Moldova in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Moldova
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Christmas markets in Chișinău operate December 15-January 7 with mulled wine, traditional cozonac bread, and handcrafted gifts - significantly less crowded than European counterparts
- Wine cellars maintain perfect 12-14°C (54-57°F) temperatures year-round, making December ideal for extended tastings at Cricova's 120 km (75 miles) of underground tunnels
- Accommodation prices drop 40-60% compared to summer peak, with quality hotels in Chișinău center available for €25-40 ($27-43) per night
- Traditional winter foods peak in December - mămăligă cu brânză și smântână, sarmale, and papanași are served hot and hearty in family-run restaurants
Considerations
- Daylight lasts only 8 hours (sunrise 8:00 AM, sunset 4:30 PM) limiting outdoor sightseeing and vineyard visits
- Rural roads become nearly impassable after snow or rain - many monastery and countryside attractions require 4WD vehicles
- Heating in budget accommodations and older buildings is inconsistent, with many locations reaching only 16-18°C (61-64°F) indoors
Best Activities in December
Underground wine cellar tours
December's cold surface temperatures make the constant 12-14°C (54-57°F) underground cellars feel warm and inviting. Cricova and Mileștii Mici offer extended 3-4 hour tastings without summer's tourist crowds. The contrast between frozen vineyards above and vast wine cities below creates a unique winter experience. Local wineries serve traditional winter pairings like aged Negru de Purcari with smoked meats.
Chișinău Christmas market and city walking tours
The capital's compact 2 km (1.2 miles) historic center is perfect for December exploration. Christmas markets operate in Stefan cel Mare Park with heated stalls selling mulled wine for 30-50 lei ($1.50-2.50). Museums and galleries provide warm refuges every 500 m (0.3 miles). December's bare trees reveal architectural details hidden in summer foliage.
Monastery and fortress winter photography tours
December snow transforms Orheiul Vechi's limestone cliffs and cave monasteries into dramatic winter landscapes. Reduced vegetation reveals medieval fortress foundations invisible in summer. Saharna Monastery's frozen waterfall creates spectacular ice formations. Limited daylight means golden hour photography from 3-4:30 PM.
Traditional cooking classes and food experiences
December marks peak season for traditional winter dishes. Local families offer cooking classes for sarmale (cabbage rolls), cozonac (Christmas bread), and papanași (sweet cheese donuts). Indoor markets like Piața Centrală showcase preserved foods, winter pickles, and homemade țuică (plum brandy). Warm kitchens provide perfect refuge from December cold.
Thermal spa and wellness retreats
Natural thermal springs near Cahul maintain 38-42°C (100-108°F) temperatures year-round, creating perfect contrast to December's cold. Soviet-era sanatoriums offer budget thermal treatments for 200-400 lei ($10-20) daily. Modern spa facilities provide heated pools, saunas, and traditional baths using local mineral water.
December Events & Festivals
Chișinău Christmas Market
Central park transforms into traditional market with wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts, mulled wine, and cozonac bread. Features live folk music, children's workshops, and heated rest areas. Significantly smaller than European markets but authentically Moldovan with local artisans and traditional foods.
Wine Harvest Festival Winter Edition
Major wineries host winter tastings featuring aged wines from previous harvests paired with traditional winter foods. Includes cellar tours, folk dancing, and multi-course meals in heated underground venues. Celebrates completion of wine aging process.