Spending New Year’s Eve in Turkey? Then you’re in luck because this country is full of different and fun alternatives to celebrate the last night of the year. If you are thinking “What to do on New Year’s Eve?”, this list is for you.
Traditional New Year’s Eve Table: Turkey, Appetizers and Long Lines
One of the first things that comes to mind when you think of New Year’s Eve in Turkey is fried turkey. It is usually served with rice or bulgur. If celebrating at home, guests bring a variety of appetizers or salads. Therefore, it is quite normal to see long queues in delicatessens and markets on New Year’s Day.
Food is eaten and fun games are played in the company of New Year’s Eve programs broadcast on television. Especially “Bingo”, or bingo, is a nostalgic classic in many homes.
Cultural Details: Red Underwear, Pomegranates and Luck Beliefs
There are some interesting beliefs that Turks adopt on New Year’s Eve. Red underwear is worn or given as a gift to bring good luck in the New Year. It is very likely that you will see red underwear sections in the markets during this period.
Another tradition is breaking pomegranates. Pomegranates are thrown on the ground in front of houses, a symbolic gesture that is believed to bring abundance and fertility in the new year.
It is also common to give small gifts to loved ones. These are often symbolic and intimate: like a sweater, a warm scarf or a Christmas-themed mug.
Celebration in Streets and Hotels: Crowds, Enthusiasm and Concerts
New Year’s Eve is very lively in big cities. Istanbul’s Ortaköy, Taksim, Beşiktaş and other parts of the city gather to watch the fireworks. But beware: the roads are very crowded, so it is better to leave early. Otherwise, like many others, you may enter the New Year in traffic.
There may be some arrangements on New Year’s Eve, especially on metro lines. You can access up-to-date information from Istanbul Ulaşım A.Ş..
Many luxury hotels and concert halls organize large events. For example:
- Crowne Hotel: Hülya Avşar takes the stage
- WOW Hotel: İbrahim Tatlıses and Serdar Ortaç
- Grand Tarabya: Levent Yuksel
- Marriott Sisli: Ajda Pekkan
In addition, many celebrities perform in cities such as Cappadocia and Antalya.
Hotels usually offer a gala dinner, live music, overnight accommodation and a brunch package the next morning. Prices vary, but be sure to book early.
Get Away to a Mountain Town in the Snow
How does it sound to start the new year with a white mountain view and a winter vacation on New Year’s Eve? Ski resorts such as Uludag (Bursa), Kartalkaya (Bolu) and Erciyes (Kayseri) are very popular on New Year’s Eve. But you don’t necessarily have to ski. Just spending time in a chalet with a fireplace and a view of the snow will refresh your soul.
Transportation-wise, it is easy to get to these places by bus. You can check for affordable flights on Obilet. But it’s essential to buy tickets early, because they sell out fast on New Year’s Eve.
Bosphorus Cruises: Entertainment, Landscapes and Fireworks in One
One of the most memorable ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Istanbul is a Bosphorus cruise. Dinner, DJ performance or live music, dancing and fireworks over the Bosphorus at 00:00… There are options for every budget and taste.
Bringing in the New Year with a view of Dolmabahçe Palace from the Bosphorus can be one of the most “Instagrammable” moments of New Year’s Eve in Turkey.
If You Say You Don’t Like Crowds
If you’re thinking “I don’t want a crowd this New Year’s Eve, I want peace at home”, a blanket, a hot tea and a good movie marathon may be waiting for you. Netflix, MUBI or BluTV have many Christmas-themed movies.
While watching a movie, you can try some interesting snacks from Turkish cuisine. For example, chickpeas, kernels, hazelnuts or börek, a classic Turkish cuisine product. There are also New Year’s special boxed snacks in supermarkets.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is New Year’s Holiday in Turkey?
As every year, New Year’s Eve on December 31st is not a public holiday, but many people get out early and start celebrating. January 1st is a public holiday and most businesses and schools are closed. In years when it falls on a holiday weekend, the opportunity for a long weekend arises, so hotels and roads can be quite crowded.
How Turks celebrate the New Year
They welcome the New Year with house parties, bingo, fireworks, concerts and the traditional New Year’s table. Pomegranate cracking and red underwear are also good luck rituals.
Is it appropriate to spend New Year’s Eve in Turkey?
Yes, it’s fun and safe. With square celebrations, Bosphorus cruises, concerts and cozy house parties, there is something for everyone.
Where to celebrate New Year in Turkey
The squares of Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir are very popular. Special celebrations are also held in touristic places such as Uludag and Cappadocia.