Discover magical winter experiences in Krakow, Warsaw, Wroclaw & Gdansk
Poland transforms into a winter wonderland every December. From medieval squares wrapped in twinkling lights to the scent of mulled wine drifting through historic old towns, Polish Christmas markets are among the most atmospheric in Europe. Whether you're planning a winter weekend getaway or a full holiday tour, this guide will help you explore the best Christmas markets in Poland—including Krakow, Warsaw, Wroclaw, and Gdansk.
In this ultimate guide, you’ll find travel tips, local food recommendations, and what makes each market special—brought to you by Delicious Poland, your local expert in Polish food, culture, and authentic experiences.
Why Visit Christmas Markets in Poland?
Polish Christmas markets offer a unique blend of rich traditions, hearty seasonal food, artisanal crafts, and warm hospitality. Expect:
Beautifully decorated Old Town squares
Traditional Polish Christmas dishes
Handcrafted ornaments and folk art
Live music, carols, and festive performances
Ice rinks, nativity scenes & attractions for families
Affordable prices compared to markets in Western Europe
1. Krakow Christmas Market – The Most Iconic in Poland
📍 Location: Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)
📅 Dates & Opening Times
Opening date: November 28th
Closing date: December 26th
Daily opening hours: 10 am - 8 pm (longer if the market is busting!)
The Krakow Christmas Market is Poland’s most famous—and often ranked among the best in Europe. Held in Europe’s largest medieval square, this market is a stunning blend of Gothic architecture, festive lights, and traditional wooden stalls.
What Makes it Special
A postcard-perfect setting
Dozens of stalls with local crafts and gifts
Daily cultural performances, folk bands & carolers
Strong Christmas traditions and warm, cozy atmosphere
🍽 What to Eat
Oscypek (smoked cheese) with cranberry
Pierogi (dumplings)
Polish mulled wine—grzaniec galicyjski
Bigos, kiełbasa, and gingerbread
🎁 What to Buy
Hand-painted Christmas ornaments
Wool and leather crafts from the Tatra Mountains
Local pottery and woodcarvings
Grilled Cheese Oscypek
2. GDANSK CHRISTMAS MARKET – THE MOST FAIRYTALE-LIKE IN POLAND
📍 LOCATION: TARG WEGLOWY (COAL MARKET), GDANSK OLD TOWN
📅 DATES & OPENING TIMES
Opening date: November 22nd
Closing date: December 23rd
Daily opening hours: 12 pm – 8 pm (Friday-Saturday till 9 pm)
The Gdansk Christmas Market is often called one of the most magical in Europe thanks to its enchanting décor, charming alleyways, and a unique mix of Baltic and Hanseatic influences. With storybook-style stalls, a giant Advent Gate, and a romantic carousel, it feels like stepping into a winter fairy tale.
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL
Voted one of Europe’s best Christmas markets in recent years
Beautiful illuminated installations and photo spots
Unique “Mikołajki Lane,” “Angel’s Mill,” and themed zones
Baltic-inspired holiday gifts and crafts
🍽 WHAT TO EAT
Grzaniec (mulled wine) served in collectible mugs
Warm churros and chocolate
Kiszka ziemniaczana (potato sausage)
Smoked fish sandwiches and regional sweets
🎁 WHAT TO BUY
Baltic amber jewelry
Handcrafted candles and Christmas decorations
Local artisan ceramics
Unique gifts from Polish and regional designers
Gdansk Christmas Market
3. WROCŁAW CHRISTMAS MARKET – THE MOST WHIMSICAL IN POLAND
📍 LOCATION: RYNEK (MAIN SQUARE) & ŚWIDNICKA STREET
📅 DATES & OPENING TIMES
Opening date: November 21st
Closing date: January 7th
Daily opening hours: 10 am – 9 pm
Famous for its fairytale-style wooden towers, charming gnomes, and warm atmosphere, the Wrocław Christmas Market feels like a Christmas village brought to life. Stalls stretch through the market square and along the nearby streets, filling the entire Old Town with festive scents and lights.
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL
One of the largest and most beautifully decorated Christmas markets in Poland
Iconic multi-level Christmas House with panoramic views
Wrocław’s gnomes dressed in festive outfits hidden throughout the market
Strong regional crafts and vibrant international food stalls
🍽 WHAT TO EAT
Aromatic grzaniec from the multi-level Christmas House
Silesian sausage and grilled oscypek
Hungarian langos and chimney cakes
Traditional gingerbread
🎁 WHAT TO BUY
Hand-carved wooden toys
Local ceramics and glass art
Winter wool accessories
Christmas lights and handmade ornaments
Wroclaw Christmas Market
4. WARSAW CHRISTMAS MARKETS – TWO DIFFERENT ATMOSPHERES IN ONE CITY
A) WARSAW CHRISTMAS MARKET AT PLAC DEFILAD – THE MODERN & TRENDY ONE
📍 LOCATION: PLAC DEFILAD, NEXT TO THE PALACE OF CULTURE
📅 DATES & OPENING TIMES
Opening date: 28th November
Closing date: 1st January
Daily opening hours: 11 am – 9 pm (Fri.-Sat. 11 am- 10 pm)
This market brings a modern, urban twist to Christmas. Set against the iconic Palace of Culture, it’s lively, contemporary, and full of great food. It feels more like an outdoor holiday festival, attracting locals looking for craft beers, street food, and artisan gifts.
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL
Trendy atmosphere with contemporary stalls
Excellent street food and local craft beer vendors
Great spot for meeting friends and warming up with mulled wine
Modern decorations and a central city vibe
🍽 WHAT TO EAT
Craft burgers and gourmet sausages
Polish mulled wine and regional craft beers
Raclette, fondue, and winter comfort food
Hot chocolate with toppings
🎁 WHAT TO BUY
Candles, soaps, and modern holiday décor
Jewelry from young Polish designers
Minimalist ceramics and textiles
B) WARSAW OLD TOWN CHRISTMAS MARKET – THE MOST ROMANTIC
📍 LOCATION: OLD TOWN & BARBAKAN (ALONG THE FORTIFIED WALLS)
📅 DATES & OPENING TIMES
Opening date: 21st November
Closing date: 6th January
Daily opening hours: 11 am – 8 pm (Fri.-Sat. 11 am- 9:30 pm)
The Old Town Christmas Market is the most charming and atmospheric in Warsaw. Located along the historic Barbakan and surrounded by pastel townhouses, it feels like stepping into a Christmas postcard. Lights, wooden stalls, and the ice rink nearby create a perfect holiday setting.
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL
A beautiful, historic backdrop
Cozy atmosphere ideal for winter walks
Traditional foods and handcrafted gifts
Perfect for families, couples, and holiday photos
🍽 WHAT TO EAT
Grilled oscypek with cranberry sauce
Hot chocolate and mulled wine
Traditional sausages and pierogi
Torun gingerbread
Gingerbread
🎁 WHAT TO BUY
Polish handicrafts and wool socks
Wooden Christmas decorations
Local honey and preserves
Hand-painted ornaments
Warsaw Christmas Market
Curious about Polish Christmas traditions or unsure what’s truly worth trying at the markets?
Let us help. Join our Food Tour, where our guides share local insights, holiday stories, and the best picks of the season. We organize tours in all four major festive cities: Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, and Gdansk. Use code DELICIOUSPOLAND5 for 5% off your booking! Book you tour here: https://www.deliciouspoland.com/cities/food-tour.