What does Istanbul look like at Christmas?
Istanbul at Christmas is considered one of the tourist attractions. Although there are Sunni Muslims in this city, there are many Christians, and there are several large churches in the city center and near Taksim Square, which creates a New Year’s mood. Turkey’s national calendar is based on the Gregorian year, so there are January holidays in this country. Keep in mind that Turkey was a Christian country in ancient times, from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD to the 6th century AD, and after the arrival of the Arabs, the Muslim religion was gradually introduced to this land.
In this article, Manolya Tour talks about the mood of Istanbul for Christmas and talks about Christmas Eve traditions. If you are planning to travel to Turkey and your destination is the city of Istanbul, Christmas is considered one of the most important events in this city and you can see the precious experience of joy, religion and Christian traditions in Istanbul.
Christmas in Istanbul
Christmas in the world corresponds to December 25th. December is the last month of the year. Although December 25th is not an official holiday in the Turkish calendar, many people take holidays and celebrate this day. In other European countries, this day is an official holiday. Not only Istanbul is spectacular during Christmas, but other cities have the atmosphere of New Year celebration. Christmas is the birthday of the Jesus, which followers of Christianity, including Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants celebrate this important day. From a few days ago, all the streets of Istanbul are decorated and decorated. If you are interested in experiencing the New Year celebration in Istanbul, we suggest that you don’t miss the Istanbul New Year Party!
The squares prepare for fireworks at Christmas. Of course, keep in mind that Christmas Eve, the end of the night of December 24, is very important and most church ceremonies in Istanbul are held on Christmas Eve. At Christmas, you can see interesting traditions and rituals.
At Christmas, Istanbul hosts very important concerts, in which travelers and residents of the city take part. As you know, Istanbul consists of two parts: Eastern and Western, or Asian and European parts. The decoration of the city is much greater in the European part of the city, where it is separated by the Bosphorus, but in the Asian part, you can see other customs and rituals of Christmas.
Christmas celebration in Istanbul
There are many Christmas holidays in Istanbul. If you take a walk on Christmas Eve, you might be surprised because you can get unique gifts while walking. Sometimes this is a small gift from Santa Claus, and sometimes it is a gift from the people of Istanbul, which is very pleasing. Turks in Turkey usually decorate Christmas trees on Christmas Eve and give gifts to their loved ones.
Many Santa Clauses are present all over Istanbul at Christmas and they especially give gifts to children on Christmas Eve. In various places in Istanbul, you can see countless street musicians playing music and many couples of artists dancing. This is another important part that you can see in Christmas.
Manolya Tour advises that if you are planning to travel to Istanbul for Christmas, it is better to choose the European leg to save travel time, as this leg is closer to the church ceremonies. The best lights and fireworks on Christmas night are on the Bosphorus, and if you’re looking for a thrill, head here and see one of Istanbul’s collective joys up close.
Many Muslims participate in this holiday and celebrate the birth of Christ, although it is not an official holiday, but the atmosphere of the whole city is full of joy and happiness with a Christmas tree or pine tree and Santa Claus.
Ceremony of Istanbul churches on Christmas Eve
As already mentioned, in Istanbul there are many important ceremonies performed by the followers of Christianity in the church, and this is very important. Masses are held on Christmas Eve in three large and important churches in Istanbul. Church ceremonies in Istanbul on Christmas Eve are very important. The Church of St. Anthony of Padua is one of the most important churches in Turkey dedicated to the followers of the Catholic religion, where Mass is held on Christmas Eve at the end of December 24th.
The space of the church is also considered a historical monument, which will undergo major reconstruction in the 20th century. The inside of the church has very high vaulted ceilings. On December 25, this church will hold another ceremony in four different languages: English, Turkish, Polish and Italian.
The Crimean Church is one of the other old churches in Turkey in the Beyoglu region. This church is famous for the Anglican Church. From 7:00 am on December 25, there will be a religious ceremony similar to those in England, as well as celebration and dancing. Mass is also held in this church on Christmas Eve. It is interesting to know that this church was built in the 19th century in honor of the British soldiers who participated in the Crimean War.
Of course, all churches in Istanbul have ceremonies on Christmas Eve and you can choose Grigor Losarevic Church, St. Mary Mugalan Church, Aya Yorgi Monastery and Santa Maria Catholic Church to see different ceremonies. Turkish churches are mostly Catholic and Orthodox, and they vary in the way Mass is celebrated.
Mass
The Eucharist is called the Lord’s Supper or thanksgiving ritual. The origin of this ceremony was associated with the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the apostles. And it is considered one of the seven sacraments of Christianity or the seven mysteries. This ceremony is held in three religious branches: Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox and has differences.
In this ceremony, bread and wine are an important food and drink served to the congregation in memory of the Last Supper of Christ from the Gospel. This ceremony is one of the most important religious ceremonies in Istanbul during Christmas. In Italian countries, it is carried out much more carefully.
Shopping on Christmas Eve
For many, a special purchase or discount is important. Of course, keep in mind that the best New Year’s discount happens on the last Friday of November or Black Friday, when items are discounted up to 70%.
There are many shopping centers, and you can go to the traditional and old market of Istanbul at night and one or two days before Christmas. Although this market is located in the Muslim quarter and is located between two historic mosques, during the last days of the New Year, you can buy goods at a discount here. If your goal is to visit malls, it is possible that some of them are closed on Christmas Eve, and it is good that you should know when they are open for shopping.
Of course, many malls are active and have one of their busiest periods at the end of the year. All stores in Istanbul have significant sales and discounts in the last two weeks of December. Marina Viaport, Istiniye Park, Forum Istanbul Mall, Zorlu Mall and Istanbul Palladium are good places for New Year’s shopping, which also has restaurants, food courts and playgrounds. Christmas shopping in Istanbul is always going on, but it’s usually best to shop before eight o’clock to catch the Christmas events in Istanbul.
Christmas concerts at night in Istanbul
It’s nice to know that Istanbul is very different at Christmas time and Christmas concerts in Istanbul are very famous and tickets for Turkish concerts should be bought in advance. There are usually no tickets near the concert, so keep that in mind. Many famous Turkish singers give concerts in Istanbul on Christmas Eve, which give the city a special atmosphere.
Special food in Istanbul at Christmas
Don’t miss the special Istanbul food at Christmas time as it is an important part of gastronomic tourism. The most important meal on Christmas Eve is stuffed turkey and most families prepare and eat this food. You can also enjoy a special Christmas cake at most cafes on Istiklal Street. It is a chocolate cake stuffed with raspberry jam, one of the most delicious Christmas dishes in Istanbul.
The weather in Istanbul at Christmas
Compared to European countries, the weather in Istanbul during Christmas is less cold, and the average temperature in December is between 5 and 17 degrees Celsius, and Christmas nights also fall below zero degrees. So, to go to Istanbul for Christmas, take very warm clothes with you. Pack ponchos and small foldable umbrellas in your luggage so you can use them in case of snow or rain.
Summary about Istanbul at Christmas
In this article, all the features of Istanbul at Christmas have been explained. Remember that it’s not just Christmas that’s important, but Christmas Eve is where you see the most action. The cafe and restaurant are open and you can use them. Many are busy celebrating Christmas in churches, and many at home. The whole atmosphere of the city is ready for the celebration of the New Year, and you can keep some of the best memories for yourself.
As Manolya Tours, we organize Istanbul Private Tour Guide, Istanbul Old City Tour, Turkish Night Show Cruise, Istanbul Airport Transfer, hot Air Balloon Tour, Red Tour Cappadocia, Green Tour Cappadocia, Antalya Tour, Istanbul Tour, Antalya The Land of Legends Tour, Scuba Diving Alanya, Pamukkale Tour, Ephesus Tours and Green Bursa Tour.
