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Best time to go to Poland

Christmas Markets in Poland 2024-2025

The main squares of Polish cities turn magical in the winter

Dates: mid-November–early January

Christmas Market in Wroclaw
Christmas Market in Warsaw
Market Square in Wroclaw

With its beautiful architecture and rich culture, Poland is a perfect destination in the winter. If you are lucky to witness some snow in December, you will surely experience a real winter wonderland, warming up with hot chocolate and mulled wine while immersing yourself in holiday festivities. Polish Christmas Markets can surely compete with those in Germany or Austria but are significantly cheaper and less crowded.

Krakow Christmas Market (November 29, 2024–January 1, 2025)

Poland's largest Christmas Market is located in the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) of the Old Town in Krakow. The market serves as the meeting hub and the center of all holiday activities in the city. There's always some entertainment here during the holidays, like carol singing and folk ensembles. In addition to Christmas treats, like candy and gingerbread cookies, wooden stalls offer handmade gifts and holiday decor.

This Christmas market is an excellent place to find a unique Christmas gift, like hand-painted glass Christmas tree baubles, authentic pottery, embroidered home textiles, and metalwork. Artisans often hold some demonstrations, showing off their skills in wood carving or glass painting. Expect to see a variety of Polish cuisine, like pierogi, pork knuckle, traditional grzane piwo (mulled beer), and many other delicacies.

Hours & Schedule

While the market runs until January 1st, the festivities dwindle after December 26th, with many empty booths or earlier closing times. The market is open from 10 am until 8 pm. However, food vendors normally close later, at around 10 pm.

Wroclaw Christmas Market (November 29, 2024–January 7, 2025)

Wroclaw Christmas Market is probably one of the most underrated holiday fairs in Europe. It takes place in four areas: The Market Square (Rynek), The Salt Square (Plac Solny), on Świdnicka Street, and Oławska Street. The 16th-century Market Square is full of entertainment, like a carousel, amusement rides, and live music. Meanwhile, on Plac Solny, visitors can try delicious foods from all over the world as well as traditional Polish treats, of course. One of the must-tries is Oscypek, a smoked cheese unique to the Polish mountains. Visitors are also given a traditional, themed mug to drink their beverages from.

Schedule & Hours

The market will be closed on Christmas Eve, December 24th, Christmas Day, December 25th, and on New Year's, January 1st. During the rest of its run, the market is open from 10 am until 9 pm, except for December 26th, when it's open from 1 pm.

Warsaw Christmas Market (November 25, 2024–January 6, 2025)

On the edge of the Old Town in Warsaw, visitors can find the beautiful Christmas Market in Barbakan (Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy na Barbakanie). It is held in the picturesque square in front of the Royal Castle, which used to serve as the Old Town protection in the sixteenth century. The fair at Old Town Market Square is a bit smaller but still charming in its way, with dazzling lights, an ice skating rink, and a beautiful Christmas tree. Food vendors mainly occupy this market, which serves as a perfect place to relax and unwind.

The Christmas Market in Barbakan consists of about 60 wooden chalets, offering candy, gingerbread cookies, and authentic Christmas presents, like hand-painted glass baubles, hand-knit sweaters, carved wood, and embroidered tablecloths. Not to mention plenty of food and hot drinks to keep everyone warm. Traditional food, mulled wine, and hot chocolate would make anyone forget about wintery chill! Both markets are normally open from 10 am until 10 pm.

Gdansk Christmas Market (November 22–December 23, 2024)

One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Poland, Gdański Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy takes place on the Targ Węglowy (Coal Market Square). The festivities also span through the surrounding streets, including ul. Tkacka, and ul. Bogusławski. The market has everything one would want from a Christmas fair: a Venetian carousel, the Advent Gate, an ice skating rink, a talking moose, and a lavishly decorated Christmas tree.

Stroll through the Chocolate or Cinnamon street of the market and try delicious Christmas foods from all over Europe: from grilled sausages and roasted chestnuts to smoked cheese and famous pierogi. Gdansk is also famous for its elves parades and Christmas lights displays, making the city one of the best decorated holiday destinations in the country.

Hours & Schedule

The market is open from 12 pm until 11 pm from Sunday through Thursday and from 12 pm until 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission to the market is completely free.

Poznan Christmas Market (November 19–December 23, 2024)

One of the best Christmas fairs in Poland, Jarmark Świąteczny na Targach or Poznan Christmas market is opposite of Railway Station, at the PWK Square. It consists of dozens of wooden stalls with international delicacies and Christmas gifts. Numerous attractions, ice sculptures, and nativity scenes are among the highlights of this Christmas winter fair. Visits with Santa, holiday illumination and traditional music make the market the center of holiday festivities in the city.

Hours & Schedule

The market operates from 11 am until 9 pm from Tuesday through Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, the market extends its hours from 11 am to 10 pm, giving you extra time to enjoy the holiday atmosphere. On Sundays, the market operates from 11 am to 9 pm. The market is closed on Mondays.

Practical info

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