Bucharest may not be the first city that comes to mind for Christmas, but it offers a surprisingly rich array of festive experiences. From beautifully decorated boulevards to bustling markets filled with handmade gifts, the city transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. We especially like the Tour of Christmas traditions & decorations because it combines city highlights, authentic Romanian customs, and local food tastings—all led by a friendly guide who shares stories from different eras, including communist times. If you’re interested in exploring beyond the city, the Craiova Christmas Market Day Trip gives you a chance to see a different festive scene just a few hours away. And for those wanting a taste of Transylvania, the Sibiu Christmas Market Day Trip offers a magical day exploring one of Romania’s most charming medieval cities. Each of these experiences showcases a unique side of Romania’s holiday spirit, making Bucharest a surprisingly good base for holiday adventures.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a variety of Christmas tours and experiences in Bucharest, from a cozy walk through the city’s most famous markets and decorated streets (Bucharest: Tour of Christmas traditions & decorations) to full-day trips to Sibiu and Craiova (Sibiu Christmas Market Day Trip and Craiova Christmas Market Day Trip). Each offers a different perspective on Romania’s holiday traditions, from local food and crafts to medieval streets and festive markets.
1. Bucharest: Tour of Christmas traditions & decorations
This 3-hour walking tour offers an authentic look at Romanian Christmas through sights, flavors, and stories. Starting at Bucharest’s most iconic spots, your guide takes you to the National Theatre Ion Luca Caragiale, where the city’s best Christmas lights and decorations light up the boulevard. You’ll then stroll to University Square, home to one of the city’s most visited Christmas markets, where you can sample traditional Romanian wine and browse local crafts. The Old Town’s narrow streets and historic buildings are next, filled with holiday charm, festive lights, and stories of unique Romanian customs—including some that survived the communist era. The tour wraps up at Palace of Parliament, where in front of the massive building, the largest Christmas market in the city features five million lights, Romanian foods, and drinks.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local traditions and holiday decorations, combined with tasty food tastings and lively stories from your guide. The reviews praise Ali’s knowledge and friendliness, with many noting how the tour helps understand Romania’s Christmas culture. It’s best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, intimate experience with cultural insights, and who enjoy walking through beautifully decorated streets. At around $32, it offers excellent value for a thorough, memorable introduction to Bucharest’s Christmas season.
Bottom line: This is a well-rounded, culturally rich tour perfect for those who want to combine city sights, local stories, and festive cheer—ideal for a first-time visitor.
2. Bucharest: Sibiu Christmas Market Day Trip
For around $69, the Sibiu Christmas Market Day Trip takes you out of Bucharest into the heart of Transylvania. This full-day adventure includes comfortable transfers and a visit to Sibiu, one of Romania’s most picturesque medieval towns. The market itself is a highlight, with traditional wooden stalls, folk performances, and handcrafted gifts. Your local guide also shows you Sibiu’s key sights, such as the Evangelical Cathedral and the colorful old town squares. The festive atmosphere is complemented by live folk music and the chance to buy artisanal souvenirs. This trip is especially good if you’re keen on experiencing a medieval Christmas in a setting that looks like a postcard.
Guests love the scenic ride through the Romanian countryside, which adds a peaceful contrast to the busy markets. The tour is best suited for those wanting a full-day experience that combines sightseeing, culture, and holiday magic. Since it’s a long trip, some travelers might find it tiring, but the reward is a memorable day exploring Sibius’s charming streets decorated for Christmas.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers interested in a comprehensive day trip with cultural highlights and a festive atmosphere, especially if you’re eager to see more of the Romanian countryside and medieval towns.
$69 per person
3. Bucharest: Christmas Market and Traditions Guided Tour
This 4.9-star rated tour offers an immersive 3-hour journey into Romanian Christmas customs. Starting at the Romanian Athenaeum, your guide leads you through the city’s Christmas markets, sharing stories about Romanian holiday practices rooted in both pagan and Christian traditions. You’ll hear about how Christmas was celebrated during the communist era and see the best decorations and market stalls in the city. Throughout the walk, you’ll be invited to taste traditional foods and drinks, giving you a genuine flavor of local holiday customs. The tour concludes at Constitution Square, where the Christmas market is lively with lights, music, and festive foods.
What makes this experience stand out is its focus on cultural storytelling combined with tasting traditional Romanian Christmas foods. Reviewers appreciate the guide’s passion and the chance to understand Romania’s unique holiday history. It suits travelers who want a deeper understanding of local customs and prefer a shorter, more focused experience. Since it’s highly rated and runs during the holiday season, early booking is recommended.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting to combine a city walk, cultural insights, and holiday tasting into a compact but meaningful experience.
4. From Bucharest: Craiova Christmas Market Day Trip
For those willing to venture a bit further, the Craiova Christmas Market Day Trip offers a scenic 12-hour journey to southern Romania. The market itself is renowned for its festive stalls, handcrafted gifts, and traditional Romanian holiday dishes. Traveling comfortably by bus or minibus, you’ll enjoy a chance to see the Romanian countryside during winter, making the journey part of the fun. Once in Craiova, you can browse stalls filled with artisanal products, savor local foods, and soak up the holiday spirit in a lively setting.
This trip is best suited for travelers who want to experience a different regional Christmas celebration and don’t mind a longer day of travel. While specific reviews are unavailable, the tour’s highlights—traditional markets and scenic rides—make it an appealing choice for those looking to expand their holiday experience outside Bucharest.
Bottom line: An excellent day trip for those wanting to see Romania’s regional Christmas traditions while enjoying a scenic countryside ride.
$69 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Christmas Experience
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and travel style. If you want an intimate city walk with cultural stories and local foods, the Bucharest: Tour of Christmas traditions & decorations is hard to beat. For a full-day escape into medieval architecture and festive markets, the Sibiu Christmas Market Day Trip is ideal. If you prefer a deep dive into local customs and holiday history, the Christmas Market and Traditions Guided Tour provides that context in a short, lively walk. Lastly, for those curious about regional Romanian celebrations and who don’t mind a longer day, the Craiova Christmas Market Day Trip offers an authentic rural holiday experience.
Think about your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether you’re eager for cultural stories, scenic rides, or market shopping. Booking early is advised, especially for guided tours during the busy Christmas season.
Bucharest offers a surprising variety of Christmas tours and experiences that appeal to different interests and travel styles. For a cozy, cultural introduction, the Tour of Christmas traditions & decorations is a top pick. If you have a day to explore the charming streets of Sibiu or to see how other Romanian cities celebrate, the day trips are well worth considering. Whether you focus on local customs, scenic journeys, or festive markets, Romania’s holiday spirit is waiting to be discovered. plan ahead, book early, and enjoy the magic of Christmas in Romania.