Prepare to immerse yourself in the winter magic of Istanbul this December. As the city dons the festive spirit of Christmas and New Year, embrace the chilly temperatures averaging 10°C with 123 mm of precipitation. Grab your winter essentials – a cozy coat, a handy umbrella, and a sweater for milder days – and get ready for a season filled with enchantment.

Table of Contents:

  1. Weather Overview:
  1. Average Temperature: 10°C
  2. Precipitation: 123 mm
  3. Dress Recommendations: Winter coat, portable umbrella, sweater for milder days.
  1. Daylight Hours:
  1. Days are short but getting longer, with sunset around 18:30.
  2. Average Max Temp.: 11°C – Average Min Temp.: 5°C
  1. Public Holidays, Festivals & Events:
  1. Seb-i Aruz (17-24 December) – Commemorating the death anniversary of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi.
  2. Christmas (late December)
  3. New Year’s Eve & Festivities (31st of December)
  1. Top Venues:
  1. Explore exhibitions and events at the following top Istanbul venues:
  1. Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
  2. Pera Museum
  3. Sakip Sabanci Museum
  4. Salon IKSV
  5. Bomontiada
  6. Akbank Sanat
  7. Zorlu PSM
  1. December Top 10 Attractions:
  1. Enjoy Colorful New Year’s Eve Celebrations:
  1. Fireworks on the Bosphorus and street celebrations in popular districts.
  1. Visit Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Basilica Cistern Trio:
  1. Explore the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, delve into the opulent history of Topkapi Palace, and descend into the mystical Basilica Cistern.
  1. Pro Tips for each attraction included.
  1. Mystical Night Out with Whirling Dervishes Show:
  1. Experience the mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes Show, a unique and spiritual tradition.
  1. Lively Atmosphere at Istiklal Street:
  1. Explore Istanbul’s most famous street filled with shops, restaurants, cafes, and street shows.
  1. Museum of Turkish & Islamic Arts:
  1. Discover a unique collection of Turkish and Islamic works at the Ibrahim Pasha Palace.
  1. Winter Sales at Istanbul’s Shopping Malls:
  1. Take advantage of winter sales in more than 200 modern shopping malls.
  1. Gastronomy Festival:
  1. Attend Istanbul’s International Gastronomy Festival for a culinary delight.
  1. Historical Turkish Bath (Hammam) Experience:
  1. Indulge in a one-of-a-kind Turkish bath experience at historical hammams.
  1. Night-time Attractions:
  1. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Private Yacht for an exclusive sightseeing experience.
  2. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment for a delightful evening on the water.
  3. Mesmerizing Whirling Dervish Show for a cultural expression of faith.

Conclusion: Whether you’re fascinated by historical marvels, cultural traditions, or lively festivities, Istanbul in December offers a myriad of experiences that promise to make your winter vacation truly memorable. Embrace the season’s charm and create lasting memories in this captivating city.