New Year is that magical time that warms our hearts in the middle of cold winter days. Sparkling decorations, warm drinks, moments shared with loved ones… When all these come together, our hopes for the new year begin to blossom. So where can you feel the New Year spirit most intensely on Istanbul’s Asian Side?
In this guide stretching from Kadıköy’s historic streets to Kalamış’s ice rink, from Bağdat Avenue’s sparkle to Emaar’s enchanting atmosphere in Üsküdar, we’ve brought together six different experiences that will get you into the New Year mood.
The Heart of the New Year Spirit Kadıköy and Moda
The best place to start your New Year experience on the Asian Side is Kadıköy’s historic streets. On your walk starting from the Bull Statue, shop windows adorned with New Year decorations welcome you in the narrow streets of the Historic Bazaar.
Symbol of New Year Şekerci Cafer Erol Kadıköy
When it comes to New Year in Kadıköy, the first address that comes to mind is undoubtedly Şekerci Cafer Erol’s historic store in Moda. With decorations prepared in different concepts each year, it has become one of the most visited New Year venues not only in Kadıköy but in all of Istanbul.
The queues forming in front of the store consist of people who want to see the magical atmosphere inside and the eye-catching arrangements in the windows. Decorations prepared with trends determined at Christmas fairs in Germany a year in advance give visitors the feeling of stepping into a fairy tale land.
While watching the windows full of hard candies, special New Year chocolate sets, and colorful Turkish delights accompanied by a warm salep, you will feel the New Year spirit at its most intense. This historic venue is also an ideal stop for buying gifts for your loved ones.
Moda Coastline and Surroundings
After Şekerci Cafer Erol, you can continue your walk towards Moda Coastline. A walk by the sea in the cold winter weather, followed by a break with a warm drink at one of the seaside cafes, will be among the moments that crown your New Year’s day.
Kalamış Atatürk Park Buzzfest Winter Fun
Kalamış Buzzfest, Kadıköy Municipality’s winter festival that has become a tradition, is one of the most colorful events of the New Year period. Kalamış Atatürk Park transforms into a winter carnival with its 600-square-meter ice rink, 200-square-meter sliding track, and ice slide.
Everyone over four years old can ice skate and slide down the slide on inflatable boats. In the park decorated with sparkling lights and thematic decorations, food and beverage stands also await you with New Year flavors. Kalamış is a perfect stop for spending time with family, watching children have fun, and taking New Year photos.
The festival continues until February 1, 2026, so you have the chance to experience this magical atmosphere even after New Year.
A Walking Route Where Lights Dance Bağdat Avenue
After Kadıköy, Bağdat Avenue, the most prestigious avenue on the Asian Side, takes on a completely different beauty during the New Year period. Decorations carefully prepared by Kadıköy Municipality, elegant lighting extending along the avenue, and light arches with snow effects turn the streets into a fairy tale land.
On this route stretching from Suadiye to Caddebostan, polar express themed decors and giant Christmas trees welcome you. While walking along the avenue in the evening hours, you can fully enjoy the New Year excitement accompanied by the New Year-themed arrangements in the windows and warm lights filtering through the street lamps.
If you want to take a break during your walk, the cafes along the avenue await you with their special New Year hot drinks. However, the real experience awaits you at Emaar Square Mall, just a few minutes away.
The Brightest Point of the Year Emaar Square Mall
After the New Year atmosphere of Kadıköy and Bağdat Avenue, Emaar Square Mall, the modern face of Üsküdar, takes this experience to the next level. With its 138,000 square meter area, Emaar Square Mall, one of the largest shopping centers on the Asian Side, is close to both Kadıköy and Bağdat Avenue with its location on Libadiye Street.
Setting out with the slogan “The most decorated time of the year,” Emaar creates an enchanting New Year atmosphere in both its open and closed areas this year as well. Massive Christmas trees, light decorations, and thematic corners make you feel the New Year spirit in every corner of the mall.
A Full Program Throughout December
Emaar Square Mall welcomes its visitors with events that take the New Year energy to its peak throughout December. Cheerful parades with the New Year procession, enchanting performances with circus shows, and Trio live music performances make your shopping experience unforgettable. Surprise events held on weekends continue to bring smiles to the faces of children and adults alike.
The Face of Tradition in the Mall Şekerci Cafer Erol Emaar
Located on the Turkish Bazaar floor, Şekerci Cafer Erol brings the same warm atmosphere of the legendary Kadıköy store to Emaar Square Mall. Turkish delights, hard candies, and special New Year packages prepared with the confectionery tradition dating back to 1807 are ideal both as gifts for your loved ones and as a sweet break for yourself.
Just like at the Kadıköy branch, you can find decorative chocolates special for New Year, snow globe figures, and carefully prepared gift sets here as well. Stopping by this historic brand during your shopping tour will add a traditional touch to your New Year experience.
A Taste Break with City View Terrace Restaurants
The terrace floor of Emaar Square Mall is a particularly preferred meeting point during the New Year period. The restaurants located here reflect the New Year spirit with both their flavors and their atmosphere:
Huqqa – Standing out with its elegant and modern design, Huqqa welcomes its guests with special decorations during the New Year period. An ideal choice for those who want to spend a pleasant evening accompanied by panoramic city views.
The House Cafe – Known for its warm and friendly atmosphere, The House Cafe attracts attention with its special beverage menu during the New Year period. A warm coffee or special mixed drinks while chatting with your loved ones is exactly what you need on cold winter days.
Big Chefs – Big Chefs, where you can go as a family, offers a comfortable environment for families with children with its wide menu that appeals to everyone’s taste. Special events for children may also be organized during the New Year period.
Godiva – For a sweet escape during your shopping break, Godiva’s hot chocolates and special New Year collections offer an elegant gift alternative for both yourself and your loved ones.
A View of Istanbul from the Sky Emaar SkyView
If you want to take your New Year experience to the top, Emaar SkyView is just for you. At 300 meters high, offering an unparalleled panorama of Istanbul, this venue is equipped with special decorations during the New Year period.
A Warm Break at Sky Cafe
After watching the mesmerizing silhouette of Istanbul on the glass terrace, you can take a break with a warm drink at Sky Cafe. With its menu ranging from Turkish coffee to special latte varieties, from freshly squeezed fruit juices to light snacks, Sky Cafe crowns your experience.
A Different New Year Experience for the Whole Family Emaar Aquarium
For those who want to experience the New Year atmosphere with children, Emaar Aquarium offers a unique alternative. This massive aquarium, home to more than 20,000 marine creatures, is both educational and entertaining for little ones.
Colorful fishes, penguin island, giant crocodiles, and coral reefs… All these are enough to see the excitement and happiness in children’s eyes. Special events and thematic presentations organized during the New Year period allow you to accumulate a different new year memory as a family.
After the aquarium tour, you can complete the day pleasantly by taking a break at child-friendly restaurants inside the mall.
How Can You Plan Your New Year Route?
It’s possible to experience these six experiences in a single day. Here’s our suggestion:
Morning: Start your walk in Kadıköy Historic Bazaar, discover the New Year decorations at Şekerci Cafer Erol’s store in Moda, and take a break for a warm salep.
Noon: Head to Kalamış Atatürk Park and experience Buzzfest; enjoy ice skating, slides, and New Year flavors.
Afternoon: Take a walk on Bağdat Avenue, discover street decorations and shop windows.
Late Afternoon: Reach Emaar Square Mall in Üsküdar to complete your shopping, and you can buy New Year gifts from Şekerci Cafer Erol’s branch here.
Evening: Take a taste break at one of the terrace restaurants.
At Sunset: Watch Istanbul from above at Emaar SkyView, end the day with a warm drink at Sky Cafe.
If you’re coming with children, don’t forget to add Emaar Aquarium to your program.
New Year is not just one night, it’s a state of mind. Discovering the most magical corners of the Asian Side with your loved ones during this special period will help you enter the new year with beautiful memories. From Kadıköy’s historic streets to Kalamış’s ice rink, from Bağdat Avenue’s sparkle to Emaar’s warm atmosphere in Üsküdar… Unforgettable experiences await you and your loved ones at these addresses where you will feel the New Year spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Şekerci Cafer Erol’s Kadıköy branch?
Şekerci Cafer Erol’s historic store is located on Yasa Street, Osmanağa Neighborhood in Kadıköy Moda. Since there may be crowds to see the decorations during the New Year period, you may prefer morning hours. There is also a branch on the Turkish Bazaar floor of Emaar Square Mall; you can access the same traditional flavors while shopping at the mall.
How long is Kalamış Buzzfest open?
Kalamış Buzzfest started on December 1, 2025, and will continue until February 1, 2026. Everyone over 4 years old can participate in the ice skating and slide experience.
What time does Emaar Square Mall close during the New Year period?
The mall generally operates until 22:00 during the New Year period. We recommend checking current hours before your visit as there may be schedule changes on special days.
Is a reservation required for Emaar SkyView?
Online ticket purchase is recommended to reduce waiting times during busy periods. No separate reservation is required for Sky Cafe.
Which venue is most suitable for children?
Emaar Aquarium offers both an educational and entertaining experience for children. Additionally, play areas and child-friendly restaurants inside Emaar Square Mall are also ideal options for families.
How long do Bağdat Avenue decorations stay up?
New Year decorations usually stay in place until the first week of January. However, we recommend visiting in the weeks before New Year for the most intense atmosphere.
How is public transportation access?
You can easily reach Emaar Square Mall via the Üsküdar-Çekmeköy metro line. It is within walking distance from Ümraniye station. For Bağdat Avenue, buses departing from Kadıköy or Marmaray can be preferred. For guests coming from the European side, transportation by ferry, İDO, and metrobus is quite easy.
