In the warm glow of the holidays, ESN ASE-CMP Bucharest invites you on an enchanted journey through Romania's most fascinating cities, where Christmas markets bring magic and joy to our hearts. From the traditional atmosphere of Sibiu to the vibrant brilliance of București, and from the historic charm of Brașov to the hospitality of Iași, these cities transform into true fairytale destinations. 

 

In booths decorated with festive sparkle and tempting aromas, Christmas markets reveal a magical world, and the shining lights bring streets and squares to life. We invite you to feel the authentic joy of the holidays in these cities full of history and tradition, where the Christmas spirit comes to life in every corner.

 

București:

 

1.Christmas Market București (Constituției Square): November 30, 2023 - December 26, 2023

With the opening of the Christmas Market in Constituției Square, București becomes a corner of winter magic. Under the spectacular light of the carefully decorated 30-meter-high Christmas tree, the atmosphere becomes radiant, and Santa's House and picturesque booths enrich the landscape with authenticity. 

Organized by the București Municipality, the market offers a lot of experiences, from rides on the Ferris wheel to the joy of the Coca-Cola Caravan and the charm of rides on the little train or carousel. Free entry, concerts, activities for children, and traditional delights available in themed booths make this event an irresistibly festive destination, where the community gathers to celebrate the joy and warmth of Christmas.

 

2. West Side Christmas Market (Drumul Taberei): November 10, 2023 - December 27, 2023

With twinkling lights and the charming atmosphere of winter holidays, West Side Christmas Market opens its doors in Drumul Taberei Park, Sector 6, until December 27. Voted the most beautiful Christmas market in Romania in 2022, it promises to offer a show full of magic and joy. With attractions such as a generous ice rink, carousel, little train, and a 38-meter-high Ferris wheel, the market brings brightness and charm to the heart of the Capital. Over 65 booths will host traditional delights, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and handicrafts. Santa's House remains a focal point, where everyone can transport themselves to the world of childhood at the Elves' Workshop. The market can be easily accessed by subway (Parc Drumul Taberei station) or public transport. West Side Christmas Market is an authentic corner of story and joy in București.

 

3. Winter Wonderland (Laminor Hall): November 30, 2023 - January 2, 2024

Opening on November 30, Laminor Hall transforms into a true winter holiday paradise, hosting "Winter Wonderland," the largest indoor and outdoor Christmas market in Romania. Located in Sector 3 of București, the event promises a fairytale atmosphere for over a month, until January 2, 2024. With varied attractions, from concerts and ice rinks to silent discos, the market offers magical experiences for children and adults. The extensive list of activities also includes learning the art of making Christmas decorations from talented artists present. 

With free entry, the event is easily accessible by various means of transport, bringing joy and merriment to the heart of the Capital. Laminor Winter Wonderland becomes an irresistible and interactive attraction for all eager to enjoy the charm of the holidays in a spectacular and warm setting.


 

Christmas Market in Brașov: November 30, 2023 - January 7, 2024

In the heart of Brașov, winter holidays come to life with the glow of thousands of lights that will adorn the city from November 30, 2023, to January 7, 2024. The Christmas Market in Council Square, themed "December Fairy Tale in Brașov," brings joy and magic, turning into a true winter paradise. In a fairy-tale setting illuminated by 1.2 million lights and decorated with 80 Christmas trees, Brașov becomes the ideal place to feel the charm of the holidays. Offering not only traditional and artisanal products but also a varied palette of events, from concerts and creative workshops to theater performances and film screenings, the market promises memorable experiences for all visitors. Additionally, the ice rink in St. John's Square and numerous activities, such as meeting Santa Claus and painting workshops, add a touch of magic to the entire festive atmosphere. Thus, Brașov becomes more than a holiday city – it becomes a winter story written with sparkling lights and moments of joy.


 

Christmas Market in Sibiu: November 17, 2023 - January 2, 2024

With the eagerly awaited opening of the Christmas Market in Sibiu each year, the city becomes a true corner of a fairy tale, combining tradition and innovation in its 2023 edition. Inaugurated on November 17, the event promises to offer a magical experience where artistic projections transform buildings in the Big Square into moving works of art, creating a charming atmosphere. With over 100 exhibitors and booths, the market brings a diverse selection of gifts and culinary delights, from artisanal souvenirs to mulled wine and traditional products. The event stands out with impressive projections, turning the city into a fairytale landscape. With festive lighting and activities for all ages, the Sibiu Christmas Market remains a meeting place for the magic and joy of winter holidays, bringing the community together in a spirit of generosity and love.


 

Christmas Market in Craiova: November 17, 2023 - January 2, 2024

With the opening of the Christmas Market in Craiova, the city transforms into a true holiday paradise, radiating magic and color. Under the exciting theme of the Snow Queen's story, inaugurated in a fairy of light on November 17, the event promises a captivating experience until January 2, 2024. Craiova becomes the stage for a visual spectacle, divided into four distinct areas: the Old Center, William Shakespeare Square, the Doljana area, and Mihai Viteazul Square, where visitors can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere. With remarkable turquoise-white decorations and innovations such as the tallest Ferris wheel in Romania, the market provides a perfect setting for photos and memorable moments. 

The over 70 exhibition booths bring together traditions and flavors, from traditional foods to decorations and artisanal gifts. Through festive lighting, an ice rink, carousel, and scheduled concerts, the Christmas Market in Craiova becomes a meeting point for the community and a must-visit destination for those seeking magic in this special time of the year.


 

Christmas Market in Timișoara: November 26, 2023 - January 7, 2024

In the heart of Timișoara, the European Capital of Culture for 2023, a winter spectacle full of brightness and joy unfolds. The Christmas Market, inaugurated in a snowy setting, transforms the three central squares – Victory Square, Freedom Square, and St. George Square – into a paradise of lights, with over a million colorful installations. The 70 commercial booths offer gastronomic delights, Christmas decorations, and unique gifts. 

New additions include a panoramic wheel, an ice rink in Freedom Square, and an impressive Christmas tree under the dome of lights in Victory Square. The market will run until January 7, 2024, providing not only a warm atmosphere but also special events such as concerts and shows to grandly conclude the exceptional year for Timișoara.


 

Christmas Market in Cluj: November 24, 2023 - January 1, 2024

With the arrival of winter, Cluj becomes the magical destination of the holidays, hosting not one, but two Christmas markets that will delight visitors' hearts. Starting on November 24, Unirii Square transforms into "Christmas Planet," offering a fairy-tale atmosphere with illuminated booths, a panoramic wheel, and unexpected surprises. Simultaneously, in the area of the "Horia Demian" Sports Hall, starting December 1, a second market opens, combining traditional delicacies with an ice rink and numerous activities. Both events will remain open until January 1, 2024, offering Cluj residents and visitors the joy of discovering tastefully decorated booths, authentic products, and moments of enchantment. 

Organized under the new UNTOLD concept, the two markets promise smiles, new characters, and adventures upon adventures, representing not only a shopping opportunity but also a unique way to experience the charm of the winter holidays. Thus, Cluj becomes a festive paradise, illuminated by the sparkling lights of the holidays and enveloped in the enticing aroma of traditional treats, inviting everyone present to be carried away by the magic of Christmas on a memorable journey.


 

Christmas Market in Arad: November 30, 2023 - closes on January 7, 2024

From November 30, 2023, to January 7, 2024, the Christmas Market in Arad transforms the city into a holiday magnet, offering an authentic and joy-filled experience. The Christmas tree shines in front of the Administrative Palace, adorned with dozens of ornaments and thousands of lights. With over 60 local merchants in Avram Iancu Square, the market brings culinary delights, mulled wine, gifts, and artistic decorations. The novelty of this edition is the 30-meter panoramic wheel. Recommended in the European catalog "EU Christmas Lights 2023," Arad becomes a shining jewel in the crown of winter holidays, confirming the beauty and magic brought by lights and festive decorations. Evenings will be enriched with concerts featuring carols and winter songs, performed by local artists and talented students from the People's School of Arts. Thus, the Christmas Market in Arad becomes a festive and authentic landmark in Europe.


 

Christmas Market in Constanța: November 30, 2023 - December 27, 2023

From November 30 to December 27, Constanța became an inviting destination for holiday lovers, hosting the Christmas Market in the picturesque Oleg Danovski Park. The atmosphere comes to life in a fairytale landscape illuminated by wooden booths and sparkling lights. Visitors will be delighted by the tempting smells of Christmas cookies and hot wine, while carols will pleasantly resonate in their ears.

 A magical experience awaits visitors in the specially created universe, with trains, a magical carousel, a sparkling wheel, and Santa Claus's enchanted house. The diverse offerings of the market include workshops open to the public, live concerts, and stands with artisanal products, representing the perfect place to find holiday gifts. 


 

Christmas Market in Oradea: November 20, 2023 - December 26, 2023

With the magical sparkle of lights and a joyful atmosphere, Oradea becomes the host of a Christmas market from November 20 to December 26. Unirii Square and Ferdinand Square shine in festive lights, embracing visitors with tens of thousands of winter decorations. In a fairytale setting, the market offers a complete experience, from the panoramic wheel and eco-friendly ice rink to Santa Claus's cottage, where little ones can leave their letters.

 A special atmosphere in Unirii Square is complemented by the presence of the imposing Christmas tree, wooden houses with goodies and artisanal products, and, last but not least, a diversified artistic program. Oradea, adorned with holiday lights, also becomes the City of Good Deeds, a true fairy-tale corner.


 

Christmas Market in Iași: November 30, 2023 - January 8, 2024

With the arrival of the winter holiday season, the city of Iași prepares to decorate its streets with festive lights and open the gates to a charming Christmas market. The event, scheduled from November 30, 2023, to January 8, 2024, will take place along the axis of Bd. Ștefan cel Mare – Piața Unirii – Str. Lăpușneanu. Wooden booths, decorated with pine branches and festive lights, will animate five distinct sections, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy decorations, gifts, warm drinks, and traditional treats made by local producers.

 In addition to the fairytale atmosphere and holiday music, the Iași Christmas Market will include an amusement park, featuring the "Children's Town" and a giant wheel, bringing an extra dose of joy and enthusiasm to the entire community. The event, organized on the city's historic pedestrian streets, will bring together artisans and lovers of tradition, offering the opportunity to purchase authentic products and participate in creative workshops. Thus, the market is not just a shopping place but also a chance to celebrate Romanian traditions and share the joy of the holidays in an authentic and magical setting.


 

From the enchanting atmosphere in Craiova to the vibrant celebration in Cluj-Napoca, from the history of Timișoara to the charming allure of Constanța and the beauty of Oradea, our journey through these 10 fairy-tale cities has been a true celebration. The elves of ESN ASE-CMP Bucharest have witnessed this magic blooming in every booth and every corner of the market, where bright lights and tempting aromas brought joy to everyone's hearts. We close this journey with a heart full of gratitude for the beauty of traditions and winter holidays in these wonderful cities. So, in this season of gifts and joy, let us always remember that the spirit of Christmas lives in our hearts, and the joy of giving and sharing is what warms us the most. 

 

Happy holidays!