Visiting Poznań in December? You'll be glad you did, as the city gets all dolled up with festive decorations and seemingly explodes with light, sound and holiday spirit. From Christmas markets to mulled wine to historic buildings and bridges twinkling with Christmas joy, here are the best ways to feel the holiday magic in Poznań.
Poznań Christmas Markets
The holiday season in Poznań officially kicks-off on in mid-November, when Poznań's not-one-but-two Christmas Markets open on November 16, 2024. That's right, the city is so full-up of holiday cheer, that you get two markets to explore - each with its own competing atmosphere and attractions. Both are free to enter and within easy walking distance of each other, so why not experience both?
PLAC WOLNOŚCI CHRISTMAS MARKET
Nov. 16, 2024 - Jan. 6, 2025
Located right in the heart of the city, this is the more centrally-located and traditional of Poznań's Christmas markets, oozing holiday charm and drawing large crowds. Stroll through stalls adorned with festive lights, offering everything from handmade gifts and Christmas decorations to delicious sweets, hot treats, and spiced wine. One of the highlights here is the historic Ferris wheel—dating back to 1946—which gives visitors a beautiful, elevated view of the entire market. You’ll also find a charming whirligig ride for the little ones and a cultural stage where holiday performances light up the season. Opening in mid-November and staying festive well into the New Year, this market gives you plenty of time to soak in the holiday spirit, find unique gifts, and enjoy the sights, smells, and tastes of Christmas in Poznań’s winter wonderland.
POZNAŃ INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR CHRISTMAS MARKET (MTP)
Nov. 16, 2024 - Dec. 22, 2024; closed Mondays
Now an annual tradition, this second Christmas market is the larger of the two, with slightly slimmer crowds and more family attractions. Held at Plac Powszechnej Wystawy Krajowej (Plac PWK) within the Poznań International Fair complex, though it lacks the Old-Town views, there is plenty of family-friendly fun to be had. Step through the illuminated gates to discover an enchanting winter wonderland of 50-70 wooden merchant stalls brimming with handcrafted gifts, regional specialties, and unique holiday souvenirs. This market is home to an ice rink, Poznań's tallest Christmas tree, an antique carousel, and even a cozy 'Santa’s House' for kids. Don’t miss the talking animatronic moose or the lively cultural stage, showcasing holiday concerts, performances, and workshops for children. With free entry and gates on all sides, it’s easy to find your way into this joyful celebration. Just note, the market takes a well-deserved rest on Mondays.
More Highlights of the Holiday Season in Poznań
The opening of overblown holiday markets aside, the true 'observance' of Christmas in Poznań begins with Advent (written as Adwent in Polish) from December 1st till the 24th. In this time, Poles embark upon the period leading up to Christ's birth by spiritually preparing for Christ’s arrival. Put simply, Poles are expected to refrain from 'indulgences' and attend Holy Mass as much as possible!With Christmas Day reserved for family and busy with the celebration of Christ, Saint Nicholas (PL: Święty Mikołaj) shows up three weeks early on December 6th - ‘Dzień Świętego Mikołaja,’ or Saint Nicholas Day. In Polish tradition, you will not find 'Santa Claus' who resides in the North Pole with a Coca-cola sponsorship, but an actual dignified saint in a regal purple and gold robe and bishop’s hat. Eager children write letters to the Saint requesting gifts and put the letter outside on the windowsill so the old codger can drop by and pick up their request during the night. On the 6th, Polish children awake to discover Mikołaj’s benevolence with a gift under their pillow or next to the bed. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to see Old Saint Mikołaj in the flesh on this day, particularly at festive locations like Christmas markets, preschools and shopping malls.
During the festive season Poznań also hosts its famous, one-of-a-kind ice sculpting festival. The 2024 edition of the Poznań Ice Festival will take place once again on the Old Town Market Square from December 6-8, 2024. Featuring some of the best artists in the world carving wondrous works out of massive blocks of ice using chisels and chainsaws, this is one of the most amazing holiday events in Poland, and completely free to watch - make your plans accordingly.
December 24th is, of course, Christmas Eve – or Wigilia as it’s called in Poland - is one of the biggest feast days of the year and an important time to be with family. Expect to eat lots of traditional Polish food in the evening, so consider skipping lunch (and maybe breakfast). In the past it has also consisted of keeping the feature dish, the carp, alive and swimming in the bathtub for several days leading up to the 24th! At midnight, most families head out in the cold to attend pasterka, or midnight mass.
Read our article on Wigilia - Poland's Christmas Eve Feast.
After another morning mass, Christmas Day on December 25th is reserved for visiting family and friends, a continuation of feasting (this time including meat and alcohol) and the essential-viewing of a Polish-dubbed Kevin Sam W Domu on Netflix - literally 'Kevin Alone In The House', better known by its English title 'Home Alone'! While Christmas Day holds less importance and symbolism for Poles than Christmas Eve, it is still a public holiday and a time for family. December 31st is known locally as 'Sylwester,' and on this last night of the year every bar, club, restaurant and hotel in town will be hosting an all-night New Year’s Eve bash (see more below).
The spirit of the holiday season is kept strong across the country until January 6th – Three Kings Day (PL: Dzień Trzech Króli). Mass is compulsory for devout Catholics, after which it's time join in a Three Kings Day procession - a merry parade of costumed carollers passing out candy, which honours the three wise men who visited Jesus at his birth. In Poznań, you can usually catch this on Plac Wolności! The decorations actually stay up and the Polish holiday season doesn’t officially expire until February 2nd when Saint Nick sees his shadow and it’s generally agreed that every family should toss their Christmas tree!
New Year's Eve in Poznań
As would be expected, Poznań's Old Town and the Rynek are usually the focal points of New Year's celebrations on December 31st. Most of the major bars and clubs in the old centre are ticketed affairs, due to popularity, which means that booking ahead of time is a must. Of course, you can take your chances with a pub crawl, though it may be problematic and you wouldn't want to be stuck out in the cold unnecessarily!
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