As the first frost of December blankets the Anatolian plateau and the Bosphorus brings a chill, Turkey transforms into a winter wonderland. While many see the country as a summer destination with sun-kissed beaches, visitors during winter experience a different magic, especially during Yılbaşı, the New Year celebration. Although Christmas is observed by Christian communities, the secular festivities—complete with pine trees, lights, and gift-giving—are joyfully celebrated nationwide.
Choosing between Istanbul and Ankara for a winter getaway is a delightful challenge. Istanbul, a vibrant blend of Byzantine and Ottoman history, offers a lively, festive atmosphere. In contrast, Ankara, the modern capital, exudes a cosy, intellectual charm, complete with snow-covered monuments and a thriving café culture. Whether you prefer a dazzling firework display or a quiet tea house, understanding these two cities will help you plan a memorable winter escape.
The atmosphere in Istanbul during the holidays is nothing short of electric. As the city that bridges Europe and Asia, it naturally adopts a hybrid festive identity that appeals to visitors from every corner of the globe. The historical core of the city remains as majestic as ever, but the modern districts of Nişantaşı and Kadıköy truly come alive with light.
In Nişantaşı, the streets are often draped in elaborate red and gold decorations, with oversized ornaments suspended between luxury boutiques, creating a shopping experience that rivals the most famous avenues of London or Paris. The air is thick with the scent of roasted chestnuts from street vendors, whose glowing braziers provide small pockets of warmth along the bustling pavements.
One of the most significant recent additions to Istanbul’s holiday circuit is the Wonder Village at Galataport. This modern waterfront development transforms into a premier holiday market, complete with artisan stalls, festive food offerings, and an ice rink that overlooks the water. It provides a contemporary contrast to the more traditional markets of the city, offering a curated selection of Turkish crafts that make for perfect seasonal gifts.
For those seeking a more spiritual or historical connection to the season, a visit to the Church of St. Anthony of Padua on Istiklal Avenue is essential. As the largest Roman Catholic church in the city, it hosts a magnificent Christmas Eve mass that draws a diverse crowd of locals and expatriates alike, with its Neo-Gothic interior glowing under the light of hundreds of candles.
The crowning jewel of the Istanbul holiday season is undoubtedly New Year’s Eve on the Bosphorus. The city’s geography allows for a celebration that is literally transcontinental. Thousands of people gather along the shorelines or board luxury dinner cruises to witness a spectacular fireworks display that illuminates the bridges connecting the two continents.
The weather during this period is typically mild but moody, often characterised by mist and rain, which adds a layer of atmospheric mystery to the city’s skyline. While a heavy snowfall is rare, it is not unheard of, and when the domes and minarets of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are dusted in white, the city becomes a living fairytale.
Ankara offers a starkly different holiday experience, one that feels more authentic and less tailored to the international tourist gaze. As the heart of the Turkish Republic, the city possesses a sophisticated, university-town atmosphere that thrives during the winter months.
While Istanbul is a city of water and bridges, Ankara is a city of hills and wide, monumental boulevards. During the holidays, the city’s modernity is softened by a frequent and reliable blanket of snow, turning the capital into a true winter wonderland. The pace of life here is slightly slower than in Istanbul, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the local way of celebrating.
The energy of Ankara’s holidays is best felt in Kızılay Square and along Tunalı Hilmi Avenue. These areas are the epicentre of the city’s nightlife and boutique shopping, where the local youth gather to celebrate the countdown to the New Year. Unlike the massive international festivals of Istanbul, the celebrations in Ankara often feel like large-scale community gatherings. The sense of camaraderie is palpable as people gather around street heaters or inside bustling bistros to toast to the coming year.
Atakule Tower, the city’s most iconic landmark, serves as the primary focal point for festive activities. Standing atop a hill in the Çankaya district, the tower offers a revolving restaurant and a panoramic observation deck that provides a breathtaking view of the city’s lights shimmering against the snow.
For a more historical stroll, the Hamamönü district is a masterclass in restoration. This area, consisting of traditional Ottoman houses, becomes incredibly cosy during the winter. Visitors can retreat from the biting Anatolian wind into one of the many wooden tea houses to enjoy a steaming cup of salep, a traditional winter drink made from orchid root and topped with a generous dusting of cinnamon.
The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, located near the Ankara Castle, also offers a quiet refuge for history lovers. Exploring its world-class collection of Hittite and Urartian artefacts while the snow falls silently over the ancient citadel walls outside is an experience of profound serenity that Istanbul’s bustling crowds rarely permit. This contrast between the ancient and the modern, the quiet museum halls and the vibrant city streets, defines the unique charm of a capital city that remains deeply connected to its roots even as it celebrates the future.
Both Istanbul and Ankara are great options for a holiday vacation. Deciding between these two destinations requires a look at what kind of traveller you are.
In terms of energy and crowds, Istanbul is high-octane. It is a city that never sleeps, and during the holidays, this is magnified tenfold. You will find yourself surrounded by a global crowd, and the sheer volume of people in places like Istiklal Avenue can be overwhelming. Ankara, by contrast, offers a more reserved and tranquil vibe. It is a city of diplomats, students, and civil servants, which translates into a nightlife that is more about intimate jazz clubs, sophisticated theatres, and cosy wine bars rather than the massive, bass-heavy clubs of the Bosphorus.
Cost and budgeting also play a significant role in the comparison. Istanbul is the commercial heart of the country, and during the peak holiday season, prices for accommodation and dining in tourist-heavy areas like Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu can reach a significant premium. Ankara remains much friendlier to the budget. You can often find high-end dining experiences and luxury hotels for a fraction of what you would pay for a similar standard in Istanbul. This makes Ankara an attractive option for those who want a longer, more comfortable stay without the inflated price tag of a global tourist hub.
The visual landscape provides the final point of contrast. Istanbul is defined by its relationship with the sea; the reflections of holiday lights on the moving water of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus create a dynamic, shimmering beauty. Ankara’s beauty is more stationary and architectural. The contrast of the stark, modernist lines of the Turkish Parliament and Anıtkabir against the soft, white Anatolian steppe creates a minimalist aesthetic that is incredibly photogenic in its own right. If you prefer the romance of the coast and the grandeur of empire, Istanbul is your home. If you prefer the crisp air of the mountains and the charm of a modern, well-organised capital, Ankara will not disappoint.
The ultimate choice of where to spend your holidays depends on the rhythm you wish to follow. You should choose Istanbul if you want the full, unfiltered holiday experience, complete with massive light displays, international crowds, and the undeniable romance of a city that spans two continents. It is a place of spectacle and scale.
You should choose Ankara if you prefer a crisp, snowy getaway that feels more like a local secret. It offers a cosy, intellectual atmosphere where you can enjoy the finer things in life at a more relaxed pace. Both cities represent different facets of the modern Turkish identity, and both are equally welcoming to the winter traveller.
However, the best way to experience the magic of Turkey is not to limit yourself to just one urban centre. To truly unlock the heart of the country during this season, you should consider renting a car from either Istanbul or Ankara. Having your own transport allows you to venture beyond the city limits and see the incredible diversity of the Turkish landscape under its winter coat.
A drive from Istanbul can take you to the historic city of Bursa and the slopes of Mount Uludağ for world-class skiing, or to the serene, snow-covered forests surrounding Lake Abant in Bolu. Alternatively, picking up a car in Ankara places you within easy reach of Cappadocia, where the iconic fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings look like something from another planet when draped in snow.
By taking to the road, you transform a simple city break into a grand Anatolian adventure. Whether you are navigating the misty streets of the coast or the frozen plains of the interior, a winter journey through Turkey is a holiday you will remember for a lifetime. Rent a car from Final Rentals today, and discover why this country is the world’s most enchanting winter destination.
