10 Things to Do in Bucharest at Christmas

Bucharest is the capital of Romania and also the country's most populous city, and for its distinctive architecture and monuments it is known as the Little Paris of Eastern Europe, but during Christmas time, to its usual beauty, it adds the charm of the eve, which turns it into the setting of a fairy tale. Here are some of the best ways to discover it during this season.

Some of the best things to do in Bucharest during Christmas include visiting the city's themed Christmas markets, enjoying Christmas gastronomy, discovering the illuminated decorations on the main buildings, ice skating on the city's ice rinks, attending a Christmas Eve concert, visiting the giant tree in Bucharest's Parliament and browsing the shops on Magheru Boulevard.

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

At the University Square Market you'll find a festive atmosphere, surrounded by bright lights and allegorical decorations. Local crafts, handmade toys and traditional sweets take centre stage here, while at the Plaza de la Constitución Market you'll find an ice-skating rink and attractions for the little ones, such as carousels and fun 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. The park is also home to tree-lined paths and eve decorations, which is why it's often included in the best Bucharest sightseeing tours.

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 flavours during this festive season. Christmas markets are the perfect place to embark on a culinary journey, where you can sample 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.

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

On the other hand, keep in mind that Christmas coincides with winter in Bucharest, so you will be able to try a fundamental dish of the local cuisine, which is 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 illuminated decorations that highlight the city's architectural diversity, especially on 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 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, a visit to 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 centre of Bucharest, known as the Lipscani, also offers an architectural tour not to be missed. Here, well-preserved baroque and art nouveau buildings coexist, creating a unique visual mix that captures the evolution of the city over time and during the Christmas season, the facades of the buildings display 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.

The ice rink at Parque Herastrau, with its distinctive Ferris wheel colonising the skyline, is another popular choice, 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 hire equipment from the stalls in the surrounding area.

Note, too, 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-friendly activity, which is also ideal for children.

Attending a Christmas concert in Bucharest is a deep-rooted tradition that adds a special local flavour to the festive season celebration 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, but one of the most prominent is the Bucharest National Opera, an outstanding destination for those looking to enjoy official performances in a professional setting. In addition, the Sala Palatului, a building that hosts cultural events, presents special musical programmes throughout the season, fusing architectural history with festive music.

Meanwhile, in the Old Town, the Romanian Athenaeum is another epicentre of musical activities, offering Christmas concerts celebrating Romania's rich cultural and musical heritage. The acoustics of this emblematic hall make each concert an unforgettable experience for music and Christmas lovers.

Magheru Boulevard is the commercial epicentre of Bucharest, and during the festive season it takes on a special charm thanks to its decorations and the Christmas spirit that pervades its shops. For those looking to buy gifts, this boulevard is the perfect destination, with everything from fashion boutiques to specialised boutiques, with a wide variety of options to suit 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. Shop 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 meeting places 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 personalised gifts to luxury goods. The diversity of shops and festive atmosphere make the Christmas gift shopping experience on this boulevard unique and exciting.

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

One of the most notable aspects of the Sibiu Christmas experience is the presence of Mos Nicolae, Romania's version of Saint Nicholas. This revered figure is responsible for handing out sweets and small gifts to children on the eve of 6 December, adding to the spirit of the streets of Sibiu, making a visit here one of the best things to do from Bucharest.

Also, 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 city's most prominent and iconic attractions on 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 backdrop that attracts locals and visitors alike.

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, making 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 the Christmas season you can't miss a visit to Dracula's 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, is one of the best times to visit this iconic medieval building, as the wintry atmosphere adds a unique charm to the history and architecture of the castle.

The surrounding countryside is also dressed in white, creating the perfect backdrop for some of the best photographs of your trip. Moreover, 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 hosts 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 to 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 trip.

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