Below: the dates we know, a two- or three-day road trip, and what to plan if you're flying into Otopeni for the holidays. Check the official dates again before you book a room, because schedules change.
Romania's Christmas markets 2026: the dates
| City | Where | Dates | Confirmed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sibiu | Piața Mare (Grand Square) | 13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 | Yes |
| Craiova | City centre | 13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 | Yes |
| Brașov | Piața Sfatului (Council Square) | 27 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 | Yes |
| Bucharest | Piața Constituției | 27 November – 27 December 2026 | Yes |
Check the dates again before booking accommodation, because schedules can change.
Sibiu
Sibiu's market fills Piața Mare, the Grand Square, from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Entry is free. It's open 11:00–22:00 Monday to Friday and 10:00–22:00 at weekends.
Leave the car at your accommodation or in a car park and walk; the old town is compact. Weekday evenings are usually calmer than weekends.
Craiova
Craiova's market runs from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with the theme "Land of the Elves" (Tărâmul elfilor), announced by the city hall. In November 2025 Craiova came first in a European ranking of the most beautiful Christmas markets, according to the Agerpres news agency, and last year's edition was extended, so watch for announcements if you plan to go near the end.
Brașov and Bucharest: from 27 November
In Brașov the stalls in Piața Sfatului open on 27 November 2026, and the official opening, when the lights go on, is on 30 November, during the 1 December long weekend. The market runs until 3 January 2027, according to the city hall.
Bucharest's main market, in Piața Constituției in front of the Palace of Parliament, runs from 27 November to 27 December 2026. If you land at Otopeni, it can be a first evening before a longer drive around the country.
A two- or three-day road trip
With two or three days from Bucharest, combine Brașov and Sibiu in one trip: Brașov for Piața Sfatului, Sibiu for an unhurried evening in the Grand Square.
Or go to Sibiu over Romania's 1 December long weekend (Saturday 28 November to Tuesday 1 December, four days off), when the market is already open. Around Christmas, note that 25 and 26 December 2026 fall on a Friday and Saturday, and New Year's Day and 2 January 2027 on a Friday and Saturday.
In winter, leave early. The DN1 through the Prahova Valley is busy on Friday and Saturday departures and on Sunday returns. Mountain roads can have snow, and in Romania the winter tyre rule depends on the state of the road, not on a date; read our guide to winter driving in Romania. The Transfăgărășan is closed in winter.
Coming home for the holidays? Landing at Otopeni
For many Romanians who live abroad, coming home for Christmas means two or three weeks of driving between family, friends and towns. In our own booking data, rentals in December 2025 lasted 18 days on average, the longest of any month. If you already have your flight, book the car now: December fills up.
We meet you at the Otopeni terminal at any hour. The airport transfer is €20 each way (€15 at Băneasa), or you can collect the car from our base in Bucharest at no charge.
Our working hours are Monday to Friday 09:00–18:00 and Saturday 09:00–14:00, closed Sunday. Outside them there's an extra €10 per trip, charged separately for pickup and return. Under our contract, public holidays count as Sundays: a pickup or return on 25 or 26 December, or on 1 or 2 January, is outside working hours and costs €10 for that trip.
The minimum rental is three days, and the longer you rent, the less you pay per day. For family visits, the child seat is free, the first additional driver is free (useful when two of you share the long drives after a flight), mileage is unlimited, accident & theft cover and the road vignette are included, and the security deposit is €50 on most cars.
For luggage and family trips, look at the Ford Focus Estate, the Ford Kuga or the Skoda Octavia. Meeting details are on our Otopeni airport pickup page. Staying 30 days or more? See long-term rental.
FAQ
When does the Sibiu Christmas market open in 2026?
On 13 November 2026, in Piața Mare. The last announced day is 3 January 2027.
When is the Craiova Christmas market in 2026?
From 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. This year's theme is "Land of the Elves".
When does the Bucharest Christmas market open in 2026?
On 27 November 2026, in Piața Constituției. It runs until 27 December.
Can I pick up a rental car at Otopeni on 25 December?
Yes, we meet you at the terminal at any hour. 25 December counts as a Sunday, so the €10 out-of-hours charge applies to that pickup or return.
How early should I book a car for Christmas in Romania?
As soon as your flight is confirmed. December is busy, and many customers keep the car for several weeks.
In short
- Sibiu and Craiova open on 13 November 2026.
- Brașov and Bucharest open on 27 November 2026; Brașov's official opening is on 30 November.
- Check the dates again before booking accommodation.
- In winter, leave early and check the roads.
- Landing at Otopeni? Book the car as soon as you have your flight.
For the airport run, a market weekend or family visits, see our cars.
Sources: Sibiu Christmas Market 2026 · Craiova Christmas Market 2026 (G4Media) · Brașov Christmas Market 2026 (BizBrașov) · Bucharest Christmas Market 2026 (ARCUB).
