From 17th November 2023 to 2nd January 2024

This year visit Craiova Christmas Market, 3 times awarded among the Best Christmas Markets in Europe.

Craiova is a city of creative and generous people, with amazing old buildings and green spaces, good vibe and fascinating traditions and gastronomy. Craiova which is an all year round destination is simply spectacular at Christmas.

This year, Craiova Christmas Market opens on 17th of November 2023 with The Artist Awards - a spectacular show with the most important Romanian artists and lasts until 2nd January 2024.

For a successful event, Craiova Municipality has distributed the various Christmas events, markets, the ice rink, the concerts, creative workshops, food stands in four different places in the city – Mihai Viteazul Square, Old Center (Piața Frații Buzești), William Shakespeare Square and Doljana Fountain area.

They are linked together by magical illuminations (over a million led bulbs) making Craiova not only one of the best Christmas Market in Europe but also the best Christmas Lights Destination in Romania.

Oversized, cheerful and colorful dolls will delight the eyes of young and old admirers, numerous Christmas trees will be decorated specifically for each area where they are placed, and then, thousands of warm or bright white lights, fly lanterns of all colors and classic luminous figurines will illuminate each point of attraction.

But what is amazing in Craiova are the Christmas cottages, magical painted and original carved with different characters from fairy tales by the most talented artists from Romania. The city creativity and audacity of the whole concept of Christmas Market transforms Craiova into a unique and amazing Christmas destination for everyone.

On the Mihai Viteazul Square, you can relive your childhood by skating on the Ice Rink and you will be amazed by a magnificent 20 m high Christmas tree, illuminated with hundreds of white lights. The Romanian culinary specialties can be tasted at the Shakespeare Square, near to the Marin Sorescu National Theatre which brings together Christmas Street Food Trucks but also rides and games for children.

Do you know that Craiova is the city where you can walk in the most beautiful historical center in Romania? In the historic center of Craiova, renovated in "La Belle Epoque" style, handmade products, artisans, concerts (opera, ballet, interactive shows) await you as well as creative workshops for children in Santa’s House.

Craiova is home to the largest natural park in central and eastern Europe – Nicolae Romanescu Park. Spread over 100 hectares and designed by the French architect Édouard Redont, the park received the gold medal at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1900.

And last, but not least, Craiova’s museums (Art Museum – Jean Mihail Pallace, Bănia House, Oltenia Museum) house masterpieces and artefacts ranging from works of Constantin Brâncuşi to the 30,000-year old skull of a woman.

The sculptor Constantin Brancusi, Rodin’s disciple, is the most important personality formed in Craiova. If a whole museum is dedicated to him in Paris, the Art Museum of Craiova exhibits the most important collection of his works in Romania and a unique generous space dedicated only to him and made of glass.

Last, but not least, Craiova is a place to visit if you love traditional and tasty Romanian cuisine. Discover one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations this winter and let yourself be carried away by the fairy-tale atmosphere of Craiova

at Christmas time. 

Did you know that Craiova was the Christmas Romanian destination with the most beautiful Christmas lights? Over a million lights shine on Christmas in Craiova. Come and discover its magical illumniations this winter.

What could be more wonderful than seeing your child write his letter to Santa Claus? Creative workshops for children are organized in Craiova during the Christmas market. This winter treat yourself to memories for a lifetime by visiting one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations in Europe. 

For young and old alike who want to go back to childhood, nothing better at Christmas than to ice skate with loved ones. The Craiova ice rink is truly magical. After a little sport, you need to recharge your batteries by tasting the Romanian culinary specialties. 

Craiova is a place to visit if you love traditional cuisine.If you try the local food such as roasted dock rolls with fried polenta, spicy dried red peppers,  leek dishes, stuffed crayfish or meat rolled in cabbage leaves, drink wine and traditional plum brandy,  you will fall in love with Craiova, its cuisine and its people.