During the festive season, Poland comes alive with the enchanting charm of Christmas markets, drawing visitors from across the country and around the world. These magical fairs are the perfect place to discover unique gifts, savor traditional delicacies, and embrace the holiday spirit. With a wide range of attractions for children—including workshops, meetings with Santa Claus, carousels, and ice rinks—they’re ideal for family outings. The air is filled with the scent of fresh Christmas trees, the sound of festive melodies, and the sparkle of twinkling lights, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Here’s our guide to the most beautiful and best Christmas markets in Poland in 2024.
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Poland’s top Christmas markets in 2024
Gdańsk – One of the most beautiful fairs in Europe
Date: November 22 – December 23, 2024
Location: Targ Węglowy, Gdańsk
Gdańsk invites you to a magical Christmas fair at Targ Węglowy, where enchanting decorations and festive lights set the scene. You’ll be greeted by the charming mascot, Moose Luśka, and can enjoy a whirl on the sparkling ice rink. Browse the stalls to discover Kashubian specialties, unique handicrafts, and beautifully hand-painted baubles. For your little ones, there are Christmas decoration workshops and special meetings with Santa Claus, offering excitement and unforgettable holiday memories.
Wrocław Christmas Market
Date: November 29, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Location: Main Square, Wroclaw
One of the most famous Christmas markets in Poland takes place in Wrocław. The city’s Market Square turns into a fairy-tale village with beautifully decorated stalls offering gifts, decorations, and delicacies. Festive illuminations greet you at the entrance gate, while the Fairytale Forest captivates children with its magical stories and attractions. As you explore the numerous stalls, you’ll discover handmade decorations and indulge in local treats like borscht with dumplings or hot churros. Don’t miss the Santa Claus House, where kids can snap a photo with Santa, and a special zone offering creative art workshops to make your visit even more memorable.
Krakow – Royal Christmas Market
Date: November 29, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Location: Main Square, Krakow
Krakow hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in Poland, famous for its unique atmosphere. Wooden stalls offer traditional oscypek, obwarzanki and Galician mulled wine. During the walk, you can listen to the bugle call of St. Mary’s and admire handicrafts from different regions of Europe. The carol procession and traditional performances add a unique character to the market.
Poznań Bethlehem Market
Date: November 16, 2024 – January 6, 2025
Location: Plac Wolności, Poznań
Poznań’s Bethlehem Market is one of Poland’s most unique Christmas events. Held in the Old Market Square and Freedom Square, it features ice sculpture competitions, festive workshops, and an illuminated Ferris wheel, creating a festive experience to remember. At Plac Wolności, you can enjoy gingerbread decorating workshops, admire stunning ice sculptures, and marvel at dazzling Christmas illuminations. A unique highlight is the eco-friendly recycled Christmas tree, a symbol of the city’s dedication to environmental protection. Strolling through the fair, you’ll be serenaded by carol singers while little ones are entertained with delightful Christmas animations, making it a perfect outing for the whole family.
Toruń – the gingerbread capital of Christmas
Date: November 23 – December 22, 2024
Location: Old Town Square, Toruń
The Toruń Christmas fair takes you into a world filled with the aroma of gingerbread and the magical glow of old town illuminations. You can join gingerbread workshops, enjoy festive concerts, and watch captivating Christmas theater performances for children. A highlight for families is the chance to meet Santa Claus, while adults can savor regional beers and warming mulled wine, adding an extra touch of holiday cheer to the experience.
Zakopane Christmas Market: festive charm in the Tatra Mountains
Date: December 9, 2024 – January 8, 2025
Location: Zakopane
The Zakopane Christmas market offers a unique festive experience set against the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Tatra Mountains. Here, you can immerse yourself in tradition with the beautifully decorated stalls offering highland crafts, warm woolen clothing, and traditional delicacies like oscypek cheese, enjoying the unique atmosphere of Zakopane’s highlander culture. The market is just steps away from the famous Krupówki Street, making it easy to explore the town’s cozy cafes and shops. Evening visits are particularly magical, with the square lit up by twinkling lights and the distant glow of the snow-covered peaks adding to the enchantment. The market’s cozy ambiance is enhanced by live performances of traditional highlander music and dance, while the charm of the wooden huts and twinkling lights create a truly magical atmosphere. It’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to combine holiday cheer with the natural beauty of a mountain retreat.
Also read ► A Christmas in Poland: how to celebrate the holidays in the traditional Polish way