Christmas markets ยท Turkey
Christmas Markets in Turkey 2026: Istanbul New Year Markets and Guide
Turkey's Christmas markets covered here are in Istanbul, where they are called New Year markets and villages and run from mid-November to the new year. The longest-running is the free Zorlu Christmas Village (15 November to 31 December in 2025), the closest to a European market is the three-day one in the courtyard of St. Anthony's Church on Istiklal Street (18-20 December 2025), and the big paid winter festivals are Istanbul Wonder Village at Life Park and the KucukCiftlik Park New Year Village.
19 markets ยท checked October 2026
- Zorlu Christmas VillageLast season: 15 Nov - 31 Dec 2025Free entry; food and drink at shopping-mall prices.
- Beyoglu Christmas Market (St. Anthony's Church)Last season: 18-20 Dec 2025Free entry.
- Galataport Christmas Market (Bosphorus Winter)Last season: 22-31 Dec 2025Free entry.
- KucukCiftlik Park New Year VillageLast season: 6-28 Dec 2025Ticketed: in 2025 daytime entry was 550 TL, evening 750 TL; food and drink inside are expensive.
- Istanbul Wonder Village (Life Park)Last season: 5-28 Dec 2025Ticketed; in 2025 the cheapest tickets started at about 300 TL. Drivers were charged about 300 TL extra for parking; activities inside cost extra.
- Tersane Istanbul Winter TownLast season: 28 Nov 2025 - 15 Feb 2026Site free; some events paid.
- Vadistanbul Winter WonderLast season: 28 Nov - 31 Dec 2025Free entry.
- Marche de Noel - Institut Francais IstanbulLast season: 6-7 Dec 2025Free entry; pre-registration was required in 2025.
- Fisekhane Winter FairLast season: 19-31 Dec 2025Free entry; workshops by registration.
- Kanyon New Year Gift MarketLast season: 29 Nov - 14 Dec 2025Free entry.
- Akasya Mall New Year MarketLast season: 15-31 Dec 2025Free entry.
- Tema World Winter MagicLast season: 13 Dec 2025 - 5 Jan 2026Free entry; activities such as ice skating may be charged separately.
๐ง With kids
- Zorlu Christmas Village ยท Istanbul
- Istanbul Wonder Village (Life Park) ยท Istanbul
- Tersane Istanbul Winter Town ยท Istanbul
- Vadistanbul Winter Wonder ยท Istanbul
- Marche de Noel - Institut Francais Istanbul ยท Istanbul
- Akasya Mall New Year Market ยท Istanbul
โจ Date night
- Beyoglu Christmas Market (St. Anthony's Church) ยท Istanbul
- Galataport Christmas Market (Bosphorus Winter) ยท Istanbul
- Fisekhane Winter Fair ยท Istanbul
- Kanyon New Year Gift Market ยท Istanbul
- Tema World Winter Magic ยท Istanbul
- Kadikoy Potlac New Year Festival ยท Istanbul
๐ With friends
- KucukCiftlik Park New Year Village ยท Istanbul
- Pendik Green Park Christmas Market ยท Istanbul
- Atasehir Festival Park New Year Fest ยท Istanbul
- Uskudar New Year Market ยท Istanbul
- Kartal New Year Women's Labour Market (Yakacik) ยท Istanbul
European-style market
IllustrationEuropean-style market ยท Istanbul
Zorlu Christmas Village
Wooden stalls, lights and decorations in the open area of Zorlu Center: hot chocolate, mulled wine, sweets and gifts. Open from mid-November to the end of the year.
โจ Date night๐ With friends๐ง With kidsWhat's there
- Wooden stalls, lights and decorations
- Mulled wine, hot chocolate and sweets
- Gifts
- Mid-November to the end of the year
Istanbul's longest-running New Year market - go on a weekday evening.
- Last season
- 15 Nov - 31 Dec 2025
- Cost
- Free entry; food and drink at shopping-mall prices.
Getting there and parking
- Zorlu Center, Besiktas; walking distance from Gayrettepe on metro M2, metrobus Zincirlikuyu.
- Zorlu Center's covered car park (paid).
Worth knowing
- In 2025 it was open 15 November - 31 December.
- Very crowded on weekend evenings.
IllustrationEuropean-style market ยท Istanbul
Beyoglu Christmas Market (St. Anthony's Church)
A three-day Christmas market in the courtyard of the historic St. Anthony's Church on Istiklal: handmade gifts, decorations and hot drinks, with the atmosphere closest to the markets of Europe.
โจ Date night๐ With friendsWhat's there
- In the courtyard of the historic church on Istiklal
- Handmade gifts and decorations
- Hot drinks and a cinnamon-scented European feel
The place in Istanbul most like a real European Christmas market - small and only three days; add it to an Istiklal walk.
- Last season
- 18-20 Dec 2025
- Cost
- Free entry.
Getting there and parking
- Metro M2 Taksim or Sishane, then walk along Istiklal Street; the nostalgic tram also passes in front of the church.
- Do not come by car: Istiklal is a pedestrian zone, the nearest car parks are on the Tarlabasi and Tepebasi side.
Worth knowing
- In 2025 it ran 18-20 December.
- The courtyard is small: crowded in the evening, more comfortable in the afternoon.
- The church is a place of worship; be quiet inside.
IllustrationEuropean-style market ยท Istanbul
Marche de Noel - Institut Francais Istanbul
The traditional Christmas market of the Istanbul Accueil association in the garden of the French Cultural Centre: handicrafts, jewelry, toys and gourmet products on more than 50 stalls, children's workshops and Santa.
๐ง With kidsโจ Date nightWhat's there
- More than 50 stalls: handicrafts, jewelry, toys, decoration
- French gourmet products
- Children's workshops and Santa
One of the longest-established European-style Christmas markets in Istanbul - only one weekend, do not miss it.
- Last season
- 6-7 Dec 2025
- Cost
- Free entry; pre-registration was required in 2025.
Getting there and parking
- Metro M2 Taksim, at the start of Istiklal Street.
- Parking in Taksim is limited; public transport is recommended.
Worth knowing
- 6-7 December 2025: Saturday 11:00-19:00, Sunday 11:00-16:00.
- It closes early on Sunday.
Holiday market
IllustrationHoliday market ยท Istanbul
Galataport Christmas Market (Bosphorus Winter)
Light installations and stalls along the port on the Bosphorus shore; DJ performances on Friday and Saturday evenings.
โจ Date night๐ With friendsWhat's there
- Stalls on the Bosphorus shore
- Light installations along the port
- DJ on Friday and Saturday evenings
An evening walk with a Bosphorus view - in New Year week.
- Last season
- 22-31 Dec 2025
- Cost
- Free entry.
Getting there and parking
- Galataport, Karakoy; T1 tram Tophane or Karakoy, a 7-8 minute walk from the Karakoy ferry pier.
- Galataport's covered car park is paid; with its app there is 3 hours of free parking.
Worth knowing
- In 2025 it ran only 22-31 December.
IllustrationHoliday market ยท Istanbul
Fisekhane Winter Fair
Jewellery, ceramics, decoration and handicraft stalls on the stone square of the historic Fisekhane; registration in advance is required for the limited-place New Year workshops.
โจ Date night๐ With friendsWhat's there
- The stone square of the historic Fisekhane
- Jewellery, ceramics, decoration and handicraft stalls
- Limited-place New Year workshops
A calm alternative for those looking for design gifts - register in advance if you will join a workshop.
- Last season
- 19-31 Dec 2025
- Cost
- Free entry; workshops by registration.
Getting there and parking
- Walking distance from Kazlicesme station on Marmaray.
- There are car parks in the surrounding area.
Worth knowing
- In 2025 it ran 19-31 December.
- Workshop places are limited.
IllustrationHoliday market ยท Istanbul
Pendik Green Park Christmas Market
A two-day Christmas market in a hotel in the east of the Asian side: New Year stalls and events, tickets on Bubilet.
๐ With friends๐ง With kidsWhat's there
- A two-day Christmas market in a hotel
- New Year stalls and events
A short New Year market on the last weekend of the year for people living in the east of the Asian side.
- Last season
- 27-28 Dec 2025
- Cost
- Ticketed (Bubilet).
Getting there and parking
- Pendik; a short taxi ride from Pendik on Marmaray and M4.
- The hotel's car park.
Worth knowing
- In 2025 it ran 27-28 December.
IllustrationHoliday market ยท Istanbul
Uskudar New Year Market
The Uskudar Municipality's market on the pier square: handmade products by women entrepreneurs, local flavours, workshops for children and adults, and concerts; daily 12:00-20:00.
๐ง With kids๐ With friendsWhat's there
- Handmade products by women entrepreneurs
- Local flavours
- Workshops for children and adults
- Concerts
A small municipal market you can browse as soon as you step off the ferry - for handmade gifts.
- Last season
- 26-31 Dec 2025
- Cost
- Free entry.
Getting there and parking
- Uskudar Mimar Sinan Square: the ferry pier, Marmaray and the M5 Uskudar station are right next to it.
- Do not come by car; parking around the square is very limited.
Worth knowing
- In 2025: 26-31 December, daily 12:00-20:00.
IllustrationHoliday market ยท Istanbul
Kartal New Year Women's Labour Market (Yakacik)
The Kartal Municipality's two-day New Year market: handmade gifts and new year products by 50 women entrepreneurs.
๐ With friendsWhat's there
- 50 women entrepreneurs
- Handmade New Year gifts
A small, two-day neighborhood market - for those living nearby.
- Last season
- 16-17 Dec 2025
- Cost
- Free entry.
Getting there and parking
- In front of Yakacik Cultural Centre, Kartal; bus from central Kartal.
- Street parking nearby.
Worth knowing
- In 2025 it ran 16-17 December.
IllustrationHoliday market ยท Istanbul
Kadikoy Potlac New Year Festival
The month-long New Year festival of the Potlac women producers' network, supported by the Kadikoy Municipality: handmade and natural products from local producers, at the zero-waste living market.
๐ With friendsโจ Date nightWhat's there
- Handmade products of the women producers' network
- Natural and zero-waste products
- Open all month
New Year shopping in Kadikoy from local producers, away from plastic gifts.
- Last season
- 1-30 Dec 2025
- Cost
- Free entry.
Getting there and parking
- Near Feneryolu station on Marmaray.
- Street parking in Feneryolu is limited.
Worth knowing
- In 2025 it ran 1-30 December.
Festival
IllustrationFestival ยท Istanbul
KucukCiftlik Park New Year Village
A New Year village with a concert stage, a gourmet food area, a design market and workshops; concerts by well-known artists are announced separately.
๐ With friendsWhat's there
- Concert stage and well-known artists
- Gourmet food area
- Design market and workshops
What visitors say
Those who went to the 2025 New Year Town liked the concerts and the Christmas market concept; there is food and drink inside, but prices are higher than outside. The known problems of venue concerts apply here too: payments inside are via an app, and traffic is heavy at the event's exit.
For a New Year evening with a concert - buy tickets in advance.
- Last season
- 6-28 Dec 2025
- Cost
- Ticketed: in 2025 daytime entry was 550 TL, evening 750 TL; food and drink inside are expensive.
Getting there and parking
- KucukCiftlik Park, Macka; from the Besiktas pier, or on foot from Taksim or Osmanbey.
- The neighbouring ISPARK car park empties very slowly at the event's exit; it is more practical to leave the car on the Taksim-Harbiye side.
Worth knowing
- In 2025: 6-28 December.
IllustrationFestival ยท Istanbul
Istanbul Wonder Village (Life Park)
The city's biggest winter festival: a giant carousel, an ice rink, bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, shopping stalls, workshops and concerts by well-known artists at weekends.
๐ง With kids๐ With friendsWhat's there
- Giant carousel, Ferris wheel and bumper cars
- Ice skating rink
- Shopping stalls and workshops (cheese, ceramics, candles)
- Open-air film screenings
- Concerts by well-known artists at weekends
What visitors say
Reviews from 2025 visitors are mixed. Those who went for the ice skating, bumper cars and concerts, especially families with children, say they enjoyed it; some found the car park arrangement good. The criticism is clear: a long queue of cars for the evening session, a separate car park fee of about 300 TL at the entrance, a grass area that turns to mud in the rain, a smaller area than expected, every activity inside paid separately and few Christmas-market products at the stalls. There is no re-entry.
Istanbul's most comprehensive winter festival - the daytime session makes sense for children with the ice rink and concerts; do not expect a European-style Christmas market, and count the ticket + parking + charges inside.
- Last season
- 5-28 Dec 2025
- Cost
- Ticketed; in 2025 the cheapest tickets started at about 300 TL. Drivers were charged about 300 TL extra for parking; activities inside cost extra.
Getting there and parking
- Ring minibuses to Life Park leave from the last stop of metro M2, Haciosman; Bahcekoy, Sariyer.
- By car: the site's own car park (about 300 TL in December 2025); traffic is long before the evening session - go early.
Worth knowing
- Sessions: daytime 12:00-17:30, evening 18:30-24:00 (2025); no re-entry within a session.
- On rainy days the ground turns to mud - wear boots.
- Tickets sell out early on concert days; in the wooded area it is colder in the evening than in the city.
IllustrationFestival ยท Istanbul
Tersane Istanbul Winter Town
A winter town in the historic shipyard on the Golden Horn: stalls, cartoon character shows for children and band concerts; open until mid-February.
๐ง With kids๐ With friendsWhat's there
- Historic shipyard on the Golden Horn
- Stalls and New Year decorations
- Cartoon character shows for children
- Band concerts
A long-running (until February) winter site with a Golden Horn view - a weekend trip for families with children.
- Last season
- 28 Nov 2025 - 15 Feb 2026
- Cost
- Site free; some events paid.
Getting there and parking
- On the Golden Horn shore between Kasimpasa and Haskoy; a short taxi ride from Taksim or Sishane.
- Drivers can use the venue's car park.
Worth knowing
- In the 2025-26 season it was open 28 November - 15 February.
- Show times are concentrated at weekends.
IllustrationFestival ยท Istanbul
Atasehir Festival Park New Year Fest
The Atasehir Municipality's new year festival: an ice rink, gift stalls, food and hot drink counters, evening concerts, fire and ice skating shows.
๐ง With kids๐ With friendsWhat's there
- Ice rink and figure skating shows
- Gift stalls
- Food and hot drink counters
- Evening concerts and fire show
What visitors say
Visitors like the carnival feel of the lights and New Year decorations, the corners where you drink hot chocolate and salep by a fire, and the concerts. They find the ice rink both good quality and reasonably priced, and the staff attentive. The only criticism is that the area is small.
The liveliest municipal New Year site on the Asian side - go on a weekend afternoon with children for the ice rink.
- Last season
- 5-28 Dec 2025
- Cost
- Free entry; the ice rink is paid but affordable according to visitors.
Getting there and parking
- Ataturk District, at the junction of Sedef and Meric streets (behind Migros); bus or taxi from central Atasehir.
- According to visitors there is no parking problem in the area.
Worth knowing
- In 2025 it ran 5-28 December; weekday concerts started at about 19:30-20:00.
IllustrationFestival ยท Istanbul
Beylikduzu Winter Festival
The Beylikduzu Municipality's winter festival in Yasam Vadisi: lights, an ice rink, colorful gift stalls and a food and drink area, evening concerts.
๐ง With kidsWhat's there
- Lights and decorations
- Ice rink
- Gift stalls and food and drink
- Evening concerts
A close and free New Year evening for people living in the west of the European side.
- Dates
- 2026 dates to be confirmed
- Cost
- Free entry.
Getting there and parking
- Yasam Vadisi Phase 1; walk or a short bus ride from the Beylikduzu metrobus stops.
- Surrounding streets for those coming by car.
Worth knowing
- Last confirmed season 2024/25: it ran 25-30 December 2024, 19:00-22:00 (the festival itself stayed open until 1 January 2025). No 2025/26 or 2026 dates found in our sources yet; check the municipality's announcement.
Indoor market
IllustrationIndoor market ยท Istanbul
Vadistanbul Winter Wonder
Shopping and food stalls, a carousel, snow shows, workshops and concerts in Vadistanbul's open-air shopping street - one of the places in Istanbul with the strongest New Year atmosphere.
๐ง With kids๐ With friendsWhat's there
- Shopping and food stalls in the open-air street
- Carousel and snow shows
- Workshops and concerts
Free and open for a month - a relaxed New Year evening combined with a mall visit.
- Last season
- 28 Nov - 31 Dec 2025
- Cost
- Free entry.
Getting there and parking
- Ayazaga, Sariyer; walk from Seyrantepe on M2 or a short taxi ride.
- The mall has a covered car park.
Worth knowing
- In 2025 it ran 28 November - 31 December.
- Snow shows are in the evenings - go at that time with children.
IllustrationIndoor market ยท Istanbul
Kanyon New Year Gift Market
New Year gifts - candles, decorations, accessories - in red huts on Kanyon's open-air levels, and workshops; a traditional market set up every year.
๐ With friendsโจ Date nightWhat's there
- Gifts in red huts
- Candles, decorations and accessories
- Workshops
Practical for buying gifts after work in Levent - short-lived, closing in mid-December.
- Last season
- 29 Nov - 14 Dec 2025
- Cost
- Free entry.
Getting there and parking
- Direct connection from Levent station on M2 to the mall.
- Kanyon's covered car park.
Worth knowing
- In 2025 it ran 29 November - 14 December; it does not last to the end of the year.
IllustrationIndoor market ยท Istanbul
Akasya Mall New Year Market
A New Year market set up in the mall on the Asian side: gift and decoration stalls, through the second half of December.
๐ง With kids๐ With friendsWhat's there
- New Year stalls on the Asian side
- Gift and decoration items
An easy-to-reach New Year shopping stop for people living on the Asian side.
- Last season
- 15-31 Dec 2025
- Cost
- Free entry.
Getting there and parking
- Acibadem station on M4 is connected to the mall.
- The mall's covered car park.
Worth knowing
- In 2025 it ran 15-31 December.
IllustrationIndoor market ยท Istanbul
Maltepe Park New Year Festival
The mall's month-long New Year festival; free New Year Village events are set up on 22-24 December from 14:00 to 19:00.
๐ง With kidsWhat's there
- New Year events throughout December
- Free New Year Village (22-24 December 2025)
An indoor option for families with children, whatever the weather.
- Last season
- 6-31 Dec 2025
- Cost
- Events free.
Getting there and parking
- Cevizli, Maltepe; via metro M4 and the E-5.
- The mall's covered car park.
Worth knowing
- The New Year Village in 2025 was 22-24 December, 14:00-19:00.
Christmas village
IllustrationChristmas village ยท Istanbul
Tema World Winter Magic
A winter village by the lake: ice skating, a carousel, jewelry stalls and food and drink counters; open until the first week of the new year.
๐ง With kidsโจ Date nightWhat's there
- Winter village by the lake
- Ice skating and carousel
- Jewellery and food stalls
What visitors say
Visitors say the open-air area by the lake is nicely decorated for New Year and looks pleasant in the evening with the funfair and children's areas; some found the artificial snow show weak and wanted more activities.
Open until the first week of the new year, a winter village away from the city crowds - for those going by car.
- Last season
- 13 Dec 2025 - 5 Jan 2026
- Cost
- Free entry; activities such as ice skating may be charged separately.
Getting there and parking
- Gokturk / Kemerburgaz side - no rail, so car or taxi.
- Parking at the venue.
Worth knowing
- In 2025-26 it ran 13 December - 5 January.
Christmas markets near you
More Christmas market cities
- Germany
- Cologne
- Quebec City
- Amsterdam
- Tokyo
- Valkenburg
- Nuremberg
- Zurich
- Paris
- France
- Berlin
- Prague
- Strasbourg
- Munich
- Valencia
- Salzburg
- Dresden
- Barcelona
- Bucharest
- Copenhagen
- Stockholm
- Montreal
- Amsterdam Light Festival
- Tallinn
- Oslo
- Poland
- Hamburg
- Madrid
- Dusseldorf
- Innsbruck
- Riga
- Bratislava
- Helsinki
- Heidelberg
- Budapest
- Spain
- Croatia
- Seville
- Greece