Christmas is a time that lights up Polish cities with magical illuminations, the smell of gingerbread and hot chocolate, and the unforgettable atmosphere of Christmas markets. Every year, almost every major city hosts fairs that attract locals and tourists alike, offering a wide range of Christmas attractions.
In Poland, the tradition of fairs dates back many years, and their popularity grows every year. From picturesque stalls with handicrafts to delicious food and unique decorations, these Christmas events are a true feast for the senses. In this article, I invite you to take a virtual walk through the most beautiful Christmas markets in Poland 2024, which are worth visiting to feel the magic of Christmas.
Wroclaw (November 29, 2024 – January 7, 2025, Market Square)
Wroclaw Christmas Market is one of the most popular Christmas events in Poland, attracting crowds of tourists. The charm of Wroclaw’s Market Square, full of historic buildings, and its unique atmosphere make it a must-see place on the winter travel map. It is worth preparing for larger crowds, especially on weekends.
The fair covers the Market Square, Świdnicka and Oławska Streets and Salt Square, offering numerous stalls with traditional foods, drinks and unique souvenirs. Children’s attractions, workshops and impressive decorations create an unforgettable experience. Details about the fair can be found on the official website. https://www.jarmarkbozonarodzeniowy.com/jarmark
Krakow (November 29, 2024 – January 1, 2025, Market Square)
Another well-known fair is the Krakow Christmas Market. Another year in a row, it is even mentioned and recommended in an article in The Times. The fair takes place in the Old Market Square. The Krakow market in winter scenery looks a bit like a fairy tale, so the fair fits perfectly here.
The market has many stalls with Polish and international food, lots of handicrafts, as well as artistic shows such as concerts of Christmas carols.
Poznań (November 16-January 6, 2025, Liberty Square; November 16, 2024-December 22, 2025, EXPO Poznań)
The Poznań Christmas Market is one of the city’s most important winter events. It takes place at Liberty Square and Poznan Expo, which is easily accessible due to its proximity to the main train station. More than 70 booths, an ice rink and a Venetian carousel await visitors.
From December 6-8, 2024, visit the Ice Festival, part of the World Ice Sculpting Championships, where you can admire unique ice sculptures in the area of Święty Marcin Street.
Gdansk (November 22 – December 23, 2024, Coal Market)
The Gdansk Christmas Market delights with a Christmas carousel overlooking the historic center and outdoor concerts. The numerous wooden stalls offer traditional Polish specialties, international delicacies and handicrafts.
The fair also offers attractions such as sleighs, special Christmas photo arrangements, and its hit is the talking Moose Lucek, which attracts both children and adults.
Bydgoszcz (November 22 – December 22, 2024, Old Market)
The Christmas Fair in Bydgoszcz, which was initially small and intimate, is growing in size and becoming more attractive every year. Today, it is worth a visit to feel the magical atmosphere of Christmas.
Stalls are set up in the Old Market Square, Old Town Bridge, Mostowa Street and Theater Square. In previous editions, visitors could enjoy numerous performances, additional attractions and beautiful Christmas decorations that create a unique atmosphere.
Warsaw (November 23, 2024 – January 6, 2025, Miedzymur Piotr Biegański)
The capital offers unique illuminations and a fair featuring international foods and unique gifts. The program also includes concerts of carols and meetings with Santa Claus. The fair takes place in the Old City, near the Intermountain. In past years, there was a charming ice rink next to the Mermaid statue in the Old Town Square, and New World Street was lit up with numerous Christmas trees and holiday decorations. It’s a place that puts you in the magical atmosphere of the holidays.
Katowice (November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025, Market Square)
The Katowice fair is a combination of Silesian tradition and modernity – stands with local specialties, handicrafts and modern attractions, such as an artificial ice rink. Evening concerts and animations attract visitors.
Katowice – Nikisz Fair (December 6-8, 2024, Nikiszowiec)
This shorter fair is held in the historic Nikiszowiec district and has a unique industrial atmosphere. This place is known for its local specialties and crafts.
Torun (November 23 – December 22, 2024, Old Town Square)
The Christmas atmosphere in Torun is enhanced by the famous Torun gingerbread and unique performances by carolers. Handmade ornaments and gifts attract both locals and tourists.
Olsztyn (December 12-15, 2024, Old Town) Although short, the Olsztyn fair offers unique concerts and Christmas exhibitions. Participants can sample local specialties and take part in handicraft workshops.
Szczecin (November 29-December 22, 2024, Kwiatowa Avenue, Adamowicz Square and Aviators Square) The Szczecin Fair is famous for its elaborate light decorations and local delicacies such as roasted chestnuts. Spectacular Christmas parades are also organized.
Zielona Gora (December 15-21, 2024, Old Market Square) The Christmas atmosphere of Zielona Gora is highlighted by concerts of carols and stalls with local products such as mead. The program also includes performances by local artists.
Bialystok (November 30-December 22, 2024, Kosciuszko Square) The Bialystok fair offers a unique blend of local traditions and Eastern influences. Children can look forward to attractions such as meeting Santa Claus and handicraft workshops.
Bielsko-Biala (December 13-15, 2024, Market Square, Wojska Polskiego Square, Town Hall Square) The Bielsko-Biala Fair attracts visitors with regional delicacies and handmade Christmas decorations. The short duration makes each day full of attractions.
Bytom (December 1-22, 2024, Market Square) The Bytom fair delights with colorful stalls and concerts by local bands. The program also includes workshops for children and culinary demonstrations.
Gliwice (December 6-22, 2024, Market Square) In addition to Christmas shopping, Gliwice offers light shows and live concerts. Special attractions include booths with handmade gifts.
Lublin (December 18-January 7, 2025) Lublin is offering a Christmas market full of local specialties and artistic performances. Among the attractions are Christmas workshops and ice carving demonstrations.
Lodz (November 29-December 23, 2024, Piotrkowska Street) Jarmark on Piotrkowska Street is famous for its unique light decorations and variety of booths. Visitors can taste local delicacies and find unique gifts.
Opole (November 22-December 24, 2024, Market Square) The Opole fair attracts visitors with its family atmosphere, carol concerts and handicraft workshops. Local producers offer delicacies and Christmas decorations.
Wieliczka (December 8-14, 2024, Salt City) The Wieliczka Fair is distinguished by its unique location – the Salt City. Visitors can sample specialties of miners’ cuisine and take part in demonstrations and concerts.