Poznan Christmas market stalls line the cobblestone streets of the Old Market Square, where locals order freshly grilled Polish specialties from open fires and drink warming vodka.
You can enjoy vegetarian soups and potato-stuffed pierogies with classic smoked Polish cheese. All this while sitting in front of the incredible Renaissance Town Hall or listening to live Christmas music.
Read on for confirmed 2023 dates and details to help plan your visit.
Halfway between Berlin and Warsaw, Poznan is easy to get to by train or car from those cities or from Wroclaw or Gdansk.
You could stop by smaller cities like Torun or Lodz if you want to see more of Poland during your trip or simply enjoy your winter holiday by exploring Poznan.
Poznan Christmas Market 2023
Although Poznan may be one of Poland’s smaller tourist destinations, it’s one of the oldest cities in Poland and the historical capital of Greater Poland.
Poznan has a stunning main square and old town, a mix of colourful historical architecture, modern cafes, and boutique shops.
The Christmas market in Poznan is known as Poznań Bethlehem and takes place at several locations, including Stary Rynek and Plac Wolności.
Look out for the Ice Festival that is taking place at the same time.
Poznan Christmas market dates: 17th November 2023 to 7th January 2024.
Location: Old Market Square – Stary Rynek and Plac Wolności.
Opening times: Opens around lunch time and closes in the evening.
Christmas Day: Open.
Admission: Free.
Santa: Possibly.
Ice skating: Yes.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, some options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes, but there are cobblestones in the main square.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Historic location, relatively affordable, less crowded than elsewhere.
Recommended tour: Discover Poznan with a walking tour of the Old Town.
Specialities: Piernik, fried carp, pierogies, St Martin croissant.
Where to stay: Puro Hotel Stare Miasto is one of the nicest hotels in Poznan.
Hotels near Poznan Christmas Market
The historic centre of Poznan is known as Stare Miasto in Polish. It is a wonderful area of the city to stay in if you’re visiting on a short break.
I recommend several excellent hotels near Poznan Christmas Market that are well-located in Stare Miasto.
In particular, I suggest staying at Puro Hotel Stare Miasto for its cool rooms and Stare Miasto location.
Main Market Location
Recommended Tours
A city tour of Poznan is an excellent way to discover the city’s rich history and culture. With its enchanting old town, colourful buildings, and impressive architecture, Poznan is a city that offers something for everyone.
I highly recommend taking this walking tour of Poznan to explore all the city’s highlights.
Or perhaps consider this traditional Polish food tour to learn about the local culture through their cuisine.
During a city tour, you’ll visit Poznan’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, including the historic Old Market Square, the impressive Imperial Castle, and the towering Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul.
Plan your trip with our Poland Christmas Market 2023 guide. Discover where to go, things to do and the best ways to experience Polish food, history and culture.
Christmas in Poznan
Poznan Market Specialties
Poznan has a lively Christmas market where you can find all the typical Christmas traditions like illuminated Christmas trees and handmade toys and decorations.
It’s a time shared with family and friends who welcome tourists visiting from abroad.
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. While you can find this cheese in other parts of Poland, it’s particularly popular in Poznan.
Pierogi (Polish Dumplings): These are famous dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients like cheese, meat, or cabbage and mushrooms. In Poznan, you can find special Christmas varieties that include seasonal spices and ingredients. The pierogi are often served with sour cream and are a staple of Polish cuisine. You can find sweet pierogi too.
Golonka (Pork Knuckle): This dish consists of pork knuckle that is usually boiled and then roasted. Golonka is hearty and filling, making it an ideal food choice for the chilly weather at the Christmas market. The meat is often seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Bigos (Hunter’s Stew): This traditional Polish stew is made with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, and various kinds of meat and sausages. Bigos is a warming dish that locals often consume during the winter months.
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. Kielbasa is a quick and easy snack you can enjoy while wandering the market stalls.
Placki Ziemniaczane (Potato Pancakes): These are crispy, shallow-fried pancakes made from grated potatoes, flour, and egg. In Poznan, they’re often served with sour cream or apple sauce. They provide a vegetarian option and are popular with both locals and tourists.
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. While not unique to Poznan, it gains extra popularity at the Christmas market, offering a local twist on warming up in the cold.
Grzaniec Galicyjski (Mulled Wine): The Polish version of mulled wine often includes a splash of cherry liqueur.
Pierniki (Gingerbread): This sweet treat is especially popular at Christmas. Traditional Polish gingerbread contains more spices compared to its German counterparts and can come in various shapes and sizes. Pierniki makes for great gifts and is a must-try when visiting the market.
Sernik (Cheesecake): Traditional Polish cheesecake is made with a type of curd cheese called twaróg. The result is a denser, more savoury cake compared to the American version. Sernik is a beloved dessert year-round but is especially popular during the Christmas season in Poznan.
Things to Do in Poznan in Winter
Poznan is a walkable city, so you shouldn’t need to worry about how to get around if you’re able. Provided the weather isn’t bad, you can walk to all the main sights, which aren’t far from the Christmas market in Poznan.
Old Market Square: Poznan’s main square serves as the hub of the city, featuring vibrant 16th-century merchant houses that are well-preserved. It’s a lively space, particularly in winter when it becomes the backdrop for the Christmas market.
Renaissance Town Hall: This ornate building is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and acts as the focal point of the Old Market Square. It’s beautifully illuminated in winter. 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, providing a unique local experience.
St Martin’s Croissant: This is not just any pastry; it’s a regional speciality protected by Polish law. Winter is an excellent time to try this delicious croissant, which you can find 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. It’s an indoor activity, making it a good option for colder days. The museum features exhibits on the history of potato cultivation in Poland, different varieties, and even potato-related art.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Here are a few tips on travelling more responsibly in Poznan at Christmas.
Choose 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 hotels that have sustainability certifications, such as a Green Key or an equivalent Polish eco-label.
Reduce Food Waste: Poznan’s market is renowned for its food stalls, which showcase a variety of Polish and international dishes. Make an effort to consume all the food you buy. Take along a reusable container to store leftovers for later, reducing the amount of food thrown away.
Ethical Consumption: The market is also home to numerous craft stalls selling everything from traditional Polish ornaments to handmade textiles. Buy only what you truly need or will use, and opt for crafts made by local artisans to support the community.
Sustainable Diets: While in Poznan, you can choose food stalls selling plant-based or locally sourced foods. Many seasonal dishes can be made more sustainably, so make a point to seek those out.
Use Sustainable Transport: Poznan has an efficient public transport system that’s well-connected. The city also encourages sustainable transport solutions, like the electric trams that are a common sight. When travelling within Poznan, choose these eco-friendly options rather than using taxis or driving.
By taking these steps, you contribute to the sustainability of the city while also enjoying what Poznan has to present during the Christmas season.
FAQ
Yes, at Stary Rynek and Plac Wolności.
Poznan Christmas Market 2023 is open from 17th November 2023 to 7th January 2024.
Of course, along with the Christmas market, many other events, museums, bars, restaurants and galleries are worth visiting.
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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 Poznan, Poland. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
