With the festive season upon us, we thought we’d take a stroll around Colombo and check out some of the deco on display, and also join in the festivities. Here’s what we found. Park Street Mews [gallery size="full" columns="2" ids="14673"] With sparkling Christmas decor spread across the street and two unique and majestic Christmas trees at the foot of the street, Park Street Mews has a very “merry Christmas” feel indeed. With mulled wine and Santa distributing little treats, the “Mews Light Up” was truly a joyous occasion. The festivities at Park Street Mews were declared to be a plastic-free zone by the Park Street Mews Managing Director and Developer Tasneem Moosajee. “We have to do our bit and there is no better place to be to celebrate this wonderful season – we have aimed to give everyone a piece of the Christmas spirit,” she said. Establishments such as the Butter Boutique, Curve, and PST Italian Trattoria had joined in the festivities with Christmas themed music and vibrant and trendy decor. Rare at Residence by Uga [gallery size="full" columns="2" ids="14674"] Rare at Residence joined in the Christmas festivities with simple Christmas lights at the entrance and a majestic Christmas tree in their lobby. With sparkly Christmas ornaments and fairy lights, the tree at Rare at Residence was a treat to look at. The decorations here were elegant and understated. Commenting on the theme and decorations, Assistant Restaurant and Bar Manager Dinesh Gunasekara said: “We decorate our hotel premises every year during the season; the theme of the decor this year is very different from that of last year, we went with a cool, modern and charming look this year.” Hotel Galadari [gallery size="full" columns="2" ids="14675"] Christmas at Galadari was similar to the final scene in Home Alone two. The lobby was filled beautiful miniature Christmas trees spread out surrounding a much bigger, regal tree glittering in all its Christmas glory. The exterior of the hotel was graced with Christmas lights in the shape of Christmas ornaments, descending to the driveway. Commenting on the celebrations and the decorations, an official at Galadari said: “We take a traditional approach to decorations. We want everyone to join in on the merriment. Therefore, we do a lot with our decorations, events and menus this time of year. Further we had a traditional tree lighting ceremony for the first time this year on 1 December, after which we put out the Christmas decorations.” Hilton Colombo [gallery size="full" columns="2" ids="14679"] From a gingerbread house to a Santa’s toy shop to keenly decorated mini Christmas trees and sparkly decor all over the lobby, Hilton had everything. Andrew James from Customer Relations stated: “The decorations were put up following the tree lighting ceremony that was held on 1 December, and we make it a point to join in the holiday spirit every year. We change the design and the theme yearly. For example, we didn’t have a gingerbread house last year, so we have gone bigger. The Christmas theme this year is green and gold, so we have structured all the decorations in line with the theme.” Majestic City [gallery size="full" columns="2" ids="14680"] This, in our opinion, was the winner of the city decor rounds. The decor was so well-detailed and grand, grand, grand. The huge Christmas ball in front of the complex is literally the most beautiful sight in Colombo. The decorations here are themed red and gold, and MC is not afraid of getting noticed this season as it is big and bright as ever. With miniature Christmas-tree-shaped decor on the sides of the building, it is obvious that some serious work was put into this presentation. Further as you go in, on to the side of the entrance, a glorious Christmas tree is put up under majestic star ornaments of gold and red. The roof of the corridor in the first floor is decorated with sparkling gold lights leading into the building. Prepare to be “wowed” at the amazing festive feels at Majestic City. Cinnamon Grand [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="14669"] Cinnamon Grand certainly has the most unique seasonal décor, probably in all of Colombo. Choosing to go for a striking turquoise, silver and orange theme, they’ve definitely deviated from the norm. We were told that this year’s distinctive colour themes and designs were conceptualised by their very own Sector Head – Cinnamon’s city hotels and General Manager Rohan Karr, assisted by the Engineering, Housekeeping and Flower Room teams. If you have a little more time to browse around, then there’s a charming holiday tradition Cinnamon Grand has for annually – their Christmas Market, which features a whole host of traditional sweets, meats, bread, and a bunch of other Christmas treats. Cinnamon Lakeside [gallery size="full" columns="2" ids="14670"] Surrounded by blinding lights, the entryway to Lakeside quite literally transports you to a festive wonderland. The lobby is even more beautiful, looking very much like a Christmas present all wrapped up in a perfect glittery bow. Cinnamon Lakeside has gone all out for the season, with bright lights everywhere you look, and most definitely the head turner if you’re not exactly looking for it; the décor really pops to any onlookers from quite far off. And if you happen to be in the area on Christmas Eve, you can enjoy some Christmassy Jazz at the Poolside Terrace. Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo [gallery size="full" columns="2" ids="14671"] Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo dawns the magic of the season with the festive tree lighting, which was absolutely magical. The hotel’s six innovative restaurants and bars get in on the seasonal action by contributing quite significantly to the overall festive décor of Shangri-La. They’re also ready to serenade Colombo with some Bebop and amp courtesy of the Barking Crickets for the New Year’s, gifting Colombo a nice little surprise in marrying a nostalgic music genre like jazz with some ultra-modern beats. Galle Face Hotel [gallery size="full" columns="2" ids="14672"] Celebrations at Galle Face hotel are vibrant, unique and elegant. The annual tree lighting ceremony was held on 2 December, marking the start of the festive season. The Christmas tree is lit in the middle of the lobby. This year, the hotel put a new twist on the traditional Christmas tree by creating a “tree of kites.” It is a majestic tree, silver in colour and assembled to represent the island spirit of our beautiful country. In the true spirit of Christmas, the Galle Face Hotel celebrates these moments by creating this tree of kites with the hope of bringing a familiar yet festive cheer to the season. The Kingsbury [gallery size="full" columns="2" ids="14681"] We visited The Kingsbury as well, but were unfortunately too early. Speaking to their Director of Rooms Daminda Jayawardena, we were told that we were a little too early to truly witness their yet to be realised red and silver themed spectacle. Front Desk Operator Nisal Fernando was also in agreement that we simply had to come at the right time. Do check them out later on in the month if you want to see what they have to offer!