Carols, Christmas lights and goodies at the Christmas Fair in Sibiu, central Romania

The official opening of the sixth edition of Christmas Fair from Sibiu gathered few thousands of people on Saturday (November 26, 2012) in the downtown square Piata Mare. The opening included a concert held by Romanian singer Nicola, a Christmas lights show and carol concerts. The fair, which aims to bring to Romania the spirit of the Vienese Christmas fair, and which recently entered the ranking of the ten most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, can be visited by locals and tourists until the second day of Christmas, December 26. Santa's Workshops- bakery, gingerbread and candles- will be organized for children. They will take place from Monday to Friday by appointment. So far, 80 percent of the seats were reserved. during the week-end, they will be open to everyone. On Saturdays and Sundays, carols concerts and dance performances will be held on the stage in Piata Mare. Romanian actor Marian Ralea will perform as his character The Magician in two shows for children, one on December 15 and another on December 23. Santa Claus will also come to the Sibiu fair on December 23. For tourists who wish to visit Sibiu on Christmas this year, the organizers, together with one of the central hotels in the city, have prepared a package called "Sibiu Christmas Market Break". It costs EUR 69 and includes two nights’ accommodation, guide in English, German or French throughout the Christmas Fair and the historical center of Sibiu, a one-day ski pass at Arena Platos and a surprise gift from the fair organizers. The fair is a project initiated by Fundația Au-Ro Austria Pro Romania and the Austrian Embassy Social Attache. It is organized by A1 Events and co-financed by the Sibiu municipality. Ioana Toader, ioana.toader@romania-insider.com (photo source: targuldecraciun.ro)