Christmas in Cyprus — traditions, customs, fairs, and history
Christmas in Cyprus is one of the warmest and most heartfelt holidays of the year. It combines ancient Orthodox traditions, folk customs, cozy family dinners, and a magical atmosphere. Despite the mild climate, the island offers a genuine sense of winter—with festive markets, caroling, and even snow in the Troodos Mountains.
This article gathers the main facts about Christmas in Cyprus—from history and religious rituals to village customs and winter activities.
- History of the Celebration
- Orthodox Christmas in Cyprus
- Christmas and New Year Traditions
- Christmas Markets
- Snow and Winter Recreation in the Troodos Mountains
- Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas
History of the Celebration
In Cyprus, Christmas is celebrated on December 25—the same day as Catholics, since the Cyprus Orthodox Church follows the Revised Julian Calendar. This differs from the Russian Orthodox Church, where Christmas is celebrated on January 7 according to the old style.
The festive season on the island starts well before Christmas and lasts until January 6, when Theophany (Epiphany) is celebrated. From late November, streets are adorned with Christmas decorations and garlands, shop windows display themed compositions, and towns light up with festive illumination.
Christmas as a major holiday appeared in Cyprus relatively recently. For a long time, the main winter celebration was New Year’s, and the most important religious holiday was Easter. However, with the arrival of the British administration and under European influence, Christmas became an integral part of Cypriot culture.
According to longtime residents, families used to live modestly: gifts were rarely given, and festive decorations were mostly found in foreign households. Over time, traditions changed—now Christmas trees and garlands decorate nearly every home, and towns shine with festive lights and musical performances.
Orthodox Christmas in Cyprus
Christmas in Cyprus is one of the most important Orthodox holidays of the year. On the eve of December 25, residents rush to the midnight liturgy, symbolizing spiritual renewal and uniting generations of believers.
Churches on this night are filled with Byzantine chants, the scent of incense, and the soft glow of candles. The atmosphere of the Christmas service is special—it transports one to a world where faith and ancient rituals coexist in harmony and peace.
Monasteries in Cyprus play a special role in the celebrations. Services are conducted in Athonite style and can last until dawn. For believers, it is a time of quiet, prayer, and spiritual cleansing. Even those who are not particularly religious note that visiting a monastery on Christmas night leaves a deep impression.
The most famous monasteries where festive services are held include Saint Heraklidios (Nicosia), Machairas, and Panagia Amiru (Limassol).
After the liturgy, Cypriots gather with their families. Traditionally, they serve avgolemono soup (chicken broth with egg, lemon, and rice), roasted meat, sweets, and of course, Vasilopita cake with a coin inside—a symbol of luck for the year ahead.
Christmas and New Year Traditions
Cyprus has preserved many ancient customs related to Christmas and New Year. Many date back to antiquity and are still warmly observed in villages.
Decorating Homes and Boats
Homes are decorated with wreaths of fir and olive branches, garlands, and figurines. In coastal areas, there is a unique tradition of decorating boats. This symbolizes blessings for sailors and protection from storms.
Caroling
On December 24 and 31, children go from house to house, singing carols and asking, “Na ta pume?” — “May we sing?” In return, they receive nuts, sweets, or coins. This custom is especially loved in villages, where carols can be heard at almost every home.
“Kalanta” and Theophany
On January 6, priests visit parishioners’ homes, sprinkling holy water and wishing prosperity for the new year. This tradition is called “kalanta.”
Vasilopita — the Cake of Fortune
On January 1, Vasilopita cake with a baked-in coin is served. It is believed that whoever finds the coin will have luck and happiness throughout the year.
Lukumades and Kalikantzaroi
Lukumades are honey doughnuts, a traditional festive treat. According to folklore, throwing a few doughnuts onto the roof wards off kalikantzaroi—mischievous spirits appearing on winter nights.
Theophany and the Cross in the Sea
On Theophany, January 6, the bishop throws a wooden cross into the sea, and young men dive to retrieve it. The one who retrieves the cross first is considered blessed. More about this ritual can be read here.
Olive Rituals and Divination
Olive Divination: It is popular among young women to predict love relationships using an olive branch. The branch is thrown into the fireplace with the question: “Will (name) love me this year?” If it jumps on the embers, the answer is “yes.” If not, locals say one can try endlessly with different names. Perhaps someone will indeed fall in love. A very practical method, offering endless possibilities for the girl.
Olive Cleansing: At Christmas, a cross is drawn in the air with an olive branch and then burned to purify the house from negativity and envy.
Suckling Pig in Wine
An old tradition: 2–3 days before Christmas, the meat of a young pig is marinated in wine, salt, and coriander, hung over a fire for aromatic smoking, and then served at the festive table. It is believed to bring abundance and strong family bonds to the home.
Plumizon — Christmas Money
On Theophany, January 6, children visit grandparents with a creative task—reading a poem, singing a song, drawing, or making a handmade gift. In return, grandparents traditionally give a generous monetary gift to their grandchildren.
Christmas Markets
Christmas villages and markets are an important part of Cypriot celebrations. In December, streets and squares transform into fairy-tale towns filled with music, the scent of cinnamon, and mulled wine. Craft workshops, concerts, tastings, and children’s activities are held here.
Municipal Villages
From December 23 to January 6, official Christmas villages operate—for example, in Platres, Kakopetria, and Fikardou. A full list of villages for 2025–2026 can be found here.
Private Markets
Throughout the island, private events are also held: markets in botanical gardens, cultural centers, waterfronts, and even cafes. Popular ones include:
- Handmade in Cyprus
- Christmas Market in Pyrgos
- CyHerbia Festival
- Christmas Market in Prozak
- Xmas Fest Festival in Limassol
- Christmas Market in Platres
Snow and Winter Recreation in the Troodos Mountains
Cyprus can surprise even in winter. Despite the mild Mediterranean climate, the peaks of the Troodos Mountains are snow-covered in December and January. Skiing, cozy chalet stays by the fireplace, and enjoying the view of snow-covered Cypriot pines are all possible here.
Popular villages for winter recreation include Platres, Kakopetria, and Prodromos. If planning a holiday trip, book accommodations in advance, as mountain hotels fill up long before New Year’s and Christmas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas in Cyprus
When is Christmas celebrated in Cyprus?
December 25 is the official date for celebrating Christmas.
How is Cypriot Christmas different from Russian Christmas?
The Cyprus Church follows the Revised Julian Calendar, so Christmas is celebrated on December 25, not January 7 as in Russia.
How long does the festive season last?
From late November to January 6—with Christmas markets, church services, and Epiphany celebrations.
Until what time do markets operate?
Municipal markets until 9:00 PM, private markets until midnight.
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I am a person who is not afraid to change life when my heart tells me that something greater lies ahead. I am originally from Belarus. I have journeyed from pedagogical and economic education to the financial sector and many years of work in logistics — a world where everything moves, changes,…