New Year’s Eve is that time of the year when you can just feel a ripple of excitement in the air. On the days leading up to it, there is always a sense of anticipation that you wake up with. And who wouldn’t want to spend this time of the year in an exotic and sunny place like Sri Lanka?
So, we are here to help you find that perfect spot in Sri Lanka, which will create the most memorable New Year’s Eve experiences for you and your beloved. Needless to say, Sri Lanka has a lot to offer for New Year’s Eve, from fancy hotel parties, featuring DJ music and amazing food, to quiet celebrations at your private villa’s terrace.
Best areas to stay at for New Year’s Eve in Sri Lanka
Since Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, some of the best New Year’s Eve parties obviously happen by the sea. Beachside parties are a common sight during this time of the year, and the best areas for this are Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, and Unawatuna. These are by far some of the most magnificent coastal towns in the country that have a great influx of tourists and locals alike during the holiday seasons each year round. So if you are looking to enjoy your New Year’s Eve with a great crowd of people, who know how to have fun, then a beachside party is what you should opt for.
Mirissa
Mirissa, a stunning crescent shaped beach located in the Matara District is your ultimate destination for partying and fun. You will always find a crowd on the beach with DJ’s pumping the music until late into the night almost every day, especially during the high seasons. So you most probably would not find the Zen-like calm unlike in most other parts of the country.
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is another coastal town which is well known as a tourist location across the years. But being such a popular beachside location, the crowds that it garners have made it a little worse for wear, and it has lost most of the charm throughout these years. But still, you will find a string of quintessential beachside bars and restaurants, as well as some amazing parties by the beach, to quench your thirst for some entertainment. The firework display that happens annually by Hikka Tranz Hotel is thought to be one of the best in the country, and this alone draws plenty of people to this location on New Year’s Eve every year.
Bentota & Unawatuna
Bentota and Unawatuna, although not as popularly known for its party vibe, still provide you with ample amounts of entertainment, which will not disappoint you. These beaches are widely known for their beauty, and if you are not looking for the high strung beach parties and are up to something a little bit more toned down on New Year’s Eve, then these locations will be ideal for you.
Greater Colombo area
Needless to say, the hottest New Year’s Eve parties will take in Sri Lanka’s capital city – Colombo. There you will find plenty of high-end hotels and restaurants dotted around the city, which will offer you some of the best firework displays. There are numerous parties that go on throughout the night, making you dance till you drop. For example, you could spend New Year’s Eve at the Sky lounge at the Kingsbury hotel. It is well known for its great mix of cocktails, an amazing view of the Colombo skyline and the rocking party that happens every year.
Another option is to opt for a party at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, which is another great place by the beach in Colombo city, well known for its perfectly themed New Year’s Eve parties. If you are that person who loves to dress up and attend iconic events, then you should definitely give this a go.
Some of the other hotels which are popular spots for high-end New Year celebrations within Colombo include The Ozo Colombo, Galle Face Hotel, Taj Samudra, Colombo Hilton, and Galadari.
What can you expect from celebrating New Year’s Eve in Sri Lanka
New Year’s could mean different things to different people. Couples may look forward to the cool serene vibes, while families may be on the lookout for fun games & fireworks. Needless to say, friends and the young crowd will be on the trail for a good party at a beachside. In order to find that perfect place, first, decide what type of night do you want.
Colombo, in general, has the best festivities on New Year’s Eve, with its grand firework show at Town Hall being an absolutely magical experience not to be missed. At the same time, beach areas are great for celebrating with a twist and creating unique memories. All in all, this New Year’s Eve will be different from anything else you’ve experienced before and will leave you with myriads of positive feelings.
You can also expect to meet loads of foreign nationals in these areas, as January is the peak travel season for Sri Lanka.
The key New Year’s events you should not miss out on include
-
The firework display by Hikka Tranz (Hikkaduwa) is one of the best in the country and something that you should look forward to seeing.
- All the beachside parties around the Southern coast will be a guaranteed place for entertainment, with both live music or DJ music and amazing crowds.
- The high-end parties on offer at the luxury hotels in Colombo city are at a different level altogether, and will largely offer you great food, drink, and music, including celebrity guests as a part and parcel of it. Most of these parties have packages that you can book for a fixed price, which will give you access to unlimited food and beverages on most occasions.
Villas and hotels in Sri Lanka for New Year festivities
Another amazing way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Sri Lanka is to stay in one of its numerous holiday villas. Have the entire place for yourself, choose the music you like, enjoy the festive dinner prepared by the in-villa chef and throw an unforgettable beachfront party! Is there more to desire?
- Sharavi Beach Villa at Mirissa
- Villa Vatura at Mirissa
- Lake Lodge at Colombo
- Fire Moon Garden at Mirissa
- Villa Sepalika at Hikkaduwa