Turkey for Christmas- New Year holidays, Is it a good time to go?

No. It will be cold and may have snow, same as what you are leaving. Go to Antalya if you want on winter, but don't complain if the weather goes south there too.

Turkey for Christmas? We usually have roast beef.

I have to agree with Scott, Much as I enjoyed those places in late October to early November, winter weather and very short days would probably make it a lot less enjoyable in Cappadocia, Ephesus &Pamukkale where the sights are all outdoors. Istanbul would be great any time.

I would not go to Turkey at Christmas.

Also, terrorists are now targeting tourists in Turkey. Yes, the risk is still low, but has increased recently.

I was in Istanbul over Christmas a couple years ago. I loved it. The weather was cool, and I wore a sweater (never a jacket or coat). But it was sunny and beautiful and we sat outside most of the time. Not a weather guarantee, but that was my experience. One advantage is that everything was still open on Christmas Day, so you have more options. As opposed to most of European cities, where you are lucky to find a handful of cafes that are open. And seeing Christmas decorations around the city was fun. I loved it so much, I'm going back this Christmas and bringing my parents along.

I agree with Chani. I feel like it would not be safe right now.

I never said it would be unsafe. I just said the weather for outdoor sights may be inclement. . . . thinking Pamukkale and Cappadocia. I also said Istanbul would be great any time.

Don't let irrational fear keep you from going places. Wait, no, I take that back - yes, please be afraid, stop traveling and stay home - there will be fewer crowds for me, shorter lines at the airport, yeah I'd like that. [/sarcasm]

Seriously, your chances of being involved in any kind of violence are less overseas than walking the streets of most US cities.

A more practical question right now is the current ability (or lack thereof) of getting a tourist via to Turkey. If you're an American, that's on hold (if you're traveling on a passport from some other country, it's a different story). Plenty of time for things to change (and my guess is by Christmas, the current visa snit will have been resolved, but we'll see).

Hi I have been few times to Istanbul during that period it's cold and I mean really cold :)) but for people can tolerate low temperatures it's nice &lovely .the most memorable thing is having a cup of hot tea or chai on the go while it's freezing out side

Well it doesn't really matter if you "fear" going to Turkey or not...Americans are not allowed into the country. No Visas are being issued to Americans so there's your answer.

That applies only to those who only have US passports.