Welcome to our new “The Month Ahead” series! Once a month we’ll share a look at some of the upcoming cultural events in and around Chisinau for interested readers. This section is done in partnership with the team behind Digital Nomad Moldova - the one stop shop for those considering taking advantage of Moldova’s new digital nomad visa process! Learn more on their website.
Winter is coming. December 1st is the official start of winter and Moldovans begin to think of holiday celebrations and warm drinks. Izvar, the Moldovan version of mulled wine, can be found at events and restaurants across the country or at home. If you would like to try to make this traditional drink, mix 1 liter of Moldovan red wine with 200g of sugar, half of a sliced orange, and lemon zest. Heat the mixture and add aromatic spices of your choice such as a cinnamon stick and red pepper corns. Drink this traditional drink hot and with friends or family.
Moldova is also a land rich in holidays, celebrating two Christmases and two New Years Days. Celebrate the “new style” holidays on December 25th and January 1st. Old style Christmas is celebrated on January 7th and 8th and old style New Years on the 14th. All these days except the old style New Years are official bank holidays and many business and most government institutions will be closed.
Citywide Christmas Events
Targul de Craciun – The Christmas Fair
This year’s Christmas Fair, located at the Great National Assembly Square (across from the central Cathedral), from December 5th through January 18th. Throughout the next 6 weeks, you can visit this daily event, enjoy local foods and hot drinks such as izvar, shop from local producers, and ride the amusement park rides. Bring the kids to Căsuța lui Moș Crăciun, Santa Claus’s Cabin, to meet Santa and get a photo.
There are several special events happening at the fair:
December 5, 4:30-10:00pm – Official Launch of the Targul de Craciun including concerts, presentations, and the lighting of the tree.
December 24 – Christmas Concert – start time and list of acts TBA
December 31 – Spetacol de Revlion – Celebrate New Years Eve with this evening full of music and entertainment. Start time and list of performers TBA.
In addition to the main fair, each sector of Chisinau will be holding local events at different locations throughout the city. More information on any of these events and updated start times and programs when released can be found here.
Christmas City
While not officially announced, workers are setting up the Christmas City event in front of the Opera and Ballet. This event typically runs from the start of December through mid January and also features food, drinks, entertainment, shopping, and rides.
Sports
Marathon de Craciun – Christmas Marathon - December 13th – This 3k fun run is designed for families and enthusiasts. Everyone who registers will receive a gift bag and gifts from many of the events sponsors. Register here to participate.
Music
December 5th, 7pm - Organ Hall - The Symphonians present the music from the Harry Potter films. Tickets available here.
December 24th – Chisinau Arena – Eurovision stars Zdob si Zdub will perform with several other acts to celebrate the band’s 30 years of performing together. Tickets and details can be found here.
December 24th, 6pm - Organ Hall - The Chisinau Youth Orchestra presents a Christmas Concert. Tickets available here.
December 5th, 6:00 pm - Palatul Republicii - a performance by the Chisinau Syphony feature pieces by Dvorak and Mozart. More details can be found here.
Cultural Events
December 6 - 10:00am – 6pm – International Women’s Club Charity Bazaar – Palatul Republicii – This annual fundraising event for the International Women’s Club gives visitors the opportunity to support the club’s charities. Embassies and diplomatic missions, along with several NGOs, will present their traditions, foods, and crafts. There will be a raffle of donated prizes, as well as food and crafts that can be purchased. More information can be found here.
December 26-28 -The Nutcracker - Spărgătorul de nuci – Teatrul National de Opera si Balet – If the Nutcracker is part of your holiday tradition, be sure not to miss the local ballet troops’ interpretation of this classic ballet. There are many adaptations of the Nutcracker performed around the world so it is possible the local performance might be different than what you have seen in other countries. Tickets and information can be found here.
Around Town
Every Tuesday at 7:30pm - Pub Trivia at the Litra Taproom - This popular bar trivia contest in English occurs every Tuesday. It’s recommended you make reservations to ensure your team has a table. More information can be found here.
Every Wednesday at 7:30pm - Pub Trivia at Lakehouse Brewery on blvd Stefan cel Mare. For bar trivia in Romanian, head over to Lakehouse Brewery each Wednesday with your trivia team. More details on the event can be found here.
December 5th, 5:30 pm - LaBrewatory - Bands + Brews - Visit this local micro brew for a beer and listen to local rock and metal bands. The lineup and details can be found here.
Editorial Note: Moldova Matters is not receiving payment to share any of these events and does to endorse or make any guarantees about the event or its organizer. This new section is just that - new!! Feel free to leave some feedback in the comments and share any upcoming events that we might have missed!!