Europe's biggest Christmas market has just opened – and it’s not in Germany or Austria

Europe's biggest Christmas market has just switched on its lights for the festive season and it's not located in Germany or Austria, but in Craiova, a stunning city in south-west Romania. Spanning more than three million square feet, the Craiova Christmas Market transforms the city centre into a dazzling winter wonderland, complete with lights, rides, and festive decorations. Running from 14 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, it offers plenty of time for visitors to plan a festive break before or after Christmas.

Craiova has quickly become a top Christmas destination. Last year, it received over 90,000 votes in a Europe-wide survey, surpassing even Budapest, and has been recognised as Europe’s most beautiful Christmas market, according to European Best Destinations.

This year’s theme is The Nutcracker, brought to life with giant sweets, toy ornaments, and millions of sparkling lights.

Visitors can also enjoy Eastern Europe's highest-flying Santa sleigh, a panoramic Ferris wheel, and a festive carousel. The market is a true culinary experience as well, offering dishes from across Eastern Europe, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Greece, North Macedonia, Hungary, Ukraine, Turkey, and more.

Winter travel specialists at Ski Vertigo highlighted Craiova as one of Europe’s most enchanting and surprisingly affordable festive destinations.

Return flights from London to Craiova can start from around £53 per person on select dates, with many options in the £50–£70 range when travel days are flexible.

A Ski Vertigo spokesperson said: "A quick check on Skyscanner shows return flights from London to Craiova can often be found in the budget range when you’re flexible on dates. 

"For many people, getting to Europe’s biggest Christmas market can cost less than a night out back home."

Just make sure to wrap up warm. The spokesperson added: "It’s beautiful but brisk. We'd strongly advise visitors to wrap up warm – thermal layers, a proper winter coat, hat, scarf, gloves and decent boots – so you can stay out for hours, skating on the ice rink, wandering the stalls and soaking up the atmosphere, without having to duck indoors every 20 minutes to defrost."

Tom Neal wrote in a Google Review: "Visiting the Craiova Christmas Market was an absolutely magical experience that felt like stepping into a winter wonderland. From the moment we arrived, the twinkling fairy lights, festive music, and the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts filled the air, creating an atmosphere that was truly enchanting.

"The market was beautifully laid out, with charming wooden stalls offering everything from handcrafted gifts and ornaments to delicious seasonal treats. Each vendor had something unique, and the quality of the products was exceptional. It was the perfect place to find special Christmas gifts and soak up the festive spirit.

"The food and drink options were incredible, with a variety of choices to suit everyone."

Someone else wrote: "The Christmas Market in Craiova is nothing short of magical! The beautifully lit streets and charming decorations create a festive atmosphere that feels like stepping into a winter wonderland. The market features a delightful variety of stalls offering handmade crafts, ornaments, and delicious seasonal treats like mulled wine, gingerbread, and traditional Romanian delicacies."

Another person said it was the 'most beautiful Christmas market in Europe.'