Christmas Market In Turkey 2025: Where To Go
Turkey is not a traditional Christmas country, yet December here feels magical. In recent years more places have started to host Christmas markets in Turkey, often mixed with New Year events. Streets shine with lights. Hotels prepare winter shows. Stalls appear where you can try local sweets and buy handmade gifts. This makes the country an exciting choice for travelers in winter.
In this guide, you will learn where to find the best Istanbul Christmas market, and what to expect from Turkey in December 2025.
City With Holiday Spirit
Istanbul is the main place for Christmas events in Turkey. Markets in Istanbul are full of both European and Turkish flavors. You can try gingerbread, mulled wine, sausages. At the same time you will see baklava, Turkish delight, roasted chestnuts, simit. Stalls sell candles, ornaments, jewelry and textiles. Streets like Istiklal Avenue, Nisantasi and Kadikoy are filled with lights and decorations.
Some of the city’s biggest malls turn into winter destinations. Zorlu Center, Kanyon, IstinyePark, Vadistanbul and others are decorated with Christmas trees, light installations and themed corners. Many malls also host pop-up Christmas markets on their squares or indoor stages. These events sell crafts, sweets, candles and ornaments, creating a cozy holiday mood while you shop.
Where Are The Christmas Markets?
The Istanbul Christmas Market usually takes place in Galataport Istanbul along the Karakoy waterfront. In past years this event included concerts, live music and creative workshops. Visitors could enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, and sweets from decorated wooden stalls. During this time visitors can join New Year themed workshops and buy gifts from selected design brands.
For 2025, a special event called “İstanbul Wonder Village” is planned at Life Park from December 5 to December 28. At Istanbul Wonder Village you can enjoy a full festive program with a carousel, shopping stands, ice skating, bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, concerts, theater and film shows, and many other performances. Sessions are held all day from 16:00 to 00:00, with a morning session from 12:00 to 17:30 and an evening session from 18:30 to 00:00. Tickets for the event are available online through Biletix.
A special stop in December is the St. Anthony of Padua Church on Istiklal Avenue. It is the largest Catholic church in Istanbul. Inside you will find a nativity composition with the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. In front of the church stands a large Christmas tree decorated with ornaments. For many visitors this is the most atmospheric place to feel the Christmas spirit in Istanbul. On December, several Christmas masses take place in different languages, making it a unique cultural experience.
If you plan to explore the city, you can add market visits and cultural stops to your sightseeing. For example, after a concert at Galataport or a visit to St. Anthony’s Church, you can continue with a Istanbul Photoshoot at Iconic Locations from nearby piers.
What To Expect?
Shopping And Crafts
Christmas markets in Turkey offer many gift ideas. Handmade jewelry, candles, winter decor and ceramics are common. Turkish carpets, scarves and traditional items make stalls unique. Visitors can buy both holiday themed products and authentic souvenirs.
Seasonal Food And Drinks
With the arrival of cold weather, the streets of Istanbul change. Vendors sell roasted chestnuts, salep (a hot drink made from orchid root with cinnamon) and mulled wine. These flavors are part of the city’s December tradition. In markets, you will also find Turkish sweets like lokum, baklava and simit, along with international holiday favorites such as gingerbread and sausages.
Entertainment
In Istanbul, many people also choose clubs, bars and restaurants that host Christmas and New Year celebrations. These venues are not very common, but it is possible to find them by checking announcements and posts on social media. They often include themed dinners, music programs and festive decorations.
For a romantic evening, couples often choose a Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise after visiting the market. Seeing the city lights from the water makes the experience special.
Common Questions Tourists Ask
Q: Are Christmas markets in Turkey the same as in Europe?
A: They are smaller but growing every year. They mix local culture with international traditions.
Q: Does Turkey celebrate Christmas?
A: Not as a national holiday. Most events are linked to New Year. Still, tourists and expats enjoy festive markets in December.
Q: Which city is best for a Christmas market in Turkey?
A: Istanbul is the top choice with several markets and strong holiday energy. Cappadocia is best for winter atmosphere. Antalya is mild and relaxed.
Tips For Tourists
- Plan early. Check December event dates in October or November.
- Buy tickets in advance for popular markets in Istanbul.
- Do not expect large European style markets everywhere.
Istanbul has the biggest events. Other cities have smaller but cozy fairs. Remember that in Turkey, Christmas and New Year overlap. Decorations and parties are mostly part of Yilbasi, the New Year celebration.
If you want to combine festive moments with sightseeing, tours like the City Highlights & Bosphorus Cruise Tour, the Private Istanbul Layover Tour from Airport, or Small Group: Best of Istanbul Tour can make your trip even richer.
Turkey in December is full of charm. Plan your holiday now, explore the markets and enjoy the magic of winter. Contact us today to book your Christmas and New Year experience in Turkey 2025.