Christmas in Moldova: Customs & Traditions

Moldova, a small Eastern European country, is known for its heartwarming Christmas traditions that revolve around love, care, and spending quality time with family. As winter descends upon the picturesque landscapes, the country comes alive with the spirit of Christmas, turning it into a cozy, fairy-tale setting.

What makes the Christmas season unique in Moldova is that it celebrates Christ’s Nativity on two dates: December 25th and January 7th. This comes as a result of the churches in the country observing both the Gregorian and Julian calendars. This extended celebration adds a special charm to the festivities, especially in the villages and more traditional areas.
As you delve into Moldovan Christmas traditions, you will come across some similarities to Western customs, as well as some unique practices. One example is the Christmas tree, which is typically decorated on New Year’s Eve and sometimes even referred to as the New Year Tree. This fusion of the familiar and the novel is just one aspect of what makes Christmas in Moldova so enchanting.
Backdrop of Moldova

Moldova, a beautiful Eastern European country, has Chisinau as its capital. It shares its history and traditions with neighboring countries such as Russia, which is evident in its religious practices. The majority of Moldova’s population is Orthodox Christian, and this faith significantly influences the country’s Christmas traditions.
Two calendars play a crucial role in Moldovan Christmas traditions: the Gregorian calendar and the Julian calendar. These calendars lead to the unique situation where Moldova celebrates Christmas twice! You can enjoy the festive mood on December 25th, according to the Gregorian calendar, and then hop right back into the spirit on January 7th, as per the Julian calendar. This double celebration offers twice the opportunities to celebrate and enjoy Moldovan Christmas customs.
In an Orthodox country like Moldova, the Christmas season is imbued with religious significance. The Orthodox Christian community observes the Advent period, which is a time of fasting and prayer leading up to the celebration of Christ’s birth. This period lasts from November 15th to December 24th (old style), and from December 24th to January 7th (new style). During this time, people refrain from consuming meat, eggs, and dairy products to spiritually prepare for the holiday.
The main Christmas tradition in Moldova is carolling, which brings families and communities together to celebrate and share in the joy of the season. In addition, Moldovans enjoy decorating Christmas trees, but with a twist: they usually do this on New Year’s Eve and call it the New Year Tree. It’s just another delightful aspect of the Moldovan Christmas experience you wouldn’t want to miss.
Now that you have a better understanding of the backdrop of Moldova and its Orthodox Christian roots, you can truly appreciate the unique Christmas traditions that this wonderful country has to offer.
The Significance of Christmas in Moldova

In Moldova, Christmas is a beloved religious holiday that holds great significance for its people. Celebrated predominantly on January 7 and 8, Christmas is an opportunity for families to come together, observe their Christian faith, and participate in cherished customs unique to the region.
As an Orthodox Christian nation, Moldova follows the Julian calendar, which sets Christmas Day on January 7. For some Moldovans, Catholic Christmas is also celebrated on December 24, as per the Gregorian calendar. The festive period starts on New Year’s Eve, culminating in Christmas celebrations and for some even extending until the Old New Year on January 14.
The Christmas season is infused with a strong sense of spirituality and community in Moldova. Residents attend church services and engage in heartwarming traditions that are deeply rooted in their Christian beliefs. One cherished custom is caroling, where groups of people, particularly children, go from house to house to announce the resurrection of Christ and spread joy.
During the celebrations, family members gather around a festive table filled with traditional Moldovan dishes that serve to strengthen the bonds between loved ones. The Christmas tree, which is also a popular symbol in Moldova, represents the light of Christ and adds to the atmosphere of warmth and cheer.
In summary, Christmas in Moldova is a time of peace, joy, and unity. As you partake in these festivities, you’ll feel a strong connection to your faith, family, and the unique traditions that make Christmas in Moldova truly memorable.
Preparation and Celebrations

Christmas in Moldova is all about spending time with family and friends, maintaining traditions, and sharing the love. The festive season starts with preparations, and you’ll find homes being decked out with decorations, lights, and, of course, the Christmas tree. Although some people in Moldova decorate their trees on New Year’s Eve, it’s still a significant part of the Christmas celebration.
You can look forward to indulging in delicious food as families cook up a storm, with lots of cooking activities going on in the kitchen. A typical Moldovan Christmas dinner consists of multiple courses, featuring traditional dishes like sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and placinte (pastries filled with cheese, pumpkin, or meat). So, make sure to bring your appetite as you sit down for a scrumptious Christmas Eve meal with your loved ones.
Don’t forget about the presents! Gift-giving is an essential part of the Christmas tradition in Moldova. Santa Claus, also known as “Moș Crăciun,” brings gifts for the children, adding to the excitement of the celebration. You’ll see families exchanging gifts and sharing heartfelt moments during this special time, creating lasting memories.
One of the most cherished Christmas activities in Moldova is caroling. Neighbors and friends often visit each other’s houses to sing Christmas carols, bringing joy and good wishes to each home. Music and song play a big part in the festivities, setting the atmosphere for a warm and cozy Christmas celebration.
Traditional Foods and Drinks

Christmas in Moldova is a time of hearty dishes, warm drinks, and countless delicacies. You’ll find a variety of flavors and textures in a traditional Moldovan Christmas dinner, which combine seasonal ingredients and long-standing cooking traditions. One of the staples you’ll come across is polenta, a cornmeal porridge that’s versatile and can be served with different toppings or as an accompaniment to the main dish.
The centerpiece of a Moldovan Christmas Eve dinner is often stuffed cabbage, also known as sarmale. These are cabbage leaves filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and a variety of herbs and spices. They’re lovingly prepared, cooked to perfection, and served with a generous dollop of sour cream to enhance their flavor.
For Christmas dinner itself, a must-try is the Racituri. This clear jelly dish is made of frozen pork meat, specifically from ears, feet, and pork heads. It might not sound like your typical festive dish, but it’s an iconic part of a Moldovan Christmas, known for its savory flavors and unique taste.
A sweet treat that’s eagerly anticipated during the holiday season is freshly baked walnut pastries. These delicious desserts are made by wrapping a mouthwatering walnut filling in thin layers of dough, then baked to golden brown and enjoyed by young and old alike.
To complement these sumptuous dishes, Moldovans enjoy high-quality wine. Red wine, in particular, is a popular choice, often produced locally and served in generous quantities. For those who enjoy something a bit stronger, the traditional Moldovan tuica (plum brandy) is served as an appetizer, adding a heartwarming touch to any holiday meal.
As you join the Moldovans in celebrating their Christmas traditions, be sure to savor these delicious foods and drinks, which truly capture the spirit and flavors of this festive season.
Customs and Rituals

In Moldova, Christmas is a time for love, care, and spending time with family. As an Orthodox Christian country, Moldova has its unique customs and traditions. You’ll find that the celebration takes place on two different dates, December 25th for Catholics and January 7th for Orthodox Christians.
Fasting is an important part of the preparation for this religious holiday. Many Christians in Moldova observe a fast from November 15th to December 24th (old style) or from December 24th to January 7th (new style). During this period, it’s common to abstain from meat products, milk, eggs, and other rich foods.
Church services play a central role in the celebration of Christmas in Moldova. On Christmas Eve, you’ll find many Moldovans attending a festive service at their local church. It’s common to see beautifully adorned icons on display, as well as mesmerizing candlelight illuminating the sacred space.
One of the most vibrant customs in Moldova is the tradition of caroling. Carol singers, including children and sometimes adults, prepare to sing heartwarming Christmas carols for their family, friends, and neighbors. Some even dress in traditional costumes, spreading joy and festive cheer across the community.
In addition to caroling, St. Nicholas Day is another beloved tradition celebrated on December 6th (old style) or December 19th (new style). On this day, children eagerly await the arrival of St. Nicholas, who is known to bring gifts and sweets to those who have been well-behaved throughout the year.
Overall, Moldovan Christmas customs and rituals are centered around family, love, and preserving traditions passed down from generation to generation. Celebrating Christmas in Moldova is an experience that will fill your heart with joy and provide a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich culture.
Festive Activities and Entertainment

As someone who adores Christmas, you’ll love the numerous festive activities and entertainment that Moldova has to offer during this season. The main Christmas tradition in Moldova is caroling, where groups of people go from house to house singing traditional Christmas songs. You’ll hear the beautiful melodies echoing through the streets, bringing joy and warmth to the cold winter nights.
In addition to caroling, Moldovan theaters also put on special performances during the Christmas season. These shows are known for their music, song, and dance, providing an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming along to the catchy tunes!
Of course, one of the most iconic symbols of Christmas is the Christmas tree. In Moldova, you’ll see trees adorned with sparkling decorations all over the country. The lights and ornaments create a magical atmosphere that will undoubtedly enchant you.
No Christmas celebration would be complete without the beautiful decorations that adorn homes and public spaces alike. In Moldova, it’s common to see window displays featuring festive scenes and nativity sets, as well as streets lined with fairy lights and seasonal garlands. Be sure to stop and admire these stunning decorations as you explore the country during this special time of year.
Overall, the festive activities and entertainment in Moldova offer a unique experience that showcases the nation’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. So, gather your friends and family, and immerse yourself in the joys of a Moldovan Christmas!
Role of Children and Gifts

During the Christmas season in Moldova, children play a significant part in the festivities. They participate in caroling, where they gather in groups and go from house to house announcing the Resurrection of Christ. It’s a joyous occasion for both children and adults alike as they sing, dance, and recite poems in celebration of the Birth of Christ.
While many countries have St. Nicholas or Santa Claus delivering presents to children during the Christmas season, Moldovans have a slightly different gift-giving tradition. It is common for people in Moldova to decorate their Christmas tree on New Year’s Eve and refer to it as the “New Year Tree.” The gifts brought by Santa, known as ‘Mos Craciun’ in Moldova, are typically placed under the tree on this night. This unique timing adds to the sense of anticipation and excitement that fills the homes of families across the country.
During these festive times, you’ll find that candies and treats are popular ways to spread joy among children. Whether it’s to keep their spirits high while they’re caroling or to enjoy in the days leading up to the holiday, there’s no shortage of sweet delights to be had at this time of year in Moldova.
In Moldova, Christmas isn’t just about the presents and candies, though. The holiday also serves as an opportunity for families to come together, share a festive meal, and enjoy each other’s company. The time spent together as a family is cherished, fostering strong bonds and lasting memories that encompass the true spirit of Christmas.
Significant Aspects of Orthodox Christmas

Orthodox Christmas in Moldova is a truly special time, filled with rich traditions that reflect the country’s deep religious roots. As an Orthodox country, Moldova follows the Julian calendar, which means Christmas is celebrated on January 7th, while the more widely observed Catholic Christmas occurs on December 25th according to the Gregorian calendar.
During the festive season, you’ll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere of love, care, and family unity. To prepare for this important religious holiday, Orthodox Christians in Moldova observe a 40-day period of fasting, known as the Christmas Fast. This period is meant to cleanse the body and spirit, while helping you draw closer to your faith.
On the night of the Orthodox Christmas Eve, don’t miss the chance to attend one of the many church services happening all around the country. At midnight, a beautiful liturgy is served, and at the end of the service, a lighted candle symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem is placed in the middle of the church. This momentous event marks the start of the 12-day Christmastide season, also known as Yuletide.
In Moldovan households, you’ll notice icons placed in a special corner called the “icon corner,” which holds great significance during the Christmas celebrations. Family members gather here to pray and pay their respects to their faith and the religious figures depicted in the icons.
During your stay in Moldova, don’t forget to experience the whole range of traditional activities, from festive meals to caroling and local customs that make Orthodox Christmas magical in this charming country. While enjoying the warm company of friends and family, you’ll undoubtedly feel the genuine love and strong sense of community that permeate Moldovan society at this time of year.
Remember, Christmas in Moldova is more than just a religious holiday—it’s a unique blend of rituals, customs, and shared moments that showcase the true spirit of the season.
Christmas and Peace

Embodying the spirit of love, care, and spending time with family, Christmas in Moldova has a special focus on peace and unity. During this festive season, you’ll notice that conflicts take a backseat. Moldovans cherish their mix of traditions—stemming from Orthodox Christian and Catholic beliefs—as they come together to celebrate not once but twice, on December 25th and January 7th.
You’ll be welcomed with open arms to join Moldovans as they sing carols door-to-door, spreading joy and Christmas cheer to neighbors, friends, and relatives. This tradition fosters a sense of community and reinforces the commitment to peace during the holiday season.
Attending church services is another important aspect of Christmas in Moldova. Beyond its religious significance, the act of worshiping together helps strengthen bonds within the community and reinforces harmonious living, transcending any potential conflicts or disagreements.
By embracing their unique blend of customs and spiritual beliefs, Moldovans create a festive environment that revolves around togetherness, harmony, and of course, peace. So, when you experience Christmas in Moldova, you’re not only participating in time-honored traditions but also contributing to a culture that values unity and fosters peaceful relationships. Let the Christmas lights, joyful songs, and delicious food warm your heart and inspire a sense of peace that you can carry with you well beyond the holiday season.