What you can do for Christmas in the big cities in Romania. Concerts, festive fairs and attractions for all ages
Romanians who choose to spend Christmas in the country's big cities have many festive events and activities at their disposal. From concerts with famous artists, to Christmas markets, skating rinks and amusement parks. The offer is varied, both for adults and children.
The City Hall of the Capital organized three fairs with free entry. PHOTO: Ana Maria Maxim
The City Hall of the Capital organized three fairs with free entry in the Constitution Square, the University Square and the Esplanade of the National Opera.
Bucharest: daily concerts and open fairs until the end of the year
In the Capital, the Christmas markets remain open, most of them, until the end of the year, with special programs dedicated to the winter holidays. Carol singers, folk ensembles and beloved artists will take to the arranged stages, and children can enjoy interactive activities and shows dedicated to them.
At the Christmas Fair in Constituții Square, the biggest stage in Bucharest hosts, during Christmas week, concerts for all tastes:
Thursday, December 25
19:00 – 20:00: Ovidiu Lipan Tăndărică & Fanfara Zece Prăjini
20:00 – 21:00: Raluka
21:00 – 22:00: Damian & Brothers
Friday, December 26
18:30 – 19:00: Aurelian Temisan & T-Band
19:00 – 20:00: Andreea Bălan
20:00 – 21:00: Direction 5
21:00 – 22:00: Horia Brenciu & HB Orchestra
Saturday, December 27
19:00 – 20:00: Andreea Bănica
20:00 – 21:00: Alina Eremia
21:00 – 22:00: Loredana
A mini-amusement park, with a panoramic wheel and a Venetian carousel, also operates within the fair premises.
Bucharest Opera Christmas Market
Also in Bucharest, the Bucharest Opera Christmas Market, organized in front of the National Opera, offers concerts and shows:
Thursday, December 25
18:00 – 20:00: Opera Christmas Show
20:00 – 21:00: Narcisa Suciu & Band
Friday, December 26
18:00 – 19:00: Sorin Zlat Band – “A Jazzy Christmas”
19:00 – 20:00: Ioana Ignat
20:00 – 21:00: Florian Rus
Saturday, December 27
18:30 – 21:30: “The Nutcracker” – live broadcast from the Great Hall of the Bucharest National Opera
Bucharest Downtown Christmas Market
In addition, until December 28, 2025, the Bucharest Downtown Christmas Market takes place in the University Square, an event with 15 food trucks, a DJ, carousel and light installations, organized by the Capital City Hall through CREART, in partnership with the Food Truck Festival.
Cluj-Napoca: “Planeta Christmas” in Unirii Square
In Cluj-Napoca, the Christmas Fair takes place between November 21, 2025 and January 1, 2026, under the concept of “Christmas Planet”. Piața Unirii has been transformed into a spectacular thematic universe, with light installations, concerts for all ages and an atmosphere that combines tradition with sci-fi elements.
The fair is open until January 1, 2026. PHOTO: archive
In Iași, a panoramic wheel and ice rink for the first time
In Iași, the central area of the city was animated by a panoramic wheel and the Christmas Fair, where dozens of houses were placed.
For the first time, an ice rink was set up in Piața Unirii, open until mid-January. For the smooth running of the events, road traffic is restricted in certain areas until January 11.
In Timisoara, winter magic in four central squares
In Timișoara, the Christmas Market takes place for five weeks, until January 7, 2026, in the Victoriei, Libertății, Sfântul Gheorghe and Unirii Squares. Visitors are welcomed with a panoramic wheel, ice rink, merry-go-rounds and Santa's train. Carols and performances by local artists and special guests took place on the stage in Piața Victoriei.
In Craiova, the award-winning fair at the European level
In Craiova, the Christmas Market continues in Mihai Viteazul and Frații Buzești Squares, being named the most beautiful Christmas Market in Europe, according to the European Best Destinations ranking.
On Thursday, December 25, special moments are scheduled in Mihai Viteazul Square, such as the “Snowflake Dance” and the “Santa's Flying Sleigh” performances.
The Christmas market in Craiova. PHOTO: Facebook/Lia Olguța Vasilescu
