TRNC prepares to welcome 2026: police service, municipal events, and service schedules

In Northern Cyprus, preparations for the New Year 2026 are underway: December 31, 2025, falls on a Wednesday, and January 1 is an official holiday. Information was published on December 26, 2025.

The General Directorate of Police announced that it will be on duty around the clock, reminded citizens of the ban on driving under the influence and the need to observe speed limits. Recommendations were also given on using seat belts and child seats, mandatory helmet use for motorcyclists; emergency numbers were reminded: 155 (police), 156 (narcotics zone), 199 (fire), and 112 (ambulance).

According to the Meteorological Department, December 31 is expected to have variable cloudiness, with daytime temperatures around 18–21 °C.

The municipalities of Nicosia, Famagusta, Kyrenia, Güzelyurt, İskele, and Lefke will operate at full capacity: cleaning, water supply, burial services, and on-duty teams will be ensured. Nicosia Municipality is organizing New Year events at Selimiye Square with free bus transportation. Kyrenia Municipality will hold a “New Year Market” in Bellapais with free buses. Famagusta Municipality planned street celebrations at Namık Kemal Square on December 31 from 20:00 to 00:15, featuring DJ Tarantino and a retro band.

The State Lottery announced that the main prize of the New Year draw will be 8 million Turkish Lira, with a total prize fund of 25 566 750 TL. In the central prison, special open visits will not take place on the holiday night; regular visiting hours apply. Environmental services allowed establishments with valid music permits to operate under established conditions without additional permission during the specified period. The police warned against the use of firearms during celebrations and urged citizens to follow safety measures.