The Sibiu Christmas market was the first-ever Christmas market in Romania and has been an annual fixture in the city of Sibiu since 2007. This was also the year that Sibiu was declared the cultural capital of Europe.
Sibiu is a cobblestoned historical city in the region of Transylvania. Its proximity to Romania’s tallest peak, Vârful Moldoveanu, and the iconic Transfagarasan road have made it one of the top ten most visited counties in Romania. However, I think the city also deserves to be known for their christmas market!
Dates + Opening Hours
The Sibiu Christmas market takes place from November 17th, 2023, until January 2nd, 2024.
The market will be open all day from 11 am until 10 pm.
Location Of Sibiu Christmas Market
The market is located in the Large Square, Pia?a Mare. At night, the buildings are draped in colourful projections.
There is also a small selection of markets in Pia?a Mic?, and the Muzeul Na?ional Brukenthal transforms into a small winter wonderland with a live DJ, food and stalls!
What To Do At Sibiu Christmas Market
Although the Sibiu Christmas market is quite small, there is plenty to do here for an action packed day or night!
1. Ferris Wheel
For panoramic views of the market, jump onboard the 22 metre Ferris wheel.
One trip on Sibiu’s festive Ferris wheel costs 20 lei / €4 / £3.50 per ride.
2. Ice Skating
There is a large skating rink that was full of adults and children gleefully skating to a soundtrack of classic Christmas hits.
The entrance fee for the Sibiu Christmas market ice skating rink is 10 lei / €2 / £1.75.
It is also possible to rent skates here!
3. Christmas At The Palace
Across from the large square is Muzeul Na?ional Brukenthal, the location for Christmas at the Palace.
Here, you will find an energetic DJ playing upbeat remixes of Christmas songs, food trucks, alcohol, and a small selection of craft stalls.
4. Food
Visit the market with an empty stomach because there are many delicious food stalls!
I recommend trying Langos, chimney cake, crepes, the punch from Wine Not, and hot chocolate. Aside from my recommendations, there are burgers, hot dogs, loaded fries, chocolate, and sweet stalls.
Additionally, the Sibiu Christmas market is sponsored by Kinder. Therefore there are a few Ferrero Rocher and Kinder stalls! Yum!
5. Shops
Aside from food, there are plenty of stalls to pick up something for yourself or a Christmas gift.
Stalls include cosy hats and gloves, jewellery, Christmas ornaments, and clothing.
6. Activities For Children
If you have children, you will be pleased to know the market has a carousal in the central area of the market. There is also a train that takes children and parents around the square.
Is Sibiu Christmas Market Worth Visiting?
Honestly, Sibiu Christmas market is one of favourite Christmas Markets I have ever visited. I have put this down to 3 reasons!
Sibiu in itself is so pretty, old colourful buildings, great cafes and restaurants. The square where the Christmas market is located is absolutely beautiful! Surrounded by old buildings that light up at night and a large canopy of fairy lights that drape across the market like a tent!
Secondly, although the market is relatively small in comparison to other European Christmas markets, it is very well designed. The stalls are all different, instead of repetitive.
Finally, Romania as a whole is an affordable destination, their Christmas markets are no exception. Admittedly, prices are inflated as they usually are at Christmas markets but they are still reasonable.
Where To Stay | Sibiu Christmas Market
The best area to stay in Sibiu for the Christmas market is the historic centre. You will be in the heart of it all!
Rabbit Hole ( ? 9.2/10 ) – stay here and the christmas market is literally on your doorstep. Rooms are modern, breakfast is included which guests have highly rated.
Hotel Casa Luxemburg ( ? 9.2/10 ) – one of the oldest building in Sibiu, this medieval style hotel has been recently renovated. Some rooms offer a view of Liar’s Bridge and the Evangelical Church.
ART Hotel ( ? 9.5/10 ) – located just a 4 minute walk to the christmas market. This boutique hotel has cosy and stylish rooms to unwind in. Breakfast is included with all room types.
How To Get To Sibiu
Flights to Sibiu
Sibiu’s airport Sibiu International Airport (SBZ) is located just 3km from the centre of Sibiu, a short 10 minute drive. The airport is small with only four airlines operating frequent flights. This makes it a little difficult to fly to Sibiu directly from various European cities. Direct flights include destinations such as London Luton, Vienna, Madrid and, Munich.
Another option is to fly to Bucharest, and then book a 5 hour train on Romania’s official train website cfrcalatori.ro to Sibiu.
Trains to Sibiu
Usually I use omio.com to book most train journeys in Europe. However, Romanian trains can only be booked on the official train website cfrcalatori.ro.
I found the train network in Romania to be good, there are no highspeed trains but they are clean, comfortable, and in my experience reliable. Some trains are old style with seating consisting of cabins with 6 seats.
From Bucharest – between 5 – 6 hours on a direct train.
From Brasov – 3 hours on a direct train.
From Timisoara – 7 hours on two trains.
From Cluj Napoca – 5 hours 30 minutes on two trains, sleeper trains also operate on this route.
From Budapest – 11 hour direct train.
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