Halloween in Istanbul (October 31)
Halloween is not a Turkish tradition: children do not go door to door asking for sweets, and October 31 is an ordinary day. The atmosphere exists in three circles: international schools and foreign families, the bars and clubs of Beyoğlu and Kadıköy, which hold costume parties, and a few shopping malls that decorate their windows. Programs change every year: check the venues' pages or the organizers' social media a few days ahead rather than trusting an old list.
In 2026, October 31 is a Saturday, two days after Republic Day (October 29, a Thursday), a public holiday in Turkey: see April 23, October 29 and national holidays in Istanbul. The city is hung with Turkish flags, and Republic Day is far more visible than Halloween. For the month's program, see what to do in Istanbul in October.
Costume parties
- Beyoğlu: the bars and clubs around İstiklal and Cihangir announce their parties a few weeks ahead. Costumes are not compulsory; most parties charge an entrance fee or run a guest list. See nightlife in Istanbul.
- Kadıköy: on the Asian side, the bars of Moda and the lively district draw a more local crowd: see Kadıköy and the Asian side.
- Foreign community: associations and English-language event organizers announce parties online. Check the address, the entry fee and the age limit before going.
One word of caution: on the way home, avoid costumes that hide your face on public transport or outside parties, and watch your belongings in the crowd (scams and safety in Istanbul).
Visits with a Halloween feel
No party, but places that fit the mood, open all year:
- The Basilica Cistern: columns rising from the water, dim lighting and the Medusa heads.
- The Yedikule Fortress: towers, ramparts and a former Ottoman prison.
- The Theodosian Walls and lesser-known cisterns such as Binbirdirek.
- Madame Tussauds Istanbul for an indoor family outing.
Thanksgiving in Istanbul (fourth Thursday of November)
Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday of November: November 26 in 2026. It is not a public holiday in Turkey, and most shops and transport run as usual. Americans living in Istanbul celebrate the tradition with family, at schools or in expat associations, and several international hotels offer a Thanksgiving dinner or buffet: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie.
For a visitor passing through, three options:
- A hotel or restaurant: some hotels in Beyoğlu, Şişli and on the Bosphorus announce a Thanksgiving meal. Prices are not always published: ask by email or phone and check what the price includes (drinks, service).
- A caterer or foreign bakery: in November, caterers from the foreign community offer takeaway dishes, which must be ordered several days ahead.
- A Turkish version: turkey (hindi) is a Turkish festive dish, notably at New Year. For a traditional dinner, see Ottoman cuisine restaurants, or for something lighter, what to eat in Istanbul.
November is cool and often rainy: see what to do in Istanbul in November.
Practical tips
- Book early: Thanksgiving meals at hotels fill up within a few days in the preceding week.
- Halloween and Thanksgiving only matter at places frequented by foreigners: outside Beyoğlu, Nişantaşı and Kadıköy, nobody celebrates them.
- If you travel with children, plan indoor activities: Istanbul with kids.
- Hours and party programs change every year: this article gives benchmarks, not a calendar.
