As the holiday season approaches, many travelers dream of experiencing a white Christmas surrounded by festive cheer. But what about spending the holidays in a predominantly Muslim country like Turkey? Can you still enjoy the magic of Christmas in a place that doesn’t officially observe it?
As an American living in Istanbul, I’ve come to discover the intriguing blend of customs that shape the Turkish Christmas experience. While not a national holiday, Christmas is still welcomed in Turkey – albeit with their own unique spin.
In this article, we’ll unwrap the fascinating traditions, myths and celebrations that give Christmas in Turkey its distinctive flavor. Let’s dive into how this captivating country puts its own spin on the season of joy and goodwill
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for Turkey’s Christians
While 99% of Turks are Muslim Turkey still has a small Christian minority who celebrate Christmas in traditional style. Christmas Eve church services with elaborate ceremonies and masses, are an important part of the holiday for Catholics and Orthodox Christians.
Christmas day brings family gatherings with hearty Turkish feasts and exchange of gifts. Dishes like stuffed grape leaves, olive oil-laden vegetable sides, baklava and lokum (Turkish delight) are Christmas dinner favorites.
New Year’s Celebrations Rival the Christmas Fervor
Since Christmas isn’t an official holiday, New Year’s Eve is arguably a bigger deal in Turkey! Locals embrace the holiday with fireworks, public concerts, dancing, and crowds filling city squares at midnight on December 31st.
While Santa brings gifts on Christmas Eve in the West, Turkish children receive presents on New Year’s Eve from Noel Baba (Father Noel).
The Festive Side of Christmas Still Shines Through
Though Christmas isn’t widely celebrated by locals, major cities like Istanbul and Ankara still shine bright with holiday magic during December. Streets dazzle with lights, shop windows sport festive decor, and Christmas markets come alive with handmade crafts, food stalls and entertainment.
Department stores show off elaborate holiday displays. And landmarks like the Hagia Sophia even get dressed up for the season. The Christmas spirit still makes itself known!
Common Myths About Christmas in Turkey
There are a few misconceptions those unfamiliar with Turkish Christmas customs often have:
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Myth: Turkey celebrates Christmas just like the West. Reality: For locals it’s a normal day, festivities cater more to tourists.
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Myth: Santa brings gifts on December 24th. Reality: Noel Baba comes New Year’s Eve in Turkey.
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Myth: Christmas is a public Turkish holiday. Reality: December 25th is a regular working day.
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Myth: Lavish Christmas meals are commonplace. Reality: More low-key family meals rather than all-out feasts.
How to Experience Christmas Turkish Style as a Traveler
Despite Christmas not being widely celebrated, travelers can still soak up some yuletide magic Turkish style:
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Take in the bustling Christmas markets and decorations in Istanbul
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Feast on Turkish delicacies like baklava and lokum
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Soak up the enthusiasm and celebrations in Taksim Square for New Year’s Eve
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Attend a Christmas concert at one of Istanbul’s ornately decorated churches
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Explore the underground cave cities of Cappadocia decked out for the holidays
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Go ice skating at the rink outside the Istanbul Hotel Istiklal
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Float over fairy chimneys in a hot air balloon Christmas morning in Capadoccia
An Intriguing Intermingling of Customs
Christmas in Turkey provides an intriguing look into how the season is celebrated in a predominantly Islamic country. While not officially observed, both Christian and pagan traditions still leave their mark.
Turks have woven their own unique tapestry of customs to usher in the holiday spirit. As a traveler, visiting Turkey in December promises you a Christmas experience colored by Turkish flair. One that can only be fully appreciated with an open mind and sense of adventure!
What’s Christmas called in Turkey?
Being a Muslim country, Christmas isnt celebrated in Turkey. But Santa Claus is termed 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 may be a popular dish thats eaten during Christmas in Turkey. Its consumed within the kind of meal together with pork roast leg, Torrejas (french toast) for dessert, and eggnog.
How Christmas is Celebrated in Turkiye? Life of Expats | #adilsami #turkiye #christmas
FAQ
Do they celebrate Christmas in turkey?
Turks do not celebrate Christmas or the birth of Jesus but celebrate the coming New Year in a festive atmosphere filled with new hopes and promises. Expats may feel as if they are home for the holidays as the streets and cafés are decorated with lights.
What happens in turkey at Christmas?
Although the country doesn’t celebrate Christmas, Turkey still has some excellent Christmas markets. Described as ‘much more about the spirit of Christmas and not about Christianity’, you’ll find decorations and seasonal gifts aplenty.
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.
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.
Is Christmas a Christian holiday in Turkey?
Before the Ottoman Empire, most of the population of Turkey was Christian. Christmas Day is normal in Turkey, but the New Year celebration, which begins in January, is very important in Turkey.
Is Christmas allowed in Turkey?
Yes, Christmas is allowed in Turkey. There are celebrations, but the 24 th and 25 th of December are just normal workdays. Turkish people don’t have any religious incentive to celebrate Christmas, but they like the fun part of Christmas, as we all do.
What to do in Turkey on Christmas Day?
In most big cities, you can experience Christmas markets, where festive season dishes, Christmas-themed souvenirs, and local products are sold. If you plan to visit these markets, we recommend you wear thick clothes as the weather in Türkiye on Christmas day will be cold. Planning to visit Turkey at Christmas?
Is Turkey a good country for Christmas?
Turkey is a wonderful country with a rich history and culture and can be a great place to visit over the Christmas holidays. However, it is important to note that Christmas is not widely celebrated in Turkey, as it is a Muslim-majority country. As such, you won’t find the same festive atmosphere that you might find in other European countries.