Sibiu Christmas Market 2024: Romania at Christmas

Sibiu Christmas Market is the highlight of a December visit to the region. What makes Sibiu unique is the way it blends the heritage of Romanian, Hungarian and Transylvanian Saxon communities. I enjoyed my visit and encourage everyone to go.

Below are confirmed dates and details to help you plan a winter visit.

Sibiu Christmas Market 2024

Dates – Confirmed

Sibiu Christmas Market dates: 15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025 (confirmed).

Update: Dates were announced in April. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from the event organiser’s website, available here.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Location: Piața Mare.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 11am to 10pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 10pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 4pm.
Christmas Day: 4pm to 10pm.
Boxing Day: 4pm to 10pm.
New Year’s Eve: 10am to 4pm.
New Year’s Day: 4pm to 10pm.
2nd January: 10am to 7pm.

Travel and Accommodation

Recommended tours: Sibiu Sightseeing Tour is a great introduction to the city.
Public transport: Buses available in the city centre.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Travel tips: Take a day trip to the stunning town of Sighisoara or a road trip Brasov and Peles Castle.
Sibiu weather: In December, temperatures average 3°C / -5°C (high/low).
Where to stay: Stay at the Art Hotel to be within minutes of the event.

Amenities and Attractions

Christmas lights: Projections begin on the 15th November.
Santa: Yes, at Santa’s Workshop.
Ice skating: Yes, at Piața Mare from 10am to 10pm.
Ferris wheel: 22-metres high. Built in 2019.
Reason to Visit: For a unique experience in the heart of Transylvania.

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Yes, some options.
Vegan: Yes, some options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialties: Kurtos kalacs, langos and delicious gogosi doughnuts.

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes, but not all areas.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.

Convenient Hotels

I stayed at a couple of places in Sibiu. One was a little too far out, so instead, I recommend booking the Art Hotel. It’s a 3-minute walk to Piața Mare and most central sights.

Otherwise, my guide to hotels in Sibiu could be helpful if you’re looking to book somewhere to stay.

Recommended Tours

This city tour of Sibiu is a great option for first-time visitors as it allows you to visit or pass by many highlights, such as the Council Tower, Bridge of Lies and the red-bricked City Walls.

Market Location

Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.

Christmas in Sibiu

Sibiu is one of Transylvania’s most important cultural and economic hubs. The winter celebration here is the Christmas Fair (Târgul de Crăciun in Romanian), which has been attracting many visitors from across Romania and internationally since 2007.

The Grand Square, Piața Mare, is lit up from November to December, with light shows projected onto the historic buildings.

Transylvanian Specialties

• Sarmale: Stuffed sour cabbage rolls with rice and vegetables.
• Cozonac: Sweet bread flavoured with walnuts and poppy seeds.
• Fasole batuta: Mashed beans seasoned with onion, garlic and paprika.
• Tochitura: Sausage and bacon stew topped with a fried egg.
• Piftie: Cold meats with horseradish and pickles.
• Gogosi: Romanian doughnut that is deep-fried and covered with jam or chocolate. I had these several times in Romania. What a rich yet delicious dessert! I highly recommend this one in a restaurant if you can find it as it can get a bit messy.

At the Food Stalls

• Covrigi: A type of pretzel sprinkled with coarse salt and often served warm.
• Kurtos kalacs: A Transylvanian spiral-shaped pastry that is made by wrapping dough around a wooden spit and roasting it over an open flame. It’s often sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar or other toppings. These are sometimes called chimney cakes and are hugely popular in Central Europe.
• Langos: Hungarian deep-fried dough rubbed with garlic butter and topped with sour cream and cheese. This is also very popular. I used to have it a lot when I lived in Budapest.
• Mici: Grilled sausage seasoned with garlic and paprika. This is a common street food in Romania.

Things to Do in Winter

Sibiu is a rapidly growing city with a current population of 425,000. It’s a compact city, and many people find it easily walkable, meaning the best way to see the sights is to get out and walk.

Start your visit in the main square, Piața Mare, to get acquainted with the city’s layout. This is where the market is, so you’ll probably want to head here sooner rather than later anyway.

One of the main attractions in the square is the Council Tower, a historic tower from the 14th century. The tower was used as a defensive fortification and watchtower; today, it’s a museum. You can climb it for views of the city skyline.

Another attraction in Sibiu is the Bridge of Lies, a small pedestrian bridge connecting the Upper Town and Lower Town. According to local legend, the bridge will collapse if someone tells a lie while standing on it.

While the bridge is unlikely to collapse, walking across the bridge and testing the legend yourself is still a fun and unique experience. It’s one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.

As you explore the old town, you will come across the beautiful red bricks of the city walls. The walls were built in the 15th century to protect against invaders.

Sustainability Tips

• Eco-friendly hotels: Consider staying in a hotel that uses renewable energy sources.
• Food waste: When ordering at the food stalls, order smaller portions to minimise waste.
• Ethical consumption: Be mindful of your purchases at the markets. Choose locally-made crafts and food items to support local producers. Avoid buying more than you need or can use.
• Sustainable diets: Make lower impact food choices, such as plant-based or vegetarian options.
• Transport: Public buses are available for longer distances.

Worth Visiting?

I found Sibiu to be an interesting destination. Not only is the cost of visiting quite reasonable, but the city also deviates from typical holiday spots, offering something unique for those of us who have never been.

The architecture alone is striking, and you’ll experience a culture quite different from that of other Christmas destinations. Food options are also varied and delicious.

If you have visited in winter or want to review the Xmas market, comment below.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.