Christmas markets (Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy) in Poland typically open in the last week of November and run through January. Residents and visitors of Polish cities and towns come to the markets to buy handmade goods, festive decorations and gifts, enjoy the holiday programme, or taste traditional Christmas treats.
In Poland, as in other European countries, cities compete for the title of the best, most beautiful, and most welcoming Christmas market. Where can you find a market in your city? How long will it last? What attractions will be on offer? Read on to find out.
The Polish capital hosts several Christmas markets during the festive season. The main event takes place in the Old Town — at the Barbican and along Międzymurze Biegańskiego. Nearby, an ice rink is set up on the Market Square. The Warsaw Christmas market will feature, as always, handmade goods, Christmas ornaments, gifts, homemade liqueurs and honey, and much more. Ukrainian artisans are also expected to showcase their work. And, of course, it is arguably the best place to enjoy a glass of mulled wine in a truly festive atmosphere. Children and adults can enjoy a variety of entertainment, and there will also be an opportunity to visit Santa Claus's residence.
Two years ago, the Gdańsk Christmas market won first place in the Best Christmas Markets competition, and last year it came in second. This means that if you live in or happen to visit the city — you absolutely must stop by Targ Węglowy and see everything the market has to offer. The main stage on Targ Węglowy hosts entertainment events (shows, readings, performances), while surrounding streets are lined with food stalls, and the area by the Arsenal features craft stalls (as in Warsaw, Ukrainian artisans will be among the craftspeople). Among Gdańsk residents' favourite market traditions are the daily opening of a window on the city's advent calendar (at 6 PM) and the predictions of Rudolph the reindeer.
The Wrocław Christmas Market will operate in the old town — look for the festive lights stretching from Plac Solny to the Market Square, along Świdnicka and Oławska streets. Notably, Wrocław's Christmas delicacies have a regional flair, which is another reason to take a closer look at what the food court has to offer. As at other events, you can also buy gifts for loved ones and decorations for your home. Children and adults will delight in a meeting with Wrocław's Christmas gnome. Other attractions include a magical mill, an enchanted forest, and a carousel featuring Rudolph and friends.
Venue: the Main Market Square in the Old Town. As in other cities, you can buy handmade items and warm up with a glass of hot mulled wine. Strolling through the Kraków market, you can also catch performances by artists, take part in competitions, or enjoy other activities. On 6 December, market visitors will witness something special: at 2 PM, a parade of one hundred and forty-eight Santa Clauses will march from Rondo Grzegórzeckie to the Main Market Square. The procession will be held to mark the 148th anniversary of Kraków's public transport system.
Venue: between the Market Square and Plac Obrońców Katowic. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of attractions: a fire show, live performances, competitions, the Magic Park of Lights, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, an ice rink, fairy-tale readings, and of course, market stalls.
The Christmas market in Bydgoszcz will last just over a week — from 14 to 23 December, along Mostowa Street. The market in Lublin will be open from 3 December at the junction of Deptak and Plac Litewski. The Christmas market in Poznań will run from 17 November to 7 January on Plac Wolności. The Christmas market in Łódź runs from 6 November to 23 December on Piotrkowska Street; at the Manufaktura market — from 3 to 23 December. The market in Szczecin will be open from 1 to 23 December on Plac Żołnierza, Adamowicza i Lotników, and Deptak Bogusława. In Rzeszów, visitors are welcomed to the market on Rzeszowski Rynek from 1 to 24 December. The market in Toruń starts on 26 November and runs until 20 December — find the festive atmosphere at the Staromiejski Market Square. The winter market in Zielona Góra begins on 17 December at Zagroda Kamiennej Muzeum. The market in Zakopane runs from 1 to 23 December on Krupówki. In Opole, the Christmas market opens on 25 November and closes on the last day of 2023 — soak in the winter spirit at Opolski Rynek.
Christmas markets in Poland typically open in the last week of November and run through January. Some cities start earlier, such as Łódź on 6 November 2023, Katowice and Poznań on 17 November, while others close before Christmas.
Visitors can buy handmade goods, festive decorations, gifts, homemade liqueurs and honey, and try traditional Christmas treats and mulled wine. Many markets also offer entertainment such as shows, competitions, carousels, ice rinks and visits to Santa Claus.
The main Warsaw Christmas market takes place in the Old Town, at the Barbican and along Międzymurze Biegańskiego. In 2023 it ran from 24 November to 7 January, with an ice rink set up nearby on the Market Square.
The Gdańsk Christmas market won first place in the Best Christmas Markets competition two years before 2023 and came in second the following year. It is held at Targ Węglowy from 1 December to 25 December.
Among the markets listed, Łódź starts earliest, running from 6 November to 23 December on Piotrkowska Street. Katowice, Poznań and Warsaw stay open longest, running until 7 January, while Opole closes on the last day of 2023.
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