In the heart of Sibiu, on November 15, 2024, the magic of the holidays will come to life with the lighting of the lights in Piața Mare, at 6:30 p.m., turning the city into the most spectacular Christmas Capital in Romania.
The Christmas market in Sibiu will open from November 15, 2024 Photo City Hall of Sibiu
Under the concept of “Christmas Unboxed”, this 17th edition promises an unparalleled celebration experience, with surprises and attractions that will delight visitors until January 5, 2025.
With more than 120 stalls full of unique gifts and treats for all tastes, the Sibiu Christmas Market will offer much more than a simple shopping place – it will become a true fairytale destination. From artisan sweets to Christmas decorations and traditional dishes, Piața Mare will turn into a meeting place of Romanian and European culture and traditions.
The opening ceremony will bring the show “Christmas Magic”, where children and adults will be invited to make wishes and sing carols together, while the elves will light the Christmas tree with the help of the wishes from the children’s hearts.
In addition to the beloved Piața Mare, the festive atmosphere extends this year to Piața Mică and Piața Huet, creating a Christmas route where visitors can enjoy new attractions such as Santa’s Land, an authentic Tyrolean cabin and light projections on historic buildings. The solid wood cabin was built in a workshop in Austria. Spread over 150 square meters, it will offer an apres-ski atmosphere for those looking for a quieter and warmer place.
The Christmas market in Sibiu will open from November 15, 2024 Photo City Hall of Sibiu
Santa’s lift and attractions of the year
One of the most anticipated novelties is Santa’s House with the Enchanted Elevator, a portal to the magical world of Santa, where the little ones will be able to express their wishes and take fairy-tale photos.
Santa’s workshop reopens from the first week with a workshop on the theme “Christmas Candlestick”. On Saturdays and Sundays, the workshop can be visited without an appointment, and parents can leave their little ones for an interesting activity for an hour. The workshop schedule from Monday to Friday is intended for schools and kindergartens, based on online scheduling.
At every step, the surprises will continue, from the panoramic terrace decorated by the most awarded Romanian florist, Nicu Bocancea, to special culinary products such as artisanal chocolate, pies on the slab, fluffy cakes and even tagliatelle made from pancakes.
Christmas Shuttle: the Christmas road to Sibiu
For those coming from Bucharest, Sibiu Christmas Shuttle will organize special rides to make the trip easier and more glamorous. They will run during the first weekends of December, crossing the Olt Valley and bringing Christmas lovers directly to the heart of the celebration in Sibiu.
You will find more details about dates and tickets on the fair’s official website.
A platform for artists and artisans
The Sibiu Christmas Market is a real platform for local businesses and artists. Over 120 exhibitors, from international artisans such as “Two In One” from Sicily – Italy, who will bring a variety of traditional pistachio-based sweet products, to local artists such as Nana Bledea, who will bring traditional, handmade, Christmas-themed ceramic products to the Arta Olăritulitu house, all they will delight visitors.
Lullula, a Siberian creative workshop, will offer color and originality with its hand-crafted products, from painted mugs, tea sets, hangers and aromatherapy lamps, and AleArtizan will dazzle with macrame dolls and unique paintings. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the skill with which the artist builds a miniature world using only thread.
Christmas lights
The Christmas Fair in Sibiu, the longest-running and most famous fair of this type in Romania, launched in 2007, being the first organized according to a European model, promises to exceed all expectations this year as well, bringing together traditions, people and Christmas stories in the more authentic festive atmosphere.
The first time was held in the city’s Small Square and brought together 38 local artisans and producers. Since 2009, it has been held in Piața Mare, reaching, over the years, the portfolio of exhibitors to triple. The Christmas market in Sibiu is visited annually by more than 300,000 tourists from the country and abroad.
The Sibiu Christmas Fair can be visited daily until January 5, 2025. From Monday to Friday, the exhibitors’ booths will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays, the program will start at 10:00 a.m.
