Christmas Market In Turkey 2025: Where To Go
You may not think of Turkey when you imagine Christmas… Yet December here feels like stepping into a secret winter world that most travelers still don’t know about. What surprises many visitors is how Turkey has created its own version of the holiday season. You see European-style Christmas touches mixed with Turkish warmth. Bright ornaments next to street simit sellers. Handcrafted gifts beside Turkish sweets. Lanterns shining over the Bosphorus. It feels familiar, yet new. Calm, yet exciting.
As December arrives, neighborhoods like Nisantasi, Karakoy, Besiktas and Kadikoy turn into small festive corners. Colorful installations appear on the streets. Cafes decorate their windows. Evening walks in Moda, Cihangir or Bebek feel warm and romantic thanks to lights, music and the calm winter mood.
In this guide, you will discover 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:
Kanyon New Year Gift Market (29 November – 14 December, Free Entry)
Kanyon’s open-air square hosts a charming market with gift stalls, mulled wine, candles and artisanal products. It runs only for a short period, so December visitors should plan early.
Zorlu New Year Festival (Until 31 December, Free Entry)
Zorlu Center becomes one of the brightest winter destinations in Istanbul. Its large Christmas tree, lights and holiday installations attract many visitors seeking seasonal spirit.
Tersane Istanbul Winter Town (Until 15 February, Free Entry)
Tersane Istanbul hosts a long-running winter festival open until 15 February. This makes it one of the few places in Istanbul where travelers can enjoy a winter village even after New Year.
Vadistanbul Winter Wonder (28 November – 31 December, Free Entry)
Vadistanbul hosts a large illuminated winter village with light tunnels, installations and festive corners. It is a great stop for families, especially in the evenings.
Where Are The Christmas Markets?
This year, the biggest Wonder Village market at Life Park is scheduled from December 5 to December 28, 2025. Visitors can expect a full festive program with carousel, shopping stands, ice skating, bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, concerts, theatre and film shows. Sessions are planned 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 go on sale and are already listed on platforms like Biletix.
A new highlight this season is the Marche de Noël at the Institut Français in Taksim. This small European-style market runs on 6–7 December and offers artisanal gifts, French pastries, ornaments and holiday chocolates. It is one of the best places in Istanbul to feel a classic Christmas atmosphere.
The longest-running festive zone of the season is Bosphorus Winter at Galataport. From 22 November to 31 December, the waterfront turns into a bright holiday promenade with DJ sets, light installations, themed decorations and photo corners. It is also one of the most popular places for evening walks in December.
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.
This area also hosts the Beyoglu Christmas Market on 18–19–20 December, with free entry and festive stalls in front of the church.
The historical Fisekhane complex in Zeytinburnu opens a Winter Fair at Fişekhane from 19 to 31 December (Free Entry). Visitors can find handmade gifts, seasonal treats, local crafts and warm drinks.
A lively Christmas village with concerts, workshops and food stalls is available in KüçükÇiftlik Park from 6 to 28 December. Tickets are available on BubiLet.
Pendik Green Park Christmas Market on 27–28 December is a short two-day Christmas market on the Asian side. Ideal for visitors staying near Pendik or Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
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
Many restaurants offer Christmas brunch menus on the weekends before December 25. These brunches include seasonal pastries, hot chocolate, holiday spices and special desserts. It is a popular choice for locals and expats who want a festive breakfast atmosphere.
Sweet lovers can explore the bakeries of Kadikoy, where shops like Cikolata Dukkani, Bakehane and Asuman prepare Christmas-themed cakes, cookies and chocolate boxes. These places are known for warm decorations and creative desserts that make December tasting tours very enjoyable.
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.
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.