Christmas in Romania

The holiday season in Romania is a captivating time, steeped in tradition and warmth despite the winter chill. For expats and digital nomads spending their first Christmas and New Year's in this Eastern European country, the festivities are an enchanting blend of age-old customs and convivial celebrations.

Christmas and New Year's Traditions in Romania

In Romania, Christmas and New Year's are celebrated with a deep sense of community and reverence for tradition. The festive period is marked by a series of events and customs that begin early in December and extend into the first days of January. Romanians cherish this time for the opportunity to gather with family, honor customs, and indulge in festive foods.

Pre-Holiday Festivities and Decorations

As the holidays approach, cities and towns across Romania come alive with sparkling lights and Christmas markets. One of the most renowned markets is in Sibiu, set in the historical heart of Transylvania, where wooden stalls brim with handcrafted gifts, mulled wine, and sweet treats. Bucharest, the capital, also dazzles with its ornate decorations and vibrant Christmas market in the central Piata Universitatii.

The Romanian Santa Claus

The figure of Santa Claus, known locally as Mo? Cr?ciun, plays a significant role in Romanian Christmas celebrations. Children eagerly await his visit on Christmas Eve, hoping to find presents under the Christmas tree. Gift-giving is a cherished practice, with thoughtful presents often including handcrafted items, books, sweets, and toys.

Festive Foods and Desserts

Romanian holiday cuisine is rich and varied, with an emphasis on hearty dishes and delectable desserts. Traditional Christmas meals might feature sarmale (cabbage rolls filled with minced meat), cozonac (a sweet bread with nuts and cocoa), and pork dishes. On New Year's Eve, lentils are commonly eaten for good luck, and the midnight toast is made with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Christmas Eve is a time of anticipation and preparation. Many Romanians attend a midnight church service to mark the birth of Jesus. The service is a solemn and beautiful occasion, often featuring choral music and candlelight. Christmas Day itself is typically spent at home with family, enjoying a festive meal and the company of loved ones.

Church Attendance

Religion plays a significant role in Romanian culture, and many people attend church services during the holiday season. The majority of Romanians are Orthodox Christians, and the Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on December 25th, according to the Gregorian calendar. Churches are usually filled to capacity for the Christmas liturgy, with additional services held throughout the holiday period.

Notable Locations for Holiday Festivities

Beyond the Christmas markets, certain Romanian towns and neighborhoods are particularly famous for their holiday spirit. The medieval town of Bra?ov, with its cobbled streets and baroque architecture, offers a picturesque backdrop for holiday celebrations. In the Maramure? region, known for its wooden churches and rural traditions, villagers don traditional costumes and go caroling from house to house, a practice known as colindat.

In conclusion, Romania's Christmas and New Year's celebrations are a heartwarming tapestry of customs, community, and joy. From the bustling Christmas markets to the solemn church services, and from the festive meals to the exchange of gifts, the holiday season in Romania is a time of cherished traditions and new experiences for expats and digital nomads alike. Whether it's your first year or you're a seasoned celebrant, the Romanian winter holidays are sure to leave you with lasting memories and a sense of having participated in something truly special.