Craiova,
today.
What’s on, where to go and how to get there. Ideas for an evening in the city or a few days in Dolj County.
Craiova switches on the winter lights today
The Christmas Market opening sets the city in motion and calls for clear information, good access and respect for shared public space.
Craiova opens its 2026 Christmas Market today. From 18:00, Mihai Viteazul Square becomes the centre of the evening; the official opening, lights, Flying Sleigh and fireworks are scheduled from 18:30.
An event of this scale is about more than decorations and entertainment. It means busy streets, visitors looking for quick directions and a need for public transport, parking and pedestrian access to work together. Today, from 17:00 to 23:00, traffic is restricted on Popa Șapcă and A.I. Cuza, between Unirii and Arieș.
The market extends across several central areas. RAT routes 8 and 9 connect the airport with the centre, railway station and Craiovița Nouă, while the official maps help visitors choose a parking area before leaving.
Tonight, Craiova switches on the lights. How the city welcomes people will remain the most important part of the show.
Craiova now
Periodic updateThe four-day forecast is loaded automatically for Craiova. Official warnings must always be checked with Romania’s National Meteorological Administration.
Verified agenda
11–15 NovemberTimes and prices are linked to organiser pages. Check availability before leaving.
Craiova Muzicală
Opening of the 53rd edition, 13 November at 19:00, Oltenia Philharmonic Hall. Tickets: RON 50; RON 15 for pupils, students and pensioners.
Details and tickets ↗Snow White
14 November at 18:00, Colibri Theatre. Duration: 50 minutes. Ticket: RON 15.
Tickets ↗The Grasshopper and the Ant
15 November at 11:00, Colibri Theatre. Duration: 45 minutes. Ticket: RON 15.
Tickets ↗The Merry Widow
15 November at 19:00, Marin Sorescu National Theatre, as part of the Elena Teodorini International Festival.
Craiova Opera ↗Rare birds
“The fascinating world of rare birds”, Museum of Oltenia, open until March 2027. General hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 09:00–17:00.
Museum of Oltenia ↗Transport, flights and traffic
Before you leaveCraiova Airport departures
- 05:30 Dortmund, W43767
- 11:55 Bari, W43773
- 16:40 Birmingham, W43765
- 19:00 Bergamo, W43771
Scheduled times are not proof that a flight operated. Check live status with the airport and airline.
Departures and arrivals ↗Traffic in Craiova
- Calea Unirii, Mihai Viteazul–A.I. Cuza/Popa Șapcă section, restrictions until 8 January 2027, 23:00.
- Râului Street, between Popoveni and Târgului, restrictions until 15 November; access for residents without an alternative.
- On 13–15 November, Popa Șapcă and A.I. Cuza, between Unirii and Arieș, are closed from 17:00 to 23:00.
Station, centre, airport
RAT route 8 links the railway station, city centre and airport, with an hourly departure at minute 30 according to the published timetable.
Practical city guide
Craiova and DoljVerified starting points for a visit, a night out or an urgent need. Availability and prices must be confirmed with the operator.
Must-see Craiova
Essential landmarksFour stops for a first visit: art, Brâncuși and the history of Oltenia. Check opening hours and tickets directly with each institution.
Art and architectureCraiova Art Museum
The Jean Mihail Palace houses Romanian and European art collections.
Brâncuși“Constantin Brâncuși” Centre
A contemporary pavilion and glass prism in the Art Museum courtyard.
Oltenian heritageMuseum of Oltenia
History, ethnography and natural sciences across several venues.
History and archaeologyHistory Museum
Archaeological and historical landmarks of Craiova, Dolj and Oltenia.
Images: Art Museum/Wikimedia Commons, Discover Dolj, Museum of Oltenia and Visit Romania. Confirm opening hours with each institution.
Did you know?
Craiova in detailCasa Băniei is Craiova's oldest surviving civil building
The medieval building was erected in the late 15th century by the Craiovești boyars and rebuilt in 1699 by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu. Today it houses the Ethnography Section of the Museum of Oltenia.
Source: Museum of Oltenia ↗Craiova through time
Verified factThe Museum of Oltenia was founded
The date is recorded by the institution in its official history. This section publishes a dated fact only when a primary source confirms it.
Museum history ↗The Land of the Elves
Mihai Viteazul Square: opening show, Flying Sleigh, lights and fireworks from 18:00. Frații Buzești Square: Winter Wonderland and DJ sets from 19:00.
Daily hours: Monday–Thursday 12:00–22:00; Friday–Sunday 11:00–23:00. Open until 3 January 2027.
Things to do
From the organisersMarin Sorescu National Theatre
Check the national theatre’s programme for the date of your visit.
See the programme ↗Oltenia Philharmonic
Concert listings and programme information from the venue.
See the concerts ↗Universitatea Craiova
Check the next match and its official kick-off time.
See the fixtures ↗Plan your visit to Craiova Christmas Market
13 November 2026 – 3 January 2027. Craiova City Hall has confirmed the dates and the city-centre location. Check opening hours and the daily programme separately.
Before heading to the Land of the Elves, check the programme, choose an area on the map and plan your journey into the centre. Find transport, parking and family attractions in one place.
Photos: Craiova City Hall · published by European Best Destinations
Plan your journey
Travel informationForecast and warnings
Check the Craiova forecast and any warnings in force before you leave.
Check the national weather service ↗Trains and flights
Confirm your departure time with the operator on the day you travel.
Train timetables ↗Craiova flights ↗Getting to the centre
Check parking rules and local public transport routes.
Parking rules ↗Local bus routes ↗A weekend plan
A walk through the centre
Start at the Jean Mihail Palace and leave time for the old town.
Explore route ideasMake time for culture
Choose a play or a concert from the current programme.
See venue programmesAn evening at the market
Check the programme and travel options before you go.
Market detailsFrom Craiova into Dolj
A day in Craiova
The Jean Mihail Palace, the old town and a museum stop.
Attractions in Craiova ↗Nicolae Romanescu Park
A city walk that is easy to combine with a visit to the centre.
Visitor attractions ↗Fortified houses, villages and the Danube
Ideas for a trip out of the city, with stops suited to the season and access.
Explore routes in Dolj ↗Get in touch
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Questions about the project and how to reach our team.
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