Spending Christmas in Turkey is a great idea because you get the best of both worlds. On a normal working day for Turks, everything runs as usual, but you can still find festive events or plan your own. Whether you want the traditional white-snow theme or are running from the cold to the winter sun, there are many options. In this article, we cover why to choose Turkey for your Xmas holidays, what to know, and where to go.
Quick Summary About Christmas in Turkey
- Best Part: On December 25th, everywhere is open, and transport schedules run as normal.
- Drawbacks: Do not expect Western holiday atmospheres with Christmas markets, street carollers, and easy-to-find roast dinners. Many coastal resorts with expat communities slow down, and northern regions are cold and wet.
- Bottom Line: For Christmas markets and festival music, go somewhere else. However, it's perfect for cheap luxury, crowd-free sightseeing, or a unique winter getaway in Istanbul or Cappadocia.
- Remember: That it is business as usual for Turks, and the lights and tinsel are for New Year.
Regional Variety: Where to Go
- Istanbul: With culture, festive shopping, and winter charm, this city puts up festive streetlights, some places have church services, and there are endless dining options.
- Cappadocia: People aren’t overestimating when they say this is a winter wonderland. Expect snow-dusted fairy chimneys and cosy cave hotels.
- Antalya: Enjoy mild winter sun with zero crowds at attractions like Kaleici or Aspendos ancient ruins.
- Uludağ (Bursa) or Erciyes: This is about skiing for winter wonderland vibes and is best for active travellers who want snow rather than traditional Xmas vibes.
The Pros of Spending Christmas in Turkey
1: Zero Holiday Closures
Turkey doesn’t celebrate this religious and festive event because most of the population is Muslim. The upside for this is that major sites, museums, restaurants, and shops stay open on December 25th. You don’t have to check opening and closing times or deal with inflated taxi rates because everything runs as usual. While the Turks don’t celebrate the day, they understand foreigners like it and are happy to accommodate festive celebrations.
2: Massive Cost Savings and Low Season Perks
December is low season for tourism. The main tourism season runs from May to October. As a result, December travellers can buy cheaper flights to airports like Istanbul International, Izmir, and Antalya. Dalaman and Bodrum airports run on reduced flight schedules, but you can still catch connecting domestic flights from Istanbul. Shop around for the large and boutique hotels that stay open. Since it is low season, they offer exceptional nightly rates and often run special packages for Xmas and New Year.
3: Sightseeing Without the Crowds
From November to April, it is low season, meaning fewer queues and crowds at airports and major attractions. The top destinations, Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale, operate as usual, so explore them at your leisure, without the crowds. See the sights of the Ottoman Empire like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque. Also explore the valleys and underground cities of Cappadocia after enjoying a hot air balloon ride. If you end up in Antalya, attractions like Land of Legends, Kaleici, Mount Tahtali, and Aspendos are a delight when the peace shines through.
4: Festive Atmosphere Without the Commercial Pressure
Let’s face it. The Western world has gone a bit crazy with Xmas spending. From presents and what to wear, it is too much. However, in Turkey, enjoy the day in authentic style. Marvel at the Christmas trees, light displays, and street decorations set up for New Year’s (Yılbaşı) without the aggressive commercial holiday push.
5: Explore the Christian Connection
One thing that surprises many newcomers to Turkey is its strong Christian history, from the 4th-century cave churches in Cappadocia and the three Cappadocian fathers to the seven churches of Revelation on the Aegean Coast. Some churches hold Christmas Day events. The Basilica of Saint John and Ephesus reflect his time here. Also visit the nearby House of the Virgin Mary. Saint Paul spread the gospel here, so you can retrace his footsteps, or visit the Cave Church of Saint Peter (St. Pierre Kilisesi) in Antakya, the first known church of its kind.
6: Also Enjoy Turkey’s massive New Year’s Eve celebrations
Since Xmas and New Year are only a week apart, why not celebrate both together? New Year is a big deal in Turkey, and the Turks go all out on the celebrations. So, combine your Xmas celebrations and Boxing Day recovery with amazing parties on December 31st.
7: Choose the Weather: Sun or Snow
Turkey has several climate zones, so choose snow or sun. For snow, stick to inland, high-altitude places like Cappadocia or Uludag ski resort. For winter sun, the Antalya region delivers, with morning swims or hotels with heated swimming pools. Saklikent ski resort has the famous motto: ski in the morning and swim in the afternoon.
Best Places to Enjoy a Turkish Christmas
Cappadocia and Goreme's Sacred Valleys
Further inland, the heart of Anatolia is about early Christian history. In Cappadocia's Goreme, explore ancient rock-hewn churches adorned with vibrant Byzantine frescoes. Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride for sweeping aerial views, or stop by a historical Seljuk silk-road outpost like the Saruhan Caravanserai to witness the mystical ceremony of the Whirling Dervishes. Further north, the nation's capital, Ankara, bridges ancient Anatolian civilisations with modern history.
Istanbul: The Crossroads of Empires
To know Istanbul is to know Turkey. Though not the capital, it is the heart and soul of the country. As the former Byzantine heart of Constantinople and later the seat of the Ottoman Empire, it has drawn people of all religions over the centuries. While there, tour the expansive courtyards and treasures of Topkapi Palace or cruise along the scenic Bosphorus Strait.
Stroll down Istiklal Avenue toward Taksim Square to experience the best nightlife and shopping scenes. Visit markets for artisan goods, or warm up on a chilly afternoon with a hot cup of Salep (a traditional warm cinnamon-spiced drink). Savour traditional Turkish Kebabs, or sip tea at the famous hilltop Pierre Loti cafe overlooking the Golden Horn.
Stay in historical luxury at places like the Sultanahmet Palace Hotel, head out on memorable night Yacht cruises along the illuminated skyline, or experience the city's famous Nightclubs as locals prepare for Yılbaşı gecesi (New Year's Eve).
Antalya for Winter Sun
If rest, relaxation, and copious amounts of food and drink are your perfect day, choose Antalya. The region is a top destination for beach holidays and attracts tourists from around the world, including Brits, Russians, Germans, and other Europeans. Huge expat communities mean Xmas Day is already well known. All-inclusive hotels in Lara Beach often sell packages which include New Year celebrations as well. Belek offers amazing five-star hotels to pamper you, and the outskirts of Alanya will deliver winter sun.
Did You Know? Santa Was Born in Turkey
Many people are surprised to learn that the story of Santa Claus began in Turkey. Originally known as Saint Nicholas, he was born in 280 ADS in the maritime Lycian city of Patara, on Turkey's turquoise coast. Raised by a wealthy family, Nicholas dedicated his early life to devout faith and extraordinary philanthropy. Legend says he secretly dropped bags of gold coins down chimneys.
Later in life, he became the Bishop of Demre, and defended the oppressed, protected sailors, and cared for local orphans. After his death on December 6, 343 ADS, his tomb became a major pilgrimage shrine. Today, the restored St. Nicholas Church in Demre stands as a UNESCO-listed landmark on the World Heritage Tentative List, attracting thousands who come to admire its ancient frescoes and honour the historical “Noel Baba”.
FAQs: Christmas in Turkey
Q: Is Turkey a good place to go for Christmas?
A: Yes, Turkey is good at Christmas but check your expectations first. Turks don’t recognise this special day, so look for an expat community or themed hotel events that offer special packages for the occasion. Remember, Turks put up decorations and Santa Claus figures for New Year, which they celebrate in style.
Q: How warm is it in Turkey at Christmas?
A: This depends on the region, as Turkey has several different climate zones. Turkey is an extremely large country, for the hottest weather, head to the Antalya region on the southern Mediterranean coast. The chance of snow is zilch, and in most years, the sun shines through in December. In places like Istanbul or Cappadocia, dress warmly.
More About Turkey
As you can see, celebrating this special day in Turkey is easy, especially in places like Istanbul, Cappadocia, or Antalya. While you're there, you can explore and get to know the regions better, and our blog can help. It covers the places, history, culture, and traditions, and will help you celebrate Christmas in Turkey.
Nezir Can 
Operations Manager
Nezir 'Nez' Can is Operations Manager at Property Turkey and a contributor on Turkish culture, lifestyle, and everyday life across the country. Since joining the company, he has helped international readers better understand what it is like to live, work, and settle in Turkey.
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