Everything you need to know about Istanbul in December

Istanbul in December has a uniquely relaxed atmosphere, providing a welcome break from the crowds and noise of the peak tourist season. While you’ll need to embrace the cold weather, winter in Istanbul lets you experience the authentic charm of local life in the city, from soaking in a Turkish bathhouse on a cold day to wandering through the illuminated Nişantaşı Quarter.

From enjoying the festive lights on Istiklal Avenue to watching colorful New Year’s Eve fireworks erupt over the Bosphorus, these are the best things to do in Istanbul in December to really make the most of your trip.

Why go to Istanbul in December?

Fewer tourists at the major attractions

With fewer tourists visiting Istanbul in December, it’s a great time to explore top attractions like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace without the long lines and large crowds. Plus, unlike many European destinations, most things stay open throughout the holiday period around Christmas and New Year’s, making December ideal for checking off bucket-list attractions.

December is the best time to enjoy the Turkish baths

Nothing beats stepping into a steamy 500-year-old Turkish bathhouse on a cold winter's day. A steam, scrub, and massage in a traditional hammam in Istanbul feels especially satisfying in December, when your body soaks up every bit of warmth from the hot water and heated marble.

Istanbul’s meyhanes serve seasonal holiday food

Istanbul’s traditional meyhanes (taverns) bring out their winter specials in December, swapping summer mezze platters for hearty stews, soups, and seasonal seafood dishes. Classic winter dishes like hünkar beğendi (lamb and eggplant stew), içli köfte (stuffed bulgur dumplings), and mercimek çorbası (red lentil soup) really hit the spot on a chilly evening in Istanbul.

The city looks magical with festive decorations

While Istanbul doesn't officially celebrate Christmas, the city still embraces the festive season in December. Major shopping streets like Istiklal Avenue sparkle with twinkling lights, high-end neighborhoods like Nişantaşı go all out with tasteful decorations, and malls and hotels across the city put up towering Christmas trees and winter-themed decor, adding to the city’s magic.

Stores start their winter sales before the year is over

December is a great time to shop in Istanbul as local boutiques and international brands launch their winter sales ahead of the new year. You’ll find deep discounts on winter coats, boots, and leather goods, often weeks before similar sales begin elsewhere.

What’s the weather like in Istanbul in December?

Istanbul’s weather in December is fairly cold with occasional rain showers, brief sunny periods, and shorter daylight hours than the rest of the year. You’ll need warm layers to comfortably explore outdoor attractions, as temperatures feel colder when the Bosphorus Strait winds pick up. While snow is possible, especially later in the month, it’s fairly rare and usually doesn’t stick around for long in the city center.

• Average day temperature: 52 F (11 C)
• Average night temperature: 41 F (5 C)
• Average days of rain: 14 days
• Average days of sun: 11 days

Top things to do in Istanbul in December

1. Shop for gifts at the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar both have an exciting buzz in December, with local vendors piling their stalls high with seasonal treats, and eager shoppers crowding the hallways. Exploring these lively bazaars offers a welcome escape from the cold outside while exploring the central Eminönü district.

In the Spice Bazar, you’ll find stalls with mountains of Turkish delight in seasonal flavors like cinnamon and orange, plus piles of nuts and spices filling their air with fragrant smells. While the Grand Bazar is the place to shop for unique holiday gifts, from jewelry and handmade textiles to Turkish ceramics and beautiful ornate lanterns.

Sellers fully expect you to haggle, so don’t just pay what they first ask. Start low, around 60% of the asking price, and bargain from there. Even if you’re not out to buy, window shopping and trying free samples in the city’s bazaars is one of the best things to do in Istanbul in December.

Address

Rüstem Paşa, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul

Opening hours

Open daily, 8:00 AM–7:30 PM

2. Warm up in a traditional Turkish bathhouse

There’s no better way to escape the chill of Istanbul’s December weather than by stepping into a steamy traditional Turkish bathhouse, or hammam. The warmth of the heated marble and steam is the perfect way to warm up and relax. The spa session typically starts with a hot steam to open your pores, followed by a full-body scrub and foam massage, leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed.

Some of the most popular hammams in Istanbul include the 500-year-old Çemberlitaş Hammam, known for its grand Ottoman design, the luxurious Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hammam, sitting between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and Cağaloğlu Hammam, with its beautiful marble interiors and Baroque features.

3. Catch a performance at the Süreyya Opera House

The elegant Süreyya Opera House in the trendy Kadıköy neighborhood puts on some amazing shows in December, from classics like “The Nutcracker” to Turkish takes on famous operas. If you’re a fan of classical music or simply enjoy soaking up local culture in a stunning setting, getting dressed up for a night at the opera and sipping a warming mug of mulled wine at intermission is an unforgettable experience.

The ornate interior with painted ceilings and red velvet seats is truly spectacular and will make you feel like royalty for a night. The winter season brings world-class shows with full orchestras and elaborate sets that would cost you triple in cities like Vienna or Paris.

Address

Osmanağa, Gen. Asım Gündüz Cd. No:29, 34710 Kadıköy/İstanbul

Opening hours

Hours vary according to the performance schedule.

4. Wander through the festive streets of Nişantaşı Quarter

In December, the upscale Nişantaşı Quarter glows with dazzling holiday lights. The neighborhood’s many designer shops go all out with elaborate window displays, and streets get criss-crossed with strings of holiday decorations. The area is one of Istanbul’s prettiest neighborhoods year-round, but December’s holiday charm takes it to the next level.

Teşvikiye Avenue is the main attraction, where you’ll get to experience Istanbul’s winter elegance, with locals bundled up in chic winter coats, strolling beneath twinkling lights, and soaking in the sophisticated holiday atmosphere.

Address

Teşvikiye Cd. No:35, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul

Opening hours

Open 24 hours.

5. Watch the New Year’s fireworks over the Bosphorus

If you’re thinking about celebrating New Year’s Eve in Istanbul, you’re in for a treat. The city has a wide range of celebrations to enjoy, from lively street parties around Taksim Square to elegant black-tie dinners in swanky hotels.

But no matter how you celebrate, watching the fireworks display over the Bosphorus Strait is a can’t miss. At midnight, synchronized fireworks displays light up the sky from both continents. Join thousands of party people gathering along the waterfront in spots like Ortaköy and Beşiktaş, where restaurants and clubs throw countdown parties with special menus and live music.

Or for an even more luxurious experience, book a New Year’s Eve dinner cruise on the Bosphorus and get a front row seat to see the spectacular fireworks display light up the Istanbul skyline.

Address

Ortaköy, Beşiktaş/İstanbul

Opening hours

The New Year’s Eve fireworks start right at midnight to ring in the new year.