Craiova Christmas Market 2026

This year’s Craiova Christmas Market runs from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, themed “Land of the Elves”. Stalls, stages and rides are spread across Mihai Viteazul Square, Frații Buzești Square, Ierusalim Square, Calea Unirii, Theodor Aman Street, A.I. Cuza Street, English Park and the National Theatre area.

Entry is free. Some attractions, such as the ice rink, the Ferris wheel or the mini trains, are ticketed separately. The market is organised by Craiova City Hall.

The market came first in the European Best Destinations vote and holds the title “Best European Christmas Market 2026”.

• Stalls and rides: Monday–Thursday, 12:00–22:00; Friday–Sunday, 11:00–23:00.
• Santa’s Flying Sleigh show, above the ice rink in Mihai Viteazul Square, until 27 December: Monday–Thursday at 18:30; Friday–Sunday at 18:30 and 19:30.
• The train inside the Christmas tree in Mihai Viteazul Square: daily, 18:30–19:00, until 3 January.
• Santa’s Toy Factory, on the ice rink in Mihai Viteazul Square: daily at 18:00–18:45, 19:30–19:45, 20:30–20:45, 21:30–21:45 and 22:30–22:45, until 3 January.
• Concerts by local and national artists: Fridays and Saturdays, until 19 December. The day-by-day programme is below.

• Mihai Viteazul Square: the 21-metre tree with a miniature train inside, the ice rink with Santa’s Toy Factory, Santa’s Lift, the sleigh flying over the rink every evening, and stalls.
• Frații Buzești Square: the concert stage and a 9-metre Santa.
• “Marin Sorescu” National Theatre area: Santa’s Land, with a Ferris wheel, mini trains, carousels and VR films, mainly for children.
• Doljana area: the maze leading to the Elves’ Workshops.
• Calea Unirii: terraces with traditional food.
• Theodor Aman Street: food trucks.
• Ierusalim Square, the Minerva area, A.I. Cuza Street and English Park: stalls and decorations.

Car parks for a few hours’ visit

City Hall recommends the car parks by Craiova International Airport, with about 1,000 spaces for cars and coaches. The airport’s public car park costs 3 lei for 1–5 hours, 20 lei for 5–8 hours and 40 lei for 12–24 hours. The private car park in front of the airport costs 5 lei for the first hour and 20 lei for 12–24 hours (info: 0731 343 433).

From the airport, RAT buses 8 and 9 run to the centre about every 15 minutes. A ticket costs 4 lei, paid by card on the bus or in the “Craiova Transport” app. Bus 9 stops at the National Theatre, bus 8 at the Țărăncuța stop on Carol I Boulevard.

Car parks in the centre

• Underground car park at the “Marin Sorescu” National Theatre: 3 lei per hour or 135 lei for 3 days, unlimited parking. You can also pay in the “Parcare Craiova” app.
• Mihai Kogălniceanu Street, in front of the “Alexandru and Aristia Aman” County Library (private).
• Gin Gin car park, next to Flora restaurant, entrance from Mihai Viteazul Street (private).
• Regina Maria Clinic car park, A.I. Cuza Street, opposite the University of Craiova (private).
• Brestei Street, near the Court of Auditors, the Dolj Tribunal and the Faculty of Agronomy (public).

Coaches and minibuses

Organised groups can park at the Craiova Multifunctional Centre (26 Târgului St.), Sala Polivalentă (6 Ilie Balaci Blvd.), Electroputere Mall (80 Calea București), Promenada Mall (61 Calea Severinului) and on Potelu Street, in the ANL district behind Romanescu Park.

By public transport

• From the railway station: bus 1, getting off at Olteț or Țărăncuța.
• From Promenada Mall: trams 100, 101 and 102, from the ANL stop to the National Theatre stop.
• The National Theatre stop is also served by buses 2b, 3b, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 23 and 25.

Magic Train and Party Bus

The Magic Train runs daily from 14:00 to 22:00; tickets cost 4 lei, sold on board. Route: Sala Polivalentă – Casa Băniei – School Inspectorate – Carol I High School – A.I. Cuza Street (City Hall) – Arieș Street – Kogălniceanu Street – Ciupercă – Sala Polivalentă.

The Party Bus runs daily from 17:00 to 23:00; tickets cost 6 lei, sold on board. Route: Promenada Mall – Calea Severinului – Maria Tănase Street – A.I. Cuza Street (City Hall) – Frații Golești Street – Calea București – Calea Severinului – Promenada Mall.

Calea Unirii is closed to traffic between Mihai Viteazul Street and A.I. Cuza / Popa Șapcă Street until 8 January 2027. Illegally parked cars are towed.