Europe’s largest Christmas market has opened in Craiova, Romania, offering tourists a festive atmosphere at affordable prices. prices.
The fair, covering an area of over 280,000 square meters, is recognized as the largest Christmas event on the continent. In 2024, it was ranked second among the best Christmas markets in Europe by European Best Destinations, behind only the fair in Gdansk, Poland. So, Austria, France, and Germany now seem to be losing ground to Eastern European countries.
Running from mid-November to early January, the fair offers visitors a festive atmosphere with millions of twinkling lights, dozens of rides, and countless food stalls. The market is divided into four themed zones: Santa’s Village, an intergalactic zone, and a zone dedicated to Beauty and the Beast.
More than 90 hand-painted chalets offer a wide selection of local artisan goods, gifts, and festive treats, including gingerbread cookies, mititei (grilled sausages), mulled wine, and tsuika (clear plum brandy). The historic squares and surrounding streets are home to popular attractions such as an ice skating rink, a panoramic Ferris wheel, and the tallest Santa’s sleigh in Eastern Europe.
Admission to the fair is free, but rides such as the roller coaster and Ferris wheel cost around 4-6 euros. A visit to the Santa Elevator, where children can receive a message from Santa, costs approximately 10 euros.
Prices also attract tourists. According to Romanian Experience, food and drink prices at the fair are quite affordable.A cup of mulled wine costs 2 euros, a traditional Romanian sausage costs 1.40 euros, and a slice of chimney cake costs 5 euros. Although some vendors accept cards, it is recommended to carry cash, especially for smaller purchases.
The only downside to visiting Craiova in winter is the cold weather. In December, nighttime temperatures typically drop to -2°C. Frosts and snowfalls are common in the city at this time of year, so tourists are advised to dress warmly and bring warm clothes.
Christmas markets are a centuries-old tradition with roots in medieval Europe. The first Christmas markets appeared in Germany and Austria in the 14th and 15th centuries as an opportunity for local artisans and merchants to offer their wares in the lead-up to Christmas. Initially, these fairs were small seasonal markets selling food, handicrafts, and holiday decorations. Over time, they evolved into large-scale festive events with a rich cultural program, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Source: travelworld.biz