CLAUDE GUNASEKERA
COLOMBO -On the last day of 2025, December 31, Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector hosted some numerous parties a variety of New Year’s Eve (NYE) celebrations across the country. The capital city, Colombo, hosted events, including concerts featuring popular artists and themed parties at luxury hotels. New Year’s Eve celebrations across Sri Lanka typically involve a variety of festivities. Many hotels and resorts, particularly in popular tourist destinations host gala dinners, themed parties, and live entertainment to ring in the New Year. These also included special menus and fireworks displays. Public spaces and beaches also become hubs for celebrations, with locals and tourists gathering enjoy the festive atmosphere. Cultural performances and traditional rituals were also common, especially in more rural areas, reflecting Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. Some establishments offered exclusive packages encompassing accommodation, dining, and entertainment for the New Year’s Eve festivities. The transition into the New Year is a significant occasion, marked by both modern and traditional celebrations across the island. This is a well-established tradition within the hospitality industry globally, and in Sri Lanka, where the festive season is a major draw for both local and international tourists.
Major hotels and resorts across popular tourist destinations like Colombo, Negambo, Kandy, Hills such as Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela, Ella and coastal areas like Kalutara, Beruwela, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Matara, Hambantota and also Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Jaffna have hosted notable special events. Mirissa and Hikkaduwa held vibrant beach parties, drawing a mix of foreign tourists and locals. There was a large number of foreign tourists were seined at these events as the country’s tourism trend was increasing. The majority of foreign visitors hailed from countries such as India, the United Kingdom, China, and Germany, indicating a broad international interest in Sri Lanka’s offerings. Sri Lanka’s festive offerings were patronized a substantial presence of foreign tourists at these celebrations.
‘Dancing through the Decades’ at Cinnamon Life Colombo, held at the Lumina Ballroom. This event featured live performances by populour artists. Guests enjoyed an elegant night a journey through music from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s performed by Falan, Corrine, Clifford, Geoffrey, Rukshan, Damian, and Sohan spanning various eras. The programme included raffle draws, exclusive prizes, and a memorable midnight countdown. Gourmet dining also designed to welcome 2026 in style. The party included a countdown to midnight, sophisticated décor, and a mix of local and international attendees, making it one of the standout celebrations in Colombo for the night. In addition, other event spaces hosted by Cinnamon Life included a diverse range of NYE options, from elegant dinners and live performances to energetic dance parties, making it a key destination for celebrations in Colombo that night. Various lounges and bars within the complex offered themed parties, DJ sets, and cocktail experiences catering to different tastes and preferences.
Hilton Residences Colombo known for its spacious apartments and comprehensive amenities, often hosts significant events throughout the year catering to both in-house guests and external attendees. HRC hosted the New Year’s Eve 2025 Gala Dinner to welcome 2026. This event included an elaborated dining experiences, with live music, and a festive atmosphere to mark the transition into the New Year at the FLOW. Its talented chefs have curated a menu that showcases both local Sri Lankan flavors and international cuisine. Those gathered expressed they “Enjoyed freshly prepared seafood, succulent meats, and a variety of vegetarian options, all beautifully presented”. Guests also commented their thrill as they could watch the chefs prepare delectable dishes live, adding to the interactive dining atmosphere. At the Dessert Bar, featured an array of mouth-watering sweets to satisfy cravings as you say goodbye to the old year. The FLOW was transformed into a festive haven, complete with twinkling lights and celebratory elements that embodied the spirit of New Year’s Eve. Guests were entertained with music throughout the night, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere.
Hilton Colombo hosted two primary events to welcome 2026. ‘High Five to 2026’ in the Grand Ballroom and an elevated poolside party at SunsetBlu. The ‘High Five to 2026’ event in the Grand Ballroom featured performances by Gypsies and Misty, with Falan Andrea adding a contemporary touch. This event was designed with elegance, fine dining, premium spirits, and a dance floor in mind, aiming to carry attendees into the early hours of the New Year. This event featured live music from Cold Sweat, supported by a lineup of DJs including DJ Hiranya, DJ Dhanushka, DJ Bonnie, DJ Thoshan, DJ Naushad, and DJ Kapila Mohotti. The SunsetBlu celebration was characterized by high energy, indulgent dining, and the promise of a sunrise welcome to 2026. Hilton hotels globally are known for hosting various celebrations, including New Year’s Eve events and offer customized food and beverage options.
Cinnamon Hotels in Colombo hosted distinct New Year’s Eve 2025 celebrations to usher in 2026. The Cinnamon Grand Colombo offered a variety of New Year’s Eve experiences across its diverse dining venues. The hotel’s main celebration, a grand gala dinner, was held in its ballrooms, featuring live entertainment, gourmet cuisine, and a countdown to midnight. The Lagoon and Nuga Gama, also hosted special themed dinners with unique menus and ambiance tailored for the occasion. These events typically included live music, DJ performances, and festive decorations, catering to guests looking for an upscale and vibrant celebration. Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo focused on its picturesque lakeside setting for its New Year’s Eve festivities. The hotel’s main event, the dinner dance, was held in its ballroom and supplementary event by the pool, offering stunning views of the Beira Lake. Cinnamon Red Colombo known for its modern and trendy vibe, hosted a more contemporary New Year’s Eve celebration. The hotel’s rooftop bar, Cloud Red, was a primary venue for its New Year’s Eve party, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and fireworks and celebrated the arrival of 2026 in style with a remarkable New Year’s Eve event.
Guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at Flavoured, featuring an exceptional variety of dishes. The celebrations continued at Cloud Red with live music, vibrant DJ performances, and a countdown to midnight. Guests danced the night away, creating memories to cherish for years to come.
Nuwa at City of Dreams in Colombo: A high-end celebration featuring live music, gourmet dining, and exclusive entertainment, attracting a sophisticated crowd for a stylish countdown to 2026. It was a high-profile event featuring a luxurious, vibrant atmosphere. The event featured a curated menu with gourmet dining options with a lively atmosphere with a countdown to midnight. Premium drinks, and entertainment designed to ring in 2026 in a luxurious setting. Nuwa’s NYE party was identified as an event attracting a mix of local and international guests seeking an upscale celebration.
Shangri-La Colombo hosted a series of festive events to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Central Restaurant offered a lavish buffet dinner, featuring a variety of dishes to delight guests. Capital Bar & Grill served a six-course feast providing an elegant dining experience complemented by live music. Shang Palace: Presented an elegant set menu, allowing guests to indulge in refined Chinese cuisine in a sophisticated setting. Horizon Lounge hosted a rooftop celebration. The location offered panoramic views of Colombo’s skyline, live entertainment, and a vibrant atmosphere to ring in the New Year. The Marquee: Provided an exclusive after party, featuring live DJs, gourmet bites, and flowing beverages, creating a lively environment for guests to continue the festivities. These events were designed to offer a diverse range of experiences, ensuring that guests could celebrate the arrival of 2026 in style at Shangri-La Colombo
NH Collection Colombo celebrated a wonderful time of the year with a mesmerizing festive celebrations designed for the whole family to sparkling New Year’s Eve soirées. Three celebrations were held at AYU, Ballroom and Rooftop complete with joyful flavours and entertainment while their kids enjoyed at Aditya with a special buffet, fun activities, drinks, and cozy movie night. The Grand Masquerade New Year’s Celebration was held at the Ball Room with Grand Gala Dinner, and a late night Breakfast.
New Year’s Eve with Marians at Waters Edge. Located in the capital of Colombo, this celebration included a gala dinner and live music by the band Marians with Nalin Perera. The event offered attendees a festive atmosphere to ring in the New Year.
Ravana Pool Club, Ella hosted New Year’s Eve (NYE) celebration on December 31 in a large-scale with live DJs and percussion, a countdown celebration, complimentary sparkling wine, special food and drink menus, and exclusive pool and lounge packages. Overall, the club positioned this as a full festive week in one location, with families, couples, groups of friends, who had a joyful stay in Ella.
We at TOURGUIDE witnessed a significant number of people have gathered for New Year’s Eve celebrations, particularly in Colombo and a special traffic and security plan was implemented to manage the traffic. The crowd may have surpassed the past. The Sri Lanka Police deployed approximately 1,200 officers for traffic control and security duties across key locations in Colombo, including Fort, Pettah, Kompanna Veediya, Maradana, Colpetty, Bambalapitiya, and Cinnamon Gardens, with special attention to Galle Face Green, where reported a largest gathering due to various events held in the suburbs, while the police statement explicitly mentioned a large crowd flocked to the city”. A photo story will follow this feature within this week. – Claude Gunasekera
