Things to Do in Brasov in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Brasov
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Christmas market season runs full-throttle from late November through December 26th in Council Square, with wooden stalls selling covrigi (pretzels), mulled wine, and local crafts - the medieval Old Town backdrop makes it genuinely atmospheric, not just another European Christmas market
- Poiana Brașov ski resort, just 12 km (7.5 miles) from the city center, typically has reliable snow cover by early December with lift tickets running 180-220 RON ($39-48) per day - significantly cheaper than Western European resorts and rarely crowded on weekdays
- Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to summer peak season except for the Christmas week (December 20-27), so early December and the week after Christmas offer excellent value - you'll find solid three-star hotels in the Old Town for 250-350 RON ($54-76) per night
- The cold weather actually makes hiking Mount Tâmpa and exploring Bran Castle more comfortable than summer's crowds and heat - you'll have trails largely to yourself on weekday mornings, and the snow-dusted mountains create that Transylvanian atmosphere tourists imagine
Considerations
- Daylight is brutally short - sunrise around 7:45am, sunset by 4:45pm - which means you're losing roughly 5-6 hours of sightseeing time compared to summer, and outdoor activities need to be squeezed into that narrow window
- The Christmas week (December 20-27) sees accommodation prices spike back to summer levels and the Christmas market becomes genuinely crowded with domestic tourists from Bucharest - if you're trying to avoid crowds and save money, this week works against you
- Public transportation to nearby attractions like Bran Castle and Peleș Castle runs on reduced winter schedules, and some smaller guesthouses in surrounding villages close entirely for the season - you'll need to plan transport more carefully or consider renting a car
Best Activities in December
Poiana Brașov Skiing and Snowboarding
December typically brings the first reliable snow to Poiana Brașov, Romania's most accessible ski resort. By mid-December, most runs are open with snow depths around 30-50 cm (12-20 inches). The resort caters well to beginners and intermediates with 10 slopes and modern gondola access. Weekday mornings are remarkably quiet - you'll often ski without lift queues. The resort sits at 1,030 m (3,379 ft) base elevation, reaching 1,770 m (5,807 ft) at the top. Equipment rental runs 80-120 RON ($17-26) per day for a full setup.
Brașov Christmas Market Experience
Council Square transforms into a proper Christmas market from late November through December 26th, with around 50 wooden chalets selling everything from kürtőskalács (chimney cakes) to handmade wool socks. The market runs daily from 10am-10pm, though it's most atmospheric after 4pm when the lights come on and the mulled wine starts flowing. Locals actually use this market (not just tourists), so you'll find decent quality crafts alongside the tourist kitsch. The medieval buildings surrounding the square, especially the Black Church backdrop, make it visually distinctive from other European Christmas markets.
Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Winter Tours
Bran Castle (yes, the Dracula castle) is actually more atmospheric in December's grey weather and light snow than during summer's tour bus chaos. Visitor numbers drop by about 60% compared to peak season, so you can actually photograph the courtyard without 200 people in frame. The 30 km (18.6 miles) drive from Brașov takes you through snow-covered villages. Combine it with Rasnov Fortress, 15 km (9.3 miles) from Brașov, which sits dramatically on a hilltop and is even quieter in winter. Both sites close around 4pm in December due to daylight, so plan morning departures.
Mount Tâmpa Winter Hiking
The trail up Mount Tâmpa (995 m / 3,264 ft elevation) becomes a completely different experience in winter - you'll trade summer crowds for solitude and get snow-dusted views over Brașov. The main trail from Strada Diagonala takes 45-60 minutes up, and the famous BRAȘOV sign looks particularly dramatic against snow. The cable car still operates (weather permitting) for 25 RON ($5.50) round-trip if you don't want to hike both ways. Morning hikes (starting by 9am) give you the best light and avoid afternoon clouds that can roll in.
Traditional Romanian Cooking Classes
December is actually ideal for learning Romanian winter dishes - sarmale (cabbage rolls), mămăligă (polenta), and cozonac (sweet bread) that locals prepare for Christmas. Several cooking schools in Brașov run 3-4 hour classes where you'll shop at the market, cook in a home kitchen, and eat what you make. It's a perfect indoor activity for short winter days, and you'll learn about Romanian food culture beyond the tourist restaurant experience. Classes typically run 10am-2pm or 3pm-7pm.
Peleș Castle Day Trip
Peleș Castle in Sinaia, 50 km (31 miles) from Brașov, is arguably Romania's most stunning castle - a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece that makes Bran look modest. December means you'll tour without summer's overwhelming crowds, though the castle closes on Mondays and Tuesdays year-round. The surrounding Carpathian mountain scenery is spectacular with snow cover. Plan a full morning or afternoon - the drive takes 1-1.5 hours each way, and you'll want 2 hours at the castle itself. The nearby Pelișor Castle can be combined for a fuller day.
December Events & Festivals
Brașov Christmas Market
The main Christmas market in Council Square runs from late November through December 26th, featuring traditional crafts, food stalls, and nightly entertainment. It's genuinely atmospheric with the medieval Old Town backdrop, and locals actually shop here for gifts and decorations. Evening visits (after 4pm when lights turn on) are most magical. Free to attend, though you'll spend on food and mulled wine.
New Year's Eve Celebration in Council Square
December 31st brings a large outdoor celebration in Council Square with live music, DJs, and fireworks at midnight. It's the biggest party night of the year in Brașov, drawing crowds from surrounding towns. Restaurants and bars in the Old Town require reservations weeks in advance for New Year's Eve. The party atmosphere continues in clubs until 4-5am. Free outdoor event, though bars and restaurants charge cover or require minimum spend.