Winter holidays in Craiova

Craiova is consolidating its position on the European tourist map through a complex strategy that turns the city into a veritable centre of international attraction during the winter

Daniel Onea, 18.12.2025, 12:33

Located in southwestern Romania, the city of Craiova is consolidating its position on the European tourist map through a complex strategy that turns the city into a veritable centre of international attraction during the winter. Beyond simple festive decorations, the local authorities have focused on an annual reinvention of the urban space, offering visitors distinct visual experiences depending on the area explored.

This scenographic approach transforms central squares and historic buildings into living backdrops, suitable for all age groups, from children fascinated by stories to adults looking for spectacular photo opportunities. Marina Andronache, head of the Image Department at Craiova City Hall, told us about the logistical and creative effort behind the organization, as well as the new visual concepts implemented.

“As always, every year we change the concept, theme, design, and the way we arrange the light decorations, coming up with new ideas and unique projects. We are joined by local artists who have created unique houses and all the decorations and props that are placed on the houses and on the buildings in the city centre. Of course, we also have a new design, the main theme being “The Nutcracker.” This will be found in Mihai Viteazul Square, but also on A.I. Cuza Street and on our most beautiful and imposing buildings in the centre. In another square, in Doljana, we will have a different theme. There we will have new houses, created by Gabriel Rizea and his collaborators. The theme there is “Carousel Christmas.” These are absolutely spectacular houses that will take you into a fairy-tale world. In the Old Town, in Frații Buzești Square, we have another theme, which is Traditional Christmas, with all that this means in terms of buildings and decorations in that area. There are decorations for all ages, and everyone will want to take a picture there, especially since there is a shower of lights and bright decorations. There are spectacular tunnels that have always attracted everyone, and everyone wants to take pictures there.”

In addition to the thematic diversity of the decorations, a strong point of the current edition is the integration of advanced technology and interactive entertainment elements. The organizers understood that young audiences and teenagers are looking for immersive experiences, which is why the National Theatre area was dedicated to virtual reality and entertainment. Furthermore, the visual spectacle in the central square has been perfected through innovative technical solutions, unique in Romania, designed to ensure an authentic winter atmosphere, regardless of weather conditions, synchronizing special effects with classical music and choreography. Marina Andronache goes on to explain what technological and artistic surprises await tourists in William Shakespeare Square and Mihai Viteazul Square in Craiova.

“Another theme can be found at the National Theatre, on the esplanade, in William Shakespeare Square, where Santa’s Village is located, with all kinds of attractions for children, including a Ferris wheel. We have a carousel, a train, and all kinds of other attractions for young people, but also for parents and grandparents. We also have VR movies for teenagers. There is a special area for them, which will have a Christmas theme. The ice rink in Mihai Viteazul Square and, of course, we cannot forget the most important attraction from last year and this year, Santa’s Flying Sleigh. This year, it will be in Craiova, in Mihai Viteazul Square. We should mention that this time, the sleigh will not just arrive, but will come into a magical fairy-tale world with snowflakes, because you will see strobe lights scattering snowflakes all over Mihai Viteazul Square. Basically, Santa Claus will arrive every evening at the same time, amid snowflakes and the music of The Nutcracker from Tchaikovsky’s opera, but also with the help of our ballerinas from the Romanian Opera in Craiova. Each time, we have tried to have traditional, classic, and futuristic projects, of course with artificial intelligence, with all kinds of projections on the Administrative Palace, with many new features. In addition, there is this unique project, for the first time in Romania, with those strobe lights that are specially brought in to scatter the snow every day, and not only do they scatter it, but they also somehow keep it in place.

The international recognition of the event, coming from prestigious publications and confirmed by its presence at tourism fairs in major European capitals, has generated a significant tourist flow, with a direct impact on the local economy.

“Reservations have definitely been made, and we know from travel agencies in the country and abroad that tourists have been particularly interested since March or April. They even came to Craiova to make reservations at the Christmas Fair. We are very happy to welcome tourists, we expect there to be just as many, we look forward to seeing them, with lots of new things, we expect there to be even more this year than last year. Last year, we had around two million tourists who visited the Christmas Fair throughout the period, and this year Forbes International has designated us a European cultural destination. Certainly, Craiova’s presence at international tourism fairs in Berlin, London, Bulgaria, and Serbia has attracted other visitors and agencies interested in the Christmas Fair.

The tourist offer is complemented by museums and administrative buildings that open their doors to the public, offering a mix of art, history, and nature. Visitors are encouraged to follow a cultural route that connects Mihai Viteazul Square to the city’s iconic parks and museums that house national treasures, including the works of Constantin Brâncuși. Administrative buildings such as the City Hall and the University also become tourist attractions in themselves, revealing secrets from the city’s financial and legal past.

This winter, Craiova is proving that cultural tourism and entertainment events can coexist harmoniously, offering visitors a complete experience. Beyond the sparkle of millions of lights and the technological innovations that bring artificial snow on demand, the city elegantly reveals its true treasure: its historical heritage. Whether you choose to lose yourself among the themed houses in Mihai Viteazul Square, admire the architecture of heritage buildings, or explore the artistic universe of Constantin Brâncuși at the Art Museum, Craiova promises a memorable experience. (MI)