International circus artistry, Christmas music and festive dining come together 

By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana 

Christmas in Colombo is about to get a whole lot more magical with an evening under the stars, filled with breathtaking circus acts, music that captures the spirit of the season and a festive atmosphere with festive cuisine, with ‘Once Upon a Christmas – The Greatest Xmas Show’ to take place in the City of Dreams on December 10th, 11th and 12th.  

Ceilao Enterprises, reputed for introducing world-class international entertainment experiences to Sri Lankan audiences proudly tied up with Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams as its hospitality partner at a special media briefing held at the hotel on Wednesday. 

Ceilao Enterprises that previously brought internationally renowned comedian Russell Peters to Sri Lanka in early 2026, is set to bring a spectacular Australian Christmas production that promises to create a new benchmark for live entertainment in the country. 

Chairman of Ceilao Enterprises, Dr. Manjula Kulatunga, addressing the press briefing, said that for Ceilao Enterprises, ‘Once Upon a Christmas’ is more than a seasonal entertainment event. It reflects a broader vision of bringing distinctive international productions to Sri Lanka and making extraordinary experiences accessible to local audiences. 

“It is a dream come true to bring this Australian circus musical production to Sri Lanka for the very first time. We want to bring world-class theatrical entertainment to our doorstep, allowing families from Colombo and every corner of the country to experience spectacular circus acts at City of Dreams without having to travel overseas. 

We believe this production will usher in a new chapter for Colombo’s nightlife and entertainment scene, offering something truly special for people from all walks of life,” Dr Kulatunga said. 

Principal Sponsor Australian Migration Consultants Annya Gunasekara said, a creative collaboration between Kooka Productions and ICrave Entertainment, this production brings internationally acclaimed Australian circus performers and a complete Australian production team to Colombo. 

Senior Vice President, Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Kamal Munasinghe, said, as the official hospitality partner, City of Dreams provides the setting for this distinctive festive production, bringing together premium hospitality and international entertainment in one of Colombo’s leading lifestyle destinations.  

“Christmas is a time for bringing people together, and Once Upon a Christmas – The Greatest Xmas Show offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season through an experience that brings international entertainment and hospitality together. 

At City of Dreams, we are pleased to be the hospitality partner for this production, creating a setting where families, friends and visitors can come together to enjoy something truly special. We look forward to welcoming an audience of 1,000 heads each evening to celebrate the festive season with us and experience Colombo’s evolving entertainment scene,” Munasinghe said.   

Event Manager Ceilao Enterprises Saman Jayasena said the ambitious new production is set to bring an international dimension to Sri Lanka’s Christmas celebrations. “We believe ‘Once Upon a Christmas’ will offer a festive night out for families, friends, expatriates and international visitors. There are five demarcated areas and the tickets are priced at Rs.50, 000 for Zone A, Rs.35, 000 for Zone B, Rs.25, 000 for Zone C, Rs.20, 000 for Zone D and the lowest is Rs.15, 000,” Jayasena said. 

There is also an added treat for those planning a more indulgent evening. Guests purchasing tickets valued above Rs. 20,000 will receive a fully redeemable Rs. 5,000 food and beverage voucher to enjoy the culinary offerings at City of Dreams, subject to applicable terms and conditions. 

“This is a Christmas gift worth sharing. For businesses looking to move beyond the traditional year-end party, the production offers an alternative way to celebrate the year's achievements, recognise teams and entertain clients. 

Corporate table arrangements are available for bookings of at least 20 tickets, with advance food and beverage arrangements and hospitality packages that can be tailored to individual requirements,” he said. 

Ticket sales will officially open on November 1st and can be purchased from www.cinnamonboxoffice.com