Every full-moon day (Poya) is a public holiday, and alcohol isn't sold that day. Festival dates follow the lunar calendar, so check the dates for your year.
Through the year
| When | Festival |
|---|---|
| January | Thai Pongal, the Tamil harvest festival; Duruthu Perahera in Colombo |
| April | Sinhala and Tamil New Year, about 13–14 April |
| May | Vesak: lanterns and light displays across the island |
| June | Poson, marking the arrival of Buddhism, centred on Mihintale |
| July–August | Esala Perahera in Kandy: ten nights of processions with dancers and elephants |
| August | Nallur festival in Jaffna |
| October–November | Deepavali, the festival of lights |
| December | Christmas, especially in Colombo and Negombo |