Student film takes center stage at a dedicated festival, while a Bucharest cinema hosts a Harry Potter Takeover, part of a program of Christmas movies. Meanwhile, those looking for Christmas presents have plenty of venues to check out, from the traditional season markets to a fair showcasing designer products.

In Bucharest:

NOËL – Designer presents fair

December 14 – December 15

More than 100 creators await the public at Unirea Shopping Center with contemporary jewelry, curated fashion, cosmetics, decorations, and various design items. More here.

Florile Dalbe

December 14 – December 15

This fair, held at the Village Museum, introduces the visitors to the local Christmas and New Year traditions. The public can also listen to the groups of carol singers who will walk the alleys of the museum, and buy presents from the artisans’ fair on the premises. More details here.

CineMAiubit

December 10 – December 14

The student film festival, held at the I. L. Caragiale National University of Theater and Film, includes competitions for short films, documentary, animation films, as well as workshops, book launches, and exhibitions. The screenings will be followed by Q&A sessions. More details here.

Christmas films @ Cinema Europa

Until December 22

The cinema hosts every weekend until Christmas a program of festive-themed films. This weekend is the Harry Potter Takeover, where the Hogwarts magic is meant to transport the audience into the holidays spirit. More details here.

Bucharest Christmas Market

Until December 26

Held in Bucharest's Constitution Square, the event awaits visitors with activities and attractions dedicated to the entire family. It features a 30-meter-tall Christmas tree, a craft and creation fair, carol concerts, and international music, among others. More details here.

West Side Christmas Market in Bucharest

Until December 27

For the fourth year in a row, the Drumul Taberei Park in Bucharest's District 6 hosts the event set to feature fairytale houses, a Christmas tree, fairytale characters, and more. Further details here.

Christmas Story Fair

Until December 29

This is the ninth edition of the event held at Bucharest’s Children Opera and the program covers 112 performances, interactive activities and workshops designed for young visitors. Children and families can participate in creative sessions at the Elves' Workshops, a VR Adventure in Santa's Sleigh, Santa's Sleigh Flight, the Time Tunnel, Grinch's Grotto, the Magic Elevator, or the Toy Carousel and the Magic Wheel. More details on the program are available here.

Garden of Lights: Beauty and the Beast

Until March 2

The Botanical Garden hosts another edition of the Garden of Lights event, this time with the theme of Beauty and the Beast. More details here.

Art Safari

Until December 15

This edition of the event celebrates women that have made a significant contribution to Romanian art and culture, among them Queen Marie and artist Cecilia Cuțescu-Storck. One show is dedicated to German photographer Sibylle Bergemann, while another features the emerging generation of artists. More details here.

Mnemonics [back to the future]

Until February 8

The exhibition, occasioned by GAEP’s 10th anniversary, brings together new works by all the 14 artists that the gallery represents or collaborates with on a long-term basis. More details here.

In the country:

The Lights of Caravaggio. The Beginning of Modernity in European Painting, Masterpieces from the Roberto Longhi Collection

Until February 28

The exhibition, which aims to highlight Caravaggio's influence among his contemporaries and his contribution to European Baroque, includes one painting by Caravaggio, alongside works by artists such as Lorenzo Lotto, Juseppe Ribera, Gian Battista Caracciolo, Dirck van Baburen, Mattia Preti, Gerrit Van Honthorst.  More details here.

UnWorlding

Until March 1

This exhibition by artistic duo Anca Benera and Arnold Estefán, the Romanian artists based in Vienna, is open at the Art Encounters Foundation in Timișoara.  More here.

Timișoara Christmas Market

Until January 5

The market is scheduled to open on Saint Andrew's Day, when the festive lights will be lit in the city center. Close to 100 sellers have registered to bring goodies, decorations, and many other presents to the event. More here.