Christmas Spirit Takes Over Chișinău as Holiday Markets Begin to Take Shape

The city center of Chișinău is rapidly transforming into a festive landscape as preparations intensify ahead of this year’s winter celebrations. With the official lighting ceremony of the Christmas Tree scheduled for the evening of December 5th, municipal teams and event organizers are working tirelessly to ensure everything is ready in time.

This year’s Christmas Tree, installed in the Great National Assembly Square, stands 20 meters tall and will be decorated with nearly 3,000 lights and over 10,000 ornaments. Crews from the municipality have been on-site since early morning, mounting garlands, testing electrical systems, and placing final decorations. Reporters observing the preparations describe the atmosphere as one filled with excitement and anticipation.

Meanwhile, in the Square of the National Opera and Ballet Theatre, preparations for one of the city’s most popular winter attractions — the traditional Christmas market — have been underway for nearly two weeks. Wooden stalls are already installed, decorative lighting has been set up, and vendors will soon fill the space with seasonal treats and handmade goods.

Organizers say they aim to create a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Veaceslav Crețu, one of the event coordinators, explained that this year’s market focuses especially on children:
“We will have slides, a carousel, food stalls, pastries, mulled wine, candy — everything needed for families to enjoy the winter holidays together. There will also be performances by children’s groups, carolers, and themed shows.”

The market will operate daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM until January 18th, offering locals and tourists ample opportunity to experience the festive magic. Visitors will find workshops for children, photo sessions with Santa Claus, areas for crafting decorations, and various themed activities designed to enhance the Christmas atmosphere.

Residents of Chișinău say they eagerly await the lighting of the Christmas Tree — a moment considered by many as the true beginning of the winter holiday season. “We come here every year with our family. It’s a tradition now, and the kids always love it,” said a young mother watching the installation work.

On December 5th, the city center will host a grand concert featuring well-known Moldovan artists including Nelly Ciobanu, Vitalie Dani, Aura, Adrian Ursu, Georgeta Voinovan, Tatiana Heghea, Diana Rotaru, Milla Danilceac, and Cătălin Josan. The show will conclude with the lighting of the Christmas Tree — one of the most anticipated moments of the season.

Authorities emphasize that safety remains a top priority this year. Additional patrols will be deployed, surveillance systems strengthened, and emergency services placed on high alert to ensure citizens can celebrate in a secure environment.

With lights being tested, stalls being stocked, and rehearsals already underway, Chișinău is on the verge of stepping fully into the festive season. Organizers are confident that this year’s celebration will be among the most memorable, and residents seem to share that sentiment: Christmas is approaching, and the capital is ready to shine.