While we are leaving 2017 behind, all sorts of celebrations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve are underway. We are regularly bombarded with countless invitations for events organized by communities that we are members of. However, as Christmas is not a Muslim celebration, these events are mostly focused on New Year’s and unfortunately most exclude children. Therefore, here are a few events that you can participate in to enjoy the last days of the year celebrating Christmas and the New Year spirit with your kids.
Many institutions related to kids are eager to organize New Year’s parties as it is a great opportunity to gather their members together and to meet new potential customers. I will be mentioning a few of them that I know of as I have participated in several of their celebrations and found them pretty good.
1. My Gym Akatlar is having two separate parties, one for 1-4 years old kids on Friday 29 December from 3:30 to 5:30 pm; and one for 4-10 years old kids on Wednesday 27 December. For those who have never been in a My Gym before, it is a place where kids exercise on tracks like Survivor‘s junior version. During the party, there will be disco music and a visit from Santa. The entrance will be 75 TL for My Gym members and 100 TL for non-members. My Gym Ataşehir’s party will be held on Wednesday 27 December between 3:30 and 5:30 pm and the entrance fee for one adult and one child will be 100 TL for members and 125 TL for non-members.
2. All Gymboree branches organize New Year’s parties. The parties will be mixed regarding age groups. They will be doing artwork, hosting a raffle, playing New Year themed games and inviting Santa for a visit. Gymboree Ulus’ party will be on Wednesday 27 and Friday 29 December but the program and the price are not fixed yet. Gymboree Kadıköy‘s party will be held on Saturday 23 December between 3:30-5:30. The price is 90 TL for members, 150 TL for non-members.
Gymboree Ataköy’s party will be on Monday 25 December between 6 and 8 pm. The price is 75 TL for members, 100 TL for non-members. Gymboree İstinye’s party will be on Thursday 28 December between 4 and 6 pm. The price is 100 TL for members, 150 TL for non-members. Gymboree Bakırköy will invite its little guests on Saturday 30 December between 3 and 5 pm. The price is 100 TL for members, 150 TL for non-members.
3. Happy Nest is another option for a New Year’s Eve party. The party for 0-5-year-olds will be on Thursday 28 December between 4-4:30 pm and on Friday, December the 30th. The party for kids 6 years and older will be between 5-7:30 pm. The entrance fee is 160 TL for one adult and one kid. If the weather is good, kids will also enjoy its garden.
4. Kidsnook invites everyone to its “New Year Fairy Tale Concert” (Yeni Yıl Masal Konseri) on Saturday 30 December. This is a 45-minute long mini-concert during which actors will be singing songs related to fairy tales. If your kids are familiar with Turkish language or if you think that it is a good opportunity for them to listen to fairy tale songs in Turkish, this event is perfect for you. It is suitable for kids who are older than 3 years. You can buy the tickets online. Make sure to buy tickets both for yourself and for your child.
If you would rather not spend a lot of money, which I can understand perfectly as a mother of two kids, below are some free events for you to entertain your kids on a budget.
5. Zorlu Center has created a “New Year’s village” with snowmen, illuminated seesaws, and rotating trees, reflecting the New Year spirit. You can visit it every day from 12 pm to 10 pm. For more details, check out the official website.
6. Kanyon’s New Year concept is “Northern lights” with igloos everywhere. Many events and workshops are planned both for kids and adults.
7. City’s Nişantaşı is inviting kids to watch a Santa Claus pantomime show on Saturday 30 December. For more information, check out the official event page.
8. Trump Tower, which is the most attractive mall for kids, allocated a huge territory (9000 m2) to a children’s area under the name Trumpland. I advise you to check their website regularly as they organize numerous interesting cultural events. They will have New Year’s parties for kids on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 December between 2-5 pm.
What about organizing your own party? I suggest organizing it at your place or at your friends’ places. If you would like to be outside, prefer hotels or restaurants that you know of and often frequent, for safety reasons.
Finally, whether you practice Christianity or not, I strongly recommend you to visit the Saint Anthony church on İstiklal Street as it is decorated specially for the Christmas and you should not miss the festivities.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May 2018 be an amazing year for your family!
