If you are looking for a vacation at a place that’s rich in cultural heritage and also presents you a huge diversion of cuisine, carved with pointed mountains along spectacular beaches, it is time to visit Turkey. November hails winter in Turkey and grows throughout December. The entire country is cold, but you will still feel the warmth of welcome in Turkey like no other destination. Once you go to the Mediterranean Coast, the place is mildly cold that will let you enjoy the sunny days as you roam on the beach. December is also the time when you can experience some rain with cloudy days. In some parts of Turkey, at times there’s also heavy rain, so think about some pre-preparation for the same. Certain parts in eastern Turkey snows at higher elevation during this season. So here’s what you can do in the winter in Turkey in December!

Turkey in Winter — Image Credits: Google Images

Things to Do in Turkey in December

1. You can fly for six miles straight

Turkey has more than 100 peaks that are above 9,800 feet with nearly a dozen ski resorts in each. The most popular one is the south of the Sea of Marmara, in the alpine village of Uludag. Palandoken, which is located in the eastern province of Erzurum, is Turkey’s highest and home to Europe’s longest natural ski runs. The vistas here are absolutely spectacular during Turkey winter in December.

2. History, Culture And Ruins

Winter is the best time to visit Turkey’s incredible Greco-Roman sites on the Mediterranean. During this season the heat and crowds evaporate and the atmosphere turns moody letting you explore all of them in peace. Head to the travertine hills above the city of Antalya to explore the ghostly sarcophagi of Termessos. The unrestored amphitheatre set above the white-marble ruins of Sagalassos enhance the experience even more in Turkey in December. Back in 333 BC, both Pisidian cities were conquered by Alexander the Great.

3. The Real Santa Claus in Turkey

Santa Claus Tomb in Turkey — Image Credits: Google Images

The real St. Nick lived far from the North Pole in the ancient town of Myra, currently renamed as Demre. Every year on his feast day the Greek Orthodox crowd in Demre’s pay tribute to the black-robed St. Nicholas. For the pilgrims, the saint is seen more like Poseidon, the God of the sea. But don’t be deceived by the lack of reindeer and elves. The legend of Santa Claus is firmly rooted in generosity which includes gifts delivered through the chimney during Christmas days in Turkey.

4. Turkish Bath to treat yourselves!

Winter in Turkey is the time to take refuge in one of the best steam-filled historic hammams and bathhouses. Starting from 16th-century Kihn Ali Pasha, that recently underwent a restoration has returned it to its original glory making it one of the best things to do in Turkey in December. It houses one of 56 bathhouses designed by the Mimar Sinan, a legendary Ottoman architect. This experience can only be gained in Turkey especially during winters making it a unique experience for visitors all over the world.

5. Fishing on the edge of Asia and Europe

In winter, you can see millions of fishes that migrate from the colder Black Sea to the relative warmth of the Mediterranean. Anglers crowd spots along the waterway, that divides the city into Asian and European quarters. The Galata Bridge built across the Golden Horn is the right place to spot best diners in Turkey in the month of December. You can dine in a traditional meyhane restaurant to taste the best winter fish, including lufer (bluefish), palamut (bonito), hamsi (anchovy), and mezgit (whiting).

6. Sahlep – The Essence of Turkey

During Istanbul winter old men start pushing the steaming brass samovars that contain a creamy drink dating to Ottoman times. Sahlep, a mix of hot mastic milk, flour made from orchid tubers and has a final topping with cinnamon. Many Turks drink it for its exotic therapeutic qualities. It has a ridiculously delicious taste and is the perfect antidote to a cold winter day in Turkey in December. Enjoy your sahlep after shopping a bag full of freshly roasted chestnuts, known as kestane kebap, purchased from street carts.

7. Puddings – A Turkey Delight

Grains, fresh and dried fruit, nuts, beans, chickpeas, and sugar together make the main ingredients of asure, a pudding served to mark the day Noah’s Ark ran aground. The exact components of this porridge-like dessert varied from region to region, but each one of it makes the perfect dessert for a cold day in Turkey during December. Another popular wintertime dessert is quince, or ayva, traditionally poached in cloves and sugar syrup and served with dollops of clotted cream. The flesh of the fruit turns orangey-red and contrasts beautifully with the flakes of green pistachio sprinkled on top.

8. A Walk Along Abant Lake

A brisk walk or a horse-drawn carriage ride will circle you around the 4.5 miles of the gorgeous Abant Lake, set in the Bolu province’s mini Lake District. The lake is hugged by forests, snow-covered fir and beech trees making it a must visit on your trip to Turkey in December. And as if the scene couldn’t resemble The Shining any more, there’s even a hotel here that looks like the Overlook.

9. Visit An Inland Sea with Snowy Peaks

Kiwi Pudding in Turkey — Image Credits: Google Images

High-altitude, wild, and desolate is how southeast Turkey’s Van region can be described. Lake Van is the biggest in the country with volcanoes that tower over the northern and western shores. With small islands spotting the lake alongside ancient castles, churches, mosques, and tombs on its shores, this truly is an amazing spot to visit in Turkey in the month of December! The salty lake doesn’t freeze in winter, so even if you visit in mid-January you can take a ferry over to Akdamar Island. There you can visit 10th century Church of the Holy Cross — a royal church of the Armenian Kingdom of Vaspurakan.

Reasons outnumbered for you to kick-start your bookings to Turkey in December? Turkey in winter is going to be a delightful experience for you filled with adventure, luxury and tasteful experiences. We at Pickyourtrail make sure our best travel experience is put into planning your Turkey tour package from India and Turkey honeymoon packages with lots of excitement. Start planning and Happy travelling!