If last year 3 out of 4 Romanians confessed that they would spend the winter holidays at home, with their loved ones, this year the percentage dropped below 70%. This change reflects an increasingly important trend: more and more Romanians choose to spend Christmas and New Year in a different way. Here is how Romanians plan their holidays in the country and which options are becoming more and more popular.
Romanians still prefer to spend their winter holidays in the country Collage DMS
For the majority of Romanians, the winter holidays still represent more than distant vacations in exotic destinations, through mountain resorts or Christmas markets in Europe – it means a truly special time spent first and foremost with family, an opportunity to combine the charm of ancestral traditions with quiet moments with loved ones. Most of them take advantage of the free days at the end of the year to recharge their batteries and enjoy the festive atmosphere either at home or in the country, in mountain resorts or other picturesque destinations in Romania.
In the family, at home or with relatives
For some, Christmas at home remains a choice of the soul, but it no longer represents everything. Many Romanians choose to stay in the country to spend time with family, but instead of the traditional family meal, they prefer to visit relatives or travel to other cities to experience a different atmosphere. However, the comfort of being with loved ones is undoubtedly an important factor.
According to a survey conducted by a Romanian online accommodation booking platform, the majority of Romanians (68%) will spend the holidays at home this year as well. However, while they prefer not to travel too far, some of them say they will take advantage of the festive atmosphere in the country to explore various destinations or take a short New Year’s Eve getaway.
Mountain and spa resorts
For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of cities and enjoy winter landscapes, the country’s mountain and spa resorts become more and more attractive during the holidays. Poiana Brașov, Valea Prahova, Băile Felix and even Valea Oltului or Valea Lotrului are just a few of the favorite destinations, where tourists can spend the holidays in the middle of nature, with activities such as skiing, hiking or steam baths.
When it comes to the holiday destination of choice, it seems that mountain resorts are the clear winners with 51% of the vote. The rest of the percentages were equally divided between rural areas, large cities and spa resorts in Romania.
Last but not least, most Romanians (35.4%) prefer to stay at a hotel, the favorite accommodation unit for the winter holidays, followed by guesthouses, cabins, apartments that offer complete privacy. They also intend to spend an average of 2-3 nights at the destination.
Christmas markets, the big attractions of the winter holidays
Christmas markets in big cities are another major attraction for Romanians. Cities such as Sibiu, Brașov, Craiova, Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest are transformed into real fairytale destinations, with markets full of lights, carols and traditional products.
Another important detail revealed by the survey Travelminit.ro is that 73% of the interviewed Romanians mentioned that they will visit one of the Christmas markets during the winter holidays.
This winter, several cities compete in the race for the most beautiful Christmas market in Romania: Craiova (November 15 – January 5), for example, ranked second in the list of the most beautiful markets in Europe, compiled by European Destinations. For several years, the Craiova authorities have been constantly investing in the development of this project, which attracts more and more tourists, both from the country and from abroad.
A fair with tradition in Romania is the one in Sibiu (November 15 – January 5), visited annually by tens of thousands of Romanians and foreigners and known especially for the stands with hand-made products made by local artisans.
In Bucharest, several Christmas markets are organized in different areas of the city, the most popular being the one in Piața Constituției and the West Side Christmas Market, in the Drumul Taberei neighborhood, which are open until the end of December.
Christmas markets are also organized in Brașov (November 30 – January 7), Timișoara (November 30 – January 5), Cluj-Napoca (November 22 – January 1), so they will be an attraction for Romanians during the holiday of New Year’s Eve, many of them being open in January as well.
The vacation, postponed for January
An increasing number of Romanians choose to postpone their vacations for the month of January. While they don’t necessarily want a vacation during the holidays, many prefer to relax in January when prices are lower and many of us have already recovered from the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
In fact, the big cities in Romania and the resorts are ready to receive tourists until January, offering not only traditional products, but also the atmosphere of a unique celebration. However, for those who want a longer vacation but don’t want to face the high prices of the holiday season, there is a favorite option: delayed holidays in January.
Many Romanians (43%) choose to go on vacation in the country in the first month of the year, when prices are considerably lower than in December. In addition, mountain resorts and spa destinations remain just as attractive even after the holidays, and tourists can relax without the crowds typical of December.
Why Christmas at home is losing ground
Despite the decrease in the percentage of those who choose to stay at home for Christmas, it is clear that Romanians are not abandoning traditions, but adapting them to new preferences. The desire to explore different corners of the country or create new memories in different locations is becoming more and more evident.
Thus, although Christmas at home is losing ground, it is not disappearing completely. Romanians spend their holidays in a combination of tradition and modernity, between moments with family, time spent in nature and holidays closer to home.
In conclusion, Romanians continue to appreciate the magic of Christmas at home, but they do not refuse the opportunities offered by Christmas markets or January holidays, when prices are more affordable. Regardless of the options chosen, Romania offers them charming destinations and opportunities to create unforgettable memories in the middle of winter.
