Christmas markets may not be a huge traditional event in Poland compared to Germany or Austria. But Poland is worth visiting in December for the markets and so much more. The incredibly rich culture, history and food are like nowhere else in Europe. In this guide, I share the best Christmas markets in Poland including updated dates, locations and opening times for 2022.
Polish Christmas markets are growing each year and are only going to get better. Poland is an incredible destination and much more affordable than Germany and Austria for Christmas markets.
Best Christmas Markets in Poland 2022
Krakow has by far the most established Christmas market and Wroclaw has one of the most beautiful market square locations.
If you are set on visiting the best Christmas markets in Poland then I suggest picking one of these cities with Gdansk rounding out the top 3.
1. Krakow
Krakow Christmas Market – Easily the best in Poland. Not only is the market filled with delicious food and interesting trinkets the city itself is one of the most beautiful and popular in Poland. When you consider value for money, you can’t beat Krakow.
Krakow Christmas Market dates: 25th November – 26th December 2022 with some stalls continuing into January for the Epiphany festival (27th December 2022 to 2nd January 2023).
Location: Rynek Glowny – the main old town square.
Recommended tour: 4 Hour Polish Food Tour
Where to Stay: Puro Hotel – A well-located and great standard for a reasonable price.
The Christmas market takes place in the smaller section of the central square, Rynek Glowny, right alongside the famous Cloth Hall. It’s compact and quaint with a heavy focus on traditional food and some unusual things too.
Krakow is a popular summer destination but it’s becoming more well known as a great weekend destination during the Christmas and New Year period. It’s a fun, young city, with so much history, great nightlife and laid-back cafe culture.
Read my guide to Krakow Christmas market that includes everything you need to know when preparing your visit.
Discover the best areas to stay in my guide to hotels near Krakow Christmas market that gives options for all budgets.
2. Wroclaw
Wroclaw Christmas Market – Wroclaw is such a wonderful location and so underrated as a destination, both at Christmas time and otherwise.
The Christmas market is a decent size but it’s far less crowded than in Krakow. The atmosphere is considerably more intimate and welcoming than elsewhere in Europe thanks to the warm and friendly people.
Wroclaw Christmast Market dates: 18th November to 31st December 2022.
Location: Market Square (Rynek we Wrocławiu) and Plac Solny.
Where to Stay: Puro Hotel Wroclaw
Wroclaw has traditional Polish food like pierogies and smoked cheese but the market has more international stalls where you can get Hungarian langos, Dutch pancakes, paella type dishes and many other delicious foods worth trying.
Of course, you can find mulled wine, hot apple cider and hot chocolate too. This event is very food oriented.
Read my full Wroclaw Christmas market travel guide for more information.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, I’ve prepared a list of hotels near Wroclaw Christmas Market and Market Square.
3. Gdansk
Gdansk Christmas Market – If you want to see an old Hanseatic seaport and Royal Way with a fresh cover of snow, Gdansk is your perfect Christmas destination.
There’s a very good chance of a white Christmas and you’re bound to enjoy the grzane wino (you might need a few) even more with the chilly temps.
Gdansk Christmas Fair dates: 18th November to 23rd December 2022.
Locations: Christmas Fair at Targ Węglowy. Christmas tree next to Neptune’s Fountain at Long Market (Długi Targ). Ferris wheel on Granary Island (Wyspa Spichrzów).
Where to Stay: Puro Gdansk – A gorgeous boutique hotel a short walk from Long Street and the Christmas markets.
At Gdansk Christmas Market, you can expect to see a Venetian carousel, ice skating rink, Christmas trees from around the world, handmade Christmas ornaments, toys, scarves, candles and festive gourmet food.
Polish festive cakes, pretzels, chocolate-covered fruit, chocolate ‘tools’, roasted nuts, smoked cheese, grilled sausages and of course hot chocolate and spiced mulled wine are all available to buy at the Christmas markets.
Get more information on dates, times and things to see with my Gdansk Christmas market guide for 2022.
Stay at one of my recommended hotels near Gdansk Christmas Market in the historic city centre.
4. Warsaw
Warsaw Christmas Market – Polish people might hate me for saying this but I feel like Warsaw is like a mini version of Berlin in some ways. It has the cool, hipster lifestyle vibe, a vibrant craft beer scene, brilliant nightlife, a burgeoning food scene and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Warsaw’s main Christmas market is located in the the Old Market Square and starts the season with a huge Christmas light show.
Warsaw Christmas Market dates: 25th November 2022 to 6th January 2023.
Location: Old Town Market Square and Praga
Opening times: 11am to 8pm, close at 9:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where to Stay: Spichlerz II is a 7-minute walk to Warsaw Old Town and the Christmas market.
Warsaw has a few markets to look out for, one in the main market square, another closer to the Royal Palace and a more modern Christmas market in the Praga district towards the east of the Vistula River at the foot of the stadium.
Read my full guide to Warsaw Christmas market and find the best hotels near Warsaw Christmas market in the Old Market Square.
Christmas Markets in Poland
Katowice Christmas Market – Open until the 23rd December 2022 in Main Square.
Łódź Christmas Market – In Piotrkowska Street, open until the 23rd December 2022.
Lublin Christmas Market – If you have time, take a day trip from Warsaw down to pretty Lublin. It has a more rustic look than the other cities mentioned here but the old town buildings have some of the most gorgeous, decorative facades you’ll find in Poland.
Poznan Christmas Market – Halfway between Berlin and Warsaw, Poznan has a beautiful, historic main square and cute little side streets packed with cafes and boutiques to keep you busy on a day trip. Find where to stay in Poznan near the Christmas market in Old Market Square.
Szczecin Christmas Fair – There’s a small Christmas fair at the Castle of Pomeranian Dukes in Szczecin, a lovely city not far from the border with Germany close to Berlin.
Torun Christmas Market – Open until 22nd December.
To learn more about Polish Christmas traditions, take a Christmas market tour.
Book one of my recommended Christmas hotels to stay near the Christmas markets.
For further ideas and travel inspiration, read about the best Christmas markets in Europe that lists the best places to visit per region.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Poland. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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