Winter might seem like a harsh time to visit Central Europe, but it’s actually one of the best times to go. Christmas (and Advent) are significant cultural events in many countries, including Poland, and Wroclaw’s winter market is one of the best.
The confirmed 2024 dates and what to expect during your visit are listed below.
Wroclaw Christmas Market at 4 Locations in 2024
Dates – Confirmed
Wroclaw dates: 29th November 2024 to 7th January 2025 (confirmed).
Update: This year’s schedule was released in September. 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:
Market Square (Rynek we Wrocławiu).
Solny Square.
Świdnicka Street.
Oławska Street.
Opening times: 10am to 9pm.
Christmas Eve: Closed.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Boxing Day: 1pm to 9pm.
New Year’s Eve: 10am to 5pm. Food stalls continue until 2am.
New Year’s Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Tours: Take this city tour to learn about customs, traditions and the history of the city.
Public transport: Widely available and accessible.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Wroclaw weather in winter: Temperatures average 4°C / -3°C (high / low) in December.
Tips: You could create a mini regional tour including nearby Prague and Dresden.
Where to Stay: Stay at Puro Hotel is a well-rated and stylish hotel.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Lights: Limited due to high energy costs.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Not in the square, but elsewhere in Wroclaw.
Reason to visit: Wroclaw is a relatively affordable destination and the event takes place in its stunning centre square, one of the most beautiful in Europe.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: Local specialties like Wroclaw gingerbread houses and flavoured mulled wine. International specialities like Transylvanian kurtosh kalach (chimney cake), Lithuanian sausages and a Swiss chocolate workshop (tools made of chocolate).
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Convenient Hotels
In Wroclaw, you’ll likely want to stay in Stare Miasto, the beautiful historic city centre, or at least as close as possible to this area.
During my visit, I stayed at the Puro Hotel. It’s just outside the ring road but only a 7 or 8-minute walk to the main square.
This hotel has a stylish and comfortable design, and it’s great value for what you get. There is an excellent supermarket directly across the road for picking up supplies.
Learn about other places to stay in this list of excellent hotels in Wroclaw.
Recommended Tours
City tours are great ways to get an overview of a destination. I recommend taking this city tour of Wroclaw to explore the city’s major attractions.
During a city tour, you’ll visit some of Wroclaw’s most prominent sights, such as the Royal Way, Market Square with its colourful townhouses, and Cathedral Island with its breathtaking architecture.
Or consider this traditional Polish food tour where you can discover the local culture through its cuisine.
Plan your trip to another of the best Polish cities with our Polish Christmas Markets List. Discover where to go, things to do and the best ways to experience Polish food, history and culture.
Location Map
From twinkling lights to festive foods, we love seeing your holiday adventures. Use #UltimateChristmasMarkets to share your moments with us!
What to Expect
Poland is a country of beautiful cities, colourful architecture, grand market squares, wide-open parks, and welcoming people.
Its complex history and delicious cuisine add to its attraction, and if you’re looking for a winter holiday, it’s a relatively affordable option.
During the Advent period, Wroclaw’s Old Town is lit up with lights and decorations and special events keep things busy.
Regional Specialties
Wroclaw has traditional Polish food like pierogies and smoked cheese, but the market has many international stalls where you can get Hungarian langos, Dutch pancakes, paella-type dishes and many other delicious foods worth trying.
Wroclaw is famous for its various flavoured mulled wines and the very cute Wroclaw gingerbread houses.
Things to Do in Winter
As a family-friendly event, it offers rides for children, a special multi-level fairytale house with an observation deck on Plac Solny, and the ‘Gallery of Santa Claus’.
I loved spending time in Wroclaw and would have loved to have stayed longer. Here are what I found to be the best things to do on a short trip.
- You’ll find most of the action in Rynek and the Gothic Town Hall – The Market Square. Climb one of the church towers for great views over the square. The Town Hall is a good place to start and get your bearings.
- Cathedral Island – Just north of Market Square is one of the prettiest parts of the city with its huge Cathedral (obviously), parks and riverside location.
- Wroclaw University – Visit the assembly hall, Aula Leopoldina, to see the incredible baroque ceiling and frescoes.
- Wroclaw gnomes – What began as a subversive political protest is now a fun pastime for children and tourists. Pay attention as you walk around the city, and you’ll discover hundreds of little gnomes.
- Ksiaz Castle – 70km from Wroclaw, the spectacular clifftop castle set deep in the forest, deserves an afternoon trip.
- Leubus Abbey – More amazing baroque interiors an hour from Wroclaw.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
- Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
- Be open to diverse cultures and experiences.
- Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
- Support the arts and attend local events.
- Visit fewer places but stay longer at each destination.
If you have visited Wroclaw in winter or want to leave a Xmas review, comment below.
—
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.
Leave a Reply