Christmas markets in Romania: Craiova, Bucharest, Sibiu and Brașov

You don't need to fly far to feel a real Christmas atmosphere. Just a few hours from Bulgaria, Romania offers some of the most impressive markets in the region – from the giant light installations of Craiova to the medieval squares of Transylvania, which recall Germany and Austria. Perfect for a long weekend by car or bus. For other countries, see our guide to Christmas markets in Europe.

When and how to go

• Season: many Romanian markets open early – Craiova and Sibiu as early as mid-November – and run until early January.
• By car: Craiova is less than two hours from Vidin via the Vidin–Calafat bridge, and Bucharest about an hour and a half from Ruse. Since 2025 Romania and Bulgaria are fully in Schengen, so there are no border checks – you only pay the bridge toll.
• Vignette: Romanian roads require an electronic vignette (rovinietă) – buy it online or at the border before driving on Romanian roads.
• Documents and money: Bulgarian citizens travel with an ID card. The currency is the Romanian leu (RON), and cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Craiova

Craiova is the biggest Christmas surprise in the region. In recent years the city has turned its centre into a huge festive stage – light figures, themed zones, a giant tree and dozens of stalls. For many people in north-west Bulgaria it is the closest place for a real Christmas.

Christmas markets

• Mihai Viteazul Square – the main festive area with the giant tree, stalls and rides.
• Light installations in the centre – fairy-tale illuminated figures across squares and streets that make a stroll an experience in itself.

In 2026 the market runs from mid-November to 3 January 2027.

What else to see

Nicolae Romanescu Park – one of the most beautiful in Romania, the Art Museum in the Jean Mihail Palace, Madona Dudu Church and the old centre with its restaurants and cafés.

Bucharest

The capital, once called "Little Paris", offers a large Christmas market, concerts and decorated boulevards – plus the chance to combine the holidays with shopping and museums.

Christmas markets

• Constitution Square – the biggest market, in front of the vast Palace of the Parliament, with a huge tree, stalls, Romanian crafts and concerts. In 2026 – from late November to 27 December.
• Drumul Taberei Park – in the west of the city, with light displays and family entertainment.

What else to see

The Palace of the Parliament on a guided tour, the Lipscani old town, the small Stavropoleos Monastery, Calea Victoriei and the National Museum of Art. On a cold day – the Therme spa complex near Bucharest with warm pools and tropical plants.

Sibiu

Sibiu is one of Transylvania's most beautiful towns – Saxon architecture, medieval squares and roofs with little windows that look like eyes. The Christmas atmosphere here is very close to the German one.

Christmas markets

• Large Square (Piața Mare) – the main market with a big tree, wooden stalls, handmade ornaments, a Ferris wheel and an ice rink. In 2026 – from 13 November to 3 January 2027.
• Small Square – cosier, for a stroll past medieval buildings.

What else to see

The Bridge of Lies – legend says it creaks when someone tells a lie, the Council Tower with views over the roofs, the Evangelical Cathedral, the Brukenthal Museum and the huge ASTRA open-air ethnographic museum.

Brașov

In the heart of the Carpathians and surrounded by mountains, Brașov is ideal for combining a Christmas market with mountains and castles.

Christmas markets

• Council Square (Piața Sfatului) – the main market on the beautiful historic square. It opens in late November and runs until early January.
• Republicii Street – the main pedestrian street, decorated with lights and lined with cosy cafés.

What else to see

The Black Church – one of the most famous Gothic churches in Eastern Europe, the cable car up Tâmpa Mountain above the town, Catherine's Gate and Rope Street – one of the narrowest in Europe. Nearby are Bran Castle, linked to the Dracula legend, and the Poiana Brașov ski resort.

Cluj-Napoca

This lively student city combines a historic centre with modern restaurants, bars and galleries.

Christmas markets

• Union Square (Piața Unirii) – the main market in front of the Gothic St Michael's Church, with a big tree and local food. In 2026 – from 20 November to 1 January 2027.

What else to see

St Michael's Church, the greenhouses of the Botanical Garden, Cetățuia Hill with panoramic views and the National Museum of Transylvanian History.

What to eat in Romania

Sarmale with mămăligă, mici – small grilled sausages with mustard, ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup), papanași – cheese doughnuts with sour cream and jam, cozonac and kürtőskalács – the chimney cake popular in Transylvania. And to warm up – mulled wine (vin fiert).

Tip: a Vidin – Craiova – Sibiu – Brașov – Bucharest – Ruse route makes a great five-day Christmas road trip without a single flight.

Dates are based on information available in November 2026 and may change – check the city's website before you travel.

Need help planning?

The Clio Travel team will help you with the route, hotels and transport for a Christmas tour of Romania. For more ideas, see our guide to Christmas markets in Europe.