This festive season, The Standard, Maldives invites guests to leave ordinary behind and step into The Festive Isle, a playful candy-inspired wonderland filled with indulgent dining experiences, island adventures, family friendly activities, vibrant entertainment and unforgettable celebrations. Running from 20 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, the festive programme transforms the island resort into a sweet escape where every day offers something delightfully unexpected.
Inspired by the joy, imagination and nostalgia of a colourful candy land, this year’s festive theme blends the carefree spirit of childhood wonder with The Standard’s signature playful approach to hospitality. From beachfront feasts and festive cocktails to wellness experiences, interactive workshops, cultural activities and captivating performances, guests can look forward to more than two weeks of immersive celebrations in the heart of the Maldives.
The festivities commence on 20 December with the enchanting Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring live entertainment, festive treats and family-friendly activities, setting the stage for a season filled with memorable moments. Throughout the programme, guests can enjoy signature experiences including the lively Not Your Standard Pool Party, authentic Maldivian BBQ Experience, premium seafood showcases, wine and whisky events, festive brunches and beachfront celebrations under the stars.
A particular highlight of the festive programme takes place on 24 December, when guests are invited to celebrate Christmas Eve through a series of immersive dining and entertainment experiences. The evening begins with a festive sunset gathering on the beach featuring seasonal cocktails, live DJ entertainment, bubble shows, stilt walkers, face painting and family-friendly activities.
Guests can then choose from a variety of distinctive dining experiences, including Tastes of Island Heritage at Guduguda, showcasing traditional Maldivian flavours; Fire & Festive Indulgence at BBQ Shak, an open-flame culinary showcase; a Mediterranean sharing feast at Onda; and Surf & Turf, highlighting premium meats and fresh seafood. The festivities culminate with the energetic X’mas Eve Toast, where DJs, LED performances and fire shows transform the shoreline into a vibrant beachfront celebration beneath the stars.
On 25 December, Christmas Day begins with the much-anticipated Santa’s Island Arrival, as Santa swaps snow for sunshine and arrives on the shores of Huruvalhi. Families can enjoy festive photo opportunities, children’s games, giveaways, live performances and face painting before gathering for the Sunny Huruvalhi Brunch, featuring holiday favourites and seasonal specialties. As evening falls, guests can indulge in the refined Land & Sea Feast, an elegant beachfront dining experience showcasing premium cuts and the freshest seafood. The celebrations continue into the night with the powerful rhythms of traditional Boduberu drumming, followed by spectacular fire performances and cultural entertainment that capture the spirit and heritage of the Maldives.
At the heart of the festive programme is an extraordinary culinary journey curated across the resort’s restaurants and dining venues. Throughout the season, guests can savour authentic Maldivian delicacies, Mediterranean-inspired feasts, premium seafood experiences, wine-pairing dinners, live-fire cooking showcases and immersive ocean-to-table concepts. Highlights include Coastal Feast, Waves & Wine, Sea & Sparkles, Fresh Catch Experience and a variety of specialty dinners celebrating lobster, crab, oysters, foie gras and the finest local ingredients.
“Festive dining is about more than exceptional food, it’s about creating memorable moments that bring people together,” said Nandakumar Dharuman, Director of Culinary at The Standard, Maldives. “For this year’s programme, our team has designed experiences that celebrate both the flavours of the Maldives and beloved festive traditions from around the world. From authentic island-inspired feasts and elevated beachfront dining to interactive culinary experiences and festive workshops, every menu has been crafted to inspire discovery, connection and celebration.”
The celebrations reach their grand finale on 31 December with a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration inspired by this year’s theme, Candy Land. Throughout the evening, guests can choose from a collection of specially curated dining experiences, including Feast of Island Harvest at Guduguda, showcasing local flavours and seafood; A Mediterranean Affair at Onda; and Embers & Coastal Indulgence at BBQ Shak, featuring a five-course open-fire culinary journey by the ocean.
At the centre of the festivities is the imaginative Candy Land Culinary Journey, where colourful experiences, playful surprises and culinary creativity bring the festive theme to life. As midnight approaches, guests gather for The Countdown Party, featuring live DJ performances, dazzling LED entertainment, fire shows and a spectacular fireworks display over the Indian Ocean, creating an unforgettable welcome to 2027. This year, Thailand-based artist DJ Kessaé Kimmi, known for her magnetic stage presence and electrifying sets, will take over the island with her signature sound, delivering vibrant beats, immersive visuals and dance-floor euphoria that will keep the energy high until sunrise.
Beyond the festive celebrations, guests can enjoy the resort’s signature experiences, including snorkelling and diving adventures, watersports, marine encounters, wellness journeys at The Standard Spa and opportunities to discover the natural beauty of the Maldives.
“At The Standard, Maldives, we believe the festive season should be joyful, unexpected and filled with meaningful moments,” said Justin Swart, General Manager of the resort. “The Festive Isle reflects our playful spirit while embracing the warmth of the holidays, bringing together exceptional dining, immersive entertainment and unforgettable island experiences. Whether guests join us for Christmas, New Year’s Eve or an extended festive escape, we look forward to welcoming them for a celebration that is truly anything but standard.”
The Festive Isle programme will take place from 20 December 2026 to 7 January 2027 at The Standard, Maldives.