Christmas in Northern Cyprus

• Do they celebrate Christmas in Northern Cyprus
• Catholic and Orthodox Christmas among Russian speakers
• Services and festive evenings on January 6–7

Do they celebrate Christmas in Northern Cyprus

Christmas in Northern Cyprus is not a traditional local holiday because Northern Cyprus is predominantly a Muslim country. There are no official Christmas holidays, and the state calendar does not mark this day as a religious celebration.

At the same time, locals treat Christian traditions with respect and goodwill. This is especially noticeable in areas where many foreigners live and work: Christmas is regarded as an important part of the cultural life of the diaspora.

On Catholic Christmas December 25, the president of the country officially congratulates foreigners living on the island, emphasizing respect for the religious traditions of other peoples.

Thus, Christmas in Northern Cyprus is not purely a "tourist show": the attitude toward the holiday is based on the idea of peaceful coexistence of different cultures and religions.

Catholic and Orthodox Christmas among Russian speakers

The Russian-speaking diaspora of Northern Cyprus often celebrates two Christmases — Catholic and Orthodox. This allows people to preserve their own traditions while being part of the international Christian community on the island.

Catholic Christmas on December 25 is often celebrated by Russian speakers together with the British and other Christian communities. On this day:

• they gather in international communities and parishes;
• organize communal festive dinners;
• exchange gifts and greetings with foreign neighbors and colleagues.

Orthodox Christmas on January 7 is considered the main “home” holiday for many people from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other countries. Usually, family gatherings, home feasts, greetings to relatives, and video calls are timed to this date.

• December 25 — Catholic Christmas, celebrated in international communities;
• January 6 — Orthodox Christmas Eve, a time for preparations and festive events;
• January 7 — Orthodox Christmas day for the Russian-speaking diaspora.

Services and festive evenings on January 6–7

On the eve of Orthodox Christmas, January 6, festive services are held in the Orthodox churches of Northern Cyprus. Believers attend the evening service to prepare for Christmas, light candles, and pray for their loved ones.

On the same day, Russian-speaking expats often organize themed parties and gatherings:

• groups of friends and acquaintances meet in restaurants, cafes, or villas;
• familiar music from home plays, creating a “homey” festive atmosphere;
• traditional dishes are prepared, festive tables are set, the Christmas tree is decorated, and gifts are exchanged.

Thanks to this, many note that they manage to celebrate Christmas almost like at home, even while in Northern Cyprus. The combination of church services, family traditions, and friendly gatherings helps preserve a connection with culture and religion while maintaining a sense of participation in island life.

We have prepared a list of holidays in Northern Cyprus for you:

• Public holidays in Northern Cyprus
• Kurban Bayram in Northern Cyprus
• Republic Day of Turkey in Northern Cyprus
• Atatürk Memorial, Youth and Sports Day
• and others