife viewing at Yala National Park. Special holiday dinners in Mirissa complement visits to UNESCO-listed Galle Fort.
Duration 7 days Destinations Colombo, Pinnawala, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala National Park, Mirissa, Galle Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Holiday Lanka Tours From $905
20% Off- NZ$724You save $181
Sri Lanka Solo Journey Group
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a wonderful adventure travelling through Sri Lanka with fellow travellers.”
Adam, traveled in December
Traditional Sri Lankan Christmas festivities unfold at Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. New Year's Eve brings cultural performances in Colombo, holiday feasts featuring local cuisine, and festive beach celebrations in Mirissa.
Duration 8 days Destinations Colombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Tissamaharama, Bentota Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Operator Mango Vacations From
20% Off- NZ$1,071
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Sri Lanka
- Simply Sri Lanka
It was great. The guide matish was amazing, Averything was organize perfectly
- Splendour of Sri Lanka - ( 8 Days and 7 Nights tour in Sri Lanka )
Fantastic tour with a great tour guide! Excellent driver, with great tips and very accommodating to our every need.
- Premium Sri Lanka in Depth
Just returned from The Jewels of Sri Lanka tour and we had a great time. Anando was so enthusiastic about his county's culture, history and people. The 1 st couple of days were full on but we learned a great deal about Sri Lanka. The tour was varied with Temples, Tea plantations, wild life ( saw lots of elephants, crockodiles, buffalo, mongoose), eating in various restaurant and private houses. The food was wonderful and the hotels were lovely. We went whale watching from Marissa beach near Galle and saw blue whales and lots of dolphins. Our driver and baggage handler were very good and nothing was too much trouble. This was the first time we holidayed with Peregrine and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We would not hesitate to use Peregrine in future. .
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."