Romania has quietly transformed into one of Europe’s winter wonderlands over the past several years – not just because of its amazing ski destinations, but also because of the Christmas markets that are getting better and better.
This year, we will have the most amazing Christmas markets ever – full of light and amazing decorations, handmade treats (including local food), live music and, overall, that cozy energy that makes even the coldest night feel warm.
But even though visiting any will fill your heart with joy, I have to admit that some are much better than others. And today, I am here to talk about the latter: the best Christmas markets in Romania and everything you should know about them. Let’s begin!
Craiova Christmas Market
Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Location: Mihai Viteazul Square and the surrounding central area (marked on Google Maps here).
Craiova is the somewhat surprising winner of the “Best Romanian Christmas Market” award and not just from myself – it’s been praised across Europe for its spectacular setup and was constantly included on top lists from reputable websites.
We went there last year and loved it (read about our Craiova Christmas Market visit), and I am sure the same will happen this year.
This year’s theme will be “The Nutcracker” (unlike last year, when there was a mix of four themes). The area will still be divided into 4 sections, but all will follow the same main theme.
So expect a huge Christmas tree, an ice rink, an amusement park, and plenty of cottages selling homemade cookies, drinks, and treats, and various holiday-related trinkets.
This year, we will also have free concerts each weekend, with Romanian artists singing mostly winter-themed carols and songs. During the day, there will also be plenty of workshops and activities for children.
All in all, this is the best in Romania – and one many foreigners are unfortunately not aware of yet. Must visit!
My Advice:
- Arrive after sunset (4PM the earliest) – the moment the lights come on is pure magic and everything looks much better.
- Weekends are packed – but that’s when most events are. However, if you’re not interested in the concerts, I recommend weekdays, which are calmer.
- If you want to spend a night (or more) in Craiova, book your stay well in advance and expect huge prices, especially for the weekends.
Craiova itself is a city worth visiting no matter the time of the year. We were there recently and we were profoundly impressed by how nicely the city has grown. You can read about our experiences exploring the city in my previous article sharing the top attractions in Craiova, or the one recommending the best restaurants here.
Bucharest Christmas Market in Constitution’s Square
Dates: November 29 – December 28, 2025
Location: Constitution Square, in front of the Palace of Parliament
With Bucharest being such a large city, there are multiple Christmas Markets organized, but the one in Constitution Square is the main attraction – and the one you should visit if you can’t check them all out.
Over a million participants gather here annually to enjoy the lights, Christmas carols and delicious foods served in the plethora of cottages spread all over the square.
You can taste delicious local foods like the Cozonac (sweet bread with cocoa and walnuts), mulled wine, or hot tea. You can learn more about the traditional Romanian foods here.
A special attraction for children is The Magic House of Santa Claus. Here, they can interact with Santa and his elves, take pictures and even tell Santa what they want for Christmas.
It is true that it’s pretty crowded and prices are bit on the spicy side too, but you can still enjoy it for free if you want to – and it’s worth visiting at least once!
I’m marking it on Google Maps here to make it easy for you to reach it.
My advice:
- Visit early evening before the big crowds roll in (but when it’s dark, to enjoy the lights).
- Combine your visit with a daytime tour of the Palace of Parliament.
- Skip driving – parking is nearly impossible in the area. The metro or rideshare apps are your best bet.
- If you like people-watching, grab a cup of mulled wine and stand by the fountain – it’s a front-row seat to pure holiday chaos in the best way possible.
Sibiu Christmas Market
Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Location: Large Square (Piata Mare), Sibiu Old Town
Located in the heart of Transylvania, the Sibiu Christmas Market has been considered the best in Romania for many years, before losing the crown to Craiova. But it’s doing its best to get it back!
The city’s medieval architecture already feels storybook-perfect, but during winter it becomes something else entirely. Snow dusts the rooftops, the mountains peek in the distance, and every cobblestone seems to glow from the millions of light in the market. It’s truly spectacular!
The fair is located in the heart of Sibiu in the Large Square (I’m marking it on Google maps here), extending all the way to the courtyard of the Brukenthal Palace.
You can check out a few more photos below to see what you can expect when you visit:
And since you’ll be here anyway, make sure to also visit the top attractions in Sibiu – they’re even more special during the winter.
The Christmas Market in Oradea
Dates: November 28 – December 26, 2025
Location: Union Square (Piata Unirii)
The Oradea Christmas Market has been quietly gaining attention over the years, and it deserves it. The combination of beautiful architecture in the old town area, the river running through, as well as the festive energy make it a must-visit too. (marked on Google Maps here)
Each year brings concerts, carolers, and performances, along with an impressive number of food stalls offering sausages, traditional sweets, and plenty of mulled wine. Kids can hop on the miniature train or watch puppet shows in the afternoons, while adults can enjoy live music at night.
If you want to splurge, book accommodation facing the square. Waking up and seeing the market from your window is worth every leu – although you will pay plenty of those for such a location.
Oradea is an amazing city to visit and, if you have time to explore it a bit more, I recommend ticking off as many of its top attractions as possible.
The Christmas Market in Brasov
Dates: November 30, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Location: Council Square (Piata Sfatului)
Although nowhere near as over the top as the recommendations above – even minimalist, I would say – Brasov’s Christmas market remains one of the best in the country, as the Christmas decorations blend in flawlessly with the surroundings.
Located in the historic Council Square of the city, surrounded by picturesque Baroque buildings and the iconic Black Church – some of the main attractions in the city – this market features dozens of stalls offering unique Romanian crafts, but also homemade sweets, various types of foods and drinks.
Since Brasov is such a popular city for tourists and one of the best winter destinations in Romania overall, it will surely be full.
Cluj Napoca Christmas Market
Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Location: Unirii Square (Piata Unirii- here on Google Maps)
This market is a blend of medieval charm and modern vitality, creating a unique atmosphere in one of the most popular cities in Transylvania.
IMPORTANT: There are actually two Christmas markets in the city, but the main one is the one in the Piata Unirii area.
As you visit this fair, you’re greeted by a fairytale world: plenty of lights, the Christmas tree, the white houses hosting a variety of seasonal vendors, the ice rink, and the Ferris Wheel… all of these mix perfectly together to offer a unique, pleasant experience.
Plus, it is organized by the same company that handles Romania’s top music festival, Untold, so you know you’re in for a solid treat – and plenty of good music and events at the Planet Christmas stage, but also plenty of workshops for the little ones.
Timișoara Christmas Market
Dates: November 23, 2025 – January 7, 2026
Location: Victory Square (Piața Victoriei) and Liberty Square (Piața Libertății)
Timișoara, known as “Little Vienna,” has been quietly building one of Romania’s most charming Christmas markets and is a new entry this year with a small fair, but a big one in terms of what it offers.
This fair transforms Timișoara’s elegant architecture into a glowing corridor of lights, offering a relaxed pace and a friendly atmosphere above everything else.
Visitors can explore around 50 wooden stalls, each selling handmade ornaments, regional delicacies, and local crafts. I love sampling the langos during the winter holidays, as well as the kurtoskalacs – so make sure to give them a try if you’re in the area (you will probably find these in most other Christmas markets!)
A Ferris wheel offers stunning night views over Victory Square, and the ice rink in Liberty Square is a hit with families. All in all, a great place to be this Christmas!
Romania is a great destination for those looking for hidden gems when it comes to Christmas Markets and Fairs. And above you have the six best that you should visit.
And if you’re going to be in Romania during the winter, make sure to check out my previous article sharing what the country is like during the cold season and hone up your Romanian skills by learning how to say Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and more.
What’s your favorite Christmas market in Romania? Do you know any amazing ones that I haven’t listed above? Let us all know by commenting below!
I am a journalist and local expert who has been documenting life in Romania since 2013. Based in Constanta (after living in Bucharest and Drobeta Turnu Severin), I provide up-to-date, on-the-ground advice for expats and travelers. My articles are based on real life experiences and plenty of research – from paying Romanian bills to exploring the wild “Rawmania” countryside.