Istanbul's history and culture are legendary. Walking the streets of Istanbul is the best way to explore its past and see its diversity. During Christmas, the streets, parks, and neighborhoods of Istanbul are less crowded yet beautifully decorated, making them even more enjoyable.
Head to these popular Istanbul spots to feel the Christmas spirit:
Shopping malls in Istanbul celebrate Christmas the right way. Large trees are decorated and placed in the center of the mall, and Christmas lights cheer up the place. A special program is also organised for families, allowing them to celebrate the holiday together.
Visit the following shopping malls on Christmas:
Food is a big part of Christmas celebrations worldwide. It is no different in Istanbul. The city's restaurants serve meze, a traditional starter that can double up as a whole meal. You can add Salep, a mixture of milk or boiling water, cinnamon, and a special flour to your Christmas dinner plan.
Where to eat in Istanbul during Christmas?
Christmas is about family, and there are few better ways to celebrate with your loved ones than some adventure. You can go skating at an ice rink in Istanbul's Uniq Istanbul event center. It is available throughout winter, and it is especially fun during Christmas with amazing lights and Christmas music.
Where to go skating in Istanbul?
Cruising through the Bosphorus Strait will give a distant and beautiful view of Istanbul dressed in Christmas colors. Cruises are available for groups of up to 12 people. The package includes pickup from the hotel, sunset views, 2.5 hours on the cruise, the finest Turkish wine and beer, and a delicious selection of appetizers.
Types of Bosphorus cruises to choose from:
Book Bosphorus Cruises ticketsThe sky looks different on Christmas in Istanbul. The lights shine brightly, making the night sky glitter like gold. Pierre Loti cafe is perfect for witnessing Istanbul's glowing best on Christmas. Located on a hill in the Eyüp cemetery, the cafe's terrace provides unbeatable views of the Istanbul skyline on Christmas.
Location: Eyüp Merkez, Karyağdı Sk. No:20, 34050 Eyüpsultan/İstanbul, Türkiye
Night clubs in Istanbul organize Christmas-themed parties, and they're perfect for getting in the festive spirit, meeting new people, and dancing through the night. There are several nightclubs in Istanbul, but the Groundy Club in Kadıköy is well-known for its parties and DJs.
Nightclubs in Istanbul for a Christmas party:
Christmas shopping in Istanbul is a major thing thanks to the Istanbul International Women's. IWI is a social organization supporting foreign women living in the city. The organization hosts the Christmas Bazaar, where you can buy anything as well as contribute funds to the organization.
Know moreIstanbul is home to several international hotels that offer special Christmas meals. Traditional and popular European, Asian, and American dishes are part of the menu, and since it's a buffet, you can enjoy a bit of everything.
Hotels to enjoy a Christmas meal:
Istanbul is a fantastic choice to celebrate Christmas. Streets and malls in the city light up with Christmas decorations, giving it a stunning glow. Masses are also held in several churches throughout the city, and special events like the Istanbul International Women's Christmas Bazaar (IWI) offer shopping opportunities.
Christmas isn't the most crowded time of the year in Istanbul. You can enjoy the city's famous historical sites and cultural centers whenever you want. Other options are Christmas-themed parties, a stroll through Istanbul's decorated streets, and a nice buffet at an international hotel.
Christmas in Istanbul is unique because it is colorful and quiet. The city is dressed with Christmas lighting, and fewer tourists are around. You can explore at your own pace and experience the city thoroughly on Christmas.
December is a chilly month in Istanbul. The temperature can drop up to 5°C at night, while the daytime temperature lingers around 11°C. Warm clothing is essential to keep out the cold.
Istanbul isn't the destination most people think about when planning their Christmas trip. As a result, it isn't as crowded. You can enjoy the city's top attractions and restaurants peacefully.
Christmas isn't a holiday in Istanbul. While the city is decorated and the streets filled with Christmas cheer, it is a normal day in the lives of the locals.
Yes, Christmas markets are a massive feature in Istanbul. The Istanbul International Women's Christmas Bazaar (IWI) is among the more popular markets organized by the Istanbul International Women's.
Winter Bazaar, Handmade Istanbul Holiday Market, IWI Winter Festival, and Zubizu New Year's Shopping are Istanbul's most popular Christmas markets.
Since Christmas isn't a public holiday in Istanbul, all the restaurants are open.
Shangri-La Bosphorus, Sultanahmet Palace Hotel, Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel, The Haze Istanbul, and W Istanbul are the best places to stay in Istanbul on Christmas.
A few dishes you can eat in Istanbul on Christmas are Simit, Sis kebab, Lahmacun, Kofte, Kuzu tandir, Menemen, and Durum.
Istanbul is a haven if you love trying new dishes and restaurants. Beso Restaurant Bistro, Panoramic Restaurant, Rainbow fish & meat restaurant, and Hamdi Restaurant - Pera are the best restaurants for Christmas in Istanbul.
Christmas lights glow up Istanbul, making it shine like gold. While there are several places to see Istanbul's Christmas glow, Pierre Loti cafe is the best choice. The cafe's terrace provides the best views of the Istanbul skyline.
Christmas isn't celebrated as much in Istanbul as in other European countries. Hence, there aren't any Christmas traditions in Istanbul.