The winter holiday season transforms Romania into a true fairy tale, where cities fill with lights, the scent of cinnamon, and the unmistakable magic of Christmas. From historic squares adorned with sparkling garlands to themed parks, concerts, workshops, and shows dedicated to children, Christmas markets in Romania become more spectacular and more beloved by tourists every year.

In 2025, the festive atmosphere reaches impressive levels in five of the country’s most visited destinations: Brașov, Sibiu, Craiova, Cluj-Napoca, and Bucharest. Each of these cities adds its own imprint to the celebrations, combining authentic traditions with modern installations, interactive activities, and fairytale-like decor.

Charming Brașov, with its medieval center and views of Mount Tâmpa, becomes a perfect winter scene. Sibiu, already renowned at the European level for its Christmas market, welcomes visitors with a warm and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Craiova surprises with its light shows and impressive installations that transform the city center into a themed fairytale park. Cluj-Napoca offers a vibrant mix of tradition and innovation, with cultural events and artistic installations. Meanwhile, Bucharest, the capital, brings the energy of a big city, with large markets, live shows, and festive experiences for all ages.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend, shopping, traditional gastronomy, or magical moments with your loved ones, these cities await you with some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Romania. Get your warm clothes, festive spirit, and desire for exploration ready—an enchanting season full of light, emotion, and discoveries awaits!

The Christmas Market in Brașov

The Christmas Market in Brașov is, year after year, one of the most spectacular and beloved holiday events in Romania. Located in Piața Sfatului, right at the foot of Mount Tâmpa, the market becomes a true fairytale setting, where the city’s medieval charm blends perfectly with the warm Christmas lights. In 2025, Brașov promises an even more dazzling edition, with new decorations, impressive light installations, and an atmosphere straight out of winter fairy tales.

( Source: G4Media ) 

At the wooden stalls spread throughout the square, you’ll find everything that embodies tradition and joy: local products, seasonal sweets, aromatic mulled wine, handmade gifts, and warm dishes that soothe your soul on cold days. The ice rink nearby, the light projections on the historic buildings, and the monumental Christmas tree in the center of the square complete the festive décor perfectly.

Beyond the culinary delights and visual atmosphere, the market also offers a varied artistic program: carols, concerts, children’s activities, and themed performances. Little ones can meet Santa Claus in his workshop, while visitors of all ages can enjoy daily surprises prepared especially for the event.

Brașov always succeeds in turning the holiday season into a unique experience. The mountain scenery, the charm of the historic center, and the magic of the market come together to create one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations in Romania — a place where you feel the holiday spirit wrapping around you from the very first step among the lights.

The Christmas Market in Sibiu

The Christmas Market in Sibiu is, without a doubt, one of the most emblematic and beloved winter season events in Romania. Held in the heart of the city, in Piața Mare, the market transforms the historic center into a fairytale setting, where warm lights, the scent of cinnamon, and Baroque architecture create one of the most authentic festive atmospheres in the country.

( Source: Hoinaru ) 

Year after year, the Christmas Market in Sibiu impresses with its flawless organization, spectacular installations, and a carefully selected range of vendors offering local products, handcrafted items, and traditional delicacies. From handmade decorations, artisanal jewelry, and wooden toys to savory treats like kürtős kalács, sarmale, and aromatic mulled wine, the visitor experience becomes complete and memorable.

One of the main attractions is the panoramic Ferris wheel, which offers a stunning view of the festively lit old town, as well as the ice rink located right in the square, bringing joy to both children and adults. For kids, the magic continues in Santa’s Workshop, where they can take part in creative activities and meet Santa himself.

Sibiu has a special charm in December. While the market draws visitors to the city center, the illuminated streets, historic buildings, and multicultural atmosphere create the feeling of a true European holiday city. The Christmas Market is not just an event, but a complete experience—a blend of tradition, culture, and joy that makes Sibiu one of the most inspired choices for a winter getaway each year.

The Christmas Market in Craiova

In recent years, Craiova has become one of the most spectacular Christmas destinations in Romania, astonishing visitors with a complete transformation of the city in December. It is known for its grand festive lighting, possibly the most impressive in the country. The Christmas Market in Craiova offers a memorable combination of visual magic, local traditions, and activities for all ages.

( Source: Hello Holidays ) 

The entire central area, from Piața Mihai Viteazul to Piața William Shakespeare and the nearby public garden, is adorned with spectacular light installations, fantastical creatures, sparkling tunnels, and themed scenes that make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a storybook city. The Christmas tree, the symbol of the market, dominates the square, surrounded by dozens of wooden stalls where local vendors offer handcrafted gifts, traditional sweets, artisanal products, and handmade souvenirs.

The market is complemented by areas dedicated to children, including carousels, little trains, and storybook characters, as well as spaces for adults, such as culinary zones where visitors can enjoy traditional dishes, mulled wine, gingerbread, or local specialties reimagined for the festive season. Each evening, the atmosphere comes alive with artistic programs, caroling, and themed performances that enliven the entire city center.

Year after year, Craiova manages to reinvent itself and become a benchmark for winter celebrations in Romania. Whether you come for the lights, the impressive decorations, the traditional food, or simply for the feeling of authentic festivity, the Christmas Market in Craiova is a destination that captivates from the first moment and stays in your heart long after the lights go out.

The Christmas Market in Cluj-Napoca

Every December, Cluj-Napoca becomes one of the most vibrant holiday cities in Romania, and the Christmas Market in Piața Unirii is the heart of this festive universe. Located right in the city center, the market brings together spectacular lights, themed decorations, the scent of mulled wine and cinnamon, carols, and hundreds of visitors enjoying the magic of winter.

The main attraction remains the panoramic Ferris wheel, offering a stunning view of the historic center bathed in light. Surrounding it, wooden stalls offer local products, handmade gifts, traditional sweets, hot chocolate, pies, gingerbread, warm dishes, and many other treats perfect for chilly December evenings.

( Source: Digi24 ) 

For the little ones, the program includes dedicated shows, Santa’s House, creative workshops, and moments where they can interact directly with Santa. The entire area becomes a space of joy, where every detail—from the enormous Christmas tree to the street decorations—contributes to the fairytale atmosphere.

Through this market, Cluj perfectly blends the charm of traditional holidays with the modern energy of the university city. It is an ideal destination for families, couples, and anyone looking to experience the magic of Christmas in a vibrant, warm, and surprise-filled setting.

The Christmas Market in Piața Constituției, Bucharest

The Christmas Market in Piața Constituției is, year after year, one of the most spectacular holiday events in Romania, and the 2025 edition promises to be more dazzling than ever. Decorated with thousands of lights, interactive installations, a massive Christmas tree, and hundreds of themed details, the market transforms the center of Bucharest into a winter story straight out of a movie. Located right in the heart of the capital, under the imposing gaze of the Palace of the Parliament, it becomes a place where tradition, the magic of Christmas, and the energy of a big city come together in perfect harmony.

( Source: Digi24) 

The atmosphere is enhanced by countless festively decorated wooden stalls, where visitors can discover artisanal products, souvenirs, handmade decorations, toys, as well as traditional dishes prepared on-site. From aromatic mulled wine, gingerbread, warm cozonac, and steaming pies to modern reinterpretations of local delicacies, every corner of the market invites exploration.

For the little ones, Santa’s House becomes an unmissable attraction, a place where childhood magic comes to life through creative workshops, meetings with Santa, and surprises specially prepared for them. The market also hosts an impressive musical show, featuring popular Romanian artists, carolers, live bands, and family-friendly performances.

With the perfect blend of tradition and urban spectacle, the Christmas Market in Piața Constituției is where Bucharest residents and tourists rediscover the beauty of the holidays. It is a space that not only marks the beginning of winter and Christmas preparations but also offers moments of genuine joy, relaxation, and magic for all ages.

Conclusion

Every year, Romania’s Christmas markets manage to transform December into a spectacle of light, tradition, and shared joy. From the medieval magic of Brașov and Sibiu, to the colorful explosion in Craiova, the diverse events in Cluj-Napoca, or the vibrant and grand atmosphere of the market in Piața Constituției, Bucharest, each city leaves its unique mark on the winter holidays.

These markets are not just tourist destinations; they are genuine emotional experiences that bring communities together, create memories for families, and offer travelers authentic, storybook moments. Whether you’re seeking spectacular scenery, traditional flavors, festive concerts, or simply a warm, luminous atmosphere, Romania’s Christmas markets welcome you with open arms.

Whether you choose a single city or embark on a full holiday tour, you’ll discover that the spirit of Christmas shines everywhere—in the squares, on the streets, in people’s smiles, and in every corner of light that dresses the country in magic. In December, Romania becomes a map of joy, with these markets serving as its brightest landmarks.