Christmas Markets in Polish Cities in 2023

Christmas markets are popular not only in Poland but across many other European countries as well.

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.

Christmas Markets in Warsaw

The main market runs from 24 November to 7 January.

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.

Christmas Market in Gdańsk

Runs from 1 December to 25 December.

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.

Christmas Market in Wrocław

Takes place from 24 November to 1 January.

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.

Christmas Market in Kraków

Open: 25 November – 1 January

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.

Christmas Market in Katowice

Runs from 17 November to 7 January.

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.

Markets in Other Cities

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.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!