A Guide To Christmas Markets in Poland 🎄
✅ The Basics
✈️ Travel
📅 How Long to Stay?
On either end of the trip, Prague and Gdansk have so much to offer outside of the Markets. Especially in Krakow where day trips outside the city to the Salt Mines or Auschwitz are a must-do when visiting. For that reason, and Gdansk's wealth of history, you can easily spend 4 solid days in each city.
As for Wroclaw, there is still lots to see and do, but the old town and market square will take up the majority of the time here, so 2 potentially 3 days makes sense.
Poznan, although ranked as one of the best Christmas Markets in all of Europe, 3rd in 2021, and arguably the best in Poland. It is a smaller city, so staying overnight and spending the time elsewhere is probably best.
✈️ Plane
Within Europe, all the cities are well connected through a combination of budget airlines and legacy carriers. From North America, there will likely be a connection as only Krakow has year-round direct flights, which only depart from Chicago or New York.
Main hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, or Warsaw will all have quick and frequent connections to each city, although Poznan is the least connected.
Even within Poland, you can find flights between Gdansk, to Wroclaw and Krakow. These will be operated by either RyanAir or LOT.
🚆 Train
Poland has modern, clean intercity trains and the lines between each of the cities have content trains with various operators. I would recommend booking a seat ahead of time, especially if you have large luggage with you.
If you wish to skip Poznan and Wroclaw, there are high-speed trains that take 5hours between Gdansk and Krakow, which is a similar time, and more comfortable compared to the plane.
🚌 Bus
Slight slower, but equally comfortable. FlixBus is a main operator and you can find buses between each of these cities. Each leg is 2-3 hours, except between Poznan and Gdansk, which I'd recommend the train as it saves a whole hour of trip time.
🇵🇱 Kraków
It's almost like Krakow was designed with Christmas in mind. Part of the huge festive main square hosts endless stalls, and horse-drawn carriages trot down the snow-lined streets and park that wrap around the old town.
It truly is like a living Christmas Card.
Open from the last Friday in November, running until January 1st.
The iconic St. Mary's Basilica looms over the festivities, creating a cozy and picturesque feeling.
In the middle of the massive town square is Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), which has been continuously operating since the 15th century, once selling salt from the nearby mines, it is now a market hall famous for souvenirs. There is also an underground tunnel and Art Museum up top.
🥣 What to Try
🥖 Zapiekanki
Originally created during the food shortages of the 70's. The open-faced warm sandwich is typically topped with mushrooms, ham, and cheese. Although some places will have offerings similar to pizza.
🥣 Borscht
No trip to Poland is complete without some Borscht, the beetroot soup is one of the budget options at the Christmas Market and is guaranteed to keep you warm on cold December nights.
🍖Sausage and Pierogi
Two other classic staples in Poland. Plenty of sides like cabbage and potatoes are available. Both are more than just a dish and you can't go wrong filling up with either of them.
🍺 Drinks
The mulled wine is on the more expensive side for Poland. There are a few stalls, all selling different types. However, you'll see a lot of people drinking beer! Poland has a flourishing craft beer scene which can be a nice change in drink choice from the endless mulled wine.
Alternatively, get out of the cold and stop in at House of Beer for their expansive list from all of Europe.
🎁 Souvenirs
🏡 Household Items
Locally made pottery is always a popular choice, although the original stuff can be found in Wroclaw. There are other items like wood utensils, and lace tablecloths make a surprisingly popular item.
🍫 Chocolate
Poland has some fantastic chocolates. Brands like Milka, or more regionally Karmello have some great stuff (Karmello has great chocolates with marshmallow insides).
You'll be able to also find stalls selling handmade chocolates, which will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth.
💎 Amber Jewelry
The Amber Road ran down from the Baltic to the Mediterranean Sea. You'll find plenty of shops all over the city, and stalls selling the dark-honey colored jewels.
Venture just outside the Old Town and head to Galeria Krakowska for some shopping. The large shopping Center has anything and everything you can imagine, along with being a major transport hub.
👀 Things to See
Regardless of the season, the Wawel Royal Castle is a must-see. Fortified atop the Vistula River at the south end of the Old Town. The Wawel Cathedral and Castle complex is nearly 1000 years old and plays host to some of Poland's most notable coronations and religious events.
The part that wraps around the Old Town. It's easy to pass through on your way in and out. During Christmas time with snow on the trees, I'd highly recommend a walk around the park, soaking in all the calm and quiet in the middle of the busy city.
Skip the Christmas crowds and venture on down to the Jewish District of Krakow. It might come off as rough around the edges, but that is all part of the history of the area. Kazimierz is now filled with art museums, bars, and restaurants. Here is also where you can find Zapiekanki, at Okrąglak the open food market.
Just south of Krakow is the Wiesliczka Salt Mines. Production started in the 13th century and has continuously produced table salt up until 1996. It has since been converted into a UNESCO World Heritage Site where visitors can walk through the shafts and passageways. Within the mines, there is an underground lake, four chapels, and various sculptures carved into the salt. It is accessible via public transport, but for pickup and tour options see the link below.
🏨 Where to Stay
📍 Check Out Our Complete Krakow Guide
🇵🇱 Wrocław
Starting the last Friday in November, and running a week into January. The Wroclaw Christmas market by area size is one of the largest in Europe, stretching around the Town Hall at the center of the Market Square (Rynek) and extending down the nearby streets of Świdnicka and Oławska. There is also a small offshoot of the main square at The Salt Square (Plac Solny), which is known for selling flowers at all hours of every day.
It truly is hard to miss the Christmas Market in Wroclaw, and since they are all connected, you can endlessly explore all the small businesses that have their own special events and products to sell.
You'll find that this market feels younger. Wroclaw is home to multiple Universities and has more of a family and student feel to it compared to other cities. There are plenty of games and rides that cater towards children, along with performances, and wine-buildings directed towards adults and students. For any solo-traveller, Wroclaw makes for a fun and inviting experience.
(Rumoured to change in 2024, be warned the Christmas is artificial and a letdown, almost comically ugly)
🧀 What to Try
🧀 Oscypek
A smoked cheese from the mountains, you can get it with cranberry cause on top for a hint of sweet with the smoke.
🍞 Gingerbread
Classic Christmas staples in Polish homes are what you'll want to try. Gingerbread Man and a cake called Piernik are very popular during the Christmas season.
🍯 Krupnik
While Mulled-wine is popular and available, in extremely cute mugs, Krupnik is the local alcohol you'll want to try.
It is traditional to Poland and Lithuania. The sweet liqueur is grain-based with honey as an additive.
🍷 Mulled Wine
A note about the mulled wine, which is basic but very good. Each cup costs 15pln (3.50euro) and for the souvenir cups, there is a 5pln deposit which is returned if you choose to give the mug back.
Most places are cash only because it makes dealing with the deposit easier.
Dip underneath the old town and warm up with beers at Piwnica Swidnicka. They have been serving beers for over 750 years, depending on your taste, they might not be for everyone, but are still worth a stop for their tasting flight.
🎁 Souvenirs
Don't fear the name, but the former meat market now holds some of Wroclaw's best souvenir shops. Local artists line the street selling their hand-made jewelry and knickknacks.
Poland's famous pottery can be had at Boleslawiec Pottery Factory. The store in Wroclaw is just a 10min walk north of the Old Town, and saves having to do a day trip to the town of Bolesławiec near the mountains to get some of these beautiful items.
👀 Things to See
Gnomes! Keep an eye out for the 600+ Gnomes as you walk around the city. Since 2005 they have been a little-big attraction for the city. While its unlikely you will see all 600, there is map of the more famous ones you can view below:
During December, the Botanical Garden transforms into a light show of lasers, light, and music telling Christmas stories and exploring the city of Wroclaw.
Cathedral Island isn't an island in and of itself. Located on the north banks of the Oder River. It is a peaceful, romantic area of the city lined with trees, and restaurants all under the looming Wrocław Cathedral that sits at the end of Katedralna road.Leading up to the area is Tumski Bridge, which is where couples used locks to 'lock' their love up. Due to the weight of the locks, this has since been banned.
There is also an old tradition from 1846 that you can see twice a day on the Island. At sunset you will see a Lamplighter, wearing a black robe with a long torch in hand walking around, lightning up each of the 102 gas lanterns that keep the area illuminated.
Head an hour out of Wroclaw, and visit Ksiaz Castle. The third largest castle in Poland lies within protected forests. If you have most of a day to spend, it is well worth the trip. There isn't an easy way to get here by public transport, but taxi services or tours are an easy way to access the Castle.
🏨 Where to Stay
📍 Check Out Our Complete Wroclaw Guide
🇨🇿 Detour to Prague
⛪ Christmas Markets
Prague has two main markets, the main one takes place at the famous Old Town Square, and the other at the base of nearby Wenceslas Square.
There are also smaller markets scattered around the city that you will find to be cheaper and filled with more locals. These can be found at Republic Square, Namesti Miru, and Marianske Namesti.
Prague undoubtedly has one of the best markets in all of Europe, surrounded by spires high into the skyline, it could be a trip on its own with all the depth of history and landmarks the city has.
The Mulled Wine, or Gluhwein as it's called here is notable as a berry-like jam that can be added to it for some extra sweetness and Christmas spice.
For some extra strength, Svarak is Gluhwein with some added plum brandy.
Chimney Cakes, known locally as Trdelnik, are a great treat to buy here, although created in Hungary, they have taken over Prague and the Czech Republic as the go-to sweet treat.
Over by the Charles Castle, you can find Café U Kajetána, which is a go-to spot.
🚌 Getting There by Bus
When in Wroclaw, you can decide to take a detour to Prague, Wroclaw is the closet city with almost hourly buses to Prague. If you decide to spend a few days in the Czech Republic, it will definitely be worthwhile.
Alternatively, you can do the Krakow-Wroclaw-Prague trip and knock three different Christmas Markets off the list, that alone can be a solid 7-10 trip, and Prague has great connections to the rest of Europe.
Between Wroclaw and Prague, FlixBus is the only mode of transport. It takes about 4h:30min through the gorgeous mountains that separate Poland and the Czech Republic.
As a side note the route takes you through the Mountain Villages of Szklarska Poręba and Jelenia Góra which are wonderful overnight stops, especially for hikers. Or stop at the above-mentioned Ksiaz Castle.
👀 Things to See
🏨 Where to Stay
📍 For More On Prague, Czech Out Our Complete Guide!
🇵🇱 Poznań
Ranked as the 3rd best Christmas Market, Poznan remains an underrated gem of a city. It starts the third week in November and runs until December 23rd.
The largest festival in the city fills a now-converted factory, turned Fair-grounds/Convention center, which drastically changes scenery from all the old town squares of other markets.
Being on Fair Grounds, it's tailor-made to be extraordinary and lit up by over 43,000 LED lights, a 16-meter tall tree at the center, and plenty of places for photos. The rest of the grounds are filled with over 70 food and shopping stalls.
For entertainment, you'll have plenty of concerts and performances. A Ferris-Wheel, Carousel, Santa Claus house, and ice rink cap off the amusement.
There is a second and even a third market that takes place in the City Centre, at Wolności Square, and the Town Hall.These are much smaller compared to the others, but if you have time they're worth a walk through.
When at the Town Hall, keep an eye out for the goats, which have butted-heads since the 13th century.
🥐 What to Try
🥐 St. Martin's croissant
A Polish-style croissant traditionally prepared in Poznan and the greater region, specifically on St. Martin's Day, November 11th. It's filled with white poppy seeds, and more of a cake/pastry and less flaky like a traditional croissant.The Croissant Museum below is a fun way to learn and taste these treats.
🍲 Bigos
Bigos, translates to 'Hunters Stew' is a traditional Polish stew that combines pork, smoked bacon, kielbasa sausage, and sauerkraut. Perfect for a comforting meal on a cold winters day.
☕ Hot Chocolate
Chocolate again, but this time as a warm drink! It can be had in the Christmas Markets, but venture a few streets away to Cacao Republicka, which serves some of the thickest, creamiest hot chocolate around. Some will say it is the best hot chocolate in the world.
There is also a Chocolate Museum in Poznan, which if you have time and interest, is worth checking out.
🎁 Souvenirs
Both something to see and a place to shop. The old brewery has transformed into a massive shopping and entertainment complex. Even if you don't feel like shopping, the architecture and art of the old brewery remains and provides a place to warm up and see a gem of transformation from the industrial past.
Poznan, like Wroclaw has a Boleslawiec Pottery store. On the eastern side of the old town, you'll find a store with all the pottery your heart can handle.
For a more traditional Christmas gift, they will have Christmas tree ornaments, which can also be found at stalls throughout the Christmas Markets.
👀 Things to See
🏨 Where to Stay
🇵🇱 Gdańsk
Another Polish Christmas Market ranked among the best, Gdansk was ranked as the 2nd best in 2023.
Open the same dates as Poznan, November 22nd, until December 23rd. The market in Gdansk takes over the start of the historic Old Town at 'Brama Wyzynna'. the city's main entrance since 1588.
Gdansk any time of the year is this magical gothic city, full of charm, likened to the Amsterdam of Poland. Every single corner of the city is photo-worthy. During Christmas, the romance and charm are taken to another level, with the quaint streets lit up, giving the city a cozy feel like no other.
While the main market is isolated at one end of the Old Town, you will still find the same feeling of shops and vendors throughout the city, tucked into little alleys and parks. As you wander around the city, it will be hard to avoid the Christmas Spirit.
An important thing to know, there are rides at the Christmas Market, but there are two permanent attractions, the Carousel and Ferris Wheel closer to the water, which are magical in their own right.
🐟 What to Try
🐟 Near the Baltic Sea, you'll find plenty of fish options, fish and chips for one. The Polish staple of pickled herring is something you need to try if you dare.
Fish and Chips made their way out of the UK, and are another popular dish in Gdansk. If you are looking for a sit-down spot Rybka na Wartkiej is fantastic.
🍩Pączki
By now you've probably heard of them, Pączki. Polish doughnuts. Traditionally at fairs, like the winter fair you'll find mini-pączki, basically doughnut-holes which are topped with sugar, or chocolate over top.
Waffles are another staple of Polish fair food. Strawberry or Chocolate syrups on top with some whipped cream.
🍺 Grzane Piwo
Forget Mulled Wine, on the cold Baltic nights you'll want to reach for Mulled Beer! Hot and spiced with cinnamon and cloves, with a hint of orange, just like Mulled Wine.
🎁 Souvenirs
💎 Amber
On Mariacka Street, one of the prettiest in all the city, you will find Amber shops lining the street.Gdansk was the port city at the top of the Amber Road, and is the capital of the gemstone. You will find souvenirs all over the city, at Christmas markets, and shops throughout, but Mariacka Street is where they are traditionally sold all year.
🎭 Arts and Crafts
The Great Armoury is now the Arts School in Gdansk. There will be a section here where local artists and craftsmen sell and present their unique products, most of which were created with the Christmas Market in mind.
👀 Things to See
Explore the light figures around the city. Starting in early December, and running into February, over 160 light fixtures at 13 locations throughout the city light up for visitors to admire and take pictures with.
🏨 Where to Stay
The Best Christmas Markets In Europe 🎄
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