Poznan Christmas Market stalls line the cobblestone streets of the Old Market Square. Visitors order freshly grilled Polish specialties from open fires and drink warming vodka while sitting in front of the incredible Renaissance Town Hall and listening to live music.
Read on for confirmed 2024 dates and details to help plan your visit.
Poznan Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Poznan dates: 16th November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (confirmed).
Update: This year’s schedule was released in October. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
Source: Information obtained directly from the organiser is available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Stary Rynek (Old Market Square) and Plac Wolności (Freedom Square).
Opening hours: Opens around lunchtime and closes in the evening.
Christmas Day: Open.
Travel and Accommodation
Recommended tour: This walking tour of the Old Town.
Public transport: Widely available and accessible.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Where to stay: Puro Hotel Stare Miasto is one of the nicest hotels in Poznan.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Santa: Possibly.
Ice skating: Yes.
Reason to visit: Historic location, relatively affordable, less crowded than elsewhere.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, some options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Specialities: Piernik, fried fish, pierogies, St Martin croissant.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes, but there are cobblestones in the main square.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Convenient Hotels
The historic centre of Poznan is known as Stare Miasto. On my visit, I stayed just outside this area, but I think it’s better to stay more centrally.
In particular, I recommend Puro Hotel Stare Miasto for its nicely designed rooms and Stare Miasto location. I’ve stayed at Puro hotels in Poland, and they’re always great value.
For more on where to stay, see my list of convenient hotels in Poznan.
Recommended Tours
Walking tours provide an excellent opportunity to get an overview of the destination. I highly recommend taking this walking tour of Poznan to explore the city’s highlights.
During a city tour, you’ll visit some of Poznan’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, including the Old Market Square, Imperial Castle, and the Cathedral of St Peter and Paul.
You might also like this traditional Polish food tour, where you can learn about the local culture through their cuisine.
Plan your trip with our Polish Christmas Markets List. Discover where to go, things to do and the best ways to experience Polish food, history and culture.
Event Location
Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.
Christmas in Poznan
Halfway between Berlin and Warsaw, Poznan is easily accessible by train or car from either city or from Wroclaw or Gdansk.
If you want to see more of Poland during your trip, you could stop by smaller cities like Torun or Lodz. Alternatively, you could simply have a relaxing holiday by spending more time in Poznan.
Although Poznan may be one of Poland’s smaller tourist destinations, it’s one of the oldest cities in the country and the historical capital of Greater Poland.
The stunning architecture of the main square and old town is a highlight. Here, you’ll find many modern cafes and boutique stores.
The Christmas market in Poznan, known as Poznań Bethlehem, takes place at several locations, including Stary Rynek and Plac Wolności.
Also, look out for the Ice Festival that is taking place at the same time.
Regional Specialties
Along with classic dishes like pierogies, smoked cheese, grilled meat and hearty goulash, you’ll also find regional produce like fried fish or sweet piernik, a typical Polish gingerbread.
Here are a few more details on what food specialties you can expect to find:
- Oscypek (Smoked Cheese): Oscypek is a traditional smoked cheese made from sheep’s milk. It’s grilled and served hot, often accompanied by cranberry sauce.
- Pierogi (Polish Dumplings): Poland’s famous dumplings are filled with ingredients like cheese, meat, cabbage and mushrooms. In Poznan, you can find special Christmas varieties that include seasonal spices and ingredients. You can find sweet pierogi too.
- Golonka (Pork Knuckle): This dish consists of pork knuckles that are usually boiled and then roasted. The meat is often seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme.
- Bigos (Hunter’s Stew): This traditional stew is made with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, and various kinds of meat and sausages.
- Kielbasa (Polish Sausage): Kielbasa is a type of Polish sausage that comes in numerous varieties. It’s typically grilled and served in a roll with sauerkraut or onions.
- Placki Ziemniaczane (Potato Pancakes): These crispy, shallow-fried pancakes are made from grated potatoes. In Poznan, they’re often served with sour cream or apple sauce.
- Grzane Piwo (Hot Beer): This might sound unusual, but hot beer is a traditional Polish winter drink. It’s typically flavoured with honey, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Grzaniec Galicyjski (Mulled Wine): The Polish version of mulled wine often includes a splash of cherry liqueur.
- Pierniki (Gingerbread): Polish gingerbread contains more spices compared to its German counterparts and can come in various shapes and sizes. It makes for great gifts.
- Sernik (Cheesecake): This cheesecake is made with a type of curd cheese called twaróg. Compared to the American version, it is denser and more savoury.
Things to Do in Winter
Poznan is a walkable city with excellent public transport, so you shouldn’t need to worry about how to get around.
Although I didn’t visit at Christmas, there was a huge market with all the classic market stalls. Of course, there are many other sights of interest.
- Old Market Square: Poznan’s main square serves as the city’s hub, featuring vibrant, well-preserved 16th-century merchant houses.
- Renaissance Town Hall: This ornate building is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and acts as the focal point of Old Market Square. It’s beautifully illuminated in winter and guided tours are available even in the colder months, providing a detailed history of the building and the city.
- Imperial Castle: Originally built as a residence for Kaiser Wilhelm II, this imposing castle is now a cultural centre that houses a theatre. In winter, the castle’s grounds often feature outdoor art installations, and the theatre hosts seasonal performances. The interiors are just as impressive, adorned with historical artefacts and artwork.
- Citadel Park: This expansive park is particularly enjoyable on clear winter days. It’s not just a green space but also a historical site. You’ll find several military-related monuments, including a well-preserved Prussian fort and a Soviet Obelisk. The park is large enough to warrant spending several hours exploring, especially if you’re interested in history.
- Billy Goats: The mechanical Billy Goats are a local spectacle you shouldn’t miss. Every day at noon, they emerge from a clock tower above the Renaissance Town Hall and butt heads 12 times. It’s an interesting tradition that brings a crowd even in the chill of winter.
- St Martin’s Croissant: This is not just any pastry; it’s a regional speciality protected by Polish law. You can find it in various bakeries around the city.
- Potato Museum of Poznan: While it may sound quirky, this museum offers an informative look at the significance of potatoes in Polish cuisine and culture. The museum has exhibits on the history of potato cultivation in Poland, different varieties, and even potato-related art.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- Eco-Friendly Hotels: Poznan has several hotels committed to sustainable practices. Many of them use renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind power. When booking your stay, look for places that have sustainability certifications, such as a Green Key or an equivalent Polish eco-label.
- Reduce Food Waste: Make an effort to consume all the food you buy, either at the time or saved for later.
- Ethical Consumption: Buy only what you truly need or will use, and choose products made by local artisans to support the community.
- Sustainable Diets: Try food stalls selling plant-based or locally sourced foods.
- Sustainable Transport: The city encourages sustainable transport solutions, like electric trams or just walking instead.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
