The numbers behind a storybook edition: dozens of days of entertainment, live concerts, thousands of gifts and hundreds of thousands of servings of festive treats
This winter, Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca were wrapped in the same magic and united by the same emotion: the joy of the holidays lived at full intensity. The Christmas markets organized by UNTOLD Universe, West Side Christmas Market, created in partnership with the Sector 6 City Hall, and Planeta Crăciun, organized together with the Cluj-Napoca City Hall, set an important record. Each location attracted over 1 million visitors in 2025.
Live music, winter aromas, fairytale decorations, charitable actions and activities for all ages transformed the two markets, for more than a month, into true festive universes, where Christmas came to life through sound, generosity, color and emotions shared with loved ones. Even though West Side Christmas Market and Planeta Crăciun have closed their gates, the joy continues in Cluj, where the Winter Market remains open until February 15.
Dozens of concerts and hundreds of hours of live music, in the heart of Sector 6
For 30 days, West Side Christmas Market became the main winter attraction in Bucharest. The stage set in front of the amphitheater in Drumul Taberei Park hosted dozens of concerts and hundreds of hours of live music, from carol performances to energetic shows, bringing together audiences of all ages, evening after evening. Fuego, Smiley, Loredana, Alina Sorescu, Andia, Vunk, Om la Lună, Irina Sârbu and many others brought joy and emotion through their music. The atmosphere was completed by spectacular lights, fairytale décor and the energy of a crowd eager to experience Christmas through music and memorable moments.
42 days of celebration and two charity campaigns, in the heart of Cluj, on Planeta Crăciun
In Unirii Square in Cluj-Napoca, Planeta Crăciun transformed the city center into a space of continuous celebration for 42 days, between November 21 and January 1. Dozens of artistic moments, from carol concerts performed by choirs and ensembles to live shows by well-known artists such as Fuego, Bibi, Puya, Guess Who, Vlăduța Lupă and Jurjak, created a complete experience in which tradition and modernity blended harmoniously.
This year’s edition of Planeta Crăciun also included a strong social responsibility component, through the charity campaigns “We Help” and “Capace cu suflet”, which brought gifts to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
A flavorful recap: thousands of cups of mulled wine and tens of thousands of festive dishes
Christmas is also felt through taste, and the two markets were a true winter feast. Thousands of cups of mulled wine, tens of thousands of servings of sarmale, dozens of kilograms of gingerbread and hundreds of meters of sausages were enjoyed by visitors, alongside a generous culinary offer. From traditional Romanian dishes such as sarmale, sausages, pork cracklings or tochitură, to spectacular desserts and options from international cuisines, the gastronomic experience perfectly complemented the festive atmosphere. Local artisans’ gift stalls added authenticity, featuring handmade items ideal for meaningful gifts.
Thousands of hours of skating fun and dozens of creative workshops, every day
Day after day, West Side Christmas Market and Planeta Crăciun offered countless opportunities for fun for visitors of all ages. Dozens of creative workshops, meetings with Santa Claus and thousands of hours of activities filled the markets with energy, curiosity and good cheer, from morning until evening. The panoramic wheel, carousel, generous ice rink and virtual reality sleigh became landmarks of an experience truly lived, not just visited.
At the heart of this festive universe, Santa’s House was the place where time was measured in smiles and letters. Thousands of children crossed its threshold, left their wishes, received gifts and took part daily in workshops that turned Christmas into an interactive experience, from carefully decorated gingerbread to Christmas ornaments and gifts wrapped with emotion.
In Cluj-Napoca, winter magic continues until February 15. The fun moves to the Winter Market on the esplanade of the Horia Demian Sports Hall, welcoming visitors with a generous ice rink with perfectly smooth ice and a fairytale carousel.
