A Turkish christmas is impossible right? Most of my friends and family who have never visited Turkey say this. “After all, Turkey is a Muslim country”.
It might be a Muslim country but one thing the Turks have got down to a fine art, is that where there is money to be made, they will make it. Around 2004, Turkey started becoming popular among ex-pats, hence a new business opportunity for all those restaurants and bars.
It is possible to spend Christmas in Turkey, if you are prepared to move the goal posts a little on your definition of a true Christmas.
This can be hit and miss. I remember one Christmas day sitting in an outside bar with the sun blazing down on me. However another year, takes me back to memories of driving back from Antalya and it was snowing. It could be hot, or it could be cold but your chances of a white Christmas are very slim.
Does Turkey Celebrate Christmas? A Closer Look at Holiday Traditions in this Muslim Country
Christmas is right around the corner, which has many wondering – does Turkey celebrate Christmas? At first glance, it may seem unlikely that this predominantly Muslim country would observe a Christian holiday. However, the reality is more nuanced. While Christmas is not an official holiday in Turkey, you can still experience festive cheer and yuletide traditions in this fascinating country.
As someone who has celebrated multiple Christmases in Turkey, I’m often asked “Do Turkish people celebrate Christmas?” The short answer is no, not in the same way most Western nations do. However, there are still decorations, events, and a holiday spirit to be found, especially in cosmopolitan Istanbul.
Here’s a deeper look into how Turks mark the Christmas season.
Christmas in Turkey – An Overview
Turkey’s population is about 98% Muslim. As such, Christmas is not a national holiday here. December 25th is a regular working day with businesses operating as usual. The few Christians in Turkey (mainly Orthodox and Armenian Apostolics) do commemorate Christ’s birth with religious services and family meals. But most Turks don’t connect personally to the spiritual significance behind Christmas.
That said, major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir take on a festive atmosphere in December, mainly to cater to tourists. Parts of Istanbul dazzle with sparkling lights and Christmas markets open their doors. You’ll find streets lined with trees and wreaths, shop displays sporting Santa and reindeers, and New Year padlocks on bridges symbolizing hopes for 2023. Hotels and tour providers create special Christmas programs for visitors.
So while Turks themselves don’t celebrate Christmas, travelers can still soak up plenty of yuletide vibes during their Turkey vacation.
Christmas Traditions and Celebrations in Turkey
Here are some ways Christmas is celebrated in Turkey:
Christmas Eve and Day
On December 24th, Turkish Christians attend midnight mass at churches like the Greek Orthodox Aya Yorgi Church. Christmas day involves feasting on traditional dishes like stuffed vine leaves, olive oil-rich fare, baklava, Turkish delight, and yes…roast turkey! Gifts are also exchanged on Christmas day.
New Year’s Eve
In Turkey, the new year rings in the winter celebrations rather than Christmas itself. Locals enthusiastically welcome 2023 at crowded public spaces. Fireworks, live music, and dancing last well past midnight on New Year’s Eve. The first day of January is an official public holiday here.
Christmas Markets
Istanbul hosts a large Christmas market from December 8-25. Over 200 vendors set up outside the Four Seasons Hotel, selling handicrafts, food, and drinks. Visitors can enjoy carols, carnival rides, Santa, and skating. Smaller markets pop up in other cities too.
Festive Decorations
Walking around Istanbul, you’ll find streets decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments. Shop displays follow yuletide themes and malls have dazzling installations. People also hang padlocks on bridges, representing wishes for the coming year.
Turkish Christmas food
Christmas meals tend to be homely affairs with family, rather than elaborate feasts. Dishes like stuffed vine leaves, olive oil-rich stews, baklava, and Turkish delight are often served. Roast turkey is also popular.
Santa Claus Origins
An interesting historical tie – Santa Claus was actually born in Demre on the Turkish Mediterranean coast. Here he’s known as Noel Baba, who brings gifts on New Year’s Eve rather than Christmas!
Myths About Christmas in Turkey
While Turkey embraces the festive mood, bear in mind that celebrations are not as grand as in Christian countries. Here are some common myths:
Myth: Turkey celebrates Christmas just like the West
Reality: For locals it’s a regular day except for Christians. Festivities cater mainly to tourists.
Myth: Santa Claus gives gifts on Christmas Eve
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 working day in Turkey.
Myth: Lavish Christmas meals are the norm
Reality: Turkey’s Christmas meals are often simple family affairs rather than decadent feasts.
Myth: The streets are empty on Christmas
Reality: Shops and businesses stay open as usual.
How to Have a Turkish Christmas as a Traveler
To make the most of Christmas in Turkey, here are some tips:
- Spend Christmas in Istanbul, Turkey’s most festive city.
- Wander through colorful Christmas markets.
- Enjoy sweet Turkish delights and baklava.
- Experience New Year’s Eve celebrations in Taksim Square.
- Take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia on Christmas morning.
- Soak up the sun on the Mediterranean coast.
- See underground cave churches in Cappadocia.
- Try outdoor ice-skating rinks in Ankara and Izmir.
The Verdict?
So while Christmas isn’t widely celebrated in Turkey, tourists can still find yuletide magic. With an open mind, Christmas in Turkey promises a unique cultural experience. The holiday spirit is alive in the bustling bazaars, concerts, New Year’s festivities, and glittering decor of Turkish cities.
Shopping at Christmas Time in Turkey
You are not going to find streets laden with Christmas lights and a 50 foot Christmas tree in the town square. Neither will you walk in a shop to find staff wishing you a happy Christmas through false smiles, while Jingle bells is playing in the background.
You might however stumble upon a place that is selling Christmas items. Just the other day, I stumbled across a shop (actually it was a bar) that was selling small Christmas trees for 150TL (approximately $80). Depends on how much you are willing to spend.
The Turkish Christmas Dinner
Now this is where the Turks will pull out all the stops for you. In areas where there are a lot of ex-pats, the restaurants will provide you with a full dinner and entertainment for the day.
Average price is 20 to 50 dollars depending on what is included. If the restaurant has connections, they would have received boxes of Christmas crackers and Paxo stuffing, from ex-pats flying out especially for Christmas.
Depending on the area, pigs in blankets is not a problem either as pork is sold in a few places throughout Turkey. I suggest that before booking any Christmas dinner in a restaurant, that you ask them specifically what is included.
Entertainment will vary from a live band to the restaurant staff putting on their own little cabaret. Celebrations start roughly around 12 noon and they will go on till the last person leaves at night, or the next morning.
A lot of places will insist that you pre-book your dinner so if you are planning Christmas in Turkey, shop around, compare prices and then book your tickets.
How Christmas is Celebrated in Turkiye? Life of Expats | #adilsami #turkiye #christmas
FAQ
Do you celebrate Christmas in Turkey?
Being a Muslim country, Christmas is not celebrated in Turkey. But Santa Clause is called Noel Baba in Turkish, who is believed to bring gifts on New Year’s eve in Turkey. What do people eat in Turkey for Christmas? Tamale is a popular dish that is eaten during Christmas in Turkey.
What is Turkish Christmas called?
| English | Turkish | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas | Noel | [No-ehl] |
| Merry Christmas | Mutlu Noeller | [Moot-loo No-ehl-ler] |
| Santa Claus | Noel Baba | [No-ehl Bah-bah] |
| Tree | Ağaç | [Ah-ghach] |
Is December 25 a holiday in Turkey?
Christmas really isn’t celebrated in Türkiye / Turkey. December 25th isn’t a public holiday – it’s just a normal day!
Is turkey served for Christmas?
Typically served with a side of mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce, turkey is usually the main star of Christmas dinner. Many countries around the world have a rich history of eating turkey on this special occasion.