# Craiova ranked best European Christmas market

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/craiova-ranked-best-european-christmas-market
> Updated: 2026-10-14T09:30:06.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 2.

The Romanian city of Craiova has been ranked as the best Christmas market in Europe for 2026 by the tourism platform European Best Destinations. The ranking was established through votes cast by more than 800,000 travelers representing 179 countries.

The market is set to cover over 280,000 square meters and will utilize a ‘Nutcracker’ theme. Planned attractions include a Ferris wheel, an ice rink, large-scale light installations, and high-altitude Santa Claus sleigh rides. The event will also feature culinary specialties from various regions, including Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, Armenia, and Georgia.

Other top-ranked European destinations in the selection include Zurich, Switzerland; Riga, Latvia; Lisbon, Portugal; and Debrecen, Hungary.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-14: Craiova named Europe's best Christmas market destination for 2026

Craiova, Romania, has been voted Europe's best Christmas market for 2026 by over 800,000 travelers, surpassing traditional favorites like Vienna and Prague.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/craiova-named-europes-best-christmas-market-destination-for-2026

### 2026-10-11: Craiova ranked as Europe’s best Christmas market for 2026

Craiova, Romania, has been voted Europe’s best Christmas market for 2026, surpassing famous destinations like Zurich and Riga in a poll of 800,000 travelers.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/craiova-romania-ranked-as-europes-top-christmas-market-for-2026

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Cite as: Craiova ranked best European Christmas market. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/craiova-ranked-best-european-christmas-market