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11 Best Holiday Events in Yerevan in Winter 2024–2025

Considering spending your winter holidays in Armenia? It’s a festive time full of local customs and good cheer with both similarities and differences to the traditions you know and love. Here we’ll tell you a few of the things to expect and explore!

Unlike many countries around the world, Armenians put up their trees, purchase gifts for their loved ones, and anticipate the visit of Santa Claus on January 1, not December 25! The commercial gift-giving holiday in Armenia is distinctly different from Christmas, which is celebrated on January 6 (until the fourth century, when all Christian churches celebrated Christ’s birth on this day).

In Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, and Armenia’s bigger towns, Christmas trees adorn the main squares and festive lights, the thoroughfares. In the last decade, Christmas markets for the whole family – replete with artisan gifts, food, and drink – have popped up in Yerevan and Gyumri.

Here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating the season in Armenia, from December to January, with activities for every age and interest.

Festive Highlights in Armenia

1. Seasons Park Station

Date: December 01, 2024
Location: Diana Abgar Park, Yerevan
Entrance Fee: Free
Link: Seasons Park

Christmas starts from December 1! Soon, "Seasons Park" will transform into a Christmas wonderland. Expect a fabulous atmosphere, countless lights, delicious dishes, warming drinks, and plenty of holiday cheer. Visit from December 1 to January 15 and enjoy a festive experience like no other.

2. The Nutcracker - Ballet

Date: December 02, 2024
Location: Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, Yerevan
Link: The Nutcracker

Christmas miracle at the Opera House! Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" returns, symbolizing the magic of the season. Performances run from December 2 to 13. Tickets available online or at the theater’s box office.

3. Opening of Winter Park

Date: December 13, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Yeraz Park, Yerevan
Entrance Fee: Free

Step into a fairy tale at Winter Park! Watch Santa Claus arrive on his magical sleigh, enjoy a dazzling fireworks display, and help light the Main Christmas Tree. This magical evening will be filled with music, fun, and festivities. Join us for the opening of Yerevan’s largest outdoor ice rink!

4. Big Christmas Market with Coca-Cola 2024-2025

Date: December 18, 2024
Time: 12:00 - 23:00
Location: Meridian Expo & Event Centre, Yerevan
Entrance Fee: Free
Link: Big Christmas Market

The biggest New Year’s celebration in Yerevan, featuring over 300 organizations. Enjoy delicious foods, festive decorations, a chance to meet Santa, and more!

5. Candlenight Concerts

Date: December 20, 2024
Time: 20:00 - 22:00
Location: Komitas Chamber Music Hall, Yerevan
Entrance Fee: From 4,000 AMD
Link: Candlenight Concerts

Experience an exclusive concert illuminated by thousands of candles. Enjoy beautiful music, from film scores to Christmas melodies, in a peaceful and enchanting atmosphere.

6. Christmas Art Fair

Date: December 22, 2024
Time: 11:00 - 20:00
Location: Union of Artists of Armenia, Yerevan
Link: Christmas Art Fair

Explore various contemporary art works including paintings, sculptures, and applied arts. The event features opportunities to buy unique gifts and meet the artists. Running from December 22 to 29.

7. Christmas Jazz

Date: December 25, 2024
Time: 19:00 - 21:00
Location: Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall, Yerevan
Entrance Fee: From 5,000 AMD
Link: Christmas Jazz

Join the Armenian State Jazz Orchestra for a festive night of Christmas jazz tunes and beloved New Year compositions in this magical concert setting.

8. Masquerade Ball

Date: December 25, 2024
Location: Arno Babajanyan Concert Hall, Yerevan
Link: Masquerade Ball

Celebrate Christmas in style with a Masquerade Ball at the Arno Babajanyan Concert Hall! Enjoy music, dancing, performances, and a festive after-party. Early bird tickets start at 10,000 AMD.

9. The Snow Queen’s Story

Date: December 28, 2024
Time: 19:00 - 20:30
Location: Ice Arena, Yerevan Figure Skating and Hockey Sports School
Entrance Fee: From 6,000 AMD
Link: The Snow Queen’s Story

Experience a magical ice show based on Hans Christian Andersen’s "The Snow Queen". With music by Edgar Gyanjumyan and performances by figure skaters from Armenia and Europe, this spectacular show is a must-see for the whole family.

10. Vienna Gala

Date: December 30, 2024
Time: 18:00 - 21:00
Location: Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall, Yerevan
Entrance Fee: From 5,000 AMD
Link: Event Details

Step into a world of elegance and enchantment at the end-of-year festive evening hosted by the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia. Experience the timeless waltzes of Johann Strauss, performed by the orchestra under the artistic direction of Eduard Topchjan, at the iconic Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall.

11. Armenian Old New Year with "Akunq"

Date: January 12, 2025
Time: 19:00 - 21:00
Location: Arno Babajanyan Concert Hall, Yerevan
Entrance Fee: From 2,000 AMD
Link: Event Details

The National Center of Folk Music and Dance invites you to experience an unforgettable Armenian tradition. Join the Akunq ethnographic ensemble for a festive concert to celebrate the Armenian Old New Year.

The evening will be filled with soul-stirring performances of Christmas songs composed by the renowned Komitas Vardapet, as well as other works by Armenian composers. Traditional Armenian songs and dances will immerse you in the rich cultural heritage of the country, offering a unique and enchanting start to the year.

Celebrate Armenia’s Unique Winter Traditions

From spellbinding ice shows to the sultry melodies of jazz concerts and the vibrant allure of enchanting markets, Armenia’s winter festivities weave a tapestry of wonder and joy.

For more information about planning your winter getaway in Armenia, be sure to check out these useful resources:

Let Offvisa help you with your Armenia eVisa application, ensuring a memorable and stress-free travel experience. Plan your trip today and get ready to embrace the festive spirit in this magical country!

2024-12-13 14:46:50