How New Year is celebrated in Northern Cyprus

New Year in Northern Cyprus is an amazing combination of Eastern traditions, Mediterranean atmosphere, and European festive spirit. Although Christmas is not officially celebrated here, New Year is an important event, welcomed by Cypriots with joy, music, lights, and a large family table.

Northern Cyprus is a multicultural place: Turkish Cypriots, mainland Turks, Russian-speaking residents, British, and other Europeans live here. Therefore, New Year celebrations are a mix of different traditions, united by sunny weather, sea breeze, and festive spirit.

• How New Year is celebrated in TRNC
• City and home decorations
• New Year dishes
• New Year weather
• Local traditions
• Best places to celebrate
• How Russian-speaking residents celebrate
• 2026 — Year of the Red Fire Horse
• Conclusion

How New Year is celebrated in TRNC

For locals, New Year is a family holiday. Most celebrate at home with a richly laid table. After dinner, many go to city centers, where concerts, shows, and fireworks take place.

In major cities — Nicosia, Famagusta, Kyrenia, Iskele — street festivities are held. Live music stages, dance performances, animation programs, and festive lotteries attract both locals and tourists.

Hotels and restaurants organize gala dinners. This is one of the most popular options for foreigners: festive cuisine, shows, live music, dancing, and a countdown with fireworks by the sea.

City and home decorations

Despite the lack of snow, the festive atmosphere on the island is very bright. Large Christmas trees, light figures, and arches are set up in squares. Houses, cafes, and shops are decorated with garlands and decorative compositions.

Shop windows are decorated in Christmas style from late November. Lots of red, gold, fir wreaths, and festive sweets create a winter holiday atmosphere at +18°C.

Home decorations vary: artificial trees, garlands, scented candles with cinnamon and tangerine. Even families who do not celebrate Christmas decorate homes for New Year.

New Year dishes

The New Year table in Northern Cyprus is a mix of Turkish, Cypriot, and European traditions.

• Roast turkey with rice and chestnuts.
• Meze assortment — hummus, tahini, olives, halloumi cheese, vegetable appetizers.
• Fish and seafood, especially dorado.
• Pomegranate as a symbol of luck — it is always placed on the table.
• Yeni Yıl Keki — festive cake with a coin inside.
• Baklava, Turkish delight, kadaif — traditional Eastern sweets.

Wine, liqueurs, cocktails, and raki are often present on the festive table. Many venues offer signature cocktails specially for New Year's Eve.

New Year weather

Winter in Northern Cyprus is mild and sunny. Daytime temperatures are around +15...+20°C, dropping to +10°C in the evening. Rain occurs occasionally, but often the weather allows evening events on open terraces.

Due to the warm weather, many celebrate New Year by the sea. Beach photoshoots, promenade walks, and outdoor festivities are popular.

Local traditions

The main symbol of New Year luck is the pomegranate. At midnight, a pomegranate is smashed at the doorstep: the more seeds scatter, the more happiness and prosperity the new year will bring.

Children receive "New Year boxes" with sweets and toys. This touching tradition is loved by families with children.

Many families prepare homemade gifts: jams, olive oil, pastries — a sign of respect and warmth.

Best places to celebrate

Top locations for festivities:

• Kyrenia — seafront restaurants, fireworks at the Old Castle.
• Famagusta — concerts and fairs in the central square.
• Nicosia — the country’s main Christmas tree and live performances.
• Iskele, Long Beach — dinners and programs with sea views.
• Mountain areas — cozy evenings by the fireplace, BBQs, and home parties.

Rural formats are also popular: picnics, barbecues, mountain walks, and home parties in large villas.

How Russian-speaking residents celebrate

The Russian-speaking diaspora in Northern Cyprus actively celebrates New Year.

Expats often celebrate both December 31 and Orthodox Christmas on January 7. They hold children's tree parties, corporate events, themed parties, Russian music nights, and entertainment shows.

Many families gather in restaurants, villas, or hotels. Large home celebrations with salads, champagne, and traditions from various countries are popular.

2026 — Year of the Red Fire Horse

If you plan to celebrate New Year in Northern Cyprus, it is also useful to know that 2026 will be the Year of the Red Fire Horse. Learn what the symbol of the year means, how to prepare properly, and which gifts the Horse prefers in our article: Year of the Red Fire Horse — what you need to know in 2026.

Conclusion

New Year in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is a warm, bright, and atmospheric holiday. It unites cultures, brings people together by the sea, and gives the feeling of a true winter fairy tale without snow. The celebration is sunny, heartfelt, and very family-oriented — just the way it is loved on the island.