Event
Christmas in Romania (Crăciun)
Christmas Day (Dec 25) and the Second Day of Christmas (Dec 26) are back-to-back national public holidays in Romania. The season features carolling (colinde), the goat dance (capra), and church services, with festive markets in major cities.
Reviewed May 2026 · Love Bucharest editorial team
Photo: Mircea Solomiea / Unsplash
Last updated:
What to expect
- Two consecutive national non-working days
- Traditional carolling, the 'capra' goat dance and church services
- Christmas markets and lights across Bucharest and Transylvania
Planning tips
- Most shops, banks and restaurants close on Dec 25; some reopen Dec 26
- Transport runs a reduced holiday schedule — check timetables
- Christmas Eve (Dec 24) is a normal working day but ends early for many
Build a day around it
In Bucharest, an event day is best when it’s clustered. Treat the event as one anchor block, then pair it with one food mission and one simple walk. If you keep buffer time, the day feels fun instead of logistical.
- If you have 2–3 hours: arrive early → event → short neighborhood walk.
- If you’re making a full day: one museum/architecture block + event + a calm evening plan.
- If the weather turns: keep walking minimal and use cafés/museums as your buffer.
Before you go
- Confirm the details: check the official link for last-minute schedule or venue updates.
- Arrive with buffer: 15–30 minutes early usually makes the whole experience calmer.
- Have a weather plan: keep one indoor “warm stop” in mind in case the day turns.
Map
This event is citywide (or the venue changes). Use the official link above for the latest location details.
