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Hello everyone! As a teacher from Hungary, I'm excited to kick off our discussion on Christmas traditions. In Hungary, the season starts early with Saint Nicholas's Day on 6th December. On December 5th children leave boots by the window for treats from St. Nicholas that is Santa Claus. He leaves a little present for good children (chocolate, orange, banana, nuts) and some birch rod for naughty children. What surprises you about this? Share your thoughts.

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During Advent, Hungarian families decorate their houses with lights and Christmas ornaments. Every Sunday a candle is lit on the Advent Wreath. Christmas markets in Budapest are magical with lights, mulled wine and crafts. Religious people go to early morning masses every day. How do your countries prepare in the weeks leading up? Let's discuss.

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Christmas Eve and Cristmas Day in Hungary

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Christmas Eve and Cristmas Day in Hungary

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On 24th December people decorate a pine tree and cook all day long. Religious people go to church and attend the midnight mass. Then they have dinner which includes fish soup, stuffed cabbage, and poppy seed and walnut rolls. The presents are placed under the tree by Baby Jesus.

On Christmas Day we continue eating all day long and we visit relatives. Are these traditions similar to yours? Share your comments .

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asel.fatihozler    Evliya Çelebi Turizm MTAL

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asel.fatihozler    Evliya Çelebi Turizm MTAL

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In Turkey, New Year’s Eve is a special occasion when families and friends gather to celebrate the arrival of the new year. In the evening, people usually prepare a rich New Year’s dinner that often includes roast turkey, salads, olive oil dishes, and various desserts. Families watch New Year’s entertainment shows on TV, play games, and wait together for the midnight countdown. When the clock strikes 12, fireworks light up the sky, people make wishes, and they greet each other with hopes for health, happiness, and success in the coming year. Some people join outdoor concerts or public celebrations, while others prefer spending the night quietly at home with their families. Giving small gifts to children and decorating homes with lights and Christmas trees are also common traditions in Turkey.

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aleyna.fatihozler    Evliya Çelebi Turizm MTAL

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aleyna.fatihozler    Evliya Çelebi Turizm MTAL

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New Year’s Eve in Türkiye is usually warm, lively, and full of little traditions. As the evening approaches, families start preparing the table with classic dishes—zeytinyağlı appetizers, salads, pastries, and sometimes turkey or roasted chicken. The TV is on with year-end shows, everyone settles somewhere in the living room, talking and laughing.

Later in the night, the traditions begin. One of the most iconic ones is tombola. The cards are handed out, someone draws the numbers, and suddenly everyone becomes serious. People shout, “One!”, “Çinko!”, “Tombalaa!”, or complain that they missed a number. Snacks cover the table—sunflower seeds, chocolates, nuts—and of course, someone is always peeling and eating mandarins, filling the room with that fresh citrus smell.

As midnight approaches, families start the countdown. When the clock hits 00:00, everyone hugs and celebrates the new year. Some go outside to watch fireworks, others stay inside and enjoy the cozy atmosphere. But no matter the house or city, New Year’s Eve in Türkiye always feels cheerful, warm, and full of hope—accompanied by laughter, tombola calls, and the scent of mandarin.

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Navy Fun Illustrated Merry Christmas Instagram Post

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Krem ve Kırmızı Süslü Yılbaşı Partisi Afiş_20251124_214412_0000

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Merry Christmas

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MERRY CHRISTMAS✨️🕛🎊🎉

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Red and Green Festive Flat Illustration Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Poster

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Taner Uçar

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Merry Christmas

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Red and Beige Illustrative Merry Christmas Poster

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Red and Green Playful Illustration Chrismas Sale Poster

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Taner Uçar

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Red & White Simple Merry Christmas Instagram Post (Square)_20251125_072712_0000

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Taner uçar

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Red and Green Festive Flat Illustration Merry Christmas and Happy New Year _20251124_225334_0000

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hi im bengi and this is my poster!🥰

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Affiche Soirée Noël Moderne Élégante Vert Beige et Rouge

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Wishing you a happy new year with your loved ones_20251124_231119_0000

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Hello everyone! As a student from Hungary, I’d like to add another popular winter tradition to the list: ice skating. It is a huge favorite here during the season; in fact, Hungary has one of the largest outdoor ice rinks in Europe. A special tradition for us is that our whole class goes ice skating together right before the winter break begins. It is a great way to celebrate the end of the semester and have fun together off-campus. Do you have any special activities with your classmates before the holidays? Share your stories!

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Hello everyone, I’m going to talk about a famous Hungarian dish called stuffed cabbage. It is one of the most traditional foods in Hungary and many families prepare it especially at Christmas time. Stuffed cabbage is made by wrapping minced meat and rice in soft cabbage leaves. After that, the rolls are slowly cooked in a rich tomato sauce, which makes them very tasty and juicy.

This dish is very popular because it brings families together. On Christmas, relatives often visit each other and eat stuffed cabbage together at the table. The smell of the food cooking in the kitchen makes people feel warm and happy. Many people think that stuffed cabbage tastes even better the next day.

In Hungary, almost everyone has eaten stuffed cabbage at least once in their life, and for many people it is a special food that reminds them of home, family, and holidays.

Do you have a meal like stuffed cabbage in your country?

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In Hungary, New Years Eve is very important to people because of superstition that is common in the country. The traditional New Year’s food is pork, many believe that it brings luck, unlike chicken or fish. Those take the luck away. Lentils are also considered lucky, it symbolizes money. Soup and salads are made out of it. Fireworks are blown all through the day, from daylight, even to the next morning. People celebrate with their friends and family, at midnight they clinck a toast with champagne, before counting down as the new year begins.

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Hello everyone!

In Hungary we have a huge Christmas Market in front of the Basilica. This market is on the top 3 most popular Christmas Markets list in Europe. It opens on November 14th and closes on January 1st. The best time to visit this market is after 17:30, becouse there is a 3D light show around that time, it’s truly spectecular. Other pragrams are Live music, Concerts and skating. We have many other Christmas Markets for example on Vörösmarty Square, in Debrecen and in Eger. Would you be intrested in seeing them? Which one would you like to visit?

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Hello everyone!

Indoors, Hungarian homes are decorated with pine branches, an Advent wreath, candles, and handmade ornaments. The Christmas tree is adorned with szaloncukor, glass baubles, and lights.

Outdoors, houses are brightened with string lights, window decorations, garden ornaments, and illuminated stars. Many families decorate the fence, balcony, or entrance with warm glowing lights, creating a festive atmosphere in the whole neighborhood. Do you prefer indoor or outdoor Christmas decorations?

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In Hungary gingerbread/mézeskalács has been made for centuries, and it is not only a sweet treat but also a form of folk art. Traditional Hungarian gingerbread is often decorated with white icing and colorful patterns. Typical shapes include hearts, stars, flowers, and sometimes small figures or animals.

In the past, it was given as a symbol of love and friendship, especially in the form of a heart-shaped gingerbread. Even today, many families in Hungary bake and decorate mézeskalács together during the Advent season, making it an important part of Hungarian Christmas traditions.

Does your country have a traditional sweet baked good?

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Hello everyone!

Mulled wine is one of the most popular drinks during the winter season. It is usually made from red wine and heated gently with spices like cinnamon, cloves. A bit of orange and sugar makes it warm, sweet, and unique. Many people enjoy it at Christmas markets or at home during cold evenings and makes our cold evenings warmer.

Have you ever tasted it?

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During December, many Hungarian families use an Advent Calendar to count down the days until Christmas. The calendar usually starts on the 1st of December and has 24 little windows or pockets.
Every day, children open one window and find a small surprise inside, such as chocolate, a tiny toy, or a positive message.

The Advent Calendar makes waiting for Christmas more fun and exciting. Some families buy ready-made calendars, while others create homemade ones from paper, fabric, or small bags.
In recent years, adults also enjoy Advent Calendars with tea, coffee, beauty products, or even small books.

Do you use Advent Calendars in your country? What kind of surprises do you like to find inside?

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The Hungarian Christmas tradition called betlehemezés is a folk play that presents the birth of Jesus. Groups of children or young adults dress as shepherds, angels, or the Holy Family and go from house to house in their village. They sing carols, tell short stories, and perform a simple scene. Families usually welcome them warmly and thank them with small gifts, homemade cookies, or seasonal treats. What suprises you about this? Please share your thoughts!

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Hello everyone!

During the advent period a lot of people volunteer or donate due to the christmas spirit. In our lovely school there are fundraisings organised every year. For example, we have a Shoe Box programme when students bring chocolates, little toys and shoe boxes so they can make pakages and wrap them. After that, the nicely wrapped shoe boxes donated to children who are orphan or their families can not afford presents for them.

There are also different types of charity out of school as well. Many of us donate money or clothes for the ones in need.

My family donates every year at least something small.

I hope after this little summary you will donate something small as well.

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No washing or doing laundry on Christmas

People believed washing clothes “washes away” luck and health from the home.

What you do on Christmas, you’ll do all year

This is why people try to stay peaceful, tidy, and avoid arguments on this day.

Lentils = Wealth

The many small lentil grains symbolize coins. The more lentils you eat on January 1, the more money you’ll have.

No cleaning, washing, or taking out trash

Because you would “throw out” your luck for the new year.

Pork = Good luck

Pigs “root forward,” pushing luck toward you. That’s why people eat pork roast, sausages, or keep pig-shaped charms.

What superstitions do you follow?

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In Hungary, as the crhistmas period and preparations are starting also the public transport is getting decorated. The trams are getting decorated with thousands of LED lights and it is an eyecatching attraction. This attraction is between the end of november and the beggining of january. Its a tourist attraction and makes the christmas mood even stronger and better. This tradition started in 2009 at first only on the second line of tram and every year this attraction is getting distributed to more and more lines of trams. It is very gorgeous especially at night. I hope you liked this little presentation. In your city, do you illuminate trams or any vehicles? Please share your thoughts.

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This tale, written by E.T.A. Hoffmann, takes place on Christmas Eve, when a young girl receives a nutcracker doll as a holiday gift. During the night, the toy comes to life, leading her into a magical world filled with dancing sweets and fantastical characters.

In Hungary it's a tradition for families to go to the Opera and watch the performance together. It's connected to Christmas, because the storyline takes place on Christmas Eve. The Opera plays it especially in December as a tradition.

Have you ever seen The Nutcracker?

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Home Alone is a classic Christmas comedy about an eight-year-old boy, Kevin, who is accidentally left home alone when his family travels for the holidays. At first he enjoys the freedom, but soon he must defend his house from two burglars. Kevin uses clever traps and his creativity to stop them. The film is funny, exciting, and shows how courage can come from unexpected places.

Have you ever seen it?

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At our school we have a fun tradition called Ugly Sweater Day. On this day everyone wears their funniest, most colorful or most ridiculous Christmas sweater. The classrooms become very cheerful, and we often take group photos together. Some students even decorate their sweaters with lights or small ornaments to make them extra festive. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and laugh together before the winter break. Do you have a similar tradition at your school?

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In Hungary, January 1st is a quiet and relaxing day. Many people stay at home and rest after the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Families often eat traditional meals like lentil soup or lentils, because people believe it brings good luck and money in the new year. Some people go for a walk or visit relatives and friends. Many watch TV, movies, or concerts at home. It is a peaceful day when people think about their plans and wishes for the new year.

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meyra.fatihozler Evliya Çelebi Turizm MTAL

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meyra.fatihozler Evliya Çelebi Turizm MTAL

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Here's what we do at the beginning of the year in Türkiye!

🎉 New Year's Eve parties at home or out

Gathering at home with family or friends:

Preparing food (turkey or oven-baked dishes are particularly popular),

Watching New Year's Eve programs on TV,

Playing games,

Countdowns.

Special New Year's Eve programs prepared in restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues are also quite common.

🎁 Exchanging gifts

Although not a mandatory tradition, small gifts are exchanged, especially within families and between couples.

🎄 Decorating the Christmas tree

Although it is often confused with Christmas, decorating a Christmas tree is a common decoration tradition in Turkey.

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“May 2026 bring me peace, courage, and new beginnings.”

“May 2026 be filled with people who are good for my heart.”

“This year, I will treat myself much better.”

“I enter 2026 with hope, a pure heart, and a clean slate.”

“May each day of my life in 2026 be a little better.”

“May 2026 bring me better things to replace what I have lost.”

“The name of this year: peace.”

“May the bad things stay in 2025, and the good things overflow into 2026.”

“May 2026 help me rediscover myself.”

“The new year means new opportunities. Welcome 2026.”

💫 2026 Wishes

“May 2026 bring you health, prosperity, and happiness.”

“May everything you wish for come true this year.”

“May your face always be smiling and your heart always at peace in 2026.”

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tala.fatihozler   Evliya Çelebi Turizm MTAL 

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tala.fatihozler   Evliya Çelebi Turizm MTAL 

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In Türkiye, New Year’s Eve often called Yılbaşı feels like the country’s own version of a Christmas-style celebration, filled with food, decorations, games, and cozy family traditions. People usually start preparing early in the day, cooking dishes that are classic at Turkish gatherings: roasted turkey stuffed with rice, chestnuts, and currants; Russian salad; börek; kısır; meze platters; and bowls of nuts, fruits, and dried apricots set out for guests. Many families bake or buy a New Year cake decorated with cream, pomegranate, or chocolate, while others fill the table with baklava or homemade cookies dusted with powdered sugar. Homes are decorated with sparkling lights, candles, and sometimes a New Year tree (Yılbaşı ağacı) which looks just like a Christmas tree but is purely for the New Year celebration often hung with ornaments, red ribbons, and sometimes money for good luck. People usually dress nicely for the evening, with women wearing dresses or stylish sweaters and men wearing shirts or light suits; many choose something red, even if it’s just socks or accessories, because in Türkiye red is believed to bring luck for the new year. As the night goes on, families play classic Turkish games like tombala (a bingo-like game that everyone from grandparents to kids loves), simple card games, word games, or small guessing games that get everyone laughing. Children often run around playing with sparklers or watching cartoons, while adults drink tea or Turkish coffee between bites of dessert and television specials. Close to midnight, families gather together to watch the countdown, often accompanied by TV comedy shows or music programs that are a New Year tradition. When the clock strikes twelve, people hug, toast, break open pomegranates for luck, or step outside to watch fireworks. The entire night feels like a warm blend of Turkish hospitality, hope, tradition, and celebration bright, communal, and full of good wishes for the year ahead.

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In Turkiye, we celebrate New Year's Eve with baking cookies and playing games at home together, it's cosy and fun when we are together. We eat traditional foods and have convesations about future and have great time.

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Here's me and my mom decorating our christmas tree that is soon gonna have lovely presents underneath. Instead of a typical star, on top I added a pointed tip. Our fresh tree that we brought earlier that day smells amazing and looks just as good with all those decorations.

Merry Christmas to you all!