As winter makes its presence felt and Christmas lights begin to shine on the streets, Romania transforms into a fairy-tale land. From markets decorated with garlands and Christmas trees to the smell of mulled wine and carols echoing in the air, the holiday season brings with it a special atmosphere that makes you feel the joy of childhood once again.

For those who love the magic of Christmas and want to experience it fully, there are several cities that, year after year, compete to offer visitors unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s the medieval charm of Brașov, the cultural elegance of Sibiu, the fairy-tale light display in Craiova, or the vibrant energy of Cluj, each destination adds its own note to the carol of Romanian winter.

In Brașov, the decorations blend perfectly with the mountainous landscape, creating the sensation of stepping into a storybook. In Sibiu, the Christmas market gathers people from all over the country in the Grand Square, where lights, aromas, and carols come together in a joyous spectacle. Craiova surprises with its light show, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, while Cluj-Napoca captivates with its youthful atmosphere, full of life and reinvented traditions.

Winter in Romania means more than just cold and snow; it means stories lived around a Christmas tree, shared joy, and simple moments that remain in memory. In the following lines, we invite you to discover four of the country’s most beautiful cities, each ready to welcome you with open arms and hearts full of light.

Brașov – The Fairy-Tale City of Winter Holidays

Of all the cities in Romania, Brașov seems to have been made especially for the holiday season. Surrounded by mountains and covered in a blanket of snow, the city takes on a fairy-tale atmosphere in December, where time seems to slow down and every corner hides a story. Christmas lights shine over medieval rooftops, the bells of the Black Church echo in the distance, and the smell of mulled wine and cinnamon envelops you with every step.

The centerpiece, without a doubt, is the Christmas Market in the Council Square, one of the most beautiful in the country. Between the pastel-colored buildings and the imposing Black Church stands the towering Christmas tree, decorated with thousands of lights. The wooden huts offer everything one could wish for at a holiday market: gingerbread, traditional sweets, hot chocolate, handcrafted items, and handmade gifts. Carols echo in the background, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, even if snowflakes are gently falling outside.

( Source: Zile și Nopți ) 

Brașov is not limited to just its market. The streets surrounding the Council Square, lit up in a fairy-tale style, invite you for a walk. Republicii Street transforms into a boulevard of joy, with beautifully decorated shop windows, cafes smelling of hot chocolate, and restaurants tempting you with traditional Romanian dishes. In the evening, the view of the city from the Belvedere area on Tampa Mountain is simply magical: a painting of lights and shadows, with a clear sky and the stillness of winter settling over the city.

For winter sports enthusiasts, Brașov also offers adventure opportunities. Just a few minutes away, in Poiana Brașov, lies one of Romania’s most popular ski resorts. Whether you're passionate about winter sports or just want to enjoy a hot mulled wine at a cabin while watching the illuminated slopes, the atmosphere here is straight out of a Christmas movie.

As evening falls and snowflakes begin to gently cover the Old Town, Brașov transforms into a place where Christmas is not just a holiday, but a state of mind. It’s that kind of city that makes you stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and feel that the magic is truly real.

Sibiu – The Heart of Christmas in Romania

When it comes to the magic of winter holidays, Sibiu is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular cities in Romania. With its medieval charm, pastel-colored buildings, and calm atmosphere, this Transylvanian city seems made for Christmas. In December, every street, every little window, and every corner of the Old Town transforms into a scene from a fairy tale, while the crisp air is filled with the scents of mulled wine, pastries, and cinnamon.

The main attraction is the Christmas Market in the Grand Square, an event that has come to be compared with those in major European capitals. Amidst the historically illuminated buildings, hundreds of wooden huts offer local delicacies, traditional sweets, and handcrafted souvenirs. Children enjoy the carousel and ice rink, while adults savor a warm drink as they watch the light show projected onto the facades of the buildings. Everything is accompanied by carols and seasonal music, creating an unbelievably beautiful atmosphere.

( Source: The Portugal News ) 

Beyond the market, Sibiu has a special charm during winter. The narrow streets and old bridges—like the famous Liars' Bridge—become even more picturesque under the glow of street lamps and the first snowflakes. A stroll through the historic center, from the Council Tower to the Small Square, takes you into a world that seems untouched by time.

Sibiu is also a city of refined tastes. Around Christmas, local restaurants and cafes offer special seasonal menus, with traditional dishes reinterpreted—such as sarmale (cabbage rolls), homemade sausages, mulled wine, as well as modern desserts inspired by Saxon recipes. A stop at one of the cozy cafes in the center, while gazing at the lights of the market, is a moment of perfect tranquility.

During the holidays, Sibiu is not just a tourist destination, but a complete experience. The city manages to preserve the authentic spirit of Christmas—peaceful, warm, and full of simple joy. Here, ancient traditions blend with contemporary elegance, and the magic of the season can be felt with every step.

Craiova – The City of Winter Lights

If there’s one place in Romania that has completely transformed in recent years during the holiday season, it’s undoubtedly Craiova. Often referred to as the "City of Christmas Lights," Craiova manages to create a true urban fairy tale every December, rivaling the great European capitals. The festive atmosphere, spectacular installations, and the energy of its people make this city a surprisingly beautiful winter destination.

The heart of the spectacle is, of course, the Christmas Market in Mihai Viteazul Square and the area around the National Theater Marin Sorescu, where thousands of colorful lights cover historic buildings, trees, and streets. Arches of light, sparkling curtains, giant figurines, and decorated Christmas trees create an atmosphere straight out of a movie. Craiova doesn't just light up—it truly shines, and it does so with style.

( Source: Avraam Travel ) 

The city's streets become a magical winter wonderland, where the lights reflect off the snow, and the entire town seems to glow with holiday cheer. Whether you're strolling through the market, enjoying hot beverages and local sweets, or simply admiring the impressive light displays, Craiova offers a festive experience that is both enchanting and unforgettable.

One of the most beautiful spots is Romanescu Park, which, during the holidays, transforms into a fairy-tale world. The paths are illuminated in a magical way, the bridges seem wrapped in twinkling stars, and the lake reflects all the colors of Christmas. For children, it’s a true paradise, with play areas, themed huts, and outdoor performances.

But Craiova doesn’t stop at decorations. Every year, local authorities organize concerts, workshops for children, and events dedicated to the spirit of Christmas. Visitors can taste traditional products, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and artisanal sweets, while carols can be heard from every corner of the city.

What truly makes Craiova special, however, is the authentic joy of its people. From families strolling through the fairy-tale lights in the evening to young people taking photos under the light arches, the city breathes energy, optimism, and good cheer. It’s the kind of place where, no matter your age, you feel like a child again.

In recent years, Craiova has managed to establish itself as one of Romania’s most spectacular winter destinations, attracting visitors from all over the country and even abroad. The city has earned its rightful place among the most beautiful places to visit during the holidays—a place where light, joy, and the spirit of Christmas come together in perfect harmony.

Cluj-Napoca – The Modern Magic of Christmas in the Heart of Transylvania

In the heart of Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca welcomes its holiday visitors with a perfect blend of tradition, culture, and modernity. It’s a city that knows how to celebrate winter in grand style without losing its authentic charm. Whether you’re coming for the Christmas Market, the vibrant atmosphere, or the light shows, Cluj will captivate you step by step, offering a colorful and emotional winter experience.

( Source: Locationscout ) 

The heart of the holiday celebrations is Union Square, which transforms every year into a true Christmas wonderland. In front of the imposing St. Michael's Church, a giant Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights rises, and around it, dozens of wooden huts line up, filled with traditional products, handcrafted gifts, and irresistible aromas. Mulled wine with cinnamon, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts envelop you in a warm atmosphere, while live music and carols complete the festive scene.

One of the main attractions of the market is the ice rink right in the center of the square, where visitors—whether locals or tourists—enjoy an authentic winter experience under the colorful lights. Cluj manages to offer, year after year, a cosmopolitan atmosphere while staying deeply rooted in Romanian and Transylvanian traditions.

During the holidays, the city vibrates with energy. The streets of the Old Town, filled with cafes and restaurants, are decorated with garlands of lights and ornaments, and the heated terraces become the perfect place for a cozy evening. Winter festivals, concerts, and charity events add a sense of community and sincere joy, a signature of Cluj.

More than just a university city or cultural hub, Cluj, in December, becomes a place where the spirit of Christmas is felt deeply. It’s an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy a modern, youthful, and lively atmosphere, but also experience the authentic hospitality of Transylvania.

Here, every corner of the street, every little light, and every carol seems to tell the same story: Christmas is about joy, about people, and about the magic that unites us.

Romania: A Winter Tale in Four Cities

Whether you choose Brașov with its mountain charm, Sibiu with its medieval air and fairy-tale Christmas market, Craiova with its spectacular sea of lights, or Cluj-Napoca with its modern, youthful energy, each city in Romania has its own unique holiday magic.

Winter is not just a season, but a state of mind, and Romania knows how to live it to the fullest. The Christmas markets, concerts, lights, and traditional aromas turn these places into true storybook destinations, where every visitor rediscovers the authentic joy of the holidays.

From mountains to plains, from tradition to modernity, Romania shines brighter than ever in December. It’s an invitation to set aside your worries, to enjoy simple moments, and to experience the magic of Christmas as it can only be felt here – warm, authentic, and full of soul.

So, if you’re looking for a winter experience that combines tradition, beauty, and emotion, the four cities are waiting for you to discover the true essence of the holidays in Romania.