What's On In Istanbul In December
With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, December in Istanbul is always a bit festive because of the big celebrations ahead. There are a lot of events revolving around great music this month, so make sure to get your tickets early before they are gone.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1st – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11th
MUSIC | Emiliana Torrini And The Colorists
📅 Friday, December 2nd
Tickets: 45-56TL
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Formed in 2013, this unusual musical group is known for their use of classical instruments along with a wide variety of self-created musical tools. The eight-piece orchestra will be joined by one of Iceland’s most important singers and songwriters, Emiliana Torrini, in this performance.
📍 Salon IKSV, Emekyemez, Şişhane Sk. 5, Istanbul, Turkey
MUSIC | Madeleine Peyroux
📅 Monday, December 5th
Tickets: 40-90TL
French-American jazz and blues singer and songwriter Madeleine Peyroux began singing at the age of 15 and touring Europe with a wandering band by the time she was 16. Since then, she has become a successful solo artist with eight albums to her name and is often compared to Billie Holiday.
📍 Zorlu Performance Center, Levazım, Beşiktaş, Istanbul Province, Istanbul, Turkey
MUSIC | Chinawoman
📅 Tuesday, December 6th
Tickets: 56TL
A favorite in Istanbul (so tickets will sell out fast), Michelle Gurevich (aka Chinawoman) is a Canadian singer and songwriter whose musical style is influenced by her Russian heritage. Described as slowcore rock or lo-fi pop, Gurevich’s songs are heavy with emotional weight and always beautiful in their execution.
📍 Babylon, Merkez, Birahane Sk. No:1, Istanbul, Turkey
MUSIC | İlhan Erşahin’s Wonderland
📅 Friday, December 9th
Tickets: 50.50TL
Swedish-Turkish musician, composer, cultural activist and entrepreneur İlhan Erşahin was raised in Stockholm and has been based in New York City since 1990. Most famous for his skills on the saxophone, which he taught himself to play in his teens, Erşahin brings together jazz and the modal textures of Turkish music in this project entitled ‘Wonderland.’
📍 Babylon, Merkez, Birahane Sk. No:1, Istanbul, Turkey
MUSIC | El Perro Del Mar
📅 Saturday, December 10th
Tickets: 39.50-50.50TL
Founded in 2003 in Gothenburg, Sweden, El Perro del Mar (which translates to ‘the dog of the sea’) is led by its sole member Sarah Assbring who has amassed a loyal following with her unique version of indie pop. With six albums to her name, del Mar is an artist whose style is in constant flux depending on her inspirations.
📍 Salon IKSV, Emekyemez, Şişhane Sk. 5, Istanbul, Turkey
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12th – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18th
MUSIC | Ed Harcourt
📅 Thursday, December 15th
Tickets: 30TL-40TL
English singer and songwriter Ed Harcourt is not only known as a successful solo artist with six studio albums and a 2001 Mercury Prize but also as a writer for other artists such as Sophie Ellis Baxtor and Paloma Faith. You’ll really fall for his style, influenced by Tom Waits, Nick Cave, and Jeff Buckley.
📍 Zorlu Performance Center, Levazım, Beşiktaş, Istanbul Province, Istanbul, Turkey
MUSIC | Gaye Su Akyol And Bubituzak
📅 Friday, December 16th
Tickets: 45-56TL
One of Turkey’s most important vocalists, Gaye Su Akyol arrived on the scene in 2014 with a self-written EP that successfully fused elements of Turkish music with pop, rock, and electronica. In this concert, she’ll be joined by Bubituzak, whose sounds pays respect to the sub-genres of rock music.
📍 Salon IKSV, Emekyemez, Şişhane Sk. 5, Istanbul, Turkey
PERFORMANCE | Belcanto The Luciano Pavarotti Heritage
📅 Saturday-Sunday, December 17th-18th
Tickets: 154-226.50TL
This acclaimed musical theater show pays homage to the particular Italian bel canto vocal style through the use of six different thematic areas. With 12 singers, seven musicians, and seven dancers, viewers will be transported from the Florence of Lorenzo de’ Medici and the Venice of Claudio Monteverdi to London with Freddie Mercury and Queen while passing through the magnificent composers of opera, the Austrian and French operettas, the Anglo-American musical, and up to pop and rock.
📍 Volkswagen Arena, Çamlıtepe, A, Ayazağa Cd. No:4, Istanbul, Turkey
MUSIC | BaBa ZuLa
📅 Saturday, December 17th
Tickets: 45TL
Masters of improvisation and unusual instruments – when Turkey’s favorite psychedelic band BaBa ZuLa gets on the stage, no one can predict what will happen (except that it will be a wild ride). Founded in 1996, the alternative music group plays with a wide array of musical influences and instruments (some self-built) for a sound that is thoroughly unique.
📍 Babylon, Merkez, Birahane Sk. No:1, Istanbul, Turkey
PERFORMANCE | Sır Şeb-i Arûs Töreni
📅 Sunday, December 18th
Tickets: 40-155TL
Rumi, the influential Islamic scholar, poet, theologian, and Sufi mystic, will be honored as part of the 743rd anniversary of Şeb-i Arûs (Rumi’s death). This year, the event will feature the music of the Sufi world, as Rumi’s teachings will be voiced by Okan Bayülgen. These 743 years of Anatolian history will be commemorated with Mevlana rituals and Sema (whirling).
📍 Zorlu Performance Center, Levazım, Beşiktaş, Istanbul Province, Istanbul, Turkey
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19th – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25th
FILM | Cinematheque Is Alive!
📅 December 19th-28th
Tickets: Free
Organized by Pera Film, this film marathon celebrates the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Cinematheque Society, which contributed to the establishment of a national cinema in Turkey. A selection of outstanding films from the 1920s to the 1970s will be on view from directors such as Sergei Eisenstein, Fritz Lang, Alain Resnais, Ingmar Bergman, Jean-Luc Godard, Luchino Visconti, Francesco Rosi, and Andrei Tarkovsky.
📍 Pera Museum, Asmalı Mescit, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:65, Istanbul, Turkey
WORKSHOP | El Açması Börek
📅 Monday, December 19th
Tickets: 550TL
Börek is a Turkish pastry stuffed with various fillings, from cheese to minced meat. The art of making börek from scratch is quite the task with very delicious results, and Turkey’s premier cooking academy, MSA, will hold a workshop where the art of making the perfect börek is revealed. Börek with white cheese and parsley, kol börek with minced meat as well as potatoes, and the famous Laz böreği will all be on the menu.
📍 Mutfak Sanatlar Akademisi, Maslak, Maslak Meydan Sk. 1/B D:123-13, Istanbul, Turkey
MUSIC | Nguyen Le Ngo Hong Quang
📅 Wednesday, December 21st
Tickets: 10-20TL
Born in Paris to Vietnamese parents, Nguyen Le quickly turned to music, playing drums at the age of 15 and later taking up guitar and electronic bass. By 1983, he formed the band Ultramarine, a multi-ethnic project that was hailed as one of the best examples of World Music. In this concert, Le will be joined by Ngo Hong Quang, a musician known for his use of the magical Đàn Nhị, a bowed string instrument native to Vietnam.
📍 Akbank Sanat, Şht. Muhtar, İstiklal Cd. No:8, Istanbul, Turkey
MUSIC | Omar Souleyman
📅 Friday, December 23rd
Tickets: 44.50TL
Omar Souleyman began his career as a part-time wedding singer in his native village in the northeastern region of Syria. By 2011, he was the surprise headliner at Glastonbury, and in 2013, he performed at the Nobel Peace Price Concert in Oslo, Norway. His culturally diverse sound that borrows from the Kurdish, Ashuri, and Arabic musical traditions has made him a unique musical artist and a favorite in Turkey.
📍 Babylon, Merkez, Birahane Sk. No:1, Istanbul, Turkey
MUSIC | İstanbul Gitar Ensemble
📅 Saturday, December 24th
Tickets: 23TL
One of Turkey’s oldest guitar ensembles, İstanbul Gitar Ensemble is back for another excellent performance that spans different eras and composers. In this concert, Cem Küçümen, Şadi Ensari, and Erdem Sökmen will perform classics from the dance music genre.
📍 Yeldeğirmeni Sanat Merkezi, Rasimpaşa, İskele Sk. No:43, Istanbul, Turkey
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26th – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31st
MUSIC | Luis Frank & Lazara Cachao Lopez
📅 Wednesday, December 28th
Tickets: 23TL
One of Buena Vista Social Club’s most important second-generation vocalists, Luis Frank has made it a mission to bring Cuba’s musical legacy to the world. After having toured with big names such as Company Segundo, Frank began working with Juan de Marcos, founder of the Buena Vista Social Club and the Afro-Cuban All Stars. Frank will take the stage with piano virtuoso Lazara Cachao Lopez, who also happens to be the daughter of famed BVSC bass player Orlando ‘Cachaíto’ Lopez.
📍 Akbank Sanat, Şht. Muhtar, İstiklal Cd. No:8, Istanbul, Turkey
PERFORMANCE | Istanbul Dervishes
📅 Saturday, December 31st
Tickets: 56TL
Followers of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the Whirling Dervishes, who perform this dance as a form of dhikr (remembrance of God), have become synonymous with Istanbul’s cultural heritage. You’ll be mesmerized by the visuals heightened by 360-degree video mapping technology.
📍 Hodjapasha Gösteri ve Etkinlik Merkezi, Hoca Paşa, Hocapaşa Hamamı Sk. No:3, Istanbul, Turkey
PARTY | Oldies But Goldies New Year’s Party
📅 Saturday, December 31st
Tickets: TBA
Party your way into 2017 with a DJ set that pays homage to awesome hits from artists such as The Cure, Madonna, A-Ha, Chic, Duran Duran, Snap, Cyndi Lauper, ABBA, Donna Summer, James Brown, The Smiths, Wham!, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, and Michael Jackson. Go back to the past before you enter the new year with this rampant party.
📍 Babylon, Merkez, Birahane Sk. No:1, Istanbul, Turkey
PARTY | MFÖ New Year’s Party
📅 Saturday, December 31st
Tickets: 115-880TL
One of Turkey’s most important music groups, Mazhar-Fuat-Özkan (MFÖ) has been around since 1971 making pop and rock songs that are a part of every Turkish person’s life soundtrack. Enter 2017 in the middle of the Bosphorus on Suada Club with the music of this epic trio while you watch the fireworks.
📍 Suada Club, Galatasaray Adası, Kuruçeşme, Istanbul, Turkey
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