Christmas & New Year in Turkey: What's Open

Quick Answer: Yes, Turkey is very much open for business during the Christmas and New Year period. December 25th is a regular working day with all sites and shops open. However, New Year's Eve ( Yılbaşı ) is a major celebration, meaning popular restaurants, cruises, and hotels in cities like Istanbul get booked out months in advance, and prices for the final week of December are higher than usual. So, Is Turkey Open on Christmas? This is one of the most common questions I get as a guide, and the answer often surprises visitors. For us here in Turkey, December 25th is just a normal Tuesday, Wednesday, or whatever day of the week it happens to fall on. It is not a public holiday. This means: Museums and Palaces: The Topkapı Palace , Hagia Sophia , Dolmabahçe Palace , and others will be operating on their normal winter schedules. Shops and Bazaars: The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar will be bustling. Shopping centres and high-street shops will be fully open. Restaurants and Cafes: All eateries will be open as usual, serving their regular menus. Banks and Public Services: It's a standard working day for all official institutions. So, if you're planning a trip focused on sightseeing, Christmas in Turkey is one of the best times to do it without worrying about holiday closures. You get the festive atmosphere without any of the logistical headaches. This unique situation makes the Istanbul December holidays period an excellent choice for travellers who want to maximise their sightseeing time. It's a key part of what makes this season a great, if slightly chilly, answer to the question of the best time to visit Turkey . What Are Turkish New Year (Yılbaşı) Traditions Like? While Christmas isn't officially celebrated, you will see decorations everywhere that look suspiciously festive! We have "Christmas trees," street lights, and even images of a white-bearded man in a red suit. But here, it's all for Yılbaşı – New Year's Eve. The Turkish New Year melds Western festive imagery