Are you planning on going to visit Turkey during Christmas? I live in Türkiye, and even though my home is a Muslim country, did you know that it is the birthplace of Santa Claus? It is true, but we do not celebrate Christmas as Western cultures do.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean there isn’t any fun visiting Türkiye during this magical time; it is a popular destination at this great time of year.
Let me show you precisely what you can expect, such as the celebrations and traditions regarding the New Year we look forward to in Turkey. Which, in some ways, resemble traditional Christmas celebrations you might be used to.
Christmas is right around the corner, and for many, it is the most wonderful time of the year. Sparkling lights, festive tunes, evenings by the fireplace sipping hot chocolate – these hallmarks of the holiday season hold a special place in our hearts. But what about Christmas celebrations in Turkey? This is a question on the minds of many travelers as they make their holiday plans.
As an avid Turkey enthusiast and holiday connoisseur I set out to uncover the fascinating Christmas traditions of this captivating country. In this article we’ll explore how Christmas is celebrated in Turkey, bust some myths, and provide tips for spending Christmas Turkish-style.
Turkey is primarily a Muslim country – around 99% of the population identifies as Islamic. As such Christmas is not an official public holiday. The 25th of December is a regular working day like any other. However before you decide to give Turkey a miss this Christmas, there are a few things to consider
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Turkey has a small but active Christian minority, about 0.2% of the population, who celebrate Christmas in time-honored fashion.
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Major cities like Istanbul and Ankara wear a festive look during December, with streets lit up and Christmas markets bustling with activity.
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High tourist footfall during the holiday season means hotels and tour providers create special Christmas programs.
So while Christmas may not be a big deal for the locals, travelers can still experience the yuletide spirit in Turkey. Let’s look at some of the ways Christmas is celebrated in Turkey.
Traditions and Celebrations
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
For Turkish Christians, especially Catholics and Orthodox Christians, attending midnight mass on Christmas Eve is an important tradition. Churches like the Santa Maria Draperis in Istanbul, Church of St. Anthony of Padua, and the Armenian and Greek Orthodox churches hold elaborate ceremonies. Christmas day is spent feasting with family and exchanging gifts.
Some Christmas dishes traditionally served in Turkey include stuffed vine leaves, olive oil dishes, baklava, and Turkish delight. Roast turkey is also popular.
New Year Celebrations
New Year’s Eve rivals Christmas in terms of enthusiasm and excitement in Turkey. Locals embrace it wholeheartedly, with crowds filling up city squares as the clock strikes midnight. Fireworks, music, and dancing last well into the night. Unlike Christmas, New Year’s Day is a national holiday.
Children also receive gifts on December 31st from what they know as New Year’s Father or Grandfather Frost, instead of Santa Claus.
Christmas Markets
Istanbul hosts one of the region’s most famous Christmas markets from December 8-25 outside the Four Seasons Hotel. This bustling fair transports you to a magical world with handcrafted goods, tantalizing food stalls, carols, amusement rides, and ice skating. Smaller markets can also be found in other cities like Ankara and Izmir.
Christmas Decorations
You’ll find streets decked with glittering displays of trees, wreaths, and lights, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Shop windows sport Christmas themes, and department stores dazzle with intricate installations. Bridges and landmarks are adorned with padlocks symbolizing new year hopes and wishes.
Behind the Festive Facade – Myths About Christmas in Turkey
Despite all these festivities, it’s important not to equate Christmas celebrations in Turkey with those of predominantly Christian countries. Here are a few myths that need busting:
Myth: Turkey celebrates Christmas just like the West
Reality: Apart from in the Christian community, it is just a regular day for the local population. The festive zeal is largely due to tourism.
Myth: Santa Claus visits Turkish children on the night of December 24th
Reality: The Turkish Santa is Noel Baba, who comes on New Year’s Eve.
Myth: Christmas is a public holiday
Reality: December 25th is a regular working day in Turkey. National holidays are usually associated with Muslim festivals.
Myth: Lavish Christmas feasts are the norm
Reality: Christmas meals are generally regular Turkish fare enjoyed at home with family.
Myth: Turkey’s streets are deserted on Christmas day
Reality: Shops and businesses function as usual during December in Turkey.
In a nutshell, commercialized Christmas celebrations in Turkey are targeted primarily at tourists, not locals. Understanding this distinction allows travelers to align their expectations and make the most of Christmas Turkish style.
How to Have a Turkish Christmas – A Traveler’s Guide
If you wish to spend Christmas in Turkey, here are some tips to experience the season’s magic:
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Base yourself in Istanbul – This bustling metropolis puts its best foot forward during December. Wander through festive bazaars, soak in the Christmas vibes along Istiklal Avenue, and see landmarks like Hagia Sophia dressed up for the occasion.
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Feast on Turkish delights – Indulge your sweet tooth with some lokum (Turkish delight) or rich baklava, washed down with aromatic Turkish tea or coffee.
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Countdown to New Year’s Eve – Join the enthusiastic crowds at nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels with gala dinners, belly dancers, and live music. Taksim Square in Istanbul is the place to be.
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Take a hot air balloon ride – Float over Capadoccia’s surreal winter landscape in a hot air balloon and enjoy a Christmas morning like no other.
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Relax in Mediterranean sunshine – Head to the Turquoise Coast around Antalya for Christmas by the beach. Soak up the sun in between visits to ancient Greco-Roman ruins.
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Attend a Christmas concert – Catch choral performances at churches like the Hagia Triada in Istanbul. Even mosques sometimes host concerts.
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Visit underground cave cities – Explore the fascinating subterranean cave cities of Cappadocia with underground churches that are decorated for the season.
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Try ice-skating – Outdoor ice rinks pop up in major cities over Christmas. The one outside Istanbul’s Hotel Istiklal is a prime spot for skating with a view.
So don’t write off a Turkish Christmas just yet. With an open mind and a sense of adventure, Turkey promises you a unique holiday experience.
Selam from me – I hope your holidays are filled with magical moments, wherever you may celebrate them!
Do Turkish People Believe In Santa Claus
Another common question asked besides “Does Turkey celebrate Christmas?” is whether Turkish people believe in Santa Claus.
While the original Santa Claus was born within the borders of Turkey, it’s true that he doesn’t have a place in the country’s culture. Muslim Turks have inhabited Turkey, who don’t revere Santa Claus for nearly a millennium.
However, you can still see the influence of Santa in Turkish New Year customs. Instead of the Christmas decorations you’d usually expect, most shops and stores in Turkey start selling New Year-related ornaments and décor, which often depict Santa Claus.
It isn’t uncommon for the Muslim population, malls, and shops to erect statues and place figurines of Santa Claus around.
Also, some municipalities might organize New Year events where people dress up as Santa.
So, while Turks don’t believe in him, Santa Claus still has a prominent role in New Year celebrations.
Do Turks Celebrate Christmas
Planning to visit Turkey at Christmas? You might ask: “Do they celebrate the Christmas holidays in Turkey?” Christmas in Türkiye is nothing like in Western countries due to the country’s demographics.
Since the country has a Muslim majority, Christmas traditions in Turkey are about celebrating the beginning of a new calendar year rather than commemorating the birth of Christ.
However, you should still expect some New Year festivals and events, similar to Christmas celebrations, during your stay. Most restaurants, stores, and malls have exceptional sales, and Christmas-themed ornaments are usually everywhere. Plus, some malls and organizations might even hold Christmas markets where locals sell an abundance of local products and souvenirs.
On the other hand, while such celebrations in Turkey are mostly related to the New Year, the Western Christmas culture has dramatically influenced customs and traditions in modern-day Turkey.
So, you can watch Christmas entertainment programs on Turkish TV, eat a plate of delicious Turkey (minus the cranberry sauce) at your Turkish friend’s place, and see a Christmas tree or two dotted around the streets of Turkey.
Santa Claus-themed statues, figurines, ornaments, and wares can be found all over the country.
How Do They Celebrate Christmas In Turkey?
FAQ
Do people celebrate Christmas in Turkey?
Is Turkey traditional for Christmas?
What is the religion of Turkey Christmas?
What winter holidays are celebrated in Turkey?
Why do Turkish people celebrate Christmas?
Turkish people don’t have any religious incentive to celebrate Christmas, but they like the fun part of Christmas, as we all do. So, they decorate their houses, and the streets take on a festive note, with decorative Christmas trees on sidewalks and shops and street markets bursting with all the Christmas goodies.
Why is Christmas not celebrated in Turkey?
According to a report by Pew Research Center, 99.8% of Turks identify as Muslim, and since Christmas is a Christian holiday, it is not celebrated by most people. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day in Turkey are not public holidays and are treated as any other day.
What are Turkey’s Christmas traditions?
To truly appreciate Turkey’s Christmas traditions, it’s important to understand the historical influences that have shaped them over the centuries. Christmas in Turkey is a unique blend of Christian, Muslim, and pagan traditions, all coming together to create a rich and diverse celebration.
Is Christmas a major holiday in Turkey?
While Christmas may not be a major holiday in Turkey, it offers a unique blend of tradition and modern celebrations. From festive markets and delicious feasts to historical explorations and winter activities, Turkey provides a heartwarming and culturally rich experience for those seeking a different kind of Christmas. Additional Resources: