Christmas and New Year's in Cyprus

When you think of Christmas and New Year’s, you probably imagine cold winter nights, snow, and cozy indoor moments by the fire. But if you spend the holidays in Cyprus, it’s a whole different vibe. Imagine sunny and beautiful days, and a simultaneous calm and joyous vibe. It’s a place where traditions mix with sunshine, and family is at the heart of everything.

Christmas in Cyprus

Christmas in Cyprus has a way of sneaking up on you. The island doesn’t exactly have the streets covered in snow and freezing temps, but there’s a magical aspect of the way the festive season feels here. The importance and the sense of togetherness and love is in the air, and not so much about the decorations, though they are beautiful.

The Christmas atmosphere

You'll see the streets come to life with Christmas lights as December arrives. Houses are decked out with garlands and wreaths, and large, sparkling trees appear in town squares. Given that the weather is still pleasant enough to walk around without a thick coat, it's a wonderful sight. I'm referring to pleasant, sunny days that encourage you to spend time outside, have coffee in the square, or explore your local markets. Even if it's warm outdoors, you can still feel the comforting atmosphere of the season since the festive spirit is everywhere.

Christmas traditions: food, family and faith

Cyprus places a great emphasis on family and tradition, which is one of the factors that makes Christmas here feel special. People gather around this time of year, either it's at church, the family dinner table, or just to meet up with friends.

Christmas is primarily a religious event because the majority of people here are Orthodox. If you're fortunate enough to join a local family, you may find yourself at a Christmas Day service or Midnight Mass, as many families attend church services. A genuinely one-of-a-kind experience is created by the music, the candles, and the spiritual ambiance.

A typical Christmas feast in Cyprus often includes slow-roasted meats, such as pork, lamb, or chicken, cooked to perfection and seasoned with Mediterranean spices. A popular dish is souvla, large chunks of meat (usually pork or lamb) grilled slowly over charcoal. Christmas sweets in Cyprus are absolutely delicious. Koulouria, a sweet, spiced bread, is often made in festive shapes, like twists or rings. You’ll also find kourabiedes (almond shortbread) and melomakarona (honey-soaked cookies) everywhere.

Kids go caroling, or “kalanda,” door-to-door on Christmas Eve, singing songs and spreading cheer. This tradition feels really authentic. Everyone’s in a good mood, and there’s a real sense of connection during this time of year.

New Year’s in Cyprus: the tradition of Vasilopita

New Year’s Day in Cyprus wouldn’t be the same without the Vasilopita. It’s a cake baked with a coin hidden inside, and the person who finds the coin in their slice is said to have good luck for the year. There’s a little bit of friendly competition when it comes time to cut the cake, with everyone eagerly waiting to see who will be the lucky one. It’s a fun and simple tradition that’s all about family, celebration, and a little bit of good fortune.

New Year’s Eve: A celebration with family and friends

The festivities are focused on getting together with family and friends, even though there aren't any huge celebrations in the streets (though there are some fireworks and public events in the major cities). A lot of people get together at home with close friends or family to celebrate, eat a festive meal, and reflect on the year that has gone by.

Even while you won't experience the wild nightlife of cities like New York or London, there is still a happy vibe in the air as midnight approaches. People exchange Kali Chronia (Happy New Year) and look forward to what the coming year will bring.

While Cyprus might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Christmas or New Year’s, it is still one of the most amazing places to enjoy the festive season, just with a Mediterranean flair. It’s certainly different from the summer months, but in its own way, it’s a beautiful country where you can enjoy any season.