Christmas markets may not be as traditional in Poland as in Germany or Austria, but the country is worth visiting in December for the markets and much more.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Poland, and its rich culture, history, and food are unparalleled in Europe. I highly recommend planning a trip!
In this guide, I share the best Christmas markets in Poland. I’ll update the list with confirmed dates for 2024 as they are announced.
Poland Christmas Markets
It’s hard to say where to go as there are so many variables, but the Polish Christmas scene is growing each year and will only improve. You can’t go wrong wherever you choose.
Krakow has the most established market, and I would say Wroclaw has the most beautiful location. Baltic city Gdansk and the capital Warsaw round out my top four.
2024 Dates – Partially Confirmed
Poland Christmas Market dates: 22nd November to 31st December 2024 (specific dates vary by market).
Expected Update: Last year’s dates were announced from August onwards, except for Gdansk, which is already confirmed.
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1. Krakow
Krakow’s Christmas market is easily the best in Poland. The market is filled with delicious food and unique trinkets, and the city itself is one of the most beautiful and popular in the country.
While Krakow is a popular summer destination, it’s becoming well-known as a great weekend spot during Christmas and New Year.
The lively events in the central square, next to the famous Cloth Hall, create a picturesque setting. It’s a fun, young city with a lot of history, great nightlife, and a laid-back cafe culture.
It’s compact and quaint, with a strong focus on traditional food and some unusual items too, like Matrioszka nesting dolls.
Krakow Christmas Market dates: 22nd November 2024 to 1st January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Location:Rynek Glowny.
Recommended tour: 4 Hour Polish Food Tour gives a great introduction to Polish food and culture.
Where to Stay: Puro Hotel is one of the nicest and most central hotels in Krakow.
Read my guide to Krakow Christmas Market, which includes everything you need to know when preparing for your visit.
Discover the best areas to stay in my guide to convenient hotels in Krakow, which has options for all budgets.
2. Wroclaw
Wroclaw is an underrated destination known for its canals, beautiful bridges, and colourful Market Square.
The city’s unique blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture and its lively cultural scene make it special.
The Christmas market is decently sized but less crowded than Krakow’s, creating a more intimate and welcoming atmosphere.
This event is very food-oriented, making it a great experience for those who love to try local specialties when they travel.
The market features traditional Polish food like pierogies and smoked cheese, but there are also many international stalls with items like Hungarian langos, Dutch pancakes, and Paella.
Of course, you can also find mulled wine, hot apple cider, hot chocolate and hot vodka.
Wroclaw Christmast Market dates: 22nd November to 31st December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Rynek we Wrocławiu (Market Square) and Plac Solny.
Recommended tour:Take this city tourto learn about customs, traditions and history of the city.
Where to Stay: Puro Hotel Wroclaw is a stylish and affordable hotel.
Read my full Wroclaw Christmas Market travel guide for more information.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, I’ve prepared a list of hotels in Wroclaw near Market Square.
3. Gdansk – Dates Confirmed
Gdansk has a unique festive experience with a Ferris wheel, Venetian carousel, ice skating rink, Christmas trees from around the world, handmade ornaments, Baltic amber jewellery and gourmet food.
Polish cakes, pretzels, chocolate-covered fruit, chocolate ‘tools’, roasted nuts, smoked cheese, grilled sausages, hot chocolate, and spiced mulled wine are available and much more.
If you want to see an old Hanseatic seaport and the Royal Way covered in fresh snow, Gdansk is the perfect winter destination.
There’s a good chance of a white Christmas, making the grzane wino (you might need a few in this weather) even more enjoyable in the chilly temperatures.
Gdansk Christmas Market dates: 22nd November to 23rd December 2024 (confirmed).
Locations: The Coal Market (Targ Węglowy). The Christmas Tree is next to Neptunes Fountain at Long Market (Długi Targ). A huge Ferris wheel is on Granary Island (Wyspa Spichrzów).
Where to Stay: You can’t go wrong with Puro Hotel Gdansk, which is a boutique hotel near Long Street.
Get more information on dates, times and things to see with my Gdansk Christmas Market guide for 2024.
Stay at one of my recommended hotels in Gdansk in the historic city centre.
4. Warsaw
Warsaw has a cool, hipster vibe, a vibrant craft beer scene, brilliant nightlife, a burgeoning food scene, and an entrepreneurial spirit, making it feel like a mini Berlin (apologies to any Polish people reading this).
Warsaw’s main Christmas market is located in the Old Market Square and kicks off the season with a huge Christmas light show.
In addition to the main market, there are a few others to look out for. The one near the Royal Palace has a more traditional atmosphere.
Another is in the Praga district, east of the Vistula River, and features a modern market at the foot of the stadium.
Warsaw’s diverse markets provide something for everyone and as the capital, there is always lots going on.
Warsaw Christmas Market dates: 25th November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Location:Old Town Market Square and Praga
Recommended tours:Warsaw has a couple of interesting city and food tours. I suggestthis city tourif it’s your first time in Warsaw and aPolish food touris a great way to sample a diverse range of dishes.
Where to Stay: Spichlerz IIis a 7-minute walk to Warsaw’s Old Town event.
Read my full guide to Warsaw Christmas Market and find the best hotels near the Christmas Market in the Old Market Square.
For further ideas and travel inspiration, read about the Best European Christmas Markets that highlight the best places to visit per region.
List of Other Markets
Not only do Poland’s major cities host markets, but nearly every city in Poland has one, usually held in the central square.
If you find yourself in a city not listed here, ask at your hotel or the local tourist office and let us know what you find.
- Katowice Christmas Market – A great choice if you’re looking to go somewhere different this year. The dates are from 15th November 2024 to the 7th January 2025 (unconfirmed) in Market Square.
- Poznan Christmas Market – Halfway between Berlin and Warsaw, Poznan has a beautiful, historic main square and cute little side streets packed with cafes and boutiques to keep you busy on a day trip. Find where to stay in Poznan near the Old Market Square. Poznan dates: 15th November 2024 to 7th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
- Zakopane Christmas Market – waiting for updates.
- Łódź Christmas Market – In Piotrkowska Street, open until the 23rd December 2024 (unconfirmed).
- Lublin Christmas Market – If you have time, take a day trip from Warsaw over to pretty Lublin. It has a more rustic look than the other cities mentioned here, but the Old Town buildings have some of the most gorgeous decorative facades you’ll find in Poland. Waiting for dates.
- Szczecin Christmas Fair – There’s a small fair at the Castle of Pomeranian Dukes in Szczecin, a lovely city not far from the border with Germany close to Berlin.
- Torun Christmas Market – Open from 23rd November to 22nd December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Please let me know if there are any events I have omitted from the list so I can include them.
To learn more about Polish traditions, take a Christmas market tour.
Book one of my recommended Christmas hotels to stay in a convenient area.
What to Expect
Christmas markets in Poland vary. Smaller towns have modest markets, while larger cities like Krakow, Warsaw, and Wrocław offer substantial markets with many stalls selling food, gifts, and holiday items.
Markets are usually held in small squares or large public spaces. Enjoy crisp, snowy weather perfect for outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding.
Responsible Travel Ideas
- Use public transport or walk to reduce carbon emissions from driving.
- Support local and environmentally friendly businesses by choosing locally sourced food and shopping for handmade goods at markets.
- Avoid single-use plastics such as straws, utensils, and shopping bags.
- Take actions that minimise food waste.
- Stay in eco-friendly accommodations, such as hotels using renewable energy sources.
Comment below if you want to share your experience, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
