With Christmas looming around the corner, history, charm and festive cheer are evident as you stroll along the ancient ramparts of the oldest living fort. If you’re trading snow for sand this December, the southern coastal old town of Galle is the ideal place to spend Christmas or your winter holidays in.
Chiming bells and the harmonious melody from the local choir in Groote Kerk will be resonating through the streets of Galle Fort on Christmas. Built by the Dutch in 1755, the Groote Kerk is a symbol of the old fort’s illustrious history and the close-knit communities that thrive here. During this season, locals gather around and participate in the festivities and spread the spirit of giving!
Whether you’re looking for stocking fillers or a last-minute gift, the streets of Galle Fort are lined with boutique stores packed with local handicrafts, souvenirs, tea, recycled stationary, batik clothes, gems and jewellery and so much more that would make the perfect gift for your family and loved ones. By shopping for the perfect Christmas gift from a local store, you’ll also be contributing to the community and promoting sustainable travel in Sri Lanka.
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After strolling around the ramparts of Galle Fort, a hearty Christmas meal will be the perfect way to end the festivities. Head down to AQUA Forte and enjoy traditional Italian Christmas dishes from our special holiday menu. A carefully curated, four-course Christmas menu promises the very best of Italian cuisine, paired with the most prestigious wines from our boot-shaped nation. Read more about the wines available at AQUA Forte here.
Start your Christmas meal with “Lingua Salmistrata”, a slow cooked, cured veal tongue served with traditional accompanying sauces and accompanied by a glass of Dezzani Barbera d’Asti DOCG.
For the first course, enjoy “Agnolotti del Plin”, a typical Piedmont homemade small Ravioli stuffed with slow cooked roast beef and served in a clear reduced beef stock, paired with a glass of Barbareco DOCG. For your second course, try our “Cotechino con lenticchie”, a classic Modenese slow-cooked pork sausage served with small Italian black lentils. These dishes and wines will transport your senses to a fine dining experience at a restaurant in Italy. Both courses can be served with suggested wine recommendations or ask our Head Chef or Maitre d’ for an alternative instead.
As a sweet treat for your Christmas celebrations with us, end your meal with traditional Milanese Panettone with Mascarpone cheese mousse accompanied with a glass of Poesie Recioto di Soave Classico DOCG 2011 as the suggested wine pairing.
Do you want to know more about authentic Italian cuisine, best wine pairings and secret offers at AQUA Forte? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and stay up to-date!
The tropical weather of Galle in December brings warm winds and with-it travellers from across the globe escaping the cold winters. Explore the beauty and history of the old fort where you can observe colonial architecture or admire the beautiful Italian etchings when you dine with us or experience the island beyond the cobblestoned streets by diving into the refreshing waters of the Indian Ocean. December is also the best time to sail off the coast of Mirissa on an exciting whale-watching safari in search of the largest animal in the world! A variety of other experiences await you when you’re in Galle, ask us for more information.
