As the holidays approach, the desire for novelty grows: markets to explore, lights to admire and enchanted atmospheres to experience. Are you familiar with one of Europe’s largest and most scenic markets? Little known but great, this outdoor spectacle is no match for the markets of Strasbourg, Nuremberg, Vienna or our own Bolzano and Trento, this one we are referring to is an open-air spectacle. So let’s head off to this fairy-tale destination that attracts travelers from all over the world!
The largest Christmas market not to be missed
We are in Romania in Craiova, which organizes something grand every winter, imagine 280,000 m² of lights and Christmas magic. The historic center, all pedestrian streets and main squares are decorated creating a real immersive, scenic and fairy-tale Christmas village. But not only stalls (as many as 90). The city is banking on monumental scenography.
- a giant ice rink.
- An equally XXL-sized Ferris wheel,
- And then of course amazing Christmas trees tens of meters large decorated with: LED lights, giant balls, glowing garlands and often projections or lighting effects.
- There are even creative workshops, where children make decorations, figurines and small gifts.
In short, Craiova knows how to surprise and make your visit memorable and special, and then again, the nights are transformed with shows, projections on building facades, traveling choirs and live concerts. Besides being the largest market in Europe, Craiova’s is the most incredible one for sure.
In summary, the Craiova Christmas market proves to be a real winter escape unique in Europe. Between a crazy atmosphere, local crafts and fairy-tale rides for a unique thrill.
How to get to the largest and most scenic Christmas market from Milan
It depends on what kind of travel you want to do. By plane it’s about 2 hours with Wizzair from Malpensa or from Orio al Serio there are occasional low-cost flights. Craiova airport plus is convenient as it is about 7km from the center. By train there is no direct line mas you have to change either in Vienna, Bucharest or Budapest and get to Craiova. By car or bus it is about 1,600 km: 16-18 0hrs travel time. Undoubtedly the plane is more comfortable, easier and faster.
Where: Craiova Christmas Market, Romania
Dates: November 14, 2025 to January 4, 2026