Travel Blog
Well, the year comes to an end and as they say “Christmas time is here, Happiness and cheer”. Christmas is the time of family, friends, love, kindness, dreams and of course magic. If you are in the search of Christmas magic, then Armenia is the right place to visit. The Armenians celebrate Christmas on the 6th of January, hence Christmas holidays start from the 31st of December (New Year’s Eve) and last till the 6th of January. So be ready to party and to enjoy the Christmas mood for a whole week. Here 9 things to do in Armenia at Christmas.
See the Christmas tree in the Republic Square
Starting from early December all the main cities in Armenia begin to be decorated with colorful lights, garlands, Christmas decorations and Christmas trees. But the largest Christmas tree in Armenia stands in the heart of Yerevan, in the Republic Square. During the Christmas holidays, concerts and entertaining shows are always organized here. Just imagine snow all around, Christmas music and the fairy Christmas tree bright as a star, a real Christmas magic.
Stroll in the Christmas market
What a Christmas without gifts. If you are looking for Christmas gifts, then hurry to the Northern Avenue (not far from the Republic Square), where every year a Christmas market is organized. Here you can find almost everything: handmade, wooden crafts, jewelry, paintings on Christmas motives, etc. If you do not want to buy something, you may stroll in the market, watch the people and enjoy the festive mood. If you are cold, do not worry here you can have something hot in the nearby cafés.
Find your miracle in Winter Park
For those who are in the search of Christmas miracle and magic, there is a spectacular Winter Park in Yerevan. Here you can enjoy Christmas atmosphere: meet Santa Clause, taste Mrs. Santa’s sweetest pies, skate, enjoy Christmas music, meet elves, have a walk in their school and even be in a toy factory. Yeah, a real Christmas fairy-tale. And a bonus, the entrance to the Winter Park is free.
Taste Armenian delicious national dishes
It goes without saying, that the Armenians like to celebrate Christmas and New Year with rich tables filled with various delicious Armenian dishes. Do not miss the chance to taste dolma (cabbage or vine leaves stuffed with meat or cereals), ghapama (pumpkin stuffed with rice, raisins, apricots) and of course gata (Armenian pastry), mmm yummi.
Try the sweetest tangerines
It may sound strange, but tangerines can be considered as one of the non-official “symbols” of Armenian Christmas holidays. This fruit can be found at every home during this period. Even the smell of tangerines is associated with Christmas holidays among the Armenians. The Armenians like this fruit very much. So during your visit try this “Christmas fruit”. Who knows, may be you will feel the same Christmas mood like the Armenians.
Attend Christmas liturgy
On Christmas Eve (the 5th of January) a candlelight divine liturgy is served in all Armenian churches. After the liturgy people take to their homes candles lit from the sanctuary lamp. The candles symbolize the Bethlehem star. People believe that by this candles they bring pureness and blessings to their homes.
Attend Christmas concerts
Music lovers will be delighted to learn that this season is full Christmas concerts. Yerevan Opera and Ballet Theater, Komitas Chamber Music House and Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall offer various operas, ballets, symphonies and special Christmas concerts. If you want something modern, then you can enjoy live performances of talented musicians in various pubs and clubs.
Take a ride on ropeway in Tsaghkadzor
What a Christmas without snow. If you are fond of a lot of snow, then head to Tsaghkadzor (it will take you an hour by car). Here you can take a ride on the ropeway, from where you can enjoy the wonderful scene of snowy and frozen mountains, as well as follow the skiers from the height.
Find your Christmas mood in the country
If you are one of those people, who are in the search of peace and harmony, family and friendly atmosphere away from noisy parties and events, then you can rent a small house in Tsaghkadzor or Dilijan. Serene nature, long walks in nearby forests will calm your body and soul.
For sure you can find more things to do in Armenia, besides these nine. Do not miss your chance to spend your holly, jolly Christmas, discover something new and just enjoy yourself in the country of snowy mountains, cold temperature and very warm people.