Istanbul is a city that never sleeps, and it always promises its visitors wonderful and enjoyable experiences. Every year during this time, the events in Istanbul turn into a diverse carnival where activities mix with art, culture, and entertainment. Starting from art festivals and international exhibitions, passing through exciting sports races, and ending with lively New Year’s celebrations, there are plenty of special happenings waiting for tourists and visitors.
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Wonderful and enjoyable Istanbul events
Istanbul in the last third of 2025 will witness a range of events that meet all interests; among these Istanbul events:
- For technology enthusiasts, there is a unique date with Teknofest 2025 for technology and aviation, which returns this year to Istanbul. Teknofest will be held at Istanbul Atatürk Airport during the period from September 17 to 21, 2025, where thousands of fans of technological innovations and aircraft shows are expected to attend.
- If you are a fan of activity and movement, do not miss the Istanbul Marathon 2025, which kicks off on November 2, 2025, bringing together runners from all over the world. This marathon is unique in that it is the only one that crosses both continents, Asia and Europe, along a single route.
- For culture and shopping lovers, the city will host in December the 42nd International Book Fair in Istanbul with the participation of hundreds of publishers and thousands of new titles from December 13 to 21, 2025.
With the abundance of events and travel trips at the end of the year, some may hesitate to book for fear of changing plans. Here comes the role of the Golden Guarantee feature, which allows you to easily get a full refund for your booking for any reason, even 24 hours before your trip. This golden flexibility gives you peace of mind to plan to attend exciting Istanbul events without any worry or risk, so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
The most important tourist events in Istanbul 2025
The charm of Istanbul is not limited to its historical landmarks but is also reflected in world-class tourist events that attract international attention. Among the most prominent of these in autumn 2025:
- The Contemporary Istanbul Art Exhibition, which celebrates its 20th edition this year. The exhibition will be held at the historic Tersane site on the shores of the Golden Horn from September 24 to 28, 2025, with the participation of galleries and artists from around the world.
- The city will also witness the launch of the 18th Istanbul Biennial for contemporary art in conjunction with the autumn season (from September 20 to November 23, 2025), when Istanbul turns into an open-air art museum hosting exhibitions and live performances in several historical and modern locations.
New Year’s Eve celebrations in Istanbul 2025
If you are planning to end 2025 and welcome the new year in Istanbul, you are in for a magical night and an atmosphere like no other. Among the most notable activities you can do during this night:
- Attending the stunning fireworks show at midnight. Istanbul is famous for its dazzling fireworks on the night of December 31, especially in the Bosphorus area, where the colorful lights are reflected on the waters of the strait in a scene that captures the heart.
- Riding private boats or festive cruises on the Bosphorus on New Year’s Eve, where the ships sail away from the shore to give passengers a panoramic view of the illuminated city and the fireworks bursting in the sky.
- Joining the festive atmosphere in the streets and squares, where Taksim Square and Istiklal Street in the heart of Istanbul turn into a popular festival; music blends with the voices of revelers, and decorations, lights, and flags in the colors of the new year fill the place.
- Heading to the historic Galata Tower or one of the rooftop restaurants to enjoy the view of Istanbul from above dressed in holiday attire.
Market and mall offers in late 2025
Nothing matches the joy of shopping in Istanbul, and as the year ends, shopping centers and markets turn into festive destinations offering attractive discounts and offers.
The winter sales in Istanbul usually start in mid-December and continue until the beginning of the new year, with stores offering large discounts ranging from 30% up to 50% in the first stage. As the season draws to a close, the discounts may increase even more to reach 70% to clear the last stock, but it is recommended to seize mid-December offers, as they provide more options in terms of available sizes and collections.
Therefore, if you are a shopping lover, December 2025 will be the perfect time to grab deals in Istanbul’s famous malls such as Istinye Park, Zorlu Center, Forum Istanbul, and others. You will find these centers decorated with the most beautiful decorations and festive lights, and most of them organize entertainment activities and shopping competitions during the year-end holidays to add joy for families and shoppers.
Artistic and entertainment festivals until the end of 2025
Istanbul’s cultural scene is distinguished by being a city of festivals par excellence, and among the most notable things it offers its tourists are:
- The Istanbul International Jazz Festival is sponsored by Akbank, where its 35th edition will start this fall. The festival brings together more than 200 artists and musicians from around the world in performances and concerts running from late September until mid-October 2025.
- Performing arts lovers have a date with the 29th Istanbul International Theater Festival. The performances of this festival are held between October 20 and November 22, 2025, with the participation of theater troupes and contemporary dance from Turkey and various countries around the world.
- Istanbul will also witness the 11th edition of the annual Istanbul Coffee Festival, which will be held this year in Kadıköy from September 11 to 14, 2025. This festival has become a beloved tradition, bringing together coffee lovers and industry professionals from everywhere. There, you can taste hundreds of varieties of coffee from around the world for free, participate in creative workshops on roasting and brewing methods, and enjoy live music performances in an atmosphere full of the aroma of coffee.
- The Istanbul Film Festival and the Filmekimi screenings in October, where a selection of the latest international and independent films are shown in the city’s theaters, give cinema lovers a golden opportunity to watch distinguished films before everyone else.
In conclusion
Istanbul proves year after year that it is not only a charming historical city but also a capital of culture and entertainment in the region. The remainder of 2025 will bring many exciting Istanbul events and world-class festivals that cement this city’s position as a complete tourist destination.
Hurry up and plan your trip and take advantage of the Jawwak feature and other smart benefits from almatar to ensure a smooth journey full of rewards. Istanbul is waiting for you with its most exciting events, so set off and create wonderful memories in this unique city in the world!