Not where you thought: the largest Christmas market in Europe opens

Europe’s biggest Christmas market has opened, and it’s not in Austria, France, Germany or Great Britain, it’s in Craiova (Craiova)the largest city in western Romania.

The market covers 280,000 square meters and is considered the largest in terms of area on the continent. In 2024 it was also ranked as the second best Christmas market in Europe by European Best Destinations, after the Gdansk Christmas Market in Poland.

The market runs from mid-November to early January and turns the city into a magical country, with millions of twinkling lights, dozens of installations and an endless variety of food stalls. The market has four zones, including a Santa Claus village, an intergalactic zone and a zone based on Beauty and the Beast. In addition, over 90 wooden huts scattered in the complex sell a variety of local handicrafts, gifts and festive foods.

The surrounding squares are scattered with various attractions such as an ice skating rink, a panoramic giant wheel and the highest Santa Claus sleigh in Eastern Europe.

Entrance to the market itself is free, but entry to each facility will cost 4 to 6 euros. The more expensive facilities will also reach 10 euros. And if you are interested in going to the spectacular market, just keep in mind that the degrees in the evening can reach minus 2.