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
- Sri Lanka Itinerary 7 Days
- Sri Lanka Lifetime Adventure
- Sri Lanka All island Classic Tour
- Exploring Cultural Treasures and Natural Wonders in 5 Days
- Sri Lanka 5 Days Tour Package
- Sri Lanka Solo Journey Group
- Serene Sri Lanka: A Magical 5-days Journey
- Complete Sri Lanka Experience
- Dream Path Of Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Deluxe Travels
Sri Lanka Itinerary 7 Days
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a great tour. We had a great vacation.”
Hannah, 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 Ages 12+ Operator Holiday Lanka Tours From $937
15% Off- NZ$796You save $141
Sri Lanka Lifetime Adventure
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful picturesque sights, comfortable hotel rooms and a friendly helpful guide whose awesome sense of humor made our holiday even more enjoyable.”
Lorraine, traveled in January
Holiday magic spans Sri Lanka's cultural sites and Maldivian beaches. Festivities at Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, seasonal meals at Swiss Residence Hotel, and New Year celebrations at Arena Beach Hotel feature special holiday programming and marine activities.
Duration 12 days Destinations Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, Ella, Yala, Hambantota, Mirissa, HikkaduwaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Capital Lanka Tours From $2,747
22% Off- NZ$2,143You save $604
Sri Lanka All island Classic Tour
62 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our holiday exceeded all expectations with absolutely not a complaint.”
Shaun, traveled in April
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 All Ages Welcome Operator Mango Vacations From
22% Off- NZ$1,962
Exploring Cultural Treasures and Natural Wonders in 5 Days
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“My trip to Sri Lanka was absolutely amazing! There was an endless array of sights and activities to dive into.”
Jacqueline, traveled in April
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 All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Operator Apple Vacations Pvt Ltd From
22% Off- NZ$717
Sri Lanka 5 Days Tour Package
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was really a great Tour, all Highlights in a few days, everything well organised.”
Susanne, traveled in November
Temple of the Tooth in Kandy radiates holiday spirit during celebrations. Gregory Park in Nuwara Eliya hosts seasonal activities while Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers special Christmas programs. Cultural shows and traditional feasts round out the experience.
Duration 5 days Destinations Colombo, Negombo, Pinnawala, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Holiday Lanka Tours From $683
15% Off- NZ$580You save $102
Sri Lanka Solo Journey Group
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and our trip was jampacked with memorable experiences.”
Suzana, 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 All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Operator Mango Vacations From
15% Off- NZ$1,109
Serene Sri Lanka: A Magical 5-days Journey
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“itinerary was great. Hotel and meals were excellent. Highly recommend this tour.”
Ronald, traveled in October
Cultural performances light up Kandy and holiday celebrations at Temple of the Tooth. Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress don seasonal decorations. Special Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners available with hotel supplements.
Duration 5 days Destinations Colombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Udawalawe National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish Operator Apple Vacations Pvt Ltd From
15% Off- NZ$939
Complete Sri Lanka Experience
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful tour with a variety of great sights!”
Yves, traveled in November
Safaris at Wilpattu and Yala National Parks complement UNESCO site visits including Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Ruvisha Beach Resort offers festive accommodation while ancient temples like Dambulla Cave and Kandy's cultural shows add seasonal charm.
Duration 11 days Destinations Negombo, Wilpattu National Park, Anuradhapura, Ritigala Strict Natural Reserve, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator BH Lanka Tours From $2,986
20% Off- NZ$2,389You save $597
Dream Path Of Sri Lanka
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Communication was excellent. We appreciated the flexibility and advice.”
Meg, traveled in October
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, Dutch Operator BH Lanka Tours From $3,063
25% Off- NZ$2,297You save $766
Sri Lanka Deluxe Travels
22 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Administration was well organised and clear. Sujeewa, our Tour Guide was, was excellent in every way.”
Clive, 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, Kurunegala, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Matale, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Udawalawe National Park, HambantotaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch Operator BH Lanka Tours From $2,457
25% Off- NZ$1,843You save $614
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Itinerary 7 Days
Holiday Lanka Tours were great from start to finish! Very quick response on the first contact as well as planning our journey attend to our requirements. They met all our expectations from places to visit and hotels chosen, and they got us a driver for our 7 day stay that made it all possible. I highly recommend Holiday Lanka Tours, as our experience with them was excellent.
Had an amazing trip and was able to see so much in six days with a full itinerary. My guide Nimantha was amazing, as a female solo traveler, he made me feel very safe and we had some good laughs and some karaoke time on our trips. He also went out of his way to give me all the great and special experiences on this trip. Our tour operator BH Lanka Tours was very professional and accommodating to make sure I received the best trip possible with the most positive and enjoyable experiences. Very well planned six full days of sightseeing. The people I interacted with were all extremely friendly and the staff at the hotels were very kind and helpful and provided excellent service.
Sri Lanka Lifetime Adventure
- Sri Lanka All island Classic Tour
We’re just back from one month in Sri Lanka in company of two of the Mango tour drivers: Bimal and Nadeeka. They went above and beyond to make sure that everything went smoothly and that we got the best Sri Lankan experience. And that we did! They drove carefully, were of good advice and punctual. They took us to places where tourists are scarce but authenticity at its best. I can’t recommend their company highly enough. A huge thank you to them for this incredible month.
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."