Five-star Christmas delights

by Nilma DOLE

Christmas in Colombo will be celebrated in style with the five-star hotels twinkling with Christmas lights, setting up their decor and bringing the best choirs to sing carols. Special Christmas theme parties, Christmas hampers, seasonal discounts and private Christmas corporate parties are highlights of this extravagant month.

However, it is the five-star hotels that have gone the extra mile by bringing a true Christmas with their seasonal promotions, Christmas music and parties.

Himali Wijesekara of Ceylon Continental told the Sunday Observer “A special feature of Christmas at Ceylon Continental is that we are offering corporate hampers with discounts on Christmas dinner turkeys.” She said that they are currently refurbishing in time for the New Year where their main ballroom and the Tandoor restaurant will be relaunched.

As for New Year’s Eve (NYE), a novel concept with an urban jungle theme party where guests can dress up as Aborigines to usher the New Year 2012.

Yasanthi Wadugodapitiya of Hilton said, “This year Hilton Colombo’s Christmas theme will be based on “Angels”, which will give the hotel a very different look along with the most exquisite display of angels.”

She said that their lobby will have the privilege of hosting the Old Joes’ choir who will sing carols for the season from December 21-24.

“The famous Resonance Band from Germany will also play at the lobby during this season with Santa Claus making a guest appearance from December 20-25.”

As for NYE, a big family dinner dance at the sport centre with live bands Marians and Black Velvet performing is planned.

Shiromala Kiriella of the Galadari hotel said, “This Christmas, we will have a Santa’s Mail box which is at the lobby where children (and adults) can drop a gift of their choice from December 14-24.

They will get their gifts on Chsitmas day enjoying a sumptuous Christmas buffet in the process.”

She said that if parents wish, they can get an appointment with Santa Claus and he will join them for lunch on Christmas Day.

“We will have magic shows, gifts, carols, a children’s corner and a fabulous Christmas goodies shop to keep the children’s spirit of Christmas alive this season,” she said.

Bands such as Heart ‘N Soul, Kismet, Band Replay 6 and the renowned Mirage will perform on New Year’s Eve. As for Cinnamon Lakeside, guests can make their own Christmas hamper by selecting from a range of 60 delectable treats from their Goodies Christmas Collection.

Christmas dinners, high teas and New Year’s Eve will see popular band Misty performing at the Terrace.

The Beira Lake boat restaurant which will be opened in 2012 would be an added attraction of the hotel.

The Galle Face Hotel has also lit up with stunning Christmas lights beautifying their Classic Wing overlooking the Galle Face Green.

Having a gingerbread hut, special promotions are also available for guests with Christmas hampers, a children’s Christmas party and romantic dinners.

Internationally acclaimed female ensemble, ‘Soul Sounds’ will be featured at the Cinnamon Grand hotel with a host of popular bands such as Sohan and the X’periments, Pearl, Kings and Sri Lankan superstar Corrine.

Tharika Goonathilake said, “We are having a Christmas carnival, a Santa’s workshop where children can make decorative ornaments, Christmas treats and a special fancy dress party for children to dress up at Santa’s Ball.”

In addition, there is a chance to win a bumper Christmas hamper from a special raffle box during the season. Christmas lights at Mount Lavinia hotel have been one of the most dazzling Christmas decorations outside of the city.

Special offers, Christmas treats and goodies and celebrations at the hotel with St. Lucia’s Day, a Governor’s high tea buffet, a Gospel Jazz Sunday brunch, and a Special vegetarian Poya day brunch has been planned this month.