Things to Do in Cluj in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Cluj
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Winter markets transform the city center - Piața Unirii hosts traditional Christmas stalls through December 26th, selling cozonac (sweet bread), mulled wine for 15-20 RON (3-4 USD), and local crafts. The market runs daily 10am-10pm and actually stays manageable crowd-wise except December 20-24.
- Theater and cultural season peaks in December - Cluj's Hungarian and Romanian theaters run full schedules with productions priced 40-120 RON (8-24 USD). The National Theater typically premieres new shows mid-December, and you can book same-day tickets for most performances, unlike summer when many companies take breaks.
- Student population drops after December 20th when exams end - this means better availability at restaurants locals actually use (Zorki, Roata, Marty) and shorter waits at popular spots in Mănăștur and Mărăști neighborhoods. Hotels in the center drop rates 20-30% after December 22nd.
- December snow creates genuine atmosphere without the infrastructure chaos you get in January-February - the city handles 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) of snow just fine, trams keep running, and Cetățuia Hill becomes worth the 2.5 km (1.6 mile) climb for views over snow-dusted rooftops. When it actually snows, which happens maybe 5-7 days this month, the Botanical Garden turns stunning.
Considerations
- Daylight ends around 4:45pm throughout December - this compresses your outdoor sightseeing window significantly. By 5pm it's genuinely dark and temperatures drop another 3-5°C (5-9°F), making evening walks less appealing. Plan museum visits and indoor activities for after 3pm.
- The cold is damp rather than crisp - that 70% humidity at 0°C (32°F) feels colder than drier climates at -10°C (14°F). Locals layer extensively and you'll need to do the same. The kind of cold that seeps through a single jacket layer within 15 minutes of standing still.
- December 1st (National Day) and Christmas week create booking complications - hotels fill up November 29th-December 2nd for the National Day holiday, then again December 20th-27th when Romanians visit family in Cluj. Book accommodations 6-8 weeks ahead for these periods or expect to pay 40-50% premiums and stay in Gheorgheni or Mănăștur rather than the center.
Best Activities in December
Turda Salt Mine and Gorge Day Trips
December is actually ideal for Salina Turda because the underground temperature stays constant at 11-12°C (52-54°F) year-round, making it warmer than being outside. The 120 m (394 ft) descent takes you into chambers that feel almost tropical compared to surface conditions. Turda Gorge, 30 km (18.6 miles) west, gets dusted with snow on the 300 m (984 ft) limestone walls but remains hikeable on the main trail most days. Tours typically run 8am-5pm and take 6-7 hours total.
Traditional Romanian Cooking Classes
December is peak season for learning sarmale (cabbage rolls) and cozonac (braided sweet bread) - dishes Romanians actually make this month for Christmas. Classes run 3-4 hours, usually 10am-2pm, in residential kitchens or small culinary studios in Centru and Grigorescu neighborhoods. You'll work with seasonal ingredients like pickled cabbage and walnut filling that aren't emphasized other months. The indoor nature makes weather irrelevant.
Apuseni Mountains Village Tours
December brings traditional winter preparations to villages like Rimetea and Vălișoara - you'll see locals smoking meat, making țuică (plum brandy), and preparing for Christmas. The 60-80 km (37-50 mile) drives take you through landscapes that shift from urban Cluj to proper Carpathian foothills within 90 minutes. Snow coverage varies but typically starts appearing above 700 m (2,297 ft) elevation mid-month. Churches in these villages hold special December services with traditional carols.
Cluj Arena and Sports Events
CFR Cluj typically plays 2-3 home matches in December (Europa Conference League or Romanian Liga I), and the 30,000-capacity arena creates atmosphere that peaks during winter evening matches. Kickoff times usually 7pm or 9pm, and the covered stands protect from weather while the cold keeps crowds energized. Beyond football, the arena hosts concerts and events throughout December - check the schedule as international acts sometimes route through Cluj during European winter tours.
Botanical Garden Winter Walks
The 14-hectare (35-acre) garden stays open year-round and December brings a specific appeal - the Japanese garden section looks particularly striking with frost on the bridges and minimal crowds. The greenhouses maintain 18-22°C (64-72°F) and house tropical collections that offer genuine warmth during a 2-3 hour visit. Entry costs just 10 RON (2 USD) for adults. Open 9am-5pm but light fades by 4pm, so arrive by 2pm latest for decent photography.
Transylvanian Castle Circuit Day Trips
December adds atmospheric fog and potential snow to castles like Bontida (Bonțida) 30 km (18.6 miles) away and the fortified churches circuit. While Bran and Peleș castles sit 280-380 km (174-236 miles) away requiring overnight trips, closer options like Bethlen Castle in Arcalia or Wesselényi Castle in Jibou make feasible day trips at 50-70 km (31-43 miles). The bare trees and winter light actually improve photography compared to summer's harsh sun and tourist crowds.
December Events & Festivals
Christmas Market at Piața Unirii
Runs from late November through December 26th with traditional wooden stalls selling local crafts, food, and drinks. The market features a Christmas tree lighting ceremony (usually December 1st coinciding with National Day), live music on weekends, and becomes the social center of Cluj throughout the month. Expect crowds December 20-24 but relatively manageable other days. Mulled wine costs 15-20 RON (3-4 USD), cozonac slices 10-15 RON (2-3 USD), and handmade ornaments 25-80 RON (5-16 USD).
Romanian National Day Celebrations
December 1st marks Romania's national holiday with military parades, concerts, and cultural events concentrated around Piața Avram Iancu. The city feels genuinely celebratory rather than tourist-focused - locals turn out in large numbers, restaurants fill up, and many businesses close for the day. The main parade typically runs 10am-12pm, followed by concerts in the afternoon. Worth experiencing if you're in Cluj December 1st, but book accommodations well ahead as this weekend sees domestic tourism spike.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
Piața Unirii hosts the main public celebration with live music, DJs, and fireworks at midnight. The event draws 15,000-20,000 people and creates genuine energy, though it's crowded and cold - expect temperatures around -2 to 2°C (28-36°F). Many restaurants offer special New Year's menus at 250-500 RON (50-100 USD) per person with reservations required 3-4 weeks ahead. The student clubs in Centru (Janis, Insomnia, Midi) throw parties with entry 50-100 RON (10-20 USD) if you want indoor celebrations.