Things to do on New Year’s Eve in Istanbul
16. December 2021
“Wishing you all a Happy New Year with the hope that you will have many blessings in the year to come. The last 2 years teaches us a lot, and we believe that health is the most important thing in life and wish you health, joy, peace and happiness in 2022!”
Gündüz shared with us things to do on New Year’s Eve in Istanbul even though he prefers to be at home with his family members this year.
We need to separate New Year’s celebrations before and after the pandemic in Turkey since there are so many things to do in Istanbul on New Year's Eve, such as watching the fireworks along the Bosporus shores, tasting the perfect Bosporus cruise at one of the best restaurants, celebrating the night at one of the many fancy Istanbul clubs, or attending one of the street parties which take place as locations like Taksim, Nişantaşı or Bagdat Street with live concerts and DJ performances.
After the pandemic, most people prefer to celebrate with their family at home. Celebrating New Year's Eve with a large family dinner is the best choice, and the main course is traditionally a roasted turkey. Homemade appetizers fill the table as well.
Variety shows including concerts on television begin in the late afternoon and continue until early morning on New Year’s Day. It’s tradition to play a bingo-like game called “Tombala” on New Year's Eve, which is usually everyone’s favorite game, and gifts under the New Year’s tree are opened at midnight with positive and joyful wishes.
