Christmas in Tehran, like in many major cities around the world, is celebrated by Iranian Christians. However, in Tehran, the Christmas celebration is not officially held with religious ceremonies by followers of Jesus Christ, as this occasion is not designated as a religious holiday in Iran, and the Christian population in Iran is quite small. Nonetheless, in some hotels, restaurants, or shopping centers, there may be events or decorations in honor of Christmas, and the celebration might be conducted with a special flair. Some Christians living in Tehran also celebrate the Christian New Year, or Christmas, in specific places such as the city’s churches or their homes.
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To experience the festive atmosphere of Christmas in Tehran, you need to visit the Armenian neighborhoods in the capital, such as Mirzaei Shirazi Street, Majidieh, Jolfa, and other neighborhoods of the capital. In the continuation of this article from the Eligasht tourism magazine, we will introduce you to several picturesque and attractive places in Tehran during the early days of December coinciding with the Christmas celebration, so you can capture memorable photos from the vibrant world of this holiday and get acquainted with the rituals of Christians during this celebration.
Christian Neighborhoods for Christmas Celebration in Tehran
Currently, about 300,000 to 370,000 Christians live in Iran, a significant number of whom reside in various neighborhoods of the capital. The neighborhoods known as Christian-populated areas in Tehran are not very numerous, and most Armenians in Tehran live in the famous neighborhoods of the capital. To experience Christmas in Tehran and to familiarize yourself with the customs and traditions of this religious celebration, which occurs on the night of December 25 (corresponding to the 4th of Dey), these neighborhoods usually offer a unique and more vibrant atmosphere in Tehran. However, keep in mind that Christmas in Iran is not officially celebrated, and Christian communities celebrate this occasion privately or in churches. The neighborhoods in Tehran that predominantly have Christian populations include:
Christmas in Tehran, Mirzaei Shirazi Street:
Mirzaei Shirazi Street is part of the old Behjatabad neighborhood in Tehran, which attracts passersby in the days leading up to the New Year due to its shops that sell Christmas supplies. This neighborhood is home to an old and famous bakery and sandwich shop named “Golden Bakery” and “Golden Sandwich Shop,” which has been in operation since 1963 and is still considered one of the delicious shops in this Armenian neighborhood. The toy shops in this area employ Armenian staff, and decorations of Christmas symbols like Santa Claus and decorated pine trees can be seen in most of these stores. Mirzaei Shirazi Street is located in the center of Tehran and can be accessed from Karim Khan Street to the south and Shahid Motahari Street to the north.
Ararat Neighborhood
The Ararat neighborhood was previously recognized as part of the Deh Vanak area, which was later renamed Ararat. This neighborhood is considered one of the northern areas of Tehran, and most of its residents are Armenian. Undoubtedly, one of the most famous attractions of this old neighborhood is the Armenian Castle, located in the northeastern part of the Ararat neighborhood, symbolizing the enduring presence and solidarity of Armenians in this region. The Minas Church and the Armenian cemetery are also important sites in this neighborhood, housing remarkable Armenian cultural and historical artifacts.
Narmak Neighborhood
The Narmak neighborhood in Tehran has various communities, including part of the Armenian community residing here, mostly along the 30-meter Narmak street to Vahidieh. They live on streets such as Shahid Mir Hosseini (Zarkash), Shahid Ismail Afshari (Padar Thani), Shahid Sohilian (Shiromard Jonubi), and Shahid Ghiasipour (Abadan Jonubi). These communities also reside around squares 84, 85, 86, and 92 in Narmak, as well as on Mirkhiraei and Vahidieh streets. Narmak is one of the eastern neighborhoods of the capital, where the Armenian population has been significant historically, and Christmas celebrations are commonly held in this area.
Majidiyeh Neighborhood
Majidiyeh is one of the oldest areas in northeastern Tehran, divided into northern and southern sections, with easy access via the Hemat Highway. This area is considered one of the important centers for Christian residents in Tehran and is renowned as a cultural, educational, and religious hub for this community. In Majidiyeh, there are buildings and remnants from the Qajar era, which are part of the cultural and historical heritage of this area.
Venus Neighborhood
One of the oldest Armenian-populated neighborhoods in Tehran, suitable for visiting during the Christmas celebrations, is the Venus neighborhood around Vanak Square. It has historically been home to several Armenian families in Tehran.
Christmas in Tehran, Jolfa Neighborhood
This neighborhood is located in northern Tehran and is known for its Georgian Christian population. Jolfa is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the capital, which has long been home to Armenians. During Christmas, one can see numerous decorated pine trees in this area.
Decorating Christmas Trees in Tehran
In the large city of Tehran, decorating Christmas trees in certain streets and shopping centers has always been one of the favorite activities of the people as the New Year approaches. Many people, mindful of environmental conservation and the importance of preserving nature, use artificial pine trees for decorating their neighborhoods.
In the past, Christians believed that the New Year’s celebration tree must be a natural pine tree, but in recent years, this tradition has largely shifted to using artificial trees and special colorful decorations. Christmas is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Tehran and other Iranian cities where Armenian religious minorities live, providing a unique experience of coexistence and peace among different religions during the New Year. The celebrations and decorations in the city at this time create an atmosphere filled with light, color, and joy for everyone. While Islam is the official religion in Iran, the Christian community also celebrates Christmas every year, and these customs are appreciated by non-Christian Iranians as well.
Picture with Santa Claus
The Christmas celebration in Tehran is very important for the followers of Jesus Christ, but children also love this celebration due to its vibrant colors and the presence of the beloved character Santa Claus. Christian-populated neighborhoods from late Azar to mid-Dey are filled with colorful lights and red, green, and gold decorations, and the sound of street music playing Christmas carols can be heard in these historic neighborhoods. Many children in Tehran enjoy watching store windows featuring Santa Claus dolls and often ask their families to take commemorative photos with Santa Claus.
Attending Christmas Church Services in Tehran
In Tehran, Christmas celebrations, in addition to the homes of the city’s Armenians, are held with great enthusiasm in well-known churches across the capital. For those belonging to the Christian and Armenian communities, attending Christmas church services in Tehran is a magnificent and unique experience.
These ceremonies typically take place in churches and Christian religious centers throughout Tehran. The performances of Armenian religious songs with beautiful and captivating melodies, as well as the conducting of religious and festive ceremonies in a specific spiritual atmosphere, are among the appealing aspects of these celebrations in the capital.
After the church service, people return to their homes and neighborhoods to enjoy a Christmas dinner, which is typically turkey, in a family-friendly setting. The celebration continues into the late hours of the night. During Christmas, individuals decorate the pine tree, place their gifts under the tree, and hang up stockings for Santa Claus to fill with presents and candies. Christmas foods and sweets, such as gingerbread, are also baked for this celebration.
Final words
A large population of Christians resides in Tehran, and Christmas is celebrated as a non-religious event in the city, with many people of various religions and beliefs participating in the various ceremonies associated with this celebration. The atmosphere in the city, particularly in Armenian neighborhoods and major shopping centers, is filled with beautiful and colorful Christmas decorations, and markets and shops are bustling with people preparing for Christmas gifts and festive decorations in the nights leading up to the holiday. Christmas is celebrated in Tehran as a significant religious and cultural event, and everyone, regardless of their faith or beliefs, enjoys and celebrates the occasion joyfully.
If you are interested in learning more about other holidays and ceremonies held in various cities in Iran and around the world, be sure to follow the upcoming articles in the Eligasht tourism magazine to the end. For traveling to different countries throughout the year and visiting their attractions, you can use the Ely Ghash website to book your desired flight tickets and leisure tours at the best price and as quickly as possible.
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FAQ
On what day is Christmas celebrated?
The exact date of Jesus Christ’s birth is not known, but people around the world symbolically celebrate Christmas on December 25, which corresponds to the 4th of Dey in the Iranian calendar.
What is the most famous Christmas dish?
Turkey is considered one of the main dishes of the Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, and Christians in Tehran usually prepare this dish for their families on Christmas Eve.
Is Christmas a national holiday in Iran?
No, since most people in Iran are Muslims and the Christian population of the entire country is about 300,000 to 370,000, this celebration is held privately only in Armenian neighborhoods and churches.
In which neighborhoods of Tehran is Christmas celebrated?
Neighborhoods such as Karimkhan, Mirza-ye Shirazi, Ararat, Jolfa, Venus, Majidieh, and Narmak have a higher concentration of Armenians in Tehran, and most of them celebrate Christmas in their own neighborhoods.
Is there a special pastry prepared for Christmas in Tehran?
On this day, some Christmas-related foods such as gingerbread and special pastries are baked at home, and people enjoy these treats.
Is it possible to purchase travel packages to domestic destinations from the Eligasht website?
Yes, you can purchase flight tickets or leisure tours to various cities in our country without time limitations and 24/7 from the Eligasht website.