02-12-2022 - Tips & Guides Updated At: 19-12-2024

Christmas in Istanbul: Weather, Christmas Services, Christmas Meals, and more

Istanbul is a city that can surprise you in every season; winter is magical, autumn is beautiful, spring is lively, and summer, ah summer, is full of life! Like throughout the year, Istanbul is a great place to be during the Christmas season. The whole city is in a festive atmosphere because the new year is close by and the new year is commonly celebrated in Turkey. Remember that always, Turkey is a secular country in a Western way and you can enjoy every holiday you wish in Istanbul! 

In Istanbul, many main streets, especially the well-known Istiklal and Bagdat Avenue, are decorated with stylish festive lights and other decorations. In the Galata neighborhood, there’ll be views of the Galata Tower with sparkling lights too. There are also decorated pine trees, especially in shopping malls, you’ll love the city during this season. 

Choose Your Pass

Skip-the-Line Instant Access to 100+ Attractions including Guided Tours, Dinner Cruise, Airport Transfers and more...Save up to 70% and enjoy!

5 Day Pass

Adult

€370 €219

Child

€300 €189
SELECT
7 Day Pass

Adult

€420 €249

Child

€340 €209
SELECT
10 Day Pass

Adult

€475 €299

Child

€390 €259
SELECT
1 Day Pass

Adult

€200 €119

Child

€155 €99
SELECT
2 Day Pass

Adult

€235 €149

Child

€185 €119
SELECT
3 Day Pass

Adult

€285 €179

Child

€225 €149
SELECT
4 Day Pass

Adult

€335 €199

Child

€270 €169
SELECT
2 Days Pass
Pass
Quantity
Total

Adult(8+)

Child(4-7)

€0

Order Summery
Sale Discount
-€10

Order Total

€135


So, yes Christmas in Istanbul is a good idea! In this article, we have gathered all the necessary information for you to know from Christmas services to special dinner places. If you decide to come to ıstanbul, we're here for you to enjoy the best of the city. With more than 100+ attractions, Istanbul Tourist Pass® is the best way to enjoy Istanbul the most. Check out here the prices and plans, and Merry Christmas!

Weather in Istanbul in the 2024 Christmas Season

Thanks to global warming, the winter has been more rainy than snowy in Istanbul in recent years. Istanbul has been generally not that cold in December as low as 10-13°C so it is pretty much warmer than any other European country! Especially in the 2024 Christmas season, we expect temperatures to rise slightly and the sunshine to favor beautiful days that are bright and clear. Although in the early days of December, it is expected to rain mostly, the Christmas season will be mostly dry. As this period is still the heart of winter, don’t forget to wrap warmly in comfortable clothes.

General Information about Christmas in Istanbul


Istanbul has been the leading city of the Orthodox Church for hundreds of years. Istanbul has been home to numerous Christian communities that prospered in the region for centuries. While the Greek Orthodox community is the best known; there are also Armenians, Georgians, Bulgarians, and Syrian Orthodox who still speak the language of Jesus Christ, Aramaic.

Although the majority of Turkey is known as Muslim, don’t forget Istanbul is a cosmopolitan city that is home to people from different cultural backgrounds and religions. Yes, Christmas is not as big as in European countries, but because of its close proximity to New Year, the city is in a festive mood for sure! 

In 2024, because of the recent economy in Turkey, spending Christmas in Istanbul is much cheaper than in any other country, so this budget-friendly way of spending your Christmas is a great idea! 

The Most Popular Christmas Mass and Services


Throughout the city, all churches have Christmas services. But if you’d like to be one of the most popular ones, here are the most popular churches you can catch a Christmas mass and services. A beautiful place to celebrate Christmas is St. Antoine Church, one of the city's largest Roman Catholic churches. During the service on December 24th, hymns will be sung at 8 PM followed by a celebration of Jesus' birth at 9 PM. On December 25th, additional services are held in four different languages: English; Polish; Italian; and Turkish.

The British Consulate Chapel of Saint Helena has a Christmas Eve service and the Crimean Memorial Church has a service on Christmas Morning. December 24th at 7:30 PM. Last but not least, Orthodox Christmas services are held at the Church of St. George in the Balat district. Here check out the best 5 churches in Istanbul. 

Best Christmas Meals in İstanbul 


There are not many alternatives for dinners for Christmas but we have gathered the best ones for you. The Swissotel Bosphorus has a notable Brunch and Dinner at Christmas with a special menu in their Sabrosa Restaurant so it can be a good choice if you want to be in a specially decorated restaurant on Christmas day and evening. Another great place to be at Christmas is the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul. The hotel every year has a famous Christmas market and they have special meals for Christmas in their Aqua Restaurant. 

If you’d like a different Christmas meal, you can enjoy a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise many of which might have special menus for that day on December 24th for a Christmas Eve Dinner on Bosphorus Istanbul. So while cruising around the Bosphorus, you can have a great meal and enjoy some music and dance shows. A belly dancer show at Christmas? It is an absolutely memorable experience. With Istanbul Tourist Pass®, you can enjoy this amazing Christmas dinner for FREE! There are many amazing Bosphorus Cruises with the Pass, you may want to check them to plan not just your dinner, but also your Istanbul experience.  

New Year and Christmas Markets in Istanbul


The new year is widely celebrated in Turkey but it is fair to say that Istanbul hosts the best New Year Markets and events. In many neighborhoods, you will see decorated squares and streets with Christmas lights and decorations. You’ll feel hope and happiness for the upcoming year 2025 everywhere in the city!

There are also great markets mostly in shopping malls for you to have great presents for your loved ones. Galataport, Kanyon Shopping Mall, and Zorlu Center have their open-air Christmas markets around mid-December. Here you can check out the best 5 shopping malls in Istanbul. 

There are also other bazaars and markets open for presents, in Besiktas’ main square there is a big New Year market between December 1-28, 2024. Here check out other great things to do in the Christmas season: December in Istanbul

Bonus: Luxury Bosphorus New Year Dinner Cruise 2025


Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime New Year celebration in Istanbul and enjoy your New Year meal with a selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Choose from a variety of drinks available on board to complement your dinner. Watch incredible live music, belly dancers, Gypsy dances, and many more exciting performances.

This New Year Bosphorus dinner cruise is the perfect setting for a New Year celebration dinner with your loved ones. Don’t miss this amazing experience, discounted with Istanbul Tourist Pass®! 

In Istanbul Tourist Pass®, you can discover places of worship including churches in Istanbul with great audio guides. Don't miss these experiences, especially during the Christmas season! 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do they celebrate Christmas in Istanbul?

In Istanbul, there are many churches, and all of them have Christmas services and masses. The city is widely decorated for New Year with festive lights. So it is a great option to have Christmas in Istanbul.

Is everything open in Istanbul at Christmas?

Yes, in Istanbul Christmas season everything including all the shops, restaurants, and cafes is open. So it is very comfortable for tourists to enjoy Christmas any way they like!

What do Turkish do for Christmas?

Turkish Christians generally have their Christmas dinners at their home and then attend Christmas services in one of the churches.

Is Istanbul closed during Christmas?

No, in the Istanbul Christmas season, everything including all the shops, restaurants, malls, and bazaars is open.

What do Turkish eat for Christmas?

Turkish Christians generally have a big table full of mezes and wine. Turkish Muslims don’t celebrate Christmas. At New Year's dinner, many families have stuffed turkeys.

Is Istanbul very cold in December?

In December 2024, Istanbul will be around 7-10°C. although mid-December is expected to be rainy, the Christmas season is expected to be dry with sunlight.


Union icon 2 Union icon 1
Travel aroud Istanbul freely with Public Transportation Card
Buy Your Card Now Buy & Save 40% with Istanbul Tourist Pass® with FREE Digital Public Transportation Guide

Latest Posts

21-02-2023

Most Popular Historic Mosques You Must Visit in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most culturally rich and diverse cities in the world thanks to its deep history which is comprised of many empires, cultures, and religions. Because of this, you can find numerous historically significant sites here, from churc...

06-03-2021

A Brief History of Galata Tower

Galata Tower, an architectural gem standing tall in Istanbul, proudly overlooks the bustling neighborhoods of "Beyoglu" and "Karakoy" from its strategic location. Its captivating allure, especially when illuminated by colorful lights at night, has ma...

16-01-2025

Explore the Beauty and Past of Beyoglu Hagia Triada Church

The Hagia Triada Church is a beautiful example of Istanbul's rich religious and cultural history. It is located in the busy district of Beyoğlu. Not just a place of prayer but also a living work of art that has endured the challenges of time, this am...

19-10-2022

Restaurants in Istanbul: Where to Eat in Istanbul Old Town

Istanbul is not only the meeting point of cultures but also of cuisines! There are various options to taste delicious food from all over the world in the city. While visiting the magnificent Hagia Sophia or taking great Instagram photo...

16-10-2022

Istanbul Branches of World-Famous Eateries

If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul.  Alphonse de Lamartine   Istanbul is full of surprises in every corner. The city can surprise you with its colours, sounds, and amazing views as well as t...

14-10-2022

3 Best Nightclubs in Istanbul

Istanbul, a city full of zest, has so much to offer to its visitors from across the globe. Whether you're interested in its historic architecture, deep-rooted culture & heritage, delicious food, or the city's flashy nightlife, there's something f...

14-10-2022

4 Best Indian restaurants in Istanbul

Indian cuisine is widely loved across the globe for its rich ingredients, intoxicating aromas, and fresh blend of spices. Its historic staple diet consisting of whole-wheat flour, rice, and vegetables makes it unique and flavoursome. Travellers, espe...

08-09-2022

Where to Stay in Istanbul with Family

Where to stay in Istanbul with family You finally booked your flight, and are eager to see the beauty of Istanbul within days from your flight. For your trip here, you rightfully want to stay at one of the best hotels in Istanbul for families that w...

01-08-2022

August in Istanbul

What to do in August Dear guest, Istanbul lover-to-be! You finally arrived in one of the most popular cities around the world, we hope you throughly enjoy it! Whilst you just arrived, we have few recommendations and tips for making your experience e...

07-09-2022

Where to go in Istanbul with family

Istanbul, a city steeped in history and culture, is also a fantastic destination for families. With its vibrant atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and diverse activities, there's something for everyone. Explore historic sites, wander through bustling baz...

4.8 out of 5 stars

Istanbul Tourist Pass® has an average rating of 4.8 /5 from 1747 reviews

Read all traveler reviews →
Attractions Prices
  Buy
Pass
Plan Save
More