Romanian Christmas Markets

Christmas is just around the corner and a festive air has gripped the whole country. Little by little we get into the presents-giving spirit by picking out presents at the Christmas markets opened in every city, with gift ideas from independent producers.

Daniel Onea, 11.12.2014, 15:09

So today we decided to present to you the best of the festive bunch. We start with Sibiu, in central Romania. The Christmas market there is a cultural project initiated by the Austrian Embassy’s Social Attaché Office in Romania, represented by Barbara Schofnagel, in partnership with the Sibiu municipality. Exhibitors from 20 Romanian counties will present their offer. Visitors can choose from a variety of handicraft objects and Christmas decorations and can also taste sweets, roast chestnuts, homemade cakes, specialties of the Romanian and Hungarian cuisine and of course, mulled wine. Andrei Dragan Radulet, the event’s manager, says the reactions of the visitors of the Sibiu Christmas market have been positive.

Andrei Dragan Radulet: “When we opened the Christmas Market in the city’s Big Square the venue proved to be too small for the many visitors. Their number grows every year and their expectations are higher and higher. It is our responsibility to make sure we don’t let our visitors down. The Christmas lights are as beautiful as we expected and so are the small cottages. Visitors spend a lot of time here, that’s why shows are usually scheduled on weekends when people have enough time to attend them. The daily schedule is posted on the event’s website with versions in Romanian, English, French and German. All cottages are open daily, between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m.”

The Sibiu Christmas Market and the “We Help” Association are partners of the ShoeBox program this year as well. Under this program, everybody can make presents to poor children. The idea is that each donor should offer presents that fit a shoebox, hence the project’s name. Boxes should be nicely wrapped and should be presented at collecting centers unsealed, to be prepared for their recipients on categories such as gender and age.

Andrei Dragan Radulet also told us about another project initiated three years ago: “We have a city break offer that starts from 45 euros per person for two nights, Friday to Sunday. 12 accommodation facilities are included in the program, from three star guesthouses to four-star hotels, all located in the city center. The offer also includes the transfer from airport or train station to the hotel and a guided tour of the city. The tour ends at the Christmas market and the bonus is a visit to the Council Tower. Mulled wine tasting and a gift card for souvenirs are also part of the offer, which is taken every year by around 500 tourists. This gives them the chance to visit one of the youngest Christmas markets in the country, comparable with those in other European cities. So we’re kindly inviting tourists to visit the city during winter holidays.”

If it’s gingerbread hearts, Santa hats and traditional objects that you’re after, then the Bucharest Christmas market is the perfect place for you. Between November 29 and December 28, the capital city makes the most of two of its assets, the Cismigiu Park and the University Square. Stalls focus on Christmas decorations, contemporary ceramics, jewelry and paintings by local craftspeople but also on food, with traditional jams, pretzels, pies and cakes being the favourite with tourists.

Ema Stoica, one of the project’s coordinators, tells us more about it: “There is also a place for children to meet Santa and a merry-go-round. As usual, the now traditional humanitarian campaign organized by the Bucharest mayoralty in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Romania, aimed at solving social problems is under way. Toys and books can be donated and there is even a wish fir tree, which can make children’s dreams come true through donations. Daily shows held in the University Square with music for all tastes are also part of the Bucharest Christmas Market. So we think that Bucharest is worth visiting at this time of the year. “

Add Timisoara, in western Romania, on your radar this month, if you want to be part of the 8th edition of its Christmas market. The city’s deputy mayor, Dan Diaconu, tells us what’s special about this year’s edition.

Dan Diaconu: “This fair has a long tradition and can easily be one of the city’s tourist attractions this month. The Christmas light in the Victory Square creates a fairytale atmosphere. We have a large offer of products and special shows every day. This month we also celebrate 25 years since Timisoara, the city where the 1989 revolution started, became free of communism. We are sure that Victory Square will be crowded with people eager to attend concerts and shows. “