10 Things to Do in Bucharest at Christmas

Bucharest is the capital of Romania and also the most populous city in the country, and for its distinctive architecture and monuments is known as the Little Paris of Eastern Europe, but during Christmas, to its usual beauty, adds the charm of the eve, which makes it the scene of a fairy tale. Below, I will tell you about the best alternatives you will find to discover it during this season.

Among the best activities you can do in Bucharest during Christmas are visiting the city's thematic markets, enjoying the Christmas gastronomy, discovering the luminous decorations of the main buildings, ice skating on the rinks of this destination, attending an eve concert, visiting the giant tree of the Bucharest Parliament and browsing the stores of Magheru Boulevard.

The Christmas season coincides with winter in Bucharest and the flea markets become the epicenter of the celebrations. Throughout the city you will find many and varied, but among the most famous are the University Square Market and the Constitution Square Market. These festive activity centers offer handcrafted goods, gifts and seasonal delicacies.

At the University Square Market you'll find a festive atmosphere, surrounded by bright lights and allegorical decorations. There, local crafts, handmade toys and traditional sweets are the protagonists, while at the Plaza de la Constitución Market you will find an ice skating rink and attractions for the little ones, such as carousels and play activities.

Just outside these markets, the Ferris wheel in Herastrau Park is one of the main attractions. From the top of this ride, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city illuminated by Christmas lights. In addition, in this park you will find tree-lined paths and eve decorations, so it is usually one of the sites included in the circuits of the best tours in Bucharest.

One of the best things to do at Christmas in Bucharest is to discover the seasonal gastronomy, as the city is filled with unique aromas and flavors during this festive season. The Christmas markets are the perfect place to embark on a culinary journey, where you can try traditional Romanian delicacies such as mamaliga, a kind of polenta that accompanies many Christmas dishes, and sarmale, cabbage leaf rolls stuffed with meat and rice, a classic that cannot be missed on festive tables.

Also, in the street stalls, which are very common in the city, you can also taste the popular mici, which are small grilled sausages, and enjoy the cozonac, a sweet bread stuffed with nuts or candied fruit. Many of these stalls are located in the most visited areas of the city, so you can find them at the exit of the best museums in Bucharest or on the bike tours.

On the other hand, keep in mind that Christmas coincides with winter in Bucharest, so you will be able to taste a fundamental dish of the local cuisine, which are soups. Among them, ciorba de perisoare, a sour soup with meatballs, and ciorba de burta, a soup made with beef tripe, are samples of the Romanian culinary tradition.

If you want to experience the true Romanian Christmas spirit, you can't miss exploring the luminous decorations that highlight the architectural diversity of the city, especially in public buildings. Among the most iconic sites for this activity are the Palace of Parliament, a work of architecture that is illuminated with festive lights, and the Romanian Athenaeum, a neoclassical-style building that comes alive at night.

The history of architecture in Bucharest is varied and reflects Romania's rich cultural heritage. The city has experienced diverse influences over the centuries, from Ottoman architecture to Renaissance and neoclassical styles. Therefore, visiting the Palace of Parliament, built during the communist era, will allow you to see a monumental example of neoclassical and contemporary architecture that impresses with its size.

On the other hand, the historic center of Bucharest, known as the Lipscani, also offers an unmissable architectural tour. There, well-preserved baroque and art nouveau buildings coexist, creating a unique visual mix that captures the evolution of the city over time and that during the Christmas season display on their facades a luminous canvas that captivates visitors.

Because Christmas in Bucharest coincides with winter and because this season is very cold and includes heavy snowfalls, ice skating on the city's rinks is an experience that combines fun with the magic of the season. One of the most emblematic rinks for this activity is located in the Plaza de la Constitución, where the architecture and lights create an enchanting atmosphere for this winter sport.

In addition, the ice rink at Parque Herastrau, with its distinctive Ferris wheel colonizing the horizon, is another popular option, surrounded by snowy trees and with a sweeping view of the surrounding lake. At these sites you can either access the rinks with your own equipment or rent the elements from the surrounding stalls.

Also note that ice skating is not only a fun activity, but also a unique way to enjoy winter in Bucharest. The city is dressed in white, and the outdoor ice rinks offer the opportunity to enjoy the winter beauty in a family activity, which will also be ideal for children.

Attending a Christmas concert in Bucharest is a deeply rooted tradition that adds a special local tinge to the celebration of the festive season in the Romanian capital. During December, the city is filled with festive music, choirs and orchestras performing Christmas classics and carols, creating a warm and festive atmosphere in every corner of the city.

There are several places in the city where you can find these concerts, although one of the most prominent is the National Opera of Bucharest, an outstanding destination for those looking to enjoy official performances in a professional environment. In addition, the Sala Palatului, a building that hosts cultural events, presents special musical programs during the season, fusing architectural history with festive music.

Meanwhile, in the old part of the city, the Romanian Athenaeum is another epicenter of musical activities, offering Christmas concerts that celebrate Romania's rich cultural and musical heritage. The acoustics of this emblematic hall turn each concert into an unforgettable experience for music and Christmas lovers.

Magheru Boulevard is the commercial epicenter of Bucharest, and during the festive season it takes on a special charm thanks to its decorations and the Christmas spirit it pours into its stores. For those looking to buy gifts, this boulevard becomes the perfect destination, as there you will find everything from fashion stores to specialized boutiques, in a wide variety of options that satisfy all tastes and preferences.

During Christmas, Magheru Boulevard is transformed into a visual feast with its streets adorned with bright lights, garlands and themed decorations. Store windows come alive with festive displays, making it, too, an immersive experience in the heart of the city.

In addition, this boulevard was one of the gathering centers during the 1989 Revolution in Romania, so it is often included in the circuit of the city's communism tours.

The department stores and boutiques along Magheru Boulevard offer options for all budgets and tastes, from handcrafted goods and personalized gifts to luxury items. The diversity of stores and festive atmosphere make the Christmas gift shopping experience on this boulevard unique and exciting.

Although it is not a Bucharest attraction, if you plan to visit the Romanian capital during Christmas Sibiu is a place you can't miss. This city, starting in early December, transforms into a festive scene filled with flea markets and traditions that capture the local essence, offering visitors the opportunity to explore stalls filled with handicrafts, culinary delights and holiday gifts.

One of the most notable aspects of the Sibiu experience during Christmas is the presence of Mos Nicolae, Romania's version of St. Nicholas. This revered figure is responsible for handing out sweets and small gifts to children on the eve of December 6, contributing to the spirit of the streets of Sibiu, so visiting this site becomes one of the best things to do from Bucharest.

Likewise, Sibiu, with its well-preserved medieval architecture, provides the perfect setting for the magical world of Christmas. Cobblestone streets and historic buildings make this destination a festive paradise. Just keep in mind that Sibiu is about 3 hours from Bucharest, so if you plan to visit the Romanian capital for 2 days or less, it might alter part of your initial tour.

Visiting the giant Christmas tree in front of the Bucharest Parliament has become one of the most prominent and emblematic attractions in the city during Christmas Eve. This tree, adorned with festive lights and decorations, stands as a symbol of the season illuminating the heart of the Romanian capital. Located in the front gardens of the palace, this tree creates a scenery that attracts locals and visitors.

In addition, the Bucharest Parliament, one of the largest buildings in the world, provides a perfect backdrop for this monumental Christmas tree. The combination of neoclassical architecture and bright Christmas lighting creates an unforgettable image.

On the other hand, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Parliament is an annual event that marks the official start of the Christmas festivities in Bucharest. The lighting of the tree becomes a captivating spectacle, accompanied by festive music and activities for the whole family that make this symbol of the city the focal point of the Romanian capital during the season.

While not a Christmas activity per se, it is one of the most popular alternatives in Bucharest, so during Christmas you cannot miss a visit to the Dracula Castle, which during the Romanian winter is transformed into a fairytale setting in the Transylvanian mountains.

The famous Bran Castle, linked to the legends of Vlad the Impaler, becomes a must-see when snow covers its towers and battlements. The Christmas season, which coincides with the coldest time of the Romanian winter, then becomes one of the best dates to visit this iconic medieval building, as the wintry atmosphere adds a unique charm to the history and architecture of the castle.

Also, the surrounding landscapes are dressed in white, creating a perfect setting to take some of the best pictures of your trip. On the other hand, from this site you can enjoy a sweeping panoramic view that captures the essence of the Christmas season in the Carpathian Mountains.

Note also that during Christmas the castle often organizes special events and themed activities, giving visitors the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the festive spirit while exploring its historic corridors, making discovering this site one of the best things to do from Bucharest.

With its medieval charm and festive atmosphere, the Brasov Christmas market is a must-see gem in the heart of Transylvania. Surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, Brasov is a historic city that combines the rich architecture of its old town with the warmth of the Christmas season. The flea market, located in the Council Square, offers visitors an authentic experience in the midst of the Romanian winter cold.

In Brasov you can discover the Black Church, the Black Council and the towers of the medieval walls that stand as witnesses of its history. Located just a few hours by car or train from Bucharest, it offers one of the best places to discover from Bucharest on a full day excursion.

At the Brasov flea market you can find handicraft products, unique gifts and traditional culinary delights. Festive lights illuminate the cobblestone streets, creating a warm atmosphere to help combat the cold winter temperatures, and the Council Square becomes the stage for theatrical performances, musical concerts and an ice skating rink.