This month, Istanbul will be filled with festive markets, with a huge number of places where you can buy handmade and original crafts at a good price to give to your loved ones for Christmas and New Year.
Why not take the opportunity to visit some of Turkey's many markets offering a wide range of handicrafts or some unique gifts for the winter holidays. Below is a list of this year's December markets scheduled in Istanbul.
December 2 - New Year's boutique of the Şişli sports club
Şişli Sports Club, founded in 1936, recently held a special sports-themed New Year's sale at the Pangaltı Ramada Hotel on Saturday, December 2, from 10:00 to 20:00. The sale featured everything from accessories and home decor to textiles and art. The boutique featured a book by world-famous poet Yalvaç Ural, who signed his work for guests at 11:30 a.m.
December 3rd - IWI Winter Festival
IWI is an organization for international women living in Istanbul. Each year, the members hold two major fundraising events, one of which is their annual IWI Winter Festival charity event. It took place yesterday, December 3rd, from 10:00 AM to 17:00 PM at the Istanbul Marriott Hotel Şişli. It was a special event that was open to everyone. It had over 80 vendor stalls, an international food court, luxury raffle prizes, a kids’ corner, festive entertainment, and even a visit from Santa Claus. Entry was 10 TL ($2,5) with free admission for children under 12. All net proceeds went to the IWI Social Responsibility Fund, which donates money on a regular basis to local non-profit organizations.
December 6 — BazaarCircolo Roma Christmas Market
Istanbul will hold its annual Portobello Christmas Market on Wednesday, December 6, from 10:30 to 25:00 at the Casa d'Italia Hotel, located on Meşrutiyet Street, between the Pera Hotel and the Tepebaşı Museum. Founded in 1931 to promote and support the Italian community in Istanbul, Circolo Roma is home to many Italian expats and hosts a number of exciting events and workshops, such as cooking classes, book clubs and art classes. The Portobello Christmas Market will feature typical Italian products such as Parmesan and other authentic cheeses, sauces, panettone, pasta and homemade preserves. Italian cuisine and espresso will also be available on the day.
December 10th – Istanbul Handicrafts Festive Market
The Istanbul Handicrafts Holiday Market will be held on Sunday, December 10th at the Chapel of St. Helena in Tepebaşı from 11:00 AM to 18:00 PM. This fun market is a special opportunity to check out some of the best crafts in the city. This year, handmade jewelry, ceramics, toys, amiguri, ebru, mosaics, mandalas and home decor will be sold.
Proceeds from the holiday market will go towards helping UN registered refugees.
December 9 – Bomonti Kermes
The annual Kemersa Bomonti Christmas Bazaar will take place on Saturday, December 9 from 10:00 to 16:00. It will be held at Fransız Fakirhanesi as a fundraiser for poor nursing homes. There will be crafts, clothing, accessories and food from around the world, as well as a raffle. Located on Silahşör Caddesi in the colorful Bomonti neighborhood, the event is popular with expats and locals living in the long-standing, historical, multicultural neighborhood.
December 13 - Aria Shopping Festival
On Wednesday, December 13th from 6:00 to 21:00, the women's investment platform Arya will hold a special event at Kolektif House in Levter called Arya Alışveriş Festivali. Arya Women Investment is the only investment platform in Turkey that exclusively brings together female entrepreneurs and investors. This year, they will have their first holiday bazaar, where visitors will have the opportunity to purchase unique gifts for the end of the year. In addition to a wide range of ingenious products, including jewelry, accessories, clothing, tableware and household items, there will also be gifts for Syrian refugees and disadvantaged children. The festivities will be accompanied by special snacks and chocolates.
