Bucharest is getting ready for one of the most anticipated winter attractions: the 2025 Christmas Market, scheduled between November 29 and December 28 in Piața Constituției. The organizer, CREART – the Center for Creation, Art and Tradition of the Municipality of Bucharest, has announced the rental prices for vendors, as well as the strict conditions they must meet in order to participate.

The fair remains one of the largest events of its kind in Romania, and the high visitor turnout each year explains both the elevated rental fees and the rigorous selection criteria.

How Much a Food Stall Costs: From Sarmale to Pork Stew and Bean Soup with Smoked Meat

The most expensive stalls at the fair are those dedicated to traditional hot food prepared on-site. Vendors who want to sell dishes such as sarmale, pomana porcului, bean soup with smoked meat, sautéed cabbage, sausages or skewers must pay a fee of 40,000 lei for the entire duration of the fair.

These stands are among the most visited, and organizers impose additional safety requirements due to the high volume of food and the use of cooking equipment.

Mulled Wine and Hot Drinks: 35,000 lei per Stall

The second-highest fee applies to vendors selling hot drinks. To sell mulled wine, tea or soft drinks, the rental price is 35,000 lei. Only the beverages explicitly listed in the regulations are allowed—coffee and hot chocolate are not permitted in this category.

Fast Food, Sweets and Desserts: 25,000 lei

Vendors who wish to sell burgers, hot dogs, French fries, pancakes, doughnuts, langoși or other dessert items must pay 25,000 lei. Selling alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages is not allowed at these stands.

Non-Food Products: Rentals from 5,000 to 10,000 lei

Non-food vendors also have several categories of stalls available, each with specific pricing:

Christmas Decorations and Holiday Items – 10,000 lei

The most expensive non-food category includes:

• Christmas decorations
• Holiday gifts
• Seasonal souvenirs

The participation fee is 10,000 lei.

Handmade Items, Art and Natural Products – 8,000 lei

Stalls reserved for handmade creations, artistic works or natural cosmetic products have a rental price of 8,000 lei. This category includes handcrafted jewelry, natural cosmetics, textile items and other artisan products.

Traditional Crafts – Lowest Fee: 5,000 lei

The most affordable stalls, with a fee of 5,000 lei, are dedicated to Romanian artisans who create traditional objects such as:

• ceramics
• wood, metal or glass crafts
• embroidered blouses and folk costumes
• icons and traditional decorative items

Strict Requirements for Vendors: Proven Experience and Biodegradable Materials

Participation in the 2025 Bucharest Christmas Market comes with a set of mandatory rules.

Mandatory Experience

Vendors selling food products must have participated in at least two previous outdoor events, in Bucharest, elsewhere in Romania or abroad. They must provide photos and proof of participation in their application form.

Biodegradable Materials Required

All participants must use biodegradable materials for serving and packaging:
cups, plates, cutlery, napkins, paper bags, food containers and others.

This measure aims to reduce waste and is applied to all categories.

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Approved Gas Installations

Vendors who prepare food on the spot are required to:

• install gas systems using fixed piping
• have authorized personnel to connect stoves to gas cylinders

These rules were introduced to prevent accidents and maintain a high level of safety during the fair.

A Longer Fair and Growing Competition Among Vendors

The Bucharest Christmas Market 2025 runs for a longer period than in previous years, ending on December 28. Given the high visitor turnout and the visibility offered by the event, competition among vendors is intense, and selection criteria are stricter than before.

The elevated fees reflect the massive number of visitors, operational costs and the prestige of an event that remains a key highlight of Romania’s winter season.