Antena Stars Brings the Magic of Christmas into Romanian Homes
During the winter holidays, Antena Stars is preparing an extensive lineup of special Christmas editions designed to bring authentic emotion, Romanian traditions, impressive life stories, and unforgettable artistic moments into viewers’ homes.
The special programming begins on December 22 at 8:00 a.m. with the cooking show Meniu de vedetă – Winter Flavors, hosted by Chef Horia Manea. Until January 4, viewers are invited on a culinary journey to the heart of Maramureș, where traditional dishes are prepared together with local people.
On December 25 and 26, starting at 11:00 a.m., Antena Stars News, presented by Geanina Ilieș and Marius Niță, puts on its festive attire and offers viewers two special Christmas editions built around emotion, traditions, and the life stories of beloved personalities. In a festive setting, the studio becomes the place for sincere confessions from guests such as Iana Novac, alongside her husband Săndel and Aurora Mihai, Nicoleta Luciu, and Daniela Nane. A truly special moment is the first interview given by Mihaela Prigoană after a year of silence—an honest and emotional appearance. The Antena Stars News team also visits Olguța Berbec at her home, where the artist opens both her heart and her house, showing what Christmas means within her family, among inherited traditions and simple moments. Designer Cătălin Botezatu talks about the wish list he carries throughout the year, led by faith and gratitude toward God, while Nea Mărin, together with his daughter Larisa, reminisces about Christmas in the past and explains what preserving traditions and the joy of being together mean to them.
The series of special editions continues with Viața fără filtru (Life Without a Filter), hosted by Natalia Mateuț and broadcast from 1:30 p.m. On December 24, 25, and 26, the show brings deeply emotional moments: Eugen Cristea speaks about his first Christmas without his wife, actress Cristina Deleanu, while the husband and sister of Marinela Chelaru painfully recall the holidays spent with the woman who was the soul of their family. Adriana Ochișanu opens her heart, and Father Dan Damaschin explains the profound meaning of the Nativity of the Lord. The atmosphere is enriched by artistic moments performed by major names in Romanian folk and popular music: Sofia Vicoveanca, Roberta Crintea, Jean de la Craiova, Cornelia and Lupu Rednic, Formația Azur, Armin Nicoară and Claudia Puican, Marian Cozma, and many others.
Acces Direct, with Mirela Vaida and Adrian Velea, continues to bring real emotion to the forefront. On Christmas Eve, starting at 4:00 p.m., viewers discover powerful stories: a young woman searching for her mother just before the holidays, a father raising his four children alone and hoping to give them a memorable Christmas, as well as a special moment with a priest and his daughter, who talk about the Nativity of the Lord and sing carols together. The edition is completed by a segment filmed at Marcela Fota’s home, where she decorates the Christmas tree with her son, mother, and sisters, as well as by the energy of the students from the “Ștefan cel Mare” Ensemble, who bring carols into the studio. On Christmas Day, the celebration continues alongside renowned artists such as Cristina Spătar, Cornelia and Lupu Rednic, Amna, Nicu Paleru, Maria Constantin, Constantin Enceanu, Mioara Velicu, Georgiana Lobonț, Taraf Elvis, Mirela Năsturică, and many more.
Special features filmed in the heart of Oltenia, with Irina Birou, and in Transylvania, with Adina Popovici and Mihai Sicoe, are also included, highlighting authentic traditions, local customs, and the unique atmosphere of each region.
On Christmas Eve and on December 25 and 26, starting at 7:00 p.m., Spynews TV, hosted by Mara Bănică and Marius Niță, presents special editions with distinguished guests. Andrei Păunescu, together with his partner and their daughter, speaks about the legacy left by Adrian Păunescu in a touching tribute, while Vasile Muraru and Valentina Fătu talk about the famous comedy sketches of the golden era. Raluca and Monica from Angels appear alongside their daughters in a dialogue about family and faith, and Father Șerban Cazacu discusses what Christmas means for a Christian.
On December 25 and 26, viewers also meet Paul Surugiu–Fuego, Magda Catone, Rodica Mandache, Jean Paler, and Ovidiu Lipan Țăndărică, as well as Maria Dragomiroiu, Paula Seling, and Claudia Pătrășcanu, in emotional features about the meaning of Christmas, holidays of the past, and traditions cherished in the heart.
Starting at 9:30 p.m., Crăciunul Starurilor (The Stars’ Christmas) delivers a spectacular party hosted by Geanina Ilieș, Andreea Frățilă, Andrei Ștefănescu, and Bursucu’, accompanied by Mihail Gheorghe and Tonic Band. Music, good cheer, and special stories blend with appearances by beloved artists such as Lavinia Pârva, Andreea Bănică, Pepe, Keo and Alexandra Ungureanu, Amna, Diana Bișinicu, Cristina Spătar, Celia, Emilia Ghinescu, Valentin Sanfira, Diana Matei, and many others.
These heartfelt moments are complemented by special interviews with Romanița Iovan and her son, Prince Nicolae and his wife Alina, as well as Simona Florescu and Ioana Dichiseanu together with her daughter Anastasia, in sincere conversations about family, traditions, and emotions passed down from generation to generation.
After the intense holiday days, Antena Stars invites viewers to discover what was not seen on television in special editions aired on December 27 and 28, between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., under the title Infiltrați în culisele Stars (Behind the Scenes at Stars). This exclusive material reveals the real emotions behind the cameras, the hectic preparations, moments of relaxation between shoots, and the sincere experiences of the stars who took part in the Christmas special marathon. Viewers see how stories are built, how friendships are formed, and how the magic of television is born—beyond the studio lights.
