We decided when we were in Turkey that we would head to snow for Christmas.

So on the way, we had a stop in Bucharest, Romania and country number 43 on our world trip.

We mainly chose here because (we are Australian, and we have grown up with a hot Christmas, so) the idea of a wintery night with us all rugged up and walking through a Christmas Market sounded fabulous.

So here we are –

Exploring Bucharest Christmas Markets Romania

I guess this blog will be a walk with pictures, as pictures tell a thousand words.  Explorason wanted to buy these wooden bowls, but with the tight ruling on sending wood into Australia, we had to decline.

There were a few Christmas Santa hats being worn, but I did notice that overall it isn’t a big thing to wander around in a Santa hat as much as I have seen in other countries like USA and Australia.  We bought one anyway,

It feels really safe here. The kids are running around playing and the mix of food, drink and Christmas wares of sale, all blend in well.

Explorason is mesmerized as they let a tiny hot air balloon into the sky with a fire under it.  He eats his hot dog, and I drink mulled wine, which was just gorgeous, and so lovely and warm too.

There are so many traditional crafts for sale.  There is quite a bit of English spoken, so I can tell we are among other travelers and tourists.

It is really a place where the older generation shows its craft skills passed down over the centuries. If my budget was not so strapped right now, I would definitely buy more. There are so many beautiful things for sale.

So we have to have our photo taken by one of the signs inside. There are many of these dotted around, reminding us we are in Bucharest Romania. For us this was weeks of full on traveling to get here, so we are celebrating a proud moment.

The food is pretty cool. These are hot fried potato slices on a skewer.

There are lots of traditional cabbage rolls with polenta being served. I tried that – it was interesting.

These ladies never stopped for five seconds so it was super hard to get a photo of them.

This lovely guy was selling beaded eggs his family makes.  He showed Explorason his favorite one. Then he took off his coat and gave it to him to wear.  It was lined with sheep wool and so soft but heavy. What a lovely young man.

Needless to say, we bought a beaded egg! We will add a little screw into the top and hang it on the Christmas Tree.

The main Bucharest market is in the University Square in the center of the city.  It has a huge Christmas tree, a carousel, a stage – and Santa.

This is the line-up for Santa.  He is in a glass hut, so you can see him and his elves inside. They don’t make you buy a photo, but you can donate a toy for the poor. You can also send a letter to the North Pole.  We line up and are amazed at how many teenagers and adults are there to go and see him too.

He starts speaking in Romania, but quick as a flash changes and says “you speak English!”.  So he has a great conversation and tells Explorason what a “really good boy he is, and does he like Romania?”.

The elves were wonderful too. We receive a programme in English, and also a map and Santa gives Explorason a wrapped chocolate croissant.

On the second night, we walk down to Central Park.  We had seen this Christmas market as we drove into town.

This market is much quieter than the other main Christmas Market. But there is also ice-skating which we might try another day.  We loved the beautiful work here of some delicately painted crosses by some nuns. The ladies were so lovely. Heck, everyone is so lovely!

We bought Christmas wrapping paper, and just took a walk around the long length the market goes down.

These markets are on for 12 hours a day I believe. 10:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m.

We are told there are five markets across town.  We have also visited 2 other halls with Christmas markets as we wander around the town.  I wish we could by more.

It really is a beautiful time of the year here in Bucharest.

And the most special part for me is hearing Christmas music in English.

We hold hands and walk off down the street in the dark singing.

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year….”

Merry Christmas to you all fromExploramum and Explorason 

Here is a link to book a great holiday too – click on the link now.

Questions and Comments

• What fascinates about Turkey?
• Have you spent christmas in Romania?
• How was the experience?
• Do share your experiences, opinions and Comments with us below.