The list of Christmas Markets is long, but we will choose some of our favorites from the previous years and the ones that will most likely impress the most.
Craiova
The city of Craiova has changed quite a bit these past years and has restored it’s historical center, and as the highway is being built to get there in a timely fashion, it will be another important place to visit from Bucharest. The reason why it’s first on our list is because it received international recognition. This article will argue that it is the second-best Christmas Market in Europe: link
Date: 15th of November – 5th January
Official website: https://craiovalive.ro/eveniment/targul-de-craciun-craiova-2024/2025-01-01/ (use chrome translate)
The main thing you need to know is that it is definitely a decadent event with 4 areas with different themes: Beauty and the Beast, Santa’s Village, Traditional Romanian Christmas, and Intergalactic Christmas (some sci-fi elements and possibly the future of Christmas is waiting in Craiova). To use a Romanian expression, something for everyone can be found. You will not get bored; there are activities for kids, projections on buildings, traditional carols, classical music, food, and small amusement parks. As it was one of the best Christmas markets in Europe these past 3 years, it is going to be crowded, but you will definitely have the most wonderful time of the year.
Location: 5 locations inside the city check the official website Link
Bucharest
Bucharest has a couple Christmas markets, which we will promote on our website soon. But for you, we chose our favorite, West Side Christmas Story in Drumul Taberei Park. Location is nice, and you avoid the hustle and bustle of the centre of town. This can be easily dethroned by another Christmas market that has yet to be announced.
Date: 29th of November to 27th of December
More information: https://www.romania-insider.com/untold-organizers-west-side-christmas-market-bucharest-2024
This festival is delivered by the producers of the Untold festival, so they know how to handle large scale events. My favorite part, to be honest, is the panoramic bridge where you can see the whole park, and without a doubt you will have everything you need to enjoy your time at the Christmas Market.
Location: Link
Sibiu
Dracula likes smaller cities close to the mountains and, of course, in Transylvania. The architecture of the city is more from the Germanic regions of Europe, so will remind you of that Christmas aesthetic that people are generally looking for. Sibiu was the European Capital of Culture quite some time ago, and it hasn’t lost it’s charm.
Date: 15th of November – 5th January
Official website: https://targuldecraciun.ro/en/
This year, the fair brings 120 exhibitors from 36 Romanian counties, plus international artisans from Israel, Hungary, and Italy. Offerings range from handmade decorations and unique gifts to culinary treats and hot drinks, sure to delight every visitor. There will also be Christmas-themed workshops for the little ones.
Location: Piata Mare (main activities) Piata Mica (Santa’s Land) Piata Huet (Decorations and light installations)
Brasov
Medieval large city that is accessible from Bucharest. It is going to be very crowded during the weekends but it also has that Transylvanian charm that you are looking for in a Christmas Market.
Date: 29th of November – 7th of January
Official website: Link (not very helpful)
Official statement: “This unique fair brings together artisans and local producers, offering a special opportunity to sell authentic, traditional, and handmade products in a festive atmosphere.” – Not the most unique, but this year they will have a giant fur tree displayed and new little houses on display.
Location: Piata Sfatului
Oradea
The Oradea Christmas Market according to zondadecondofort is the best Christmas Market in Romania. I still think Craiova is better for tourists but if you like music and helping others this might the the market for you. They have plenty of bands playing from hip-hop, pop, traditional music and carols to set up a festive mood. But if you are looking for a good deed, “The City of Good Deeds” is a project helping those in need with donations during the Christmas Market in Oradea.
Date: 2-26 December
Official website: Link (not running yet) Link for events (needs chrome translate)
From December 16-22, 2022, “The City of Good Deeds” is open for event and concert meant for fundraising. List of concerts:
- Dec 16: DJ Razz
- Dec 17: Andia, Spike, Delia
- Dec 18: Irina Rimes, Puya, The Motans
- Dec 19: Cabron, Theo Rose, Taraful rutenilor
- Dec 20: Vescan, Jo, Mario Fresh, Alexandra Stan
- Dec 21: Noaptea Târziu, Nicole Cherry, Carla’s Dreams
- Dec 22: Juno, Smiley, Mira, Lidia Buble
More events listed here in Romanian: Link (When Santa is coming and schedule for each day)
Location: Piata Unirii
Extra reading for other Christmas Markets use the translate feature from google chrome: https://zonadecomfort.ro/targuri-de-craciun-romania/
https://travelreview.ro/cele-mai-frumoase-targuri-de-craciun-din-romania/
English resources: https://www.romania-insider.com/craiova-christmas-market-among-top-three-best-europe-2022
Photo by Humphrey Muleba on Unsplash
Dracula's Guide to Romania 
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