Spectacular Christmas market in Craiova: an experience for the senses!

Spectacular Christmas market in Craiova: an experience for the senses!

In Romania, the Christmas season is coming with full vigor - as is the case in Craiova, where the Christmas market is celebrated as the largest and most spectacular in Europe. The festively decorated area extends over an impressive 280,000 square meters and offers a feast for the eyes. A huge Ferris wheel and a long ice rink make the contemplative atmosphere perfect. Meter-high Christmas trees, decorated with sparkling LED lights and colorful garlands, attract visitors Secret Roma reported.

Visitors can look forward to several thematic areas that enrich the market’s offerings. These include, among other things, a classic Santa Claus village, 90 hand-painted artisan stalls and even an intergalactic zone. A special highlight is the area dedicated to the fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast”. Access to the market is free, although there are fees for rides and various attractions.

Thematic areas and prices

With a new, exciting theme for 2025: “The Nutcracker,” the market will be divided into five areas. These include:

• Mihai Viteazul Platz: Die „Nussknacker“-Geschichte (Candy Land)
• Doljana Bereich: Weihnachtskarussell
• Frații Buzești Platz: Traditionelles Weihnachten
• William Shakespeare Platz: Santa’s Land
• Theodor Aman Straße: Weihnachts-Straßenessen
• English Park: Spielzeugland

A visit is particularly recommended after 3 p.m. to experience the full magic of the market and avoid the crowds. Especially now, as the temperatures drop in the evening, it is important to dress warmly. A quick look at the prices on offer shows that you should budget between 20-30 lei (4-6 euros) for rides, while a cup of mulled wine only costs 10 lei (2 euros). These prices are often higher than in surrounding restaurants, but the experience makes up for a lot.

Entertainment and arrival

The entertainment program has many highlights for all age groups, including creative workshops for children, night shows, traveling choirs and impressive projections on the buildings of the old town. Daily highlight: Santa Claus flies over the market at 6:30 p.m. and distributes greetings in Romanian.

If you want to travel from Rome, things are a little more complicated. There are no direct flights to Craiova; Travelers must first fly to Naples before making the 1.5-hour journey to Craiova. The train journey from Rome to Naples takes under an hour.

If a place to stay overnight is needed, the Hotel 5 Continents is a good option, while the Hotel Bavaria is a budget-friendly option. Alternatively, you could choose the Carul din Stele in Beharca, which is only a 15-minute drive from the market.

Overall, the Christmas market in Craiova is not only the largest in Romania, but also an insider tip, as many miss the magic of this festive time in the middle of Europe. During its opening hours from November 14th to January 4th, 2026, it remains an absolute must for Christmas market fans. For more information about experiences in Romania, those interested can also visit Vacation in Romania look.