There is a great rivalry between two Christmas fairs in our country – Sibiu and Craiova – which fight year after year for awards and the appreciation of both visitors, critics and tourism experts.
Christmas fairs in Sibiu and Craiova Colaj DMS
In less than two weeks, on November 15, 2024, the most popular Christmas markets in Romania will open their doors and await visitors until January 5, 2025. Sibiu and Craiova compete with impressive decorations, spectacular festive lighting, cultural events and traditions local, trying to attract as many tourists from the country and abroad as possible. Both the atmosphere and the diversity of artisanal and gastronomic products contribute to this fierce competition, with each fair trying to become the favorite winter holiday destination.
Each one stands out for something specific – Craiova for its desire to amaze, for the show offered by the opulence of lights and the various artistic events, while Sibiu shines with tradition, picturesque location and authenticity.
The Craiova Christmas Market surprises with its vibrant atmosphere, live music and interactive attractions, attracting families and young people looking for a memorable experience. On the other hand, the Christmas Fair in Sibiu is famous for its local handicraft products, traditional gastronomy and decorations that reflect the spirit of the holidays, being organized in a special medieval setting.
Thus, each fair offers visitors a unique experience, suited to their tastes and preferences. In addition, both Christmas markets in Romania are often included in the lists of the most attractive fairs in Europe, due to their unique atmosphere and diversity of activities, and this year is expected to continue this tradition.
The 2024 Christmas Fair in Craiova: “Beauty and the Beast”
For four years, the Craiova Christmas Fair has been positioned in the European Best Destinations list, a tourism platform that has been promoting European destinations for over a decade. Last year it ranked second, after Budapest, in the ranking of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe. “The Craiova Christmas Market is one of Europe’s hidden gems, where classic fairy tales blend with futuristic wonders to create a unique festive atmosphere that will spark childish joy”it is mentioned on the website of the tourism platform.
The Christmas market in Craiova Photo Archive Adevărul
This year, Banie City Hall aspires to be at the top of this selection, preparing an edition full of news and surprises for visitors. Through a series of spectacular events, spectacular lighting installations and a varied program, Craiova hopes to offer a unique and memorable experience that will attract not only locals, but also tourists from the whole country and abroad.
This year’s central theme is inspired by the story “Beauty and the beast”. The fair will be organized in five areas, each with a separate concept, such as “Star Wars” or “Santa’s Village”and the decorations and scenography elements will be designed according to these themes.
The fair will therefore be held in several locations in the city: Mihai Viteazu Square, Frații Buzești Square, National Theatre, Băniei House, Doljana. Santa Claus will be present in Buzești Square and in Shakespeare Square, in front of the National Theatre “Marin Sorescu”the largest panoramic wheel in Romania will be located, according to the organizers.
Every weekend, concerts will be organized between 18:00 and 20:00, in Piața Frații Buzești: November 15, 2024 – Fuego & Band, 19:00; November 23 – 2NormaL; November 30 – Alina Eremia; December 6 – Zurli Super Show.
Fair 2024 in Sibiu: “Capital of Christmas” – “Christmas Unboxed”
The 2024 edition, titled “Christmas Unboxed”of the Sibiu Fair promises an exciting experience full of surprises, from the desire to once again transform the old medieval citadel into “The Capital of Christmas”attracting visitors from all corners of the country and beyond.
The Christmas market in Sibiu Photo Archive Adevărul
Last year, the Sibiu fair was ranked fourth in a Culture Critic world list, ahead of the traditional Viennese fair. Also in 2023, Forbes included Sibiu among the most attractive “small cities” in Europe, and the British from “Express” listed it as one of the best destinations on the old continent. And examples on this topic can continue.
The novelty this year consists in the expansion of the locations of the event. In Piața Mare, under a bright canopy of tens of thousands of lights, visitors will be able to relax at a specially arranged terrace, enjoying hot dishes.
Not-to-be-missed attractions include the impressive 22-meter Ferris Wheel and a 600-square-meter natural ice rink that can accommodate up to 300 skaters at a time. Also, Santa’s Workshop will offer children opportunities to participate in educational activities, such as mosaic and paper-making workshops, bringing joy year after year.
The Little Market will turn into “Santa’s Land”a space dedicated to the little ones, equipped with a carousel, train and Santa’s virtual sleigh. The spectacular projections on the facades of the buildings will extend the magic of the holidays over thousands of square meters. In Huet Square, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a walk under an impressive lighted tree installation.
This year, in the Christmas Fair in Sibiu, 120 exhibitors from 36 counties of Romania are expected, as well as international artisans from countries such as Israel, Hungary and Italy. Considering the success of previous editions, it is estimated that the event will bring more than 300,000 visitors to Sibiu this year.
Instead of an epilogue
For years in a row, the Christmas Fair in Sibiu has consistently maintained itself in the international profile charts. In the last two years, the Craiova Christmas Fair has started to lose its luster, but it is debatable whether this is due to any real merits, considering that its presence in the rankings is financed by public funds, in addition to the costs of organization.
The municipality of Craiova will also pay a tax this year to European Best Destinations, to be included in the international rankings of the website of the same name. The amount of the tax is 29,690 euros and will be paid in two installments, an amount that will cover the tourist promotion of Craiova for this year’s Christmas Fair.
Also, Bucharest, although not as often mentioned internationally, is in close competition. Last year, the Christmas Fair in Constitution Square attracted over 1.2 million visitors to its 16th edition, thus becoming a central element of Bucharest’s winter festivities.
Regardless of preference, all of these Christmas markets offer a memorable holiday experience. The rivalry between them illustrates not only the competition, but also the rich cultural and traditional diversity of Romania, bringing together communities and visitors from all corners of the world to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
