Christmas in Turkey

Istanbul is likely not the first place that comes to your mind when you think about where to spend Christmas. Yet, against all odds, this megapolis will give you everything that Christmas is all about: warmth, kindness, love and of course great food.

As the winter sets in, we know that the most awaited festival is approaching. And, this season of the festival is going to last long from welcoming Santa Claus to celebrating the beginning of a new joyous year. And, if you wish to escape the snow and chilly weather, there is no better way than celebrating Christmas in Turkey.

4 Reasons Why Istanbul Is a Nice Christmas Destination

You’ll find plenty of Christmas trees, lights and even an occasional Santa Claus. Not that Turks celebrate the birth of Christ; they’re just gearing up for New Year celebrations. But the atmosphere leading up to that day is similar to what you’re used to for Christmas in the West.

In Istanbul, December 25th is business as usual. In other words, Istanbul spends the festive season in much the same way as it always does: bustling and at your service. Not only are all the historic sights open, on top of it they are fairly quiet with pretty short queues.

If you wish to attend a special Christmas mass, that’s no problem. Just go to Anthony of Padua, the largest Catholic church in Istanbul. It’s located on Istiklal Caddesi, on your left as you walk from Taksim towards Tünel. On foot it will take about 20-25 minutes. To be on the safe side, please check out mass hours at least a day beforehand.

Istanbul’s New Year celebrations are famous. On New Year’s Eve Istanbul is at full swing with restaurants, cafes, bars and night clubs fully booked. And if you prefer to celebrate outdoors, head for Nişantası‘s giant street party.

The history behind Santa and Turkey

Santa Claus 'known as "Noel Baba" in Turkish which means "Father Noel"' lived in the fourth century A.D. in a place known as Patara on the southwestern coast of what was then the Byzantine Empire. His name was Nicholas and he was the son of a very rich family. When his parents passed away, Nicholas inherited a fortune. Later, he became the bishop of Myra, a town further up the coast from Patara, which is now called Demre. Being a generous and big-hearted man, Nicholas used to climb on the rooftops of people's houses and drop coins down their chimneys. When a citizen caught him in the act, his identity was revealed to the town and so the fairytale of the giving character Santa Claus began.

After Nicholas's death, a memorial was erected in the town and he was later canonized as a saint, which is why he is referred to as Saint Nicholas. Dec. 6 became associated with the feast of St. Nicholas and years later, a bishop declared Dec. 25 as Jesus's birthday. Over time, the two celebrations began to be fused together. The Church of St. Nicholas is now located in the town of Demre in Antalya and special celebrations are held on Dec. 6 to honor him.