When the festive season arrives in the Maldives, Kandima Maldives transforms into an island-wide celebration unlike any other. From December 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026, "Rhythms of the Eras – A Festive Journey Through Time" invites guests to dance through decades of musical history, from the jazz glamour of the 1920s Prohibition era to the pulsing electronic beats of contemporary EDM. This isn't your typical tropical holiday celebration. It's an immersive, multi-sensory festival where each day brings a new musical decade to life through themed dining experiences, decade-specific beach parties, curated wellness journeys, and non-stop entertainment that keeps the island buzzing from sunrise to moonlit dance floors. Whether you're a nostalgia-driven music lover, a family seeking unique festive memories, or simply craving a holiday celebration that breaks all the rules, Kandima's Rhythms of the Eras delivers an unforgettable fusion of sound, style, and island spirit.
Confirmed Dates and Festival Duration
Event Timeline
Start Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
End Date: Tuesday, January 7, 2026
Total Duration: 18 days spanning the festive season through New Year's
Location: Kandima Maldives, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
The strategic timing captures the entire holiday period, allowing guests to celebrate Christmas, New Year's Eve, and the first week of 2026 in one continuous musical journey. For those planning extended winter escapes, this three-week window offers maximum immersion in Kandima's unique festive vision.
Opening Ceremony: Twinkle & Toast
The festival kicks off with a spectacular lighting ceremony called "Twinkle & Toast," marking the beginning of 18 days of rhythm-filled revelry. This inaugural event sets the tone with light installations, live music, and the first taste of the decade-spanning entertainment to come.
The Journey Through Musical Eras
1920s: Jazz Age Glamour
Step back to the Prohibition era when jazz ruled speakeasies and flappers defined cool. The festival recreates this decadent decade through:
- Smooth jazz performances and vintage cocktails
- 1920s-inspired fashion encouraged during themed nights
- Art Deco-influenced dining setups
- Charleston dance workshops and competitions
Through the Decades: A Musical Timeline
The festival progresses chronologically through music's most iconic periods:
1950s-60s Rock 'n' Roll Revival:
Elvis-inspired performances, doo-wop harmonies, and vintage rock classics at dedicated Rock 'n' Roll Revival parties
1970s Disco Fever:
Platform shoes encouraged, mirror balls shimmering, and disco beats keeping dance floors packed late into tropical nights
1980s New Wave & Pop:
Synthesizers, neon aesthetics, and the birth of MTV culture brought to life through costume parties and iconic hits
1990s Hip-Hop & Grunge:
Street food carts serve up Hip-Hop & Grunge-themed bites at Breeze Beach, while DJs spin the decade's defining tracks
2000s-Present: Contemporary Beats:
RnB Nights bring smooth contemporary rhythms, while EDM sessions pulse with electronic energy that carries into sunrise beach parties
Themed Dining Experiences
Iconic Pop-Up Restaurants
Kandima's culinary team has created era-specific dining concepts that transport guests through time via taste:
Smokin' Blues and BBQ Grooves:
Live blues musicians accompany flame-grilled feasts on FIRE Beach, where smoky flavors meet sultry guitar riffs
The King's Diner:
A retro 1950s-style diner serving classic American comfort food with rock 'n' roll ambiance and Elvis tribute performances
Hip-Hop & Grunge Street Food Cart:
Located at Breeze Beach, serving urban-inspired bites that defined 1990s street culture
Festive Gourmet Highlights
Christmas Day Brunch:
A lavish spread featuring international holiday classics with tropical twists, accompanied by live carolers and festive jazz
New Year's Eve Gala Dinner:
The season's most glamorous evening pairs multi-course culinary artistry with champagne toasts and countdown entertainment
Chocolate & Whisky Pairings:
Sophisticated tastings pair artisan chocolates with premium whisky selections
Caviar & Prosecco Sunsets:
Luxury seaside gatherings toasting golden hour with sparkling wines and delicate caviar service
Maldivian Beach Barbecue:
Authentic local flavors infused with rhythm, showcasing the island nation's culinary heritage alongside contemporary beats
Evening Entertainment and Beach Parties
Nightly Themed Celebrations
Each evening brings a different musical vibe to Kandima's beaches and venues:
RnB Nights:
Smooth contemporary rhythms and soulful vocals create intimate, groove-filled evenings perfect for couples and music aficionados
Latin Fire:
Salsa, bachata, and reggaeton heat up the dance floor with passionate Latin energy and dance lessons for beginners
Rock 'n' Roll Revivals:
Nostalgic throwbacks to guitar-driven classics with live bands channeling the spirit of rock legends
Retro Christmas Party:
Chart-topping hits from past decades create a nostalgic holiday celebration with familiar singalong moments
Poolside Dance-Offs:
Competitive yet playful dance competitions judged by guest votes, with winners receiving Kandima prizes
Beachfront Karaoke Nights:
Belt out your favorite era's anthems under the stars with professional sound systems and supportive crowds
New Year's Eve: The Ultimate Celebration
The festival peaks on December 31 with an all-out beachside spectacular featuring:
- Live band performances spanning multiple decades
- Fireworks display reflected in the Indian Ocean
- Late-night buffet flowing into 2026's first hours
- Champagne countdown and synchronized celebrations
- Themed cocktails and immersive culinary journeys
Family and Kids Programming
Kandiland: The Children's Paradise
Young guests aren't forgotten in Kandima's festive vision. Kandiland offers:
- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa's arrival on Christmas Day
- Glow parties designed for children (age-appropriate entertainment)
- Creative workshops including string art sessions with Fann Art Thérapie experts
- Holiday movie nights under the stars
- Family dance sessions and talent shows
Multi-Generational Activities
- Festive afternoon teas overlooking the reef
- Seafood markets with cooking demonstrations
- Family mixology classes (mocktails for kids, cocktails for adults)
- Beach games and treasure hunts with musical themes
Wellness and Creative Experiences
Decades-Inspired Wellness at Eskape Spa
The spa creates era-themed treatments and wellness journeys that align body and spirit with each decade's energy. Expect vintage-inspired aromatherapy, contemporary relaxation techniques, and signature treatments named after musical icons.
KULA Art Festival
Throughout the festive period, Kandima showcases local Maldivian creativity through the KULA Art Festival, featuring:
- Live art demonstrations
- Sculpture and painting exhibitions
- Opportunities to purchase original works
- Interactive sessions where guests create their own art inspired by musical eras
Fast Track E-Go-Kart Arena
For adrenaline seekers, the resort's electric go-kart track hosts special festive races:
- Time Attack Race competitions
- Rudolph's Rapid Rally during Christmas week
- Family tournaments with prizes
Practical Information for Festival Guests
Getting to Kandima Maldives
Location: Dhaalu Atoll (approximately 30 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport in Malé)
Transfer Options:
- Seaplane: Scenic aerial views of atolls and reefs during daylight transfers
- Domestic flight + speedboat: Alternative route via Kudahuvadhoo Airport
Book transfers in advance through Kandima, as the festive season sees high demand for seaplane seats.
Accommodation and Packages
Kandima Maldives offers diverse room categories from beach studios to overwater villas, all designed with the resort's playful, colorful aesthetic. Festive packages typically include:
- Accommodation for chosen dates
- Full board or all-inclusive meal plans
- Access to all Rhythms of the Eras entertainment (no additional tickets required)
- Select festive dining experiences
- Airport transfers
- Kids stay and eat free offers (terms apply)
Contact Kandima directly or book through travel agents specializing in Maldives holidays for best package rates.
What to Pack
- Decade-inspired outfits: Embrace themed party nights with vintage pieces or modern interpretations
- Beachwear: Multiple swimsuits, cover-ups, and reef shoes
- Evening attire: Smart casual to dressy for gala dinners
- Comfortable dancing shoes: You'll be on your feet for beach parties
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: Essential for tropical sun protection
- Camera: Capture the incredible themed setups and performances
Why Kandima for Festive 2025
The "Playfully Chic" Philosophy
Kandima Maldives positions itself as a resort for lifestyle-driven travelers who want sophistication without stuffiness. General Manager Dermot Birchall emphasizes that Rhythms of the Eras is "not your average festive programme" but rather "a full-sensory journey through sound, style, flavour, and movement" infused with "Kandima's playfully chic DNA."
This approach appeals to:
- Millennials and Gen X seeking nostalgia-driven experiences
- Families wanting multi-generational appeal
- Couples celebrating special occasions with unique twists
- Solo travelers craving community and connection
Breaking Holiday Convention
While other resorts offer traditional Christmas trees and New Year's countdowns, Kandima reimagines the entire festive season as an immersive musical narrative. This bold vision creates memories that transcend typical holiday celebrations, positioning the festival as a bucket-list experience for music lovers and adventure-seeking travelers.
Call to Action: Dance Your Way into 2026
Rhythms of the Eras isn't just a festival—it's an invitation to relive the soundtrack of your life while creating new memories in paradise. From December 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026, Kandima Maldives becomes a living jukebox where every decade gets its spotlight and every guest finds their rhythm.
Book your Kandima stay now through kandima.com or your preferred travel specialist. Secure your spot for this 18-day musical odyssey where jazz meets EDM, where Christmas dinner comes with a side of rock 'n' roll, and where midnight on New Year's Eve explodes in fireworks over the Indian Ocean while you dance barefoot on white sand.
The eras are calling. The island is ready. Your rhythm awaits in the Maldives.
Verified Information at a Glance
Event Category: Island-wide music festival and festive celebration
Official Name: Rhythms of the Eras – A Festive Journey Through Time
Dates: December 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
Duration: 18 days
Location: Kandima Maldives, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
Musical Eras Featured: 1920s jazz through contemporary EDM, spanning 100 years of music history
Key Highlights:
- Era-themed dining pop-ups and festive feasts
- Nightly themed beach parties (RnB, Latin, Rock 'n' Roll, Retro)
- Christmas Day Brunch and New Year's Eve Gala Dinner
- KULA Art Festival showcasing local talent
- Kandiland kids programming with Santa arrival
- Fast Track e-go-kart competitions
- Decades-inspired wellness at Eskape Spa
- Live bands, DJs, and surprise performers
Opening Event: Twinkle & Toast lighting ceremony
Access: Seaplane transfer approximately 30 minutes from Velana International Airport, Malé
Accommodation: Beach studios to overwater villas with festive packages available
General Manager Quote: "A journey through sound, style, flavour, and movement... infused with Kandima's playfully chic DNA" – Dermot Birchall
All dates, programming details, and festival concept confirmed through official Kandima Maldives press releases and tourism announcements.
