Upcoming Holidays and Festivals in Turkey
- Before planning a trip around a festival, verify the festival dates on the festival's website or with a local tourist information office.
- This list includes major festivals in Istanbul, plus national holidays observed throughout Turkey. Many sights and banks close down on national holidays — keep it in mind when planning your itinerary. Note that this isn't a complete list; holidays can strike without warning.
- See upcoming holidays and festivals across Europe
2023
December 1–14: International Antalya Piano Festival
December 10–17 (likely): Mevlana Festival, Konya (celebrations of Whirling Dervishes)
December 31: New Year's Eve (fireworks, etc., especially in Istanbul)
2023
January 1: New Year's Day (Yılbaşı; closures)
March 23–April 21: Ramadan (Muslim holy month)
April 7–18 (likely): Istanbul Film Festival
April 9: Easter Sunday (Orthodox)
April 22–25: Ramadan Feast Days (Ramazan/Seker Bayramı, closures)
April 23: National Sovereignty and Children's Day (closures)
May 1: Labor Day (closures)
May 19: Atatürk Commemoration and Youth Day (sports events, closures)
June 1: Orthodox Ascension
June 5–23 (likely): Istanbul Music Festival
June 24–July 6 (likely): Istanbul Jazz Festival
June 28–July 1: Sacrifice Feast Days (Kurban Bayramı; closures)
July 15: Democracy and National Unity Day (closures)
August 30: Victory Day (closures)
September 5–24 (likely): Aspendos International Opera & Ballet Festival, Ankara
October 28–29: Republic Day Eve and Republic Day (closures)
November 5: Istanbul Marathon
November 30–December 14 (likely): International Antalya Piano Festival
December 10–17 (likely): Mevlana Festival, Konya (celebrations of Whirling Dervishes)
December 31: New Year's Eve (fireworks, etc., especially in Istanbul)