It is the heart of the city, and its Christmas market won the 2025 European Best Destinations vote for the best Christmas market in Europe.
About the place
Piața Mihai Viteazul was rebuilt in 2007, and Calea Unirii leads off it as a pedestrian street towards the Art Museum. Around it stand buildings from the early 20th century and before: the Palace of Justice from 1891–1894, now the University, the Banca Comerțului palace, now the Town Hall, and Casa Albă, the town's first block of flats, from 1926, with English Park beside it. To the south, Strada Lipscani and the streets around it form the historic centre, with old merchants' houses, passages, cafés and terraces.
The 2026 Christmas market runs from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 in the central area, with the theme 'The Land of the Elves', according to Craiova Town Hall. In 2025 the decorations covered Piața Mihai Viteazul, English Park, Piața William Shakespeare and the surrounding streets, with a big wheel, an ice rink, stalls with food and handmade goods, and weekend shows. For the market, Calea Unirii is closed to traffic between Strada Mihai Viteazul and Strada Alexandru Ioan Cuza until 8 January 2027.
Good to know
- The 2026 Christmas market opens on 13 November 2026 and closes on 3 January 2027; it is busiest in the evenings and at weekends.
- Last year's edition was extended by a week, to 11 January; check the Town Hall's announcements if you come in early January.
- Strada Lipscani has cafés and terraces, and the Art Museum is about 150 m north on Calea Unirii.
Opening hours
Opening hours are not confirmed. Check the venue's website before you go.