Christmas is without a doubt the most anticipated time of the year—a season when Romania’s cities and villages transform into true fairytale realms. Lights sparkle everywhere, the air fills with the scent of cozonac, cinnamon, and mulled wine, and people rediscover the joy of authentic traditions. From enchanting markets in major cities to quiet villages wrapped in snow, Romania becomes a magical Christmas destination.

In December 2025, the holiday magic awaits you in seven special places, each with its own unique charm. Sibiu dresses its historic center in colorful lights and hosts the most famous Christmas market in the country. Craiova literally shines, with millions of lights and spectacular installations that turn the city into a modern winter fairytale. In Brașov, the holiday spirit comes alive between medieval walls and under the gentle gaze of Mount Tâmpa, while Cluj-Napoca blends Transylvanian traditions with the energy of a young and vibrant city.

For those seeking an authentic Christmas, far from the bustle of urban life, Maramureș and Bucovina are true treasure troves of tradition. Carols, traditional clothing, hearty festive meals, and wooden churches lit by candlelight offer an unforgettable spiritual experience. Finally, Oradea completes the list with its elegant Art Nouveau architecture and the calm atmosphere of a city that, in winter, feels like it was lifted straight from a European fairytale.

Whether you’re dreaming of spectacular Christmas markets, tradition-filled villages, or peaceful moments spent with loved ones, these seven destinations invite you to experience the magic of Romanian holidays in the most beautiful way possible.

Sibiu – The city where Christmas lives on every corner

Among all Romania’s winter destinations, Sibiu remains one of the most enchanting. With its medieval atmosphere, wide squares, and pastel-colored buildings, the city feels as if it was made to be seen in December. During Christmas, the old town becomes the stage for one of the most beautiful urban transformations in the country—a living fairytale where tradition, lights, and joy blend harmoniously.

( Source: Zile si nopti ) 

The heart of the festivities is the Christmas Market in the Great Square, held each year in front of the imposing Baroque buildings. Dozens of wooden stalls offer culinary delights, handcrafted souvenirs, and traditional products, while the scent of mulled wine, cinnamon, and gingerbread fills the air. In the background, colorful light projections transform the historic façades into an impressive visual spectacle.

In the evening, the atmosphere becomes truly magical. Children enjoy the ice rink set up right in the middle of the square, and the illuminated carousel attracts visitors of all ages. Carols echo through the cobblestone streets, while the aroma of Saxon pastries and traditional sausages adds even more authenticity to the experience.

But Sibiu is more than just a winter backdrop. Behind its fairytale charm lies a city full of history, beautifully blending tradition with modernity. Its museums, galleries, and cozy cafés perfectly complement a day spent strolling through the old town. From the Bridge of Lies to the Council Tower, every step takes you through a story that has been written for centuries.

Christmas in Sibiu is an experience not easily forgotten. It is a place where the true spirit of the holidays comes alive—shared joy, warmth of heart, and simple moments lived to the fullest.

Craiova – The City of Christmas Lights

In recent years, Craiova has become one of Romania’s most spectacular destinations during the winter holidays. What was once a simple local fair has now transformed into a visual and emotional experience of European proportions, attracting thousands of visitors from across the country and even from abroad.

( Source: Lyod Tour ) 

From the end of November, the city center is covered in a sea of lights. Mihai Viteazul Square, the area around the Marin Sorescu National Theatre, and the Romanescu Park become stages for a true urban spectacle. Millions of lights, glowing tunnels, giant figurines, and decorated Christmas trees transform Craiova into a fairytale realm that rivals the major Christmas markets of Europe.

The central highlight of the festivities is the Craiova Christmas Market, a large event with dozens of wooden stalls where you can find everything that defines the holiday spirit—from mulled wine and hot chocolate to handcrafted goods and traditional Oltenian delicacies. On weekend evenings, the main stage comes alive with carol concerts, children’s shows, and Christmas-themed events.

But Craiova is more than lights and a festive atmosphere. Here, among historic buildings and modern public spaces, you can feel the authentic joy of the community. People stroll through the streets, take photos, chat, and smile—simple moments filled with warmth that bring the holidays to life.

Romanescu Park, one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe, becomes a magical place after dark. Walkways bathed in light, sparkling bridges, and installations that transport you into a winter fairytale. Every corner of the city conveys a clear message: Christmas is about joy, family, and the beauty of being together.

Craiova has shown that even a modern city can preserve the authentic spirit of the holidays, offering an experience that blends emotion, tradition, and spectacle. If you’re looking for a destination where the lights truly seem to come alive, Craiova is the perfect place for an unforgettable Christmas.

Brașov – The Magic of Christmas Amid Mountains and Medieval Walls

Few places in Romania manage to capture the essence of Christmas as beautifully as Brașov. Surrounded by mountains, with cobblestone streets and historic buildings that preserve the charm of old times, this Transylvanian city becomes a true winter jewel in December. Snowflakes settle over Council Square, lights sparkle on the colorful façades, and carols can be heard in the distance—an image that feels straight out of a storybook.

( Source: Zile și Nopți )

The heart of the celebrations is, without a doubt, the Christmas Market in Council Square, where a giant Christmas tree decorated with thousands of lights dominates the entire plaza. Around it, dozens of wooden stalls offer the most traditional delights—from cozonac and mulled wine to handcrafted objects and handmade gifts. The atmosphere is completed by live music, carols, and the unmistakable scent of cinnamon, baked apples, and gingerbread.

The Black Church, imposing and solemn, provides a fascinating contrast to the surrounding cheer, reminding visitors of the city’s rich history. From there, the streets branching out from Council Square—Republicii Street, Rope Street, Sub Tâmpa—come alive, beautifully illuminated and filled with tourists and locals enjoying the festive spirit.

For those seeking a fairytale view, the cable car ride to Tâmpa offers a spectacular panorama of the snow-covered city. And if you love winter sports, the Poiana Brașov resort, just a few kilometers away, is the perfect place for skiing, sleigh rides, or cozy evenings at a mountain lodge by the fire.

Brașov perfectly blends the romance of a medieval city with the energy of a modern tourist center. It’s a destination where Christmas truly comes alive—through its people, its places, and the sincere emotion that fills the air. Whether you stroll through the old town, enjoy a warm tea in a charming café, or admire the market lights, Brașov will make you fall in love with winter all over again.

Cluj-Napoca – A Modern Christmas in the Heart of Transylvania

In the heart of Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca becomes a vibrant city full of light, energy, and joy during December. The youthful spirit of this university city blends harmoniously with old traditions, turning Cluj into an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic yet dynamic Christmas experience.

( Source: Cluj ) 

The heart of the festivities is Union Square, home to one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Romania. In front of the imposing St. Michael’s Church, a giant decorated Christmas tree dominates the square, surrounded by dozens of wooden stalls offering traditional products, sweets, souvenirs, and warm drinks. The ice rink in the center of the square is a favorite not only for children but also for adults who want to relive the magic of winters gone by.

The atmosphere is one of pure celebration—lights, carols, and projections on historic buildings create a spectacular scene, and the entire central area comes alive as evening falls. Visitors can enjoy local specialties such as fresh langoși, smoked sausages, or mulled wine with spices while listening to live concerts and admiring the light show.

But the magic of Cluj doesn’t stop there. On the narrow streets of the old town, cafés, restaurants, and pubs offer a warm refuge on cold winter evenings. While snow gently falls outside, the venues are filled with life, with the scent of coffee, hot chocolate, and laughter. The city’s youthful spirit can be felt everywhere, and the locals know how to make Christmas a celebration of shared joy.

For culture lovers, the Romanian National Opera and the National Theatre host special Christmas performances, including carol concerts, ballet, and holiday shows, adding an elegant and emotional touch to the winter experience.

Cluj is the place where Transylvanian tradition meets cosmopolitan modernity. It is a city that doesn’t just celebrate Christmas—it lives it intensely through light, music, people, and atmosphere. In December, Cluj-Napoca truly becomes a city of joy, friendship, and hope—exactly what Christmas should be.

Maramureș – The Authentic Romanian Christmas of Traditions

If you want to experience Christmas the way it once was, in its pure simplicity and beauty, then Maramureș is the place to be. Here, the holidays are not just a tradition but a deep part of local identity. Snow covers the villages like a coat of light, fires burn in the stoves, and carolers dressed in traditional clothing walk through the lanes with warm voices, bringing the news of the Nativity.

( Source: Romania Turistica ) 

In Maramureș, Christmas is not about rush and shopping, but about faith, family, and community. Every home opens its gate to guests, tables are filled with traditional dishes, sarmale, homemade sausages, caltaboș, cozonac, and the essential horincă, and hosts welcome you with warm smiles and open hearts.

One of the most beautiful places to visit during this period is Sighetu Marmației, where winter traditions are preserved with great reverence. Here you can witness parades of traditional costumes, caroling performances, and dances specific to the region. In the surrounding villages, Ieud, Bârsana, Botiza, or Desești, tourists can discover centuries-old wooden churches, many of them UNESCO World Heritage sites and true symbols of Maramureș spirituality.

One of the most emotional experiences is attending the Christmas service in a wooden church, illuminated by candlelight and filled with ancient carols sung from the heart. In that moment, you feel as though time has stopped and you are living a holiday from another world, one where simple and profound values truly matter.

Beyond its religious traditions, Maramureș also offers a fairytale winter landscape. Roads lined with carved wooden gates, snow-covered hills, and smoke rising gently from chimneys create the image of a world where Christmas is not just a holiday, but a state of mind.

Maramureș represents perhaps the most sincere form of the Romanian Christmas—a place where tradition lives on, where people still cherish simple things, and where the magic of the season is felt in every gesture, every carol, and every heart.

Bucovina – The Magic of Carols and Monasteries Adorned for Winter

In Bucovina, Christmas takes on a special kind of beauty, filled with peace, faith, and warmth of heart. Here, among gentle hills and snow-covered forests, traditions are preserved with deep reverence, and every village seems lifted straight from an old storybook.

( Source: Discover Bucovina ) 

Winter holidays begin early in this part of Moldavia, with ancient carols, pastoral customs, and tables filled with traditional delicacies. On Christmas Eve, groups of carolers go from house to house, and the sound of the bucium and bells blends with the gentle voices of the elders, who tell stories about the Nativity and tales from long ago.

One of Bucovina’s greatest symbols is, of course, the painted monasteries, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. During Christmas days, these holy places become true sanctuaries of light. Voroneț Monastery, with its unique blue, as well as Humor, Sucevița, Moldovița, and Putna, offer a breathtaking display of spirituality and beauty, with their painted walls appearing almost alive beneath the white mantle of winter.

At Putna, the resting place of Stephen the Great, the Christmas service is a deeply emotional and solemn moment. The chants of church choirs and the warm glow of candles create an atmosphere of perfect peace, where every soul feels closer to the divine.

In villages such as Cacica, Vatra Moldoviței, Ciocănești, or Gura Humorului, visitors can discover the authentic hospitality of Bucovina. Houses are adorned with traditional motifs, tables overflow with local dishes, pârjoale, cabbage-wrapped sarmale, walnut cozonac, and warm brânzoaice, and hosts welcome guests as if they were family.

For nature lovers, Bucovina in winter is pure visual poetry. Mountain landscapes, snow-covered forests, and deep drifts surrounding the homesteads create a Christmas scene that feels like a painting from another time.

Christmas in Bucovina is not just a holiday, but a soulful experience in which spirituality intertwines with tradition, and the serenity of the land reminds you of the true meaning of peace and joy.

Oradea – Elegance, Light, and Western Charm at Christmas

In the heart of Crișana, Oradea manages every winter to transform its historic center into a fairytale stage, where the elegance of Art Nouveau architecture blends with the magic of the holidays. Christmas in Oradea is not just a celebration, but an experience that takes you through a city illuminated by thousands of lights, full of life, music, and joy.

( Source: Ghid local ) 

The centerpiece of the celebrations is the Christmas Market in Union Square, where the Black Eagle Palace and the Moon Church reflect beautifully against the winter decorations, creating a scene of remarkable charm. Around the giant Christmas tree, locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy traditional dishes, hot langoși, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and homemade pastries—all while Christmas carols and holiday concerts can be heard from the main stage.

What makes Oradea truly special during this season is its relaxed and elegant atmosphere, blending Central European spirit with Romanian hospitality. The impeccably restored streets of the old town are adorned with magical lights, and evening strolls along the Corso or by the banks of the Crișul Repede become a real delight on cold December nights.

Oradea is also a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and pampering during the holidays. The Therme Felix resort, located just a few kilometers from the city, offers an ideal thermal escape, with warm-water pools, spa treatments, and peaceful landscapes—perfectly complementing the festive atmosphere.

Beyond the Christmas market, Oradea also hosts winter cultural events such as symphonic concerts, theater performances, and seasonal exhibitions, adding an extra touch of refinement to the city. Additionally, the façades of historic buildings, Moskovits Palace, City Hall, and the Queen Maria Theatre, are illuminated spectacularly, turning Oradea’s evenings into a show of light and color.

Oradea is, without a doubt, a Christmas destination that harmoniously blends tradition, elegance, and modern comfort, offering a festive atmosphere suited to families, couples, and groups of friends alike.

Here, the magic of Christmas can be felt in every carol, every twinkle of light, and every smile of people who truly know how to enjoy life.

Christmas in Romania – a story that comes to life

Every corner of Romania holds a piece of Christmas magic, whether you find it in the sparkling lights of Sibiu and Oradea, the mountain charm of Brașov, the deep spirituality of Bucovina, or the authenticity of Maramureș. From the vibrant, energetic city of Cluj-Napoca to the quiet northern villages where carols echo through the night, our country offers a unique diversity of holiday experiences and landscapes.

Christmas in Romania is not just a holiday; it is a journey into the soul of traditions, simple joys, and genuine hospitality. It is the time when cities fill with light, homes smell of cozonac and cinnamon, and people rediscover the beauty of being together.

No matter which destination you choose, you will find the same warmth, the same emotion, and the same charm of a Romanian winter everywhere you go. Perhaps the magic of Christmas does not lie only in places, but in the way Romania knows how to make you feel it, with your heart.

So this winter, let yourself be carried by lights, carols, and traditions, and discover 7 magical destinations that turn Christmas into an unforgettable memory.