2025 Yılbaşı Tatilinde Nereye Gidilir: En Güzel Yılbaşı Rotaları

The new year carries the excitement of leaving one year behind and stepping into a brand new beginning. As you say hello to 2025, you dream of a holiday where you will make unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Perhaps a romantic getaway under the snowflakes at the summit of the mountains covered in the white blanket of winter... Or a New Year's Eve in a historic city, lost in its sparkling streets, meeting New Year's Eve with dance, music and laughter. Wherever you are, you will be enveloped by the magic of your destination to experience the magical atmosphere of the new year to the fullest. Now, let's take a look at the unique routes that await you on your New Year's holiday in 2025.

1. Istanbul: New Year Magic in the City of Lights

It is hard to think of a more enchanting place to welcome the New Year than Istanbul! The New Year's lights reflected in the sparkling waters of the Bosphorus turn the historical and modern texture of the city into a fairy tale land. Watch the breathtaking panorama of the city from the Galata Tower or join the night-long entertainment on the luxury New Year's boats organised on the Bosphorus. The lights decorating every corner of Istiklal Street and the bells of the nostalgic tram will leave you with a warm memory of Istanbul in the moments before the New Year. You can say hello to the New Year with a delicious New Year's Eve dinner in stylish restaurants that combine historical texture with modern flavours, or you can enjoy alternative celebrations in the intimate streets of Kadıköy. Istanbul promises you not just a New Year's Eve, but a lifetime of unforgettable memories.

2. Uludag, Bursa: A New Year's Eve Full of Skiing and Fun

If you want to spend the New Year's holiday at the summit of the snowy mountains, almost in a winter fairy tale, Uludağ is just the place you are looking for. This magnificent mountain, the symbol of Bursa, is a paradise for ski enthusiasts and those looking for winter fun. While skiing on the white-covered slopes of Uludağ, you can also enjoy the mountain air. Uludağ attracts attention not only for skiing but also for winter sports and snow walks. In the evenings, you can warm up by the fireplace of luxury hotels and taste the exquisite flavours of traditional Turkish cuisine. In addition, special parties and concerts organised for New Year's Eve allow you to have an unforgettable celebration accompanied by the mountain air of Uludağ. From ski slopes to entertainment, from nature to nightlife, this magnificent destination is the perfect choice to welcome the New Year.

3. Cappadocia, Nevsehir: A Fairytale New Year

If you want to turn your New Year's holiday into a unique experience, Cappadocia is exactly where you dream of. Famous for its fairy chimneys and historic cave hotels, this mystical region offers a unique atmosphere to celebrate New Year's Eve. Cappadocia is famous for its hot air balloons and you can witness a breathtaking view with the first lights of the day as you ascend to the sky on New Year's Eve. On New Year's Eve, you can have a warm dinner in the elegance of your cave hotel and enjoy discovering the traditional flavours of the region. Celebrating New Year's Eve in Cappadocia will turn into a memory you will remember for the rest of your life.

4. Antalya: Warm Climate and Beach Enjoyment

If you want to spend your New Year holiday enjoying the sun and the sea, Antalya will be the perfect choice. Antalya, the shining pearl of the Mediterranean, attracts attention with its mild climate all year round and will envelop you with its warm weather even in winter. Especially while staying in the hotels in the coastal towns, you can say hello to the New Year accompanied by the peaceful sound of the sea. In the luxury holiday villages in the city, New Year's Eve is filled with special shows and entertainment, as well as dinners filled with the flavours of traditional Turkish cuisine.

5. Izmir: New Year's Eve in the City and Nature

Izmir, the pearl of the Aegean, is one of the rare destinations that offers both the energy of city life and the tranquility of nature on New Year's Eve. On New Year's Eve, many different experiences await you, from the exuberant celebrations in Konak Square to a seaside stroll along Kordon. In the warm atmosphere of Izmir, you can spend the joy of New Year's Eve exploring the city, lost in the pine trees and colorful lights that surround the city. And for nature lovers, nearby coastal towns such as Çeşme or Foça are the perfect place to spend New Year's Eve in nature.

6. Abant, Bolu: Tranquility by the Lake

Abant, Bolu is the perfect option for those looking for a peaceful getaway in touch with nature during the New Year holidays. Located in the heart of the Black Sea Region, Abant has a calm and mystical atmosphere famous for its lake. On New Year's Eve, the snow-covered forests and the quiet nature by the lake create a magical atmosphere. The walking paths around Lake Abant are ideal for those who want to take long walks accompanied by the peaceful view of the mountains. Staying in bungalows and hotels by the lake and welcoming New Year's Eve with a hot drink by the fireplace will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale on the last night of the year.

7. Gaziantep: A New Year's Eve Full of Flavor and History

If you are looking for a route that will both delight your taste buds and enrich your New Year's holiday with historical textures, Gaziantep is the perfect choice. This fascinating city of the Southeast offers an impressive atmosphere not only with its cuisine but also with its historical and cultural heritage. Gaziantep cuisine, with its famous baklava and kebabs, is a flavor paradise where you can enjoy your New Year's holiday. A New Year's Eve dinner with traditional flavors at the restaurants in the city will be an unforgettable experience. Discovering both the traces of the past and modern touches and welcoming the New Year in this historical atmosphere will give you a unique pleasure.

8. Rize: Alone with Nature in the Black Sea

If you want to spend your New Year's vacation in a peaceful environment in the heart of nature, Rize may be just the place you are looking for. Located in the green paradise of the Black Sea, this city fascinates with its nature surrounded by mountains, forests, plateaus and the sea. You can take a walk under the snow in the highlands of Rize and have a peaceful getaway in the lush green valleys. Spending your New Year's holiday with the unique culture and landscapes of the region will help you relax your mind in the calm atmosphere of the city.

When is 2025 New Year's Holiday?

As every year, this year, New Year's Eve will be a holiday in our country on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

Is December 31 a Holiday?

December 31 is not an official holiday in Turkey. On December 31, working hours and working order continue as normal. 

Is January 1 a holiday?

January 1 (New Year) is considered a public holiday.

How Many Days is New Year's Holiday? 

This year, the New Year's holiday can be held for 5 days.

What to Eat on New Year's Eve?

Olive Oil and Appetizers: Olive oil dishes, which are indispensable for New Year's tables, take place on the table as a starter. Healthy and light appetizers such as artichokes, baked beans, and shortcake are appetizing. In addition to appetizers and olive oil dishes, you can also make complimentary canapes, bread, donuts, pumpkin desserts and different cookies. 

Turkey or Roast Chicken: Turkey is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the New Year's table. One of the most enjoyable moments of New Year's Eve is to cook it in the oven for a long time and ensure that the meat is soft and golden. If turkey is not preferred, baked chicken is also a very popular alternative. It is served with delicacies such as sweet potato, apple and walnut stuffed rice.

Börek and Sarma: Another favorite dish to make on New Year's Eve is börek. With varieties such as spinach, cheese and minced meat, phyllo pastries are a must on the table. Also, wraps, especially artichoke wraps with olive oil wrapped in vine leaves and meat wraps, add elegance to the table.

Turkey stuffing pilaf and cauliflower salad: Side dishes also complement the meal. Traditional stuffing pilaf with turkey, chickpeas, dried fruits and spices can make your kitchen festive. Cauliflower salad should take its place on the table as a light, refreshing option.

What to Drink?

Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Champagne, the symbol of New Year's Eve, is the most important part of joyful moments. Sparkling wines in different flavors add a special sparkle to the night.

Cocktails: Cocktails are also very popular on New Year's Eve. While the most well-known cocktails include drinks such as Martini, Mojito, Cosmopolitan, you can also create special New Year's cocktails. Fruity, sweet or sour options appeal to everyone's taste buds.

Hot Drinks: Hot drinks are also preferred on cold winter days. Drinks such as hot chocolate or mulled wine offer both warmth and different flavors. Traditional drinks such as mulled wine with cinnamon or cranberry sorbet also reflect the mood of the New Year.

Beer and Vodka: Beer is a good choice for those who want low-alcohol options, while those looking for a stronger drink can opt for vodka and cocktails made with it.

Specialty Drinks: New Year's Eve is sometimes celebrated with special drinks. Champagne and vodka mix, whiskey or rum can also take their place in celebrations.

Fruit juices and non-alcoholic options: For those who do not want to consume alcohol, options such as fruit juices, herbal teas or non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails) can be preferred on New Year's Eve.

If you liked our most beautiful New Year's Eve routes, we recommend you to read our article titled “Winter Vacation Destinations in Turkey” which includes our suggestions for winter vacations.