Romanian capital turns on Christmas lights, hosts Bucharest Christmas Market

Almost three million LED lights, which will light up Romania’s capital during the winter holidays, will be turned on tonight (Saturday 29), at 18:00, by Bucharest’s mayor Sorin Oprescu. The event will take on the esplanade in Piata Universitatii, where a 16-meter high Christmas tree was also installed, according to Mediafax. The event will also mark the opening of the Christmas fair, Bucharest Christmas Market. The Christmas lights will cover over 24 kilometres of public roads in Bucharest, starting with the central boulevards, such as Magheru, Nicolae Balcescu, I.C. Bratianu and Unirii, going to the Parliament’s Palace, Bucharest’s Old Town, Piata Victoriei and the Arch of Triumph. The Bucharest Christmas Market will be opened from November 29 until December 28, between 10:00 and 22:00. It takes place in the Piata Universitatii as well as in the Cismigiu Park. More than 100 house-shaped kiosks have already been installed. They will host merchants selling traditional objects, painted pottery, carved wood, Orthodox icons and traditional clothing, as well as Christmas decorations. Traditional food and mulled wine will also be available. The opening event will also feature concerts of local artists Connect-R and Mandinga. editor@romania-insider.com