Last Updated on 11/03/2023
Many people enjoy December and its joyous environment, including the magic of Christmas and the energy of the New Year. Every year, December ushers in the winter by signaling the beginning of the holiday season. Consequently, if you are still making plans for your winter vacation, allow us to suggest one of the top locations in the globe with a friendly celebratory vibe: Have you ever considered that Turkey would be a good idea? Let’s discover together the atmosphere of the New year holidays in Turkey.
How do people celebrate the new year holidays in Turkey?
It may come as a surprise given that Turkey is a country with a 98% Muslim population to learn that it makes for a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s holiday location. Actually, Christmas Day is a regular working day in Turkey, but that doesn’t stop people from getting into the holiday and New Year’s spirit, especially in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Even though the festivities are mostly seen as New Year’s celebrations rather than Christmas ones locally, you can still sense the same coziness and enchanted Christmas vibes. Additionally, as more and more expats move to cities like Istanbul, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are spreading more and more.
Why is Istanbul perfect for Christmas and New Year holidays in Turkey?
Decoration and lightnings of New year holidays in Turkey
While walking around in Istanbul’s famous streets, such as Istiklal or Bagdat Streets at this time of the year, you won’t notice barely any difference with Western countries regarding Christmas decorations. You will see plenty of glowing Christmas trees, shining Street lights wherever you go, shopping malls, cafes and restaurants, streets, and even in some workplaces.
Moreover, The enormous commercial frenzy around Christmas in most western cities is one thing that could irritate people. However, in Istanbul, you may experience the holiday spirit without having to endure the same overdone advertising. This is one of the most important factors that makes celebrating the New year holidays in Turkey a good idea.
Furthermore, Christmas days are typical working days in Turkey, so you’ll be in luck if you want to explore the city’s famous landmarks and museums without having to stand in long lines. As a result, you will enjoy every minute of your new year holidays in Turkey.
Activities to do in New year’s holidays in Turkey
Apart from the innumerable must-see landmark sites and monuments in Istanbul, such as museums, historical sites, and breathtaking natural settings like the legendary Bosphorus, we’ll concentrate in this section on the locations where you go especially to celebrate the New year’s holidays in Turkey.
Visit Nişantaşı neighborhood
Walking around Nişantaşı will surprise you with how beautifully decorated the streets and storefronts are for Christmas. You will forget that you are in Turkey and feel as though you are on a famous western street like Fifth Avenue in New York City or the Champs-Elysées in Paris. You can take a sightseeing tour among affluent and international companies like Cartier, Tifanny, Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. It’s a nice area to stroll through and take pictures because of the Christmas lights and decorations. Besides, other well-known streets like Bagdat Avenue and Istiklal Street have the same vibe.
New year’s market in Zorlu center
The new year’s village, which takes place every year at Zorlu Center shopping mall, is modeled after western Christmas markets. It offers a wide range of chocolate and Christmas gift possibilities. It is one of the most special places to celebrate the New year’s holidays in Turkey.
Buy presents from Kanyon Gifts market
It takes place in the Kanyon shopping mall every year from the 17th to the 23rd of December. The gifts market provides a variety of alternative gift suggestions. They are ideal for varied tastes, and range from jewelry to home decor items and toys. It also includes a variety of handmade, distinctive, and beautifully designed goods from well-known art-craft firms.
Winter Fair in Bomonti
Every year throughout December, this fair hosts a number of free workshops in a variety of crafts. This fair appeals to a variety of tastes and interests, including coffee, jazz, postcard, and even pillow classes.
How to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Istanbul
It’s a great idea to ring in the new year in Istanbul because there are so many options to suit all tastes and budgets. To help you celebrate New Year’s Eve in this lovely city, we’ll try to offer a few alternatives in this section.
Outdoor Events
Istanbul’s street parties might be your cup of tea if you prefer being outside in the wintertime. In order to celebrate New Year’s Eve, popular streets including Nişantaş, Bagdat Street, and Istiklal host outdoor music festivals.
Indoor Events
You should be aware that the majority of Istanbul’s hotels, restaurants, and clubs arrange fixed-price packages for New Year’s Eve that include drinks and food if you choose to stay warm. Parties and dinners are typically included in hotel and restaurant packages, while pubs and clubs just offer a few drinks. Get your reservation as soon as possible to take advantage of good offers.
Nighttime Cruise
One of the greatest ways to ring in the new year would be to spend New Year’s Eve on a boat in the middle of the Bosphorus, enjoying your meal while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the magnificent old waterfront homes and the imposing bridge. On New Year’s Eve, a lot of ships provide cruise dinners with limitless food, drink, and folkloric performances. Additionally, you will be able to enjoy the midnight fireworks.
Watching the Fireworks
The entire city is lit by shooting fireworks at precisely midnight. To appreciate it, you don’t need to go anywhere in particular. No matter where you are in Istanbul, all you need to do is be outside. It’s a customary manner to celebrate in almost all streets and even neighborhoods.
As you can see, Istanbul is a magnificent place that never ceases to astound us. It is the ideal location at all times, regardless of the time you visit it.
If you would like to have more ideas about life and holidays in Turkey, we highly recommend you to take a look at your article sections. Meanwhile if you are interested in investing in Turkey or relocation you can have all the needed details through a risk-free consultation. Take a look at our services.
