What to Do in Craiova at Christmas: The Complete Guide

Craiova at Christmas is a city that really takes the holidays seriously. The lights go on, the little wooden stalls full of treats open up, the centre comes alive and, if you are lucky enough to get snow, the whole city looks like something out of a fairy tale!

This guide is written by us, the hosts near Promenada. We put together everything worth doing over the holidays, from the market and the parks to the spa and, of course, shaorma.

How long the Christmas market lasts

Craiova’s Christmas market usually runs for almost two months: it opens in the second half of November and stays until the first days of January. Last year, for example, it was open from 14 November to 4 January, every day from 12:00 to 22:00.

That means you have plenty of time: you do not have to come right on Christmas Day. A lot of people come in early December, when it is calmer and the lights are already on.

Tip: the exact dates for this year’s edition are announced by Craiova City Hall and the official “Târgul de Crăciun Craiova” page. Check them before you book.

Romanescu Park and Tineretului Park

If you fancy some fresh air between two rounds of mulled wine, Romanescu Park is the obvious choice. It is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Romania, and in winter it has a charm of its own, with the lake, the alleys and the suspension bridge.

If it happens to snow, bring your sled and come to Romanescu! You can go sledding right inside the park, and the kids (and the adults pretending they do not want to) will never want to leave.

You also have Tineretului Park (the Youth Park), a calmer option for a relaxed stroll without the crowds.

Promenada Mall and Electroputere Mall

When it is too cold or rainy, the city has two big malls where you can spend a whole day:

Promenada Mall — clothing shops, a cinema, a kids’ play area, a gym and an entire floor dedicated to food.
Electroputere Mall — the second good option for last-minute shopping, gifts and a hot coffee.

If you stay with us, Promenada is only a walk of about 10 minutes.

A spa day at Plusaqua

After a few hours of walking in the cold, nothing beats a day of relaxation. Plusaqua Spa & Wellness is on Calea București, on the same side of town as us, and offers pools, saunas and a jacuzzi.

And a bonus for the active ones: the spa comes integrated with padel facilities. Relax in the sauna, then play a match with your friends. What better combination for the holidays!

The city centre: the wheel, the stalls and the lights

This is the heart of the holidays, and you can cover all of it on foot:

Ride the ferris wheel. The city lit up from above is truly spectacular in the evening.
Check all the food stalls. Each one has something different, so it is worth doing the full round before you choose.
Watch the Christmas lights. The decorations in the centre are made with care and look best after dark.

You will usually also find an ice rink, shows and concerts in Mihai Viteazul Square, so the centre is full of life almost every evening.

Eat local shaorma

Yes, really: shaorma is Craiova’s culinary pride, and the one here is very good. Stop at one between two sights and you will not regret it. If you want our personal recommendations too, we put them in our guide to what to eat in Craiova at Christmas.

Where to stay

You have seen everything worth seeing, so now you need somewhere to rest. We are Promenada Boboci Apartments, and here is why we would love to host you:

Close to the bus station, and from here it is only a 10-minute taxi ride to the city centre.
A quiet area, away from the crowds of the centre, and we provide free parking spaces.
Apartments for 6 people each, and if you come with the whole family or a big group, you can rent the entire building, for up to 18 people.
Burger King and Promenada Mall are a 10-minute walk away, with a gym, a food area, clothing shops and much more.

Book early, because the holiday period fills up fast. Write to us and we will tell you which dates are still free!