Best Christmas Markets 2024: Exploring Craiova, Romania!
- Alanna Gabbett
- Dec 2, 2024
- 17 min read
Updated: Jan 12
Craiova was known as the largest Christmas market in Europe in 2024, with around 280,000 square meters of enchantment, amusements, illuminations, and more. It was also voted as one of the best Christmas markets of the year, surpassing the beautiful Christmas markets of Budapest and Vienna.
The holiday season is a magical time full of twinkling lights, festive music, and the delightful aromas of seasonal foods. If you’re seeking a destination that captures the charm of Christmas in Europe, Craiova, Romania, is the perfect choice. Nestled in Eastern Europe, Craiova features picturesque Christmas markets that bring locals and visitors together in celebration. You’ll find unique handcrafted gifts, scrumptious treats, and a joyful atmosphere that is hard to resist.
The city center is compact and can be easily navigated on foot by those in good physical condition, and it's stroller-friendly for young children. It's also conveniently reachable via public transportation, such as local buses and trams.
Join us in this guide as we navigate the enchanting Christmas markets of Craiova. We will explore the key market areas, delicious cuisine you must try, tips for a fantastic experience, accessibility features, and answers to commonly asked questions. So, bundle up and get ready for a festive adventure!
In 2024, the city featured 4 different Christmas worlds; Beauty and The Beast, Romanian Christmas, Galactic Christmas (Star Wars), and Santa's Village.
The 2024 season was held from November 15th, 2024, to January 5th, 2025. For 2025 opening dates, consult the official website here.
For more information on events and festivities in Craiova, check out their Facebook page here.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the best festive areas across the city, where the holiday spirit truly comes alive.
Read about other Christmas Markets in Romania:
William Shakespeare Square
Our kid's favorite area of the city was hands down William Shakespeare Square. The square is located just outside the Marin Sorescu National Theater and features a nice open space that's perfect for their large panoramic Ferris wheel and a variety of stalls.
The entire area has been transformed into a kid's fairground, featuring a variety of rides, games, and stalls selling sweets, sugar, and treats. It's perfect for younger children who need to let off some energy and the best place to get the coolest treats. Our daughter was thrilled to find a stall selling custom cotton candy characters!
The square doesn't have the largest number of stalls and the only food offerings are popcorn, cotton candy, donuts, and other sweets so don't count on having lunch here.
Family fun available here:
Custom Cotton Candy
Don't miss out on our kid's favorite stall for custom cotton candy. Choose your character from the board out front and watch them bring it to life in the form of edible sugar!
Our kids had a great time devouring all this sugar right before nap time!
Panoramic Ferris Wheel
Get a bird's-eye view over the city from the panoramic Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel has a capacity of 144 seats, is 40 meters high, and features around 200,000 LED lights! And of course, the Ferris wheel is illuminated at night.
Carousel
A small children's carousel is available at the entrance with a selection of traditional horses to choose from.
Bumper Cars
Fun for all ages, slide around the ice rink in bumper cars, challenging your family and friends.
Children's Train
For the littlest ones, there's a small train ride in the back corner.
Children's Roller Coaster
Our daughter loved this Santa's sleigh-themed roller coaster, perfect for smaller children!
Virtual Reality Rides
We noticed at least two options for virtual reality rides located in the square.
Claw Machines
The square featured multiple claw machines where little ones (or their parents) could win plushies of their favorite characters from shows such as Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol. There was even a section where you could win a giant stuffed bear.
Some of the rides available at William Shakespeare Square
Ride prices in 2024:
- Carousel ride: 20 lei
- Ferris wheel ride: 30 lei
- Top dancer ride: 25 lei
- Kids train ride: 20 lei
- Bumper cars: 20 lei
- Roller coaster: 20 lei
Location: Piața William Shakespeare - Strada Alexandru Ioan Cuza, Craiova Admission: Free Opening times: 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Stroller accessible: Yes Ice skating: No Lights: Yes Santa: No Reason to visit: Children's rides and sweets.
Plenty of cute photo ops here at William Shakespeare Square
Buzești Brothers Square
After visiting William Shakespeare Square, cross the street and walk down Strada Panait Moşoiu. Here, you'll find delightful decorations and lights lining the street, all the way to Buzeşti Brothers Square, or the old town square.
This square was smaller but still had a good variety of fun and unique stalls. A bonus is that this street was lined with the cutest restaurants and cafes that featured outdoor seating inside inflatable igloos.
Plenty of beautifully decorated areas at Buzeşti Brothers Square
We also found the best Belgian hot chocolate here as well as stalls selling wine, tea, liquor, and beer. There were also a couple of stalls selling pancakes, candles, and craft items.
Families will find plenty to enjoy here:
Carousel Rides
This square featured a large double-decker carousel illuminated with beautiful lights.
Bears Galore!
This square, and the streets surrounding it, were heavily decorated with polar bears and teddy bears. You could see giant teddy bears hanging from the windowsills, balconies, and on buildings around every corner. There was a Christmas tree of polar bears just across from the carousel and even an almost life-sized replica of a polar bear for photo ops.
So many bears!
So Many Decorations!
From cardboard cutouts to Christmas trees, and even a decorated post office box and Santa throne, there were so many chances to capture a beautiful photo.
Location: Buzeşti Brothers Square - Strada Frații Buzești, Craiova Admission: Free Opening times: 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Stroller accessible: Yes Ice skating: No Lights: Yes Santa: No Reason to visit: Carousel ride, craft items, lots of drink options, and perfect for bear lovers!
After exploring Buzeşti Brothers Square, walk down Strada Lipscani toward Piața Regele Ferdinand și Regina Maria. On the way, make sure to stop at the cross-section of Strada Theodor Aman. Here you will find beautiful rose basket decorations, a Beauty and The Beast photo booth, and a few food trucks.
Continue towards Piața Regele Ferdinand și Regina Maria to enter the Star Wars (intergalactic) zone. You'll notice large planet installations with an inflatable spaceship in the center. Some of the stalls here are even space-themed. Here, you'll find a variety of stalls selling candles, ornaments, crafts, and lots of food options. From gingerbread cookies (turta dulce) to chimney cakes (kürtőskalács), and even a burger stall selling a variety of burgers. Unique stalls we found here were a "beer 2 go" stall and a Turkish food stall. Of course, you will also find vin fiert (mulled wine) and hot chocolate widely available.
Intergalactic-themed stalls in Piața Regele Ferdinand și Regina Maria
Location: Piața Regele Ferdinand și Regina Maria - Calea Unirii, Craiova Admission: Free Opening times: 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Stroller accessible: Yes Ice skating: No Lights: Yes Santa: No Reason to visit: Artisan and craft goods, local treats, and unique food stalls.
Gastronomic Area
On the way from Piața Regele Ferdinand și Regina Maria to Piața Mihai Viteazul, you'll find the large gastronomic area along Calea Unirii. Head here for traditional Romanian foods such as grilled meats, including mici, sarmale, mămăligă and a variety of other options.
You'll be able to watch some of this food being prepared and walk along the counters seeing each of your options. Most foods are paid by weight, so you'll have to let the staff know how much you'll be getting. What's also fun is that the staff are all dressed in traditional Romanian festive outfits. Our kids found this exciting.
They do have some standing tables here, but no chairs, so keep this in mind. We visited on a weekday for lunchtime and there were no lines and plenty of tables open. However, I'm sure the chaos of the weekend and evening would make it pretty difficult to navigate this narrow area and it may be troublesome to find an open table. When we visited, all the tables were also covered in bird poo as there were hundreds of pigeons hanging out in this area.
Trying a selection of local foods - sarmale, mici with mustard, and mămăligă
You can also purchase meats, bakery items, and other traditional foods in large quantities, to take home. For example, we were able to get a large loaf of cozonac (Romanian sweet bread) here.
Mihai Viteazul Square
After filling your belly with delicious Romanian food, walk a few more steps to Piața Mihai Viteazul. Piața Mihai Viteazul is the heart of Craiova, transforming into a stunning winter wonderland during the holiday season. This historic square features an impressive Christmas tree and dazzling lights that create a lively ambiance. In fact, the square features over a million LED lights!
During our visit, this square had been transformed into a Beauty and The Beast theme, featuring many candlesticks portraying the character Lumiere from the film. Across the street, you could also find the beast peeking out from a balcony.
Here, you’ll find numerous stalls offering an array of handmade crafts, traditional decorations, and unique gifts. For instance, local artisans showcase their intricate pottery, wood carvings, and beautiful knitted scarves—ideal for finding something special for your loved ones. You can also find traditional ornaments, snow globes, local honey and jams, and a variety of baked goods here.
Throughout the season, the square fills with cultural performances. Local choirs and bands serenade visitors with festive tunes, making you feel at home in this joyful atmosphere.
Families will find plenty to enjoy here:
Ice Skating
Take a glide across the city's ice rink here, enjoying endless hours of family fun. The ice rink is also decorated in Beauty and The Beast theme.
Ice skating cost for 2024: 30 lei for 1 hour, including skates.
Photos with Santa
One of the first things our children noticed was that Santa was here! We walked around the corner to see this beautiful setup of Santa's sleigh and reindeer and to our surprise, Santa himself was sitting in the sleigh.
You can purchase photos with Santa, and you have the option of a small photo printout, a larger one, a magnet, or multiple photos. The photos were reasonably priced, around 25 lei for one photo.
Our kids were so happy to take a picture with Santa here! Children's Workshops
During the advent period, there are workshops held here for children, including writing letters to Santa.
Santa's Sleigh
Craiova features Eastern Europe's highest flying Santa sleigh, located right in Piața Mihai Viteazul. Santa in his sleigh flies high over the square each evening, delighting children and adults alike.
Double Decker Carousel
Kids will enjoy yet another carousel ride in this square, in a double-decker carousel that has great views over the square.
Our kids loved the double decker carousel!
Illumination
At night, the square comes alive with twinkling lights and decorations, with the main feature being the towering Christmas tree and the large dome-like installation of string lights.
Unique Gastronomic Delights
Featuring a wide variety of food and treats, there's something to please everyone here. We found options from traditional Romanian sweets and candies to Greek and Turkish food, baklava, and even specialty hot cocoa (topped with Oreos, brownies, or m & m's).
More pictures from Piața Mihai Viteazul
Location: Piața Mihai Viteazul - Bloc A, Calea Unirii, Craiova Admission: Free Opening times: 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Stroller accessible: Yes Ice skating: Yes Lights: Yes Santa: Yes Reason to visit: Photos with Santa and ice skating.
Other Festive Areas
Beyond the main markets, Craiova is filled with charming spots radiating holiday spirit.
Strada Theodor Aman
This street can be found on the way from Buzeşti Brothers Square to Piața Regele Ferdinand și Regina Maria. Here, we found Beauty and The Beast-themed rose basket decorations, a themed photo booth, and a few food trucks selling things like gogosi (fluffy Romanian donuts) and vin fiert (mulled wine).
Nicolae Romanescu Park
In contrast to the vibrant markets, Nicolae Romanescu Park offers a peaceful holiday experience. While it does not primarily serve as a market, the park hosts enchanting seasonal events—such as light displays and festive activities for kids.
The park is an excellent place to take a relaxing stroll with friends or family, especially as you enjoy the sparkling lights reflecting off the lake. Enjoy the lovely decorations that transform the park into a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
Street Events and Local Decorations
As you explore the streets of Craiova, you will be greeted by festive decorations that adorn shop windows and public buildings. Many streets sport beautiful lights and festive wreaths, creating an inviting ambiance that invites exploration.
Some neighborhoods host pop-up markets, featuring local vendors selling handmade crafts, delicious food, and seasonal treats. Take time to wander through these streets to soak in the holiday spirit and discover delightful surprises along the way.
Museums and Cultural Centers
For a mix of culture and holiday cheer, visit local museums or cultural centers that host special holiday-themed events. These venues often showcase exhibitions celebrating traditional crafts and art inspired by the season, providing a wonderful glimpse into Romanian heritage.
Must-Try Cuisine
No trip to Craiova’s Christmas markets is complete without indulging in local culinary delights. Romanian cuisine is rich and diverse, offering a satisfying variety to warm your heart and thrill your taste buds.
Here are some must-try local foods, treats, and drinks:
Sarmale
A trip to Romanian Christmas markets is incomplete without trying sarmale, the beloved cabbage rolls that are a staple of Romanian cuisine. Each roll is filled with a delicious blend of minced pork, rice, and spices, then slow cooked in rich tomato sauce. This cooking method enhances the flavors and results in a dish that warms your spirit. Typically, sarmale is served with a generous dollop of sour cream
Traditional Romanian Sarmale Mici
Grilled to perfection, make sure to try mici (grilled minced meat rolls) which you'll find at various stalls – a delicious treat loved by locals and visitors alike. And don't forget your side of mustard!
Mămăligă
Another beloved staple you'll find at the market is mămăligă, a warm, hearty polenta dish that's perfect during chilly winter days. Made from cornmeal and water, it can be served creamy or allowed to firm up before being sliced. It's often topped with cheese and sour cream, making it a rich side for meats or stews. At the market, you can sample different interpretations of this dish, which varies widely throughout Romania but always promises comfort and flavor.
Zacusca
Zacusca is a roasted eggplant and red pepper spread similar to ajvar that can be found in other Balkan countries. Food lovers should try Zacusca on fresh bread, paired with hot spiced cider for the ultimate cozy experience.
Glühwein (vin fiert)
As temperatures drop, warm yourself with a steaming mug of glühwein—a spiced, mulled wine that has become a hallmark of holiday markets across Europe. Typically crafted from red wine, sugar, and an array of spices like cinnamon and cloves, glühwein delights your senses. Each stall at the market may offer its unique twist, allowing you to explore various flavors and styles as you sip on this comforting drink. A perfect drink for chilly nights, various vendors serve homemade versions in festive mugs, becoming a favorite for many visitors.
Beer and Craft Brews
Craiova's craft beer scene makes a notable appearance at the Christmas market, showcasing local brewers and their unique offerings. Sample a variety of craft beers, from rich stouts to hoppy IPAs. Exploring the local tastes can refresh your palate between bites of hearty Romanian dishes. This allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity of Romanian artisans, which is reflected in every bottle.
Langos
Do not miss the chance to try Langos, a popular deep-fried flatbread topped with creamy sour cream, cheese, and garlic. This savory delight features a crispy exterior and a fluffy inside, making it hard to resist as you stroll through the market. It’s a quick snack that satisfies your hunger while enhancing the festive experience.
Langos is actually a typical Hungarian food but can be found at Christmas markets in many cities and countries throughout Europe.
Papanasi
After enjoying savory dishes, save room for papanasi, a delightful dessert loved by many. These fried or boiled cheese doughnuts are generously served with sour cream and luscious fruit preserves, often blueberry or cherry. Their lightness, combined with the rich flavors, makes papanasi a perfect way to conclude your culinary adventure at the market.
Traditional papanasi with cherry jam Gogosi
These can be found at every market location and are a big hit with the kids. These fluffy Romanian donuts holes are offered with a variety of toppings and always hit that sweet spot.
Kürtőskalács
Also known as chimney cakes, this sweet pastry consists of yeast dough, rolled around a spit and baked to perfection over an open flame. After baking, it is coated in sugar, cinnamon, or crushed nuts, producing a crunchy outside and soft, warm center. The enticing aroma wafting through the market is sure to capture your attention and entice you to treat yourself.
Although originating in Transylvania, these are known as the oldest pastry in Hungary and can be found in Christmas markets in multiple countries.
Cozonac
This sweet bread, often filled with nuts or chocolate, can be found throughout the Christmas Markets, representing warmth and holiday tradition. This soft, delicious bread is braided and has a rich, buttery flavor that makes it perfect for sharing. At the market, you can enjoy a slice with your favorite seasonal drink, creating a delightful combination of flavors. Statistics show that Romanian families make nearly 2 million cozonaci during the Christmas season, showcasing its importance in holiday traditions.
Tips for an Enjoyable Visit
To ensure a memorable experience while exploring Craiova's Christmas markets, here are some helpful tips:
Dress Warmly
Winter temperatures in Craiova can be quite cold. Dressing in layers, along with a warm hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes, will keep you comfortable as you explore. Don't forget your hat, gloves, and scarf, but if you do, you'll be able to find some hand-knitted ones at the market stalls!
Arrive Early
Weekends tend to be crowded. Arriving early allows you to enjoy the stalls at a comfortable pace, avoiding the hustle and bustle. Visiting earlier in the day is better for a quieter and less chaotic experience. If you really want to experience the magic of Christmas markets in the evening, opt for a weekday instead of a weekend.
Arriving early also allows you to take your time. The market can get busy, so enjoy exploring stalls, tasting food, and savoring entertainment without rushing. You'll find that wandering around without rush will allow you to find the best hidden gems and discover your favorite local stalls.
Bring Cash
While some vendors may accept card payments, cash is often preferred. Have some Romanian leu handy to snag those tempting treats and crafts easily. Make sure to exchange your home currency for Romanian Leu either at your bank or a local currency exchange in Romania. Avoid cash withdrawals from ATMs as bank fees can be as much as 3%.
Engage with Local Culture
Don’t hesitate to chat with vendors and locals; they can offer valuable insights into hidden gems and must-try treats. When it's not busy, vendors may appreciate a quick chat or compliment on their food or product.
Try Everything!
Be adventurous! Sample the wide array of food options available at the markets to enjoy a rich culinary experience. As a family of four, we love getting one of all the local food options and sharing everything! Of course, it's all in good fun until one of the kids finds a sweet they are particularly fond of and refuses to share it (haha!).
Accessibility and Surroundings
Public Transportation
Craiova is a compact city, and its Christmas markets are located in easily accessible areas.
The main market areas are centrally located and easily walkable. Well-connected by public transport, they are easy to reach, whether you're staying in Craiova or nearby areas.
The public transportation system is reliable and affordable, enabling visitors to get around the city easily. Buses and trams can take you close to the markets, so check the schedules, especially during the busy holiday season.
The center of Craiova can be reached by a network of buses, trams, and trolleys, that run on a variety of schedules and hours.
Tickets must be purchased prior to boarding and can be obtained by purchasing directly from the driver, at a ticket kiosk, or the bus station. A single trip city ticket costs 3 Romanian Lei * which is around $0.64. A day pass is offered at 9 lei ($1.91) and a 7-day pass at 28 lei ($5.95).
*Children up to 5 years of age travel for free.
For more information on public transportation in Craiova, consult the Regia Autonoma de Transport Craiova (RAT Craiova) website here.
Facility Locations
Most main market areas provide facilities like restrooms and seating. However, be mindful that some small stalls might not have accessible paths, so plan accordingly.
We did see plenty of signs pointing to toilets, which is important when traveling with little ones who may need bathroom access more frequently.
In terms of seating, there isn't really anything offered. We did not notice any benches or added seating at the markets or along the streets leading to each one. Even in the gastronomic area, there were standing tables with no chairs. Keep this in mind when traveling with those who may have limited mobility or not able to stand for long periods of time. We recommend bringing a stroller for little ones, so they always have somewhere to sit, especially at mealtime.
Nearby Attractions
While in Craiova, take advantage of your time by visiting nearby attractions such as the beautiful Nicolae Romanescu Park, Craiova Botanical Garden, or Elisabeta Palace, all conveniently located near the markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Christmas markets in Craiova open?
Christmas markets here typically open in mid to late November and run until the beginning of January.
Specific dates may vary each year, so checking ahead is a good idea.
Official opening dates for the Craiova Christmas Markets are typically announced around October and you can confirm dates for the 2025 season and beyond on the official city website and check market-specific events on their Facebook page.
Past dates:
The 2022 season was held from November 11th, 2022, to January 8th, 2023.
The 2023 season was held from November 17th, 2023, to January 7th, 2024.
The 2024 season was held from November 15th, 2024, to January 5th, 2025.
For 2025 opening dates, consult the official website here.
What is the best time to visit the markets?
Evenings are particularly magical, with lights illuminating the stalls and lively performances. However, to avoid heavy crowds, we always suggest visiting earlier in the day or evening. Typically, the markets will get more crowded as the night goes on.
We also recommend to visiting during a weekday, rather than a weekend. Weekends at most Christmas markets will be crowded and chaotic, especially smaller ones where there isn't much room for people to spread out.
If you're visiting with children, we always suggest visiting earlier in the day and during the week to allow them the least stressful and most enjoyable experience.
Are the Craiova Christmas markets expensive?
While Romania's Christmas markets are typically more expensive than major cities such as Budapest, Vienna, and Prague, prices of local foods and crafts still tend to be inflated.
Average prices in 2024:
Vin fiert (200- 250 ml): 10 - 12 lei
Vin fiert (300 ml): 15 lei
Hot chocolate (200 ml): 12 - 15 lei
Tea: 8 lei
Langos: 15 lei
Sarmale (per 100 grams): 8 lei
Gozleme: 25 - 35 lei
Burgers: 45 lei
Boiled corn: 15 lei
Papanasi and gogosi: 25 - 35 lei
Bubble waffles: 25 - 45 lei
Popcorn (s, m, l): 10 lei, 15 lei, 20 lei
Cotton candy (classic 30 grams): 15 lei
Cotton candy (custom 30 grams): 30 lei
Gingerbread cookies (turta dulce): 7 - 10 lei
Chimney cake (kürtőskalács): 15 - 30 lei
Carousel ride: 25 lei
Ferris wheel ride: 30 lei
Are the markets family-friendly?
Yes! The markets boast numerous activities for families. You will find plenty of rides and festive events designed for children. From rides to workshops and caroling, and even visits and photos with Santa, families will always find something to do.
We recommend starting the day in William Shakespeare Square to let your kids get their energy out on some rides and then visiting Piața Mihai Viteazul in the evening for an opportunity to see Santa's sleigh flying across the square.
Is it safe to visit the markets at night?
Yes! Craiova's Christmas markets are generally safe in the evening. However, stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, just as you would in any city. Pickpocketing is still a concern in every major city and it's important to stay vigilant, especially in crowds.
The markets are especially busy in the evening and weekends so try to avoid these times if you can. When traveling with kids, we always have a better time during the early afternoon. This ensures we don't bump into large crowds or long lines for stalls or kid's rides.
Are vegetarian or vegan options available at the markets?
Yes, while the markets are known for their meat dishes, many vendors offer vegetarian options. Don’t hesitate to ask about specific ingredients!
Although there are some gluten-free options available, they are unfortunately quite rare.
Exploring Craiova’s Christmas markets is an unforgettable experience infused with charm, rich traditions, and mouthwatering flavors. From the iconic Piața Mihai Viteazul to the tranquil Nicolae Romanescu Park, each location showcases the festive spirit of the city.
By indulging in local cuisine, interacting with vendors, and attending cheerful performances, you will create lasting memories. Gather your friends and family, layer up in your warmest winter attire, and discover the enchanting world of Craiova's Christmas markets.
May your holiday season be filled with joy, wonder, and a sprinkle of Craiova enchantment!
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