As 2025 draws to a close, Bucharest and Romania’s major cities turn into vibrant stages for cultural events, festivals, concerts, and winter fairs. The festive atmosphere begins as early as November and continues until the last days of December, offering the public a wide range of options — from live music and international performances to authentic traditions and colorful Christmas markets.

This guide brings together the most important cultural and artistic events taking place in Bucharest and across the country during November and December 2025, based on currently available information.

What to see in November 2025

November brings to the Capital a series of concerts and performances for music lovers. On November 4, 2025, the band Byron will perform a special concert at Sala Palatului in Bucharest, a much-awaited event for fans of Romanian alternative rock. Also in the city, on November 8, the stage at Forge Bucharest will host an intense show by Mefjus & Anaïs, an event dedicated to fans of electronic and drum’n’bass music.

Outside Bucharest, between November 12 and 15, 2025, world-renowned violinist André Rieu will return to Romania with the Johann Strauss Orchestra for a series of concerts at BT Arena in Cluj-Napoca. The event is part of his 2025 world tour and promises to be one of the season’s most spectacular musical experiences.

November also marks the start of the winter holiday preparations, with the opening of the first Christmas markets across the country. In Bucharest, the Christmas Market in Constitution Square opens in the second half of the month, offering visitors handcrafted products, culinary delights, festive lights, and daily concerts. Similar events will take place in Sibiu, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Craiova, each city bringing its own local charm and traditions.

Must-see events in December 2025

The final month of the year is undoubtedly the richest in cultural activities. Christmas markets continue throughout the country, turning city centers into fairytale-like villages filled with lights, cinnamon scents, and holiday music.

A special highlight in December is the Dancing Bears Festival in Comănești, held between December 24 and 30, 2025. This unique event, part of Romania’s intangible cultural heritage, gathers hundreds of participants dressed in traditional bear costumes, performing ancient dances meant to chase away evil and celebrate the arrival of the New Year. The festival attracts thousands of local and international tourists every year and is considered one of Romania’s most authentic cultural experiences.

In Bucharest, December is also filled with Christmas concerts, carol performances, winter galas, and charity events, held both indoors — at venues like the Romanian Athenaeum and Sala Palatului — and outdoors, in the city’s main squares.

What to watch for and how to prepare

For those planning to attend the events scheduled for November and December, it’s worth preparing ahead. Tickets for concerts and shows tend to sell out quickly, especially for international artists. Similarly, Christmas markets attract large crowds, so planning your visit in advance — especially if you intend to travel to other cities — is recommended.

If you choose to experience traditional events outside Bucharest, such as the Dancing Bears Festival in Comănești, make sure to book transportation and accommodation early, as availability is limited. In the Capital, for concerts and markets, it’s best to use public transportation or the metro to avoid heavy traffic and parking issues.

A year-end you won’t forget

The end of 2025 brings to Romania a rich variety of cultural, musical, and traditional events. Bucharest, Cluj, Sibiu, Craiova, and Comănești become festive centers where everyone can find something special — a symphonic concert, a winter fair, a walk among sparkling lights, or an authentic New Year’s experience.

Regardless of your preferences, the November–December period is the perfect time to discover the magic of Romanian cities — in tune with their music, traditions, and festive spirit marking the close of another year.