As we dash off into the Festive Season and pour another glass of port or sherry and snack one more chorizo infused cheesy chicken canape, I’m reminded of a few things. Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas” (sorry), hearty family meals and… Christmas markets.
Whilst the Germans were the first to introduce them here in Europe, as a sign of appreciation for the Festive Season that was about to come, they have been widely adopted across the continent.
In this article we explore 5 Christmas markets in 5 cities: Bucharest, Craiova, Brasov, Sibiu and Cluj-Napoca and invite you to read more about this European tradition but also why your next Christmas Market should be a Romanian one. If you are wondering what to do in Romania in December or if you want to spend Christmas in Romania, keep on reading.
Overview
There’s something magical about December in Romania. As the days grow shorter, the cities come alive with the warm glow of fairy lights, the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine, and the sound of carols drifting through the air.
Over the years, we’ve made it a tradition to visit as many Christmas markets as possible, and each time we’re reminded that Romania’s markets rival some of the most famous in Europe – but with a distinctly Romanian charm.
From the grand avenues of Bucharest to the medieval squares of Sibiu and Brasov, every market offers its own festive character.
Below we explore five Christmas markets in five distinct cities: Bucharest, Craiova, Brasov, Sibiu and Cluj-Napoca shown below on the map.
1. Bucharest Christmas Markets
1.1. Bucharest Christmas Market – Constitution Square
2025 dates not yet confirmed, last year’s dates: 29 November 2024 – 26 December 2024
If you are looking for things to do in Bucharest in December, then exploring the Christmas markets can be a great starting point.
If you are wondering when do the Bucharest Christmas markets open in 2025, these haven’t been announced yet but here are the dates from 2024: 29 November 2024 – 26 December 2024.
We’ve been to Bucharest’s Christmas markets many times, and they never fail to impress. The Constitution Square market is the crown jewel – rows of cosy wooden stalls serving steaming cups of vin fiert (mulled wine), sizzling sausages, and sweets we grew up with.
We love grabbing a warm kurtoskalacs (Chimney Cake) and watching the stage performances while bundled up in scarves.
Whilst you are in Bucharest, why not consider a visit to Therme Bucharest – one of the largest wellness, relaxation and entertainment centres in Europe.
If you have limited time in Bucharest in December, why not consider a walking guided Christmas tour? More details below.
1.2. West Side Christmas Market
Confirmed dates: 28 November 2025 – 29 December 2025
For something different, the West Side Christmas Market in Drumul Taberei Park feels more local. It’s situated in the Drumul Taberei neighbourhood in the west side of Bucharest.
It’s easily accessible via metro, busses and trams. Best way to get there is by metro, where you have to get off at “Parc Drumul Taberei” station.
During the festive season, the park itself is decorated splendidly with its trees wrapped in festive lights. Walking under its illuminated arches with the sound of laughter from the ice rink instantly puts us in the holiday mood.
The Christmas market is located in the park lake area and offers all the goodies one would expect: great variety of food choices (international and Romanian), plenty of local crafts shops and many amusement rides families can make use of including a toy workshop and a Santa grotto.
For a good panoramic view, we also suggest you go on the overarching bridge which really gives you a wonderful perspective of this Bucharester Winter Wonderland.
For a great experience whilst visiting the markets in Bucharest, base yourself at Hotel Cismigiu – centrally located to both markets. Read more about our stay at Hotel Cismigiu and how to get a 10% discount here. Alternatively, use the widget below to find the best accommodation in Bucharest for your specific dates.
2. Craiova Christmas Market
Confirmed dates: 15 November 2025 – 5 January 2026
The famous Craiova Christmas Market is ranked among the Best Christmas Markets in Europe. We have been to a number of Christmas markets in Romania and the one in Craiova is certainly a highlight!
Across Craiova’s Old Town, you can find various Christmas themed events, markets, ice rink, Ferris wheel, fun rides, food stands and more. The market is spread across four different places in the city – Mihai Viteazul Square, Old Centre (Frații Buzești Square), William Shakespeare Square and Doljana Fountain area.
We covered the Christmas market during the day and in the evening. Whilst during the day there aren’t as many people and almost no queues at the food stalls, the magic is in the evening with all the Christmas lights and their beauty.
You can see the magical illuminations across the city, no wonder the two million light bulbs are making Craiova not only one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe but also the best Christmas Lights Destination in Romania.
If you are planning to stay overnight and truly enjoy the glamour of Craiova, why not use the widget below to find the best accommodation for your specific dates.
3. Brasov Christmas Market
2025 dates not yet confirmed, last year’s dates: 30 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
Originally, a Teutonic city on an ancient Dacian site, Brasov has become a multi cultural city with Romanian, Germans and Hungarians calling it home.
Brasov in December feels like stepping into a Christmas card. Piata Sfatului, surrounded by pastel-coloured buildings and the looming Black Church, is the heart of the festivities.
We always make an obligatory stop for the chimney cake stall – holding one in mittened hands while the snow falls is pure winter bliss.
We recommend visiting in the evening when the mountains behind the city are silhouetted by the fading light and the square glows with the Christmas tree’s golden lights. The mulled wine here is especially fragrant – perfect for warming up after a stroll through the cobbled streets.
If you visit Brasov, we also recommend a trip to Sinaia and a visit to Peles Castle. Winter in Brasov and the surrounding area is magical.
If you are planning to stay overnight and truly enjoy the glamour of Brasov, why not use the widget below to find the best accommodation for your specific dates.
4. Sibiu Christmas Market
Confirmed dates – 14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Nestled at the foothills of the impressive Fagaras Mountain Range, Sibiu or Hermannstadt as it is known by its German name, is an impressive and quite unique city in Romania. This was a predominantly German ethnic city in the olden days, a heritage which can still be seen in the architecture, local produce and foods in Sibiu.
Sibiu is one of our personal favourites. The Large Square (Piata Mare) turns into a sparkling wonderland, and the German heritage of the city is reflected in the stalls. We always seek out the white mulled wine – it’s unique to the region.
Actually, white and rosé wines are the characteristic wines of the region making it a good candidate for mulled wine. Yes! Actually, the original recipe according to locals for mulled wine was with white wine, not red!
The market has a more intimate feel compared to Bucharest, and we love how the lights seem to float above you, casting a warm glow on the historic buildings.
This is a market that invites you to slow down – linger over your food, chat with local artisans, and take in the music.
If you are planning to stay overnight and explore more of Sibiu, why not use the widget below to find the best accommodation for your specific dates.
5. Cluj Christmas Market
Confirmed dates – 22 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
Cluj’s Christmas market may be smaller, but it’s full of heart. Located in Unirii Square with St Michael’s Church as its backdrop, it’s a cosy place to spend an afternoon.
We often start with a spin around the ice rink before sampling some Transylvanian street food – think hearty stews and cheesy pastries.
We love how the market blends modern décor with traditional touches. In the evenings, the combination of live music, glowing lights, and the scent of mulled wine creates a festive atmosphere that’s hard to leave.
If you go to Cluj-Napoca, definitely pay a visit to the amazing salt mine Salina Turda, one of the most iconic mines in Europe.
If you do plan to explore more of Cluj-Napoca and the surrounding areas, why not use the widget below to find the best accommodation for your specific dates.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a solo traveller or a city break kind of couple/family, Romanian Christmas Markets can be an alternative to their Western counterparts.
For us, Romania’s Christmas markets aren’t just places to shop and eat – they’re places to reconnect with traditions, to share moments with friends over steaming drinks, and to feel part of a festive community.
Christmas markets are a good way to do some shopping and find hand-made Romanian Christmas presents. If you can’t find the right present for your loved ones, why not check our recommendations for gifts for travellers and travel lovers?
Have fun and enjoy the Christmas spirit!
FAQ: Visiting Romania’s Christmas Markets
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