The Best Christmas Markets in Poland 2024

15 Oct 2024

It's never too late to start planning for the holiday season, and Poland is always ripe and ready with its phenomenal range of seasonal markets. In this article, we get excited about the sights, sounds, and other strange sensations, as well as our pick of the Top Christmas Markets in Poland 2024...

**Katowice Christmas Market** punching high above its weight class!

Filled with unique holiday traditions that make it a special and memorable experience, Poland is a wonderful place to visit during the Christmas season. One such nuance is the arrival of Old Saint Nick with his bag of goodies on December 6th, which sets the tone for a season that starts early and feels delightfully long (time it right and he might visit you twice!). At the heart of each major city is the Christmas market, which offers a much-needed infusion of colour, radiance and joy to the chilly, sometimes grey days of late autumn.

**Wrocław Christmas Market** awaiting the hordes of enthusiastic shoppers and instagrammers!

With some of the largest market squares in Europe, Poland’s Christmas fairs rival those of neighbouring Germany and are routinely ranked amongst Europe’s finest. Each city also seems to be striving to outdo the others in terms of scale and splendour, transforming these holiday fairs into events worth planning a seasonal getaway around.

Local living historians are a key part of both parades and ceremonial proceedings at the **Gdańsk Christmas Market**.

So which is the best? That’s a question we put to our team of seasoned editors, who have sampled many a market (and more than their share of mulled wine). Below they give their subjective and honest appraisals, while also coming up with a consensus for which Christmas market is truly THE BEST. But first…

What to Expect at a Polish Christmas Market?

Typically located in the historical centre of town, Poland’s holiday fairs are highly photogenic and offer the opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and spirit of the season while wandering amongst handsome wooden huts full of traditional hot foods and festive treasures. When it comes to the former, you can expect to find pierogi, grilled kiełbasa and other meats, warming barszcz (beetroot) and żurek (sour rye) soups, bigos (a hearty stew of meat and cabbage), kaszanka (blood sausage) and more, plus stalls selling hot spiced wine; in southern Poland make sure you try the salted sheep cheese (oscypek) served hot off the grill with cranberry sauce.

Juicy *Kiełbasy* (Sausages) ready to go at the **Katowice Christmas Market**!

When it comes to potential gifts and stocking stuffers, Poland’s Christmas markets offer an abundance of regionals sweets, spirits, souvenirs, handicrafts and holiday ornaments, including: beautiful Bolesławiec ceramics; linens, slippers and even leather coats embroidered with folk motifs; glass-blown baubles and decorations; sheepskins, knitwear and woollens; wooden toys; amber jewellery; decorative gingerbreads; local honeys, meads and more.

Poland's famed *Bolesławiec* ceramic wares at **Kraków Christmas Market**.

In addition to all the consumer opportunities, most Polish Christmas markets also feature a cultural stage with festive performances throughout the month, plus various attractions for families and kids. Taking the above as a sort of loose criteria, let’s get into it. Follow the links in the city names for more info about this year’s Christmas markets, including exact dates.

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Ranking the Best Christmas Markets in Poland for 2024

6. KRAKÓW

Routinely praised by other publications as the best in Poland, nay, one of the best in Europe, the fact that we have Kraków’s Christmas Market ranked so low is not some kind of cheap, attention-seeking stunt. This ranking reflects not only how underrated we think the holiday fairs of other Polish cities are, but also how much Kraków lives off reputation. It betrays the fact that we’re not tourists - we actually live here, and we see how relatively little effort and ingenuity Kraków puts into their holiday market year after year.

**Kraków Christmas Market**'s Old Town setting is by far its best asset!

Listen, we truly think that Kraków is a magical destination during the holidays. From gaudy Christmas castles and animatronic nativities to hot wine and holiday comfort food - there’s a lot that makes Christmas in Kraków a unique and special experience. And the nexus of it all is the Christmas Fair on Kraków’s absolutely gorgeous market square. In terms of location, Kraków’s Christmas Market simply cannot be beat.

Ambient ground level view of **Kraków Christmas Market** before the crowds spill in.

Occupying half of Europe’s largest medieval square, and surrounded by gorgeous townhouses and architectural monuments (including the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica), this is one of the most picturesque places in Poland in any season. With merchants selling traditional handicrafts, kiosks full of hot wine and traditional Polish food, visitors will surely be enchanted wandering amongst the handsome wooden stalls as sporadic seasonal performances take place on the cultural stage nearby.

Horse-and-Carriage service at the **Kraków Christmas Market** AKA *"Who ordered the extra cheese?"*

So why the low marks? Because every year it’s the same vendors selling the same products found at every other market (and even daily in the Cloth Hall), plus the same seasonal trinkets; if you’ve shopped there once, you won’t find anything new the second time, aside from the fact that the prices have gone up. The prices for hot food are particularly criminal. Despite the size of the market square, Kraków’s holiday fair is incredibly compact and crowded to the point that you can barely even see what’s being sold.

The **Cloth Hall** essentially flogs the same year-round wares as what you'll find at the **Kraków Christmas Market** outside.

And it’s not just the market itself. Faced with budget challenges, the city of Kraków has been cutting costs when it comes to holiday decorations for several years. Perhaps a victim of its own popularity, Kraków doesn’t need to make the same effort as places like Katowice when it comes to putting up the lights and creating a festive glow; it’s not competing with itself. To sum up, the Kraków Christmas Market is really just a crowded, boring, overpriced tourist fair. Ah, but the setting makes it a magical experience you can’t miss….
- Garrett

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5. KATOWICE

Although this grey, grimy post-industrial, post-communist city doesn’t fit the typical mould of a winter wonderland - or precisely because of it - Katowice really pulls out all the stops in December. Ever since renovating their market square, the city has gone all-in to be Christmastown, creating a large holiday hamlet in the centre of town, full of attractions and festivities.

**Katowice Christmas Market**'s distincly modern setting with a ferris wheel to take in the view! Photo by **WS-Art PHOTO / DRONE** / **Jarmarki Slaskie Facebook**

In addition to all of the holiday lights and dozens of wooden huts selling folkwares, handicrafts, decorations, souvenirs, ceramics, jewellery and other stocking stuffers, Kato’s Christmas market features a soaring Christmas tree, an ice rink, carousel, Ferris Wheel and a concert stage where festive performances take place on weekends. Not only that, but in addition to plenty of vendors serving warm food, there’s even space for a large wooden Christmas pyramid with a propeller on top that dispenses over a dozen different flavours of warm, spiced wine.

Spicing it up - **Katowice Christmas Market**'s pyro elves are a local favourite! Photo by **Jarmarki Slaskie Facebook.**

But that’s still not all! Scattered in between all the merchant stalls are enclosed displays filled with button-activated automatons that move and play music - skiing penguins, singing elves, snoring Santas and the like. There are even some fire-wielding elves to warm up the crowd. Shield your eyes or you might be hypnotised by all the holiday cheer.

*"That escalated quickly!"* - Medieval reenactors at the **Katowice Christmas Market** showing off their chops. Photo by **Jarmarki Slaskie Facebook.**

Katowice’s Christmas Market is…a lot. It’s loud, it’s crowded, it’s kitsch, it’s even a bit creepy. But this has really become one of the city’s biggest, most emblematic celebrations and we applaud them for the effort. Kato’s Christmas fair is so ambitious and excessive, you can actually feel it straining to break beyond the confines of the space available, which we would argue it has outgrown. However, unlike some holiday fairs, this is one that locals really look forward to and make a part of their family tradition each winter.

**Katowice Christmas Market** takes advantage of a lot of their regional idiosyncracies to give it a disctincly Silesian flavour!
Photo by **Jarmarki Slaskie Facebook.**

We’re giving bonus points for some of the regional accents, which include lots of local gifts, souvenir mugs, and ‘Silesian tiramisu’ - an ungodly invention consisting of blood pudding and fried cabbage (you have to be really naughty to eat that). We also appreciate the old-fashioned animatronic displays for their weirdness and absurdity. With their market opening earlier than most in Poland and running well into the new year, we simply have to give Katowice credit for making the six-plus weeks of the Christmas fair full of festive cheer. It actually enhances the space it occupies, along with the entire atmosphere of the city, and the experience of visiting or even living in Katowice. Joy to the world.
- Garrett

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4. POZNAŃ

Branding its holiday festivities under the umbrella of ‘Bethlehem in Poznań,’ Wielkopolska’s cultural capital also goes big during the Christmas season, and 2024 should be a banner year for the city. After several years of renovations on the Market Square, it’s admittedly a bit of a surprise (and a shame) to see the city’s main holiday fair not returning there this year, but apparently organisers got comfortable with the status quo.

**Poznań Christmas Market** - *"Who ordered the extra snow?"*

As such, Poznań boasts two big Christmas markets on the west side of the city centre within easy walking distance of each other - one on Plac Wolności, and another on the large square in the middle of the Poznań Trade Fairgrounds (MTP). Both are free, both open earlier than any other Christmas market in Poland (Nov. 16, 2024!), and both would likely be sufficient enough on their own for most Polish cities.

The Ice Skating Rink out at the **MTP Christmas Market in Poznań**.

For Poznań, however, apparently it takes two large squares to accommodate the crowds and the city’s large number of extraneous attractions, which include a huge Ferris wheel, towering Christmas tree, carousel, whirligigs, ice rink, concert stage (with a full programme of events), ‘Santa House’ for kids, fairground games and more. Although it’s not entirely clear what will be located where (2023 absurdly featured a Ferris Wheel on both markets!), the Trade Fair X-Mas Market is the bigger of the two, and will likely host the ice rink and most of the rides, while we assume the Ferris Wheel (just one, please) will be on Plac Wolności.

**Poznań Christmas Market** at the city's Trade Fair complex.

Regardless, you typically end up with two overcrowded Christmas markets, one of which - on Plac Wolności - vaguely resembles Kraków’s (sweet and simple, but way too congested), while the other - at MTP - resembles Katowice’s (somewhat lacking in atmosphere). Options, of course, are never a bad thing, so Poznań gets the edge over both cities.

The wonderful **Poznań Ice Festival** happens in parallel with the **Poznań Christmas Markets**.

Lastly, it should be noted that the Plac Wolności Christmas Market is up longer than any other market in Poland. Not only that, but Poznań also hosts the best holiday event in the entire country - Poznań Ice Festival (Dec. 6-8, 2024) - when skilled artists descend upon the Old Town Market Square with chisels and chainsaws to create incredible ice sculptures in front of your eyes. As such, the festive spirit will be soaring throughout the city’s renovated Old Town and we simply can’t resist.
-Garrett

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3. WARSAW

It’s tempting to say “see one Christmas market, you’ve seen them all” but I’d argue that’s really not the case in Warsaw. The shining star of this market – what sets it apart from the others on this list – is its location.

The mesmerising Old Town Market Square ice skating rink at the **Warsaw Christmas Market**.

The market stretches across the length of the Defensive Walls in the Old Town, meaning that you are walking a gorgeous brick pathway, overlooking a kind of moat-y area, and flanked on either side by beautiful Old Town buildings, topped with snow. It really feels like you’ve stepped into some kind of medieval market or even a ren faire, and the walk itself is rife with photo opportunities of the Old Town and surrounding area.

Ambient seasonal lighting in and around the **Warsaw Christmas Market** in the city's Old Town.

That pathway is easily my favourite part of the market, but the whole event continues inside the Old Town, too, with stalls set up around a big circular ice rink in the centre of the Old Town Square. My simple rule is: if you want a packed market, bustling with people, go to the square. If you want a chill stroll with a chance to shop and relax over a cup of warm wine, go to the walls. Either way, it’s nice that this market has two different options depending on what vibe you’re going for.

While often packed during the **Warsaw Christmas Market**, the **Old Town Square** does have some some quieter periods.

When it comes to what to buy, you’ll find traditional wooden stalls lining the pathway of the defensive walls and inside of the square, serving steaming cups of bigos out of big vats, juicy kiełbasa, and traditional smoked and melty cheese. At the shop stalls, you can find Polish candies, handmade mittens, slippers and plenty of little Christmas trinkets.

A colourful selection of goodies at the **Warsaw Christmas Market**.

But this is always where my discontent lies. One spin through this market is enough to “get it” – there’s not too much variety, especially compared with other Christmas markets in Poland. The options for food are pretty much the same at different points of the market (see three main options above) and you can only taste so much mulled wine until you have to roll yourself (and your warm belly) home. Even the activities – apart from the skating rink – seem pretty minimal. I mean, just check out what Gdańsk has going on below. So the market always loses a few points for me just due to what seems like a lack of variety.

**Warsaw Christmas Market** and all its wares. *"Does anyone buy this stuff?!"*

What it does do well, compared to other Polish Christmas markets, is not dialling up the kitsch too much. A little kitsch is good - it’s fun and why not! It’s Christmas – but too much can feel like you’ve just walked into a big ole tourist trap. Warsaw manages to sidestep this for the most part, with plenty of traditional-but-not-too-touristy Polish food and a few stalls selling non-touristy things (last year, a stall of antique coins, belts and even military equipment stuck out to me). The balance between kitsch and authentic feels well done here. That, paired with the lovely location, and minus points for a lack of variety, puts Warsaw’s market near the middle of the pack for me.
- Anna

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2. GDAŃSK

Personally, Christmas markets are a love/hate affair. As an Australian, anything that happens in the cold of European winter is oddly exciting for me, and so the idea of a Christmas market is something I always look forward to. That being said, the inevitable commercial aspects of such events will always frustrate the cynical sod-of-a-devil on my shoulder.

The heart of the **Gdańsk Christmas Market** on **Targ Węglowy** on the edge of the city's **old town**.

Fortunately, the Christmas markets in my newly-adopted home of Gdańsk are genuinely a nice balance. The majority of the food and craft stalls are a 500m walk from the Old Town Market Square (in Gdańsk, it’s more of a wide strip) and that is actually a good thing. Targ Węglowy, ironically translating to ‘Coal Market’, is a big open spot, allowing people to move through with relative ease, while also keeping the holiday clutter away from the Old Town’s most iconic buildings. That being said, the markets still have quite a pleasant backdrop - the Prison Tower, High Gate, and the lovely rear-end of ul. Tkacka, line 2/4ths of Targ Węglowy, so you’ll easily forget that you’re actually in a parking lot!

**Targ Węglowy** offers a balance of old town scenery and open space for an easy-going experience at the **Gdańsk Christmas Market**.

As for the all-important ice skating rink, the organisers have made the wise decision (I think so, anyway) to place that whole affair just across the main road in front of the Forum Shopping Centre. Logistically, it helps market-goers to move between these areas with ease and the rink’s nauseating loud-speaker playlist doesn’t interfere with the Christmas market experience. On that note, the Great Armoury’s ground-floor is open and operating as a local/regional artisans’ market, as well as “Santa’s Workshop” through the Teddy Bear Gate (that is, a gate made entirely out of teddy bears!).

***Misiowa Brama*** (ENG: Teddy-Bear Gate) in the **Great Armoury** pays homage to the many historic gates that can be found in the city.

Furthermore, the Gdańsk Christmas Market does have a nice variety of stuff going on. There’s a giant snow globe, which you can enter, toss around white foam bits, and have a laugh. The mistle-toe stand is a little naff, but it’s a nice photo opportunity for couples. So too are illuminated city-crest frames in front of the big Christmas tree. There’s a Santa Sleigh 3D simulation residing in a fake rustic log cabin. Again, such things are not my cup-of-tea, but the child and instagrammer in me would highly appreciate the effort. My personal favourite of the Gdańsk Christmas Market is Łoś Lucek (ENG: Luey the Moose) - a mechanical moose-head trophy that tells dad jokes in Polish, English and German.

*Łoś Lucek* (ENG: Luey the Moose) - the famed moose-head trophy of the **Gdańsk Christmas Market** who tells dad jokes!

As for the events program, I personally think this is where things really shine. The opening and closing parades are always a hit. As a history nerd, I love the fact that the local garrison of Napoleonic-era reenactors are always there to officiate things. In a way, they’re kind of like the live-action nutcracker soldiers you always see in the seasonal marketing. Aside from having Mikołaj visiting regularly, musical performances on stage feature small choirs, folk music groups, and other early-evening carolling affairs for kids.

Storytime in the early evening is a nice old-school traditional touch for kids to experience at the **Gdańsk Christmas Market**.

On that latter note, the city museum has organised regular free tours of the Prison Tower specifically targeted towards young families and their children. Santa’s Workshop hosts frequent creative workshops for kids and disabled adults, as well as being a chill zone for young families. You can probably tell that I’m a big fan of constructive fun and edutainment!
- Pierre

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1. WROCŁAW

They say size matters, and when it comes to Christmas markets, well, I guess we agree. Wrocław is home to Poland’s largest Christmas market, and this is really the main factor that puts it at the top of our list. Covering all sides of the Old Town Market Square - the second-largest market square in Poland, mind you - plus Plac Solny, 2 blocks of Świdnicka Street and another block of Oławska Street, the centre of Wrocław is entirely festooned with festive lights and holiday spirit from the end of November through the first week of January.

**Wrocław Christmas Market** in full swing!

Wrocław’s Christmas fair wins not with density and volume, but spaciousness and ease of access. It’s a joy to wander all the different areas of the holiday market - all of which can be explored comfortably without the claustrophobia that characterises most of these markets. The sheer number of handsome wooden huts is impressive, offering a wide variety of regional items and exotic gifts we’re not accustomed to seeing at such fairs. When it comes to shopping for interesting presents, Wrocław’s Christmas Market actually succeeds as a legitimate place to find them, which can’t always be said about Polish Christmas markets (once you’ve been to a few).

One of the many colourful parades that the **Wrocław Christmas Markets** has to offer.

In terms of attractions, Wrocław’s holiday fair goes big without going overboard. Family attractions include a Christmas funhouse for small tykes on Plac Solny, and the Fairytale Forest (Bajkowy Las) in front of the Town Hall - where you’ll find several animatronic displays that sing and speak, a small rollercoaster and vintage carousel. Meanwhile the north side of the market square features a Christmas train and whirligig. And that’s not even to mention the search for special holiday gnomes - part of a year-round city-wide attraction - that only appear during the holiday fair.

*Dom Pod Krasnalem* (House Under the Gnome) an embassy for the city's beloved mascots at **Wrocław Christmas Markets**.

For adults the mulled wine flows from several lovely wooden chalets and propellered pyramids, regional tastes can be found in all corners, there are selfie spots and photo booths galore, and even an elevated terrace offering great views over the market. Frequent events take place during the six weeks of the fair including concerts, parades and other happenings, and you’ll surely find yourself making repeated visits.

A moose appropriation of a Chinese New-Year Dragon Dance at **Wrocław Christmas Market**. *"Now I've seen it all! "*

In fact, with something for literally everyone, the Wrocław Christmas Market is an event worth planning an entire visit around. For setting, organisation, utility, atmosphere, excitement and photogeneity, Wrocław’s holiday market gets top marks and deserves every accolade, including this number 1 ranking.
- Garrett

Related Events

Nov 29 - Jan 7 2025		Wrocław Christmas Market
Nov 16 - Dec 22 2024		MTP Christmas Market
Nov 16 - Jan 6 2025		Plac Wolności Christmas Fair
Nov 22 - Jan 5 2025		Katowice Christmas Market

Warsaw

The Best Christmas Markets in Poland 2024

It's never too late to start planning for the holiday season, and Poland is always ripe and ready with its phenomenal range of seasonal markets. In this article, we get excited about the sights, sounds, and other strange sensations, as well as our pick of the Top Christmas Markets in Poland 2024...

What to Expect at a Polish Christmas Market?

Ranking the Best Christmas Markets in Poland for 2024

6. KRAKÓW

5. KATOWICE

4. POZNAŃ

3. WARSAW

2. GDAŃSK

1. WROCŁAW

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