Joys of festive season at Hilton Colombo

Hilton Colombo is once again inviting families and friends this Christmas to bask in their cosy and glowing atmosphere while they help create truly special memories. 

Throughout the holiday season, each of the restaurants and bars will offer their own unique brand of festive celebrations. To delve into the spirit of the festive season, Executive Chef Robert Mujagic and his team of chefs are creating a delightful array of treats, from indulgent festive luncheons and dinners to glittering party nights. 

The Christmas Pop Market is also on until 28 December from 10.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. at the hotel’s lobby. The pop-up carts will feature unique items from selected vendors who change weekly - Relive, Normadic Findings, Quaintrelle, Syon and J Flats, Silk Threaded Galore, Shoe Lace Studio, Cinnamon and Summer, Navyamaya, I am Upcycled, BUD, Nue Body Basics, Exquisite and the Mug Shot, Candle House Ceylon, Amberry, The Library, Meraki Crafts, Jade Handmade Bath and Body and Pabora. Visitors can also step into Santa’s Toy Shop.

Christmas treats at Café Kai 

There will be an extensive list of cakes, cupcakes, cookies, hampers and other goodies as the pastry chefs have created some indulgent creations this Christmas. 

“Visit our retail section at Café Kai and shop for traditional festive favourites in the spirit of the holidays. We have spiked eggnog for takeaway Christmas puddings, beautifully decorated Christmas cakes, yule logs, chocolates and a whole lot more and you could make your own hamper with a selection of homemade artisanal sausages, cold cuts, cheeses, jams with gold flakes, French cognac butter, organic honey with cinnamon, grain mustard butter, black tomato jam, apple and cinnamon jam and coconut mango jam, together with a variety of freshly-baked bread, and have it wrapped up by our team,” said Marketing Communications Manager Gigi De Silva. 

To help customised holiday culinary needs, the chef will prepare a perfect Christmas menu, with great attention to every individual need. Special festive roasts with traditional trimmings are available too. Pre-orders will be undertaken. These offers are open until 29 December from 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.

A highlight of the season will be the choral harmony at the Lounge and Bar, where a series of choirs will perform from 20-25 December from 8.00 p.m. to 8.45 p.m. These will include the Old Joes on 20 December, Resonance on 21 and 23 December, Camerati on 22 December and Choro Calibre on 24 and 25 December while lobby interludes featuring Janith on saxophone and Revel Crake on guitar, Tilanka on flute and Lydia on violin will take place nightly from 7.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. from 6 January onwards.

Santa chase 

Visitors can also meet Santa in the lobby from 20-24 December from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. and on 25 December from 11.00 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.

Snap a shot beside Santa’s mini-red aircraft built with recycled scrap iron, located at the lobby, upload it on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtags #HiltonColombo, #HomeforChristmas and #MyChristmas in SriLanka and stand a chance to win prizes by trying your luck on the Jingle Jackpot until 28 December from 12.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. 

There will be Festive Afternoon Tea at the Lounge and Bar from 20-25 December from 3.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. Here the classic afternoon tea has been revamped for a festive experience. Enjoy sweet and savoury treats with a festive twist with the High Tea Platter for Two. Plain and raisin scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam, traditional Christmas cake, mini minced pies, a Santa hat frosting cupcake, Christmas tree chocolate brownie, mini chocolate buche, vanilla berry savarin, Santa macaroon, slow roast beef sandwich on ciabatta with pickles, honey glazed ham, apple with watercress and soft brioche, ribbon sandwich with sundried tomato, cream cheese and basil chicken mayo and chestnut finger sandwich, smoked salmon and leek quiche, slow roasted Christmas turkey pie with cranberry, prawn spring roll with sweet chili sauce and mini-lamb puff with winter vegies will be on offer. Wash it down with a cup of tea or coffee served any way you like, priced at Rs. 3,588 nett for two. 

Enjoy traditional gluhwein, eggnog and sensuous mixers complemented by culinary delicacies enhancing the evening with a vibrant twist at the Lounge and Bar while relaxing to live entertainment from 8.00 p.m. to midnight from Sunday to Thursday and until 2.00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. There will be Jazz on Sunday, Heat on Monday, M&U on Tuesday, Flame on Wednesday, En Route on Thursday and Miracle on Friday and Saturday.

Special Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve menus will be available at the restaurants.

Toast to 2020 with Sheridan and Extreme from 7.00 pm onwards at the Lounge and Bar. A minimum charge of Rs. 5,000 nett per person with an a la carte menu is also on offer.

Boogie the New Year in by stepping back in time and reliving the sounds of the 1980s to 2000s with classics from these epic decades. This includes an international dinner buffet, breakfast and entertainment with seven top DJs: Kapila, Bonnie, Naushad, Wendell, Hiranya, Danushka and Sushan spinning discs at the poolside. There will also be fireworks at midnight and free corkage. The event will commence from 9.00 p.m. onwards and will be priced at Rs. 9,888 nett, with a 50% discount on for children aged from 6-12 years.

Ring in the New Year amidst the lavish surrounding of the Grand Ballroom. Enjoy pre-dinner mixers and a gala international dinner buffet and breakfast. Glasses will never be empty for a toast with five bottles of premium spirits and wine as well as soft drinks. The event will be priced at Rs. 18,888 nett and the bands Black and Miracle with Kevin Almeida and Geoff Fernando, will be performing with Adam taking over compering duties.

The Christmas coordinators will be available to provide assistance from 1-31 December from 11.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. at the special events desk at the lobby. 

“We encourage you to book early to ensure you get your favourite table,” said De Silva. 

She added that one could spread the light and warmth of hospitality by gifting that special someone a Hilton gift voucher. 

“Vouchers are valid for dining at any of our restaurants or for overnight stays,” she stated. Special offers are available for children, with those up to five years of age able to dine free at the buffet and those between six and 12 years eligible to enjoy a 50% saving on the buffet.

For more information call 2492492 or 2544644 or e-mail [email protected].