Season of festive elegance at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo celebrated the festive season and New Year’s Eve with unparalleled grandeur and elegance, reaffirming its position as Colombo’s premier waterfront destination for holiday celebrations. With a blend of timeless traditions and innovative experiences, the hotel offered a series of events that brought joy, unity, and festive cheer to all who attended.

The festivities began with the much-anticipated Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony on 15 October 2024. This cherished tradition brought together guests, staff, and media to set the tone for the holiday season. The event was a prelude to the festive celebrations, with participants joyfully mixing an array of dried fruits, nuts, and spices with spirits and syrups, creating the base for Cinnamon Lakeside’s iconic Christmas cakes. This shared experience symbolised the unity and anticipation that defines the holiday season.

On 29 November 2024, the hotel’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony marked the official start of the season. Under the guidance of General Manager Nazoomi Azhar, the event transformed the hotel’s waterfront setting into a dazzling wonderland. The evening featured the illumination of a majestic Christmas tree and the stunning facade of the hotel, creating a magical atmosphere that captivated all in attendance. A heartwarming performance by the junior choir from the British School in Colombo added to the evening’s charm, filling the air with the harmonies of classic carols.

Throughout December, the Christmas Goodies Hut at the lobby became a hub of festive indulgence. Guests delighted in an endless array of seasonal treats, including gingerbread cookies, mince pies, handcrafted chocolates, and Christmas hampers. This charming wooden stall, reminiscent of European Christmas markets, was a favorite destination for families and gift-seekers alike.

The festive spirit continued with the Festive High Tea at The Lounge, where guests were treated to a luxurious spread of seasonal delicacies accompanied by free-flowing mulled wine. This indulgent afternoon experience offered a perfect retreat for guests to relax and celebrate in style.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the lobby hosted Christmas Carols performed by talented choirs, filling the hotel with the joyous sounds of the season. Guests were invited to sing along and immerse themselves in the holiday spirit, creating moments of connection and celebration.

Each buffet featured an opulent selection of international and traditional holiday dishes, crafted to perfection by the hotel’s expert culinary team. The season concluded with the most glamorous event of the year, the James Bond New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Dance. Held at The Kings Court, this elegant evening featured performances by renowned bands Sohan and The Xperiments and AROHA, alongside guest artists Judy De Silva, Geoffrey Fernando, J PAL, Monique, and Falan Andrea. Guests dined on an exquisite gala dinner, danced to live music, and welcomed 2025 with a midnight toast. The night’s highlight was the Longest Buffet in Town, featuring an incredible array of 400 dishes, including Singaporean, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Arabian, Thai, Indian, European, and, of course, Sri Lankan cuisines. This sumptuous feast extended well into the early hours. Guests who participated in the James Bond Gala Dinner had exclusive access to the Longest Buffet in Town as well as a special breakfast buffet served at 1:30 a.m., adding a luxurious conclusion to the night’s festivities. Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo’s festive celebrations showcased the hotel’s dedication to creating memorable experiences for its guests. From timeless traditions to innovative events, the season’s festivities embodied the spirit of unity, joy, and elegance. As 2025 begins, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo looks forward to continuing its legacy of exceptional hospitality and festive magic.