Christmas markets in Romania

Romania impresses not only with its nature and castles, but also with its incredibly beautiful Christmas markets. It doesn’t matter whether you are looking to experience the holiday spirit in the capital of Bucharest, honor the historical charm of Sibiu, or feel the dynamic energy of Cluj. Romania’s Christmas markets offer a magical blend of old-world architecture and modern festivity.

Whether you are interested in handicrafts and souvenirs, want to have fun with children, or came to stroll through the Christmas city with friends while sipping hot mulled wine – you will still immerse yourself in the atmosphere and will definitely catch the celebration!

Christmas markets in Bucharest

Place and dates: from November 29 to December 28, 2026 – Constitution Square.

In Bucharest, several Christmas markets are usually located at Constitution Square and in Drumul Taberei Park in District 6.

Bucharest Christmas Market

The Bucharest Christmas Market impresses with a wide variety of activities and treats for visitors of all ages. Here you’ll find a 30-meter Christmas tree, over 130 stalls with seasonal gifts, Santa Claus’s House and a Ferris wheel. As well as a program of concerts and carols.

The huge market is adorned with a Christmas tree, which is the heart of the celebration. Also this year you will find an ice rink measuring 30 by 20 meters with a picturesque view of the giant Christmas tree. There is also a carousel that evokes nostalgic memories. The market features a Ferris wheel nearly 40 meters high. It is offering a whirlwind of emotions as you view the whole Christmas market.

And for the little ones? A wonderful meeting awaits in Santa Claus’s House – a dreamy space resonating with fun, elven laughter, and magical stories about reindeer. Around the market are themed zones offering interactive games and artistic shows.

Opening Hours:

On weekdays from 12:00 to 23:00, on weekends festivities begin at 10:00 and last till 23:00.

West Side Christmas Market – an event by the organizers of Untold, starts on November 25. It will transform Drumul Taberei Park into “a fairy-tale city full of playful characters”. There will be traditional food, as well as international dishes, an ice rink, carousel, Ferris wheel, and Santa Claus’s house.

For 28 days, until December 27, residents and guests of Bucharest can enjoy a fairyland with spectacular lights and decorations, a Ferris wheel, skating rink, carousel, Santa’s house, elves’ workshop, concerts, traditional culinary masterpieces and many, many surprises.

The main attractions of the market will be: ice rink, colorful carousels and a children’s train, a Ferris wheel 38 meters high, over 65 stalls featuring traditional dishes, mulled wine, hot chocolate, ornaments and gifts made by masters from all over the country.

In the “Elves’ Workshop” located at the entrance to the park, all children can participate in organized activities (DGASPC Sector 6). These are workshops on writing greetings for Santa, drawing, making snow globes, garlands, ornaments.

Working hours: The market will be open every day, Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 21:00. On weekends from 11:00 to 22:00.

Where to stay in Bucharest at Christmas:

Continental Forum Bucuresti Palatul Parlamentului – the hotel is located near the Romanian Parliament.
ibis Styles Bucharest City Center – very conveniently located between the Old Town and close to Gara de Nord train station.
Vilacrosse Boutique Inn – a hotel for those who want to be in the very epicenter of Bucharest’s Old Town.

I recommend reading: Six districts of Bucharest where tourists should stay

Christmas Markets in Sibiu

Place and dates: from November 14, 2026 to January 4, 2027 – Grand Square.

The market, held on Sibiu’s Grand Square, is expanding this year into the inner courtyard of the Brukenthal Palace, where you can buy handmade souvenirs, confectionery, a bar and many culinary surprises.

Among the main highlights of the market are the light projections on the buildings of the Grand Square, Santa’s Workshop, Ferris wheel, tourist train, skating rink. The program also includes various concerts, which will be held on a stage installed in the palace courtyard. Throughout the entire fair, there will be performances by jazz bands, classical music artists, Andi Moisescu, DJ Antenna, DJ Vasile, and Nopame.

This year’s novelty at the Christmas market is its extension into the Brukenthal Palace courtyard. Here visitors will find Christmas houses with handmade goods, pastries from Sibiu and Cluj-Napoca, a bar staffed by experienced bartenders, and many culinary surprises. There will also be plenty of music: on the stage in the courtyard, you will see Andi Moisescu, DJ Antenna, DJ Vasile, Nopame, and other jazz bands, electro-funk DJs, or artists.

Pension Casa Frieda≫ – the hotel is located at the entrance to the old town and is very easy to find. The hotel has a very good restaurant. Some spacious rooms overlook the square, so you can watch the Christmas celebrations.
MyContinental Sibiu≫ – A nice hotel in the city center. Spacious and clean rooms with all the necessary amenities, excellent value for money.
Elegant Apartment in Historic Center, Quiet Area≫ – Clean, new modern apartment in the center of Sibiu, with everything you need for a relaxing stay (TV, washing machine, coffee machine, etc.).

Christmas Market in Craiova

Place and dates: from November 14, 2026 to January 4, 2027 – William Shakespeare Square, Doljana, and Mihai Viteazul Square.

The market in Craiova this year is dedicated to the story of the Snow Queen. This is the largest market in Europe – the scale is simply astonishing.

The celebration takes place in four locations in Craiova, namely in the Old Town, on William Shakespeare Square, Doljana, and Mihai Viteazul Square. More than 70 vendors from Craiova and around the country will be present at the market with traditional food products, handmade gifts and decorations. An ice rink, carousel, Ferris wheel brought from the Netherlands, creative workshops and concerts await children and adults.

I recommend reading: Sighisoara – the city where Count Dracula lived

Christmas Market in Timisoara

Place and dates: from November 23, 2026 to January 7, 2027 – Victory Square.

In addition to a series of events that are part of the city’s European Capital of Culture program, several venues in Timisoara host the Christmas Market. Specifically, Victory Square, Freedom Square, Sfântul Gheorghe Square, Soarelui, and Aurora Squares.

Around 83 vendors will be present in the city center. Some will offer non-food goods. There will be two Santa’s workshops, an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, two carousels, and a tourist train. The opening of the market coincides with the switching on of the city’s festive lights. The New Year tree will be installed in Victory Square, opposite the City Opera.

Hotels in central Timisoara:

Savoy Hotel≫ – we stayed in this wonderful hotel when we traveled around Romania by car (they have their own parking). Very large, clean, bright rooms, good breakfasts, great location by the river just 5 minutes to the city center.
Studio mic și cochet in centru cu mic dejun inclus≫ – The apartment is spacious, clean, and well-kept, offering all modern amenities needed for a comfortable stay, including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, fully equipped kitchen, etc. The location is perfect near the city center, and you can walk to all attractions.
Charming Apartment in Timisoara Top Center≫ – cozy apartments in the city center for relatively little money. The apartment has a nice view of the city, just 10 minutes’ walk from Bastion Maria Theresa.

Christmas Market in Brasov

Place and dates: from November 30, 2026 to January 11, 2027 – Council Square.

Brașov, a popular mountain destination, celebrates the winter holidays by lighting up 1.2 million lights throughout the city. Brașov holds the record for Christmas trees in Romania – there are as many as 80 (!) trees in the city. The Christmas market is held on Piaţa Sfatului (Council Square), and the celebration follows the theme “Fairy December”. The market has brought together about 50 producers and artisans who offer various seasonal goods, festive dishes, and toys. On Sfântul Ioan Square, a skating rink will be opened where five food trucks will also be in operation.

Hotels and Apartments in Brasov:

SIAN Sanctuary Villa≫ – Cozy, clean, comfortable. Convenient location: near the Old Town, funicular, and fortress – everything is nearby. You can leave your car on the street where the hotel is situated.
Vila Alba Brasov≫ – Great location next to the old town – the terrace offers a nice view of Brasov. Very clean. Parking. Friendly staff. Beautiful view from the terrace over the city and fortress. Convenient shared-use kitchen.
Albert Residence with Parking≫ – good hotel for those who do not like crowds yet want to stay in the historic area of the city. Perfect for those who like to take a walk in the city before breakfast or in the evening. You can leave your car nearby.

Christmas Market in Oradea

Place and dates: from November 28 to December 26, 2026 – Unirii Square.

This art nouveau city in northern Romania hosts the Christmas market on Unirii and Ferdinand Squares, where stalls with seasonal treats, delicious drinks, gifts, food trucks, and entertainment areas will be set up. The programme also includes concerts and caroling.

Hotels in Oradea:

O-Zone Penthouse&Terrace≫ – Located 2 minutes from the center of Oradea. With an incredible view of the city. The apartment is cozy and has everything you need to feel at home.
Hotel Maxim≫ – The hotel has its own pool and is located close to the old city center. Offers clean rooms, varied breakfasts.

Christmas Markets in Cluj-Napoca

Place and dates: from November 2q, 2026 to January 1, 2027 – Unirii Square.

Cluj-Napoca will host two Christmas markets, both organized by the team behind the Untold music festival. On Unirii Square in Cluj, the Christmas Planet festival will take place, and on the embankment near the Sports Hall, the Winter Fair. will be organized.

Christmas Planet will bring together over 75 stalls, entertainment for children and families, as well as seasonal products from local producers. A Ferris wheel, Santa’s house, and a carousel are among the attractions, as well as a program of concerts and shows.

At the same time, the Winter Fair will be a place for a variety of seasonal fun for children, who await a parade of Santa’s helpers and an ice rink. In addition to local producer stalls, various concerts will also be held at the location.

Where to stay in Cluj-Napoca:

Strada Ion I. C. Brătianu Nr.24≫ – the perfect apartment with an excellent location, close to the center and there is the possibility to park your car.
Camino Home≫ – Charming apartment with wooden floors and the lovingly preserved spirit of an old house. Located right in the town center. Easy self check-in.
Saturn Central Apartment≫ – a very beautiful and clean apartment in the center of the old town, close to all Cluj-Napoca attractions.

Photos from Visit Romania

Useful articles and links:

Train, and bus tickets – Omio.com
Travel Medical Insurance – HotlineFinance
Hotel reservations and apartments – Booking.com
Car rental – I look for inexpensive options at DiscoverCars

Christmas holidays in Romania