Christmas markets are among the most beloved Advent traditions. Besides delicious specialities, they offer an amazing atmosphere, a rich programme, and unique experiences. In Poland, this tradition has been alive for centuries, and every year thousands of visitors come to experience the magic of Christmas. In this article, I’ve put together 10 tips for the best Christmas markets in Poland.
History of Christmas Markets in Poland
The history of Christmas markets in Poland has deep roots stretching back to the Middle Ages. The markets were originally associated with the Advent period, when people would buy various goods and food for the festive table. Much like in other European countries, these markets served not only as a place of trade but also as a social event where townspeople and villagers would come together.
For example, in Wrocław, the Christmas market is among the oldest in Poland. The tradition was revived after 1990 and has been growing every year since. Similarly, in Kraków, which was an important trading centre, the markets featured not only local products but also goods from across Europe, thanks to its position at the crossroads of trade routes.
Today, Christmas markets in Poland are popular not only with locals but also with international tourists. An interesting aspect is that Polish markets often place emphasis on the cultural and spiritual values of Christmas, including a rich programme featuring Christmas concerts, children’s workshops, and demonstrations of traditional crafts.
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10 Best Christmas Markets in Poland
If you’re planning to visit Christmas markets in Poland, here are my 10 tips for the very best ones.
💡TIP: You can visit Christmas markets in Poland as part of an organised tour. Find your perfect trip on GetYourGuide. If you need accommodation, check out deals on Booking.com.
Wrocław
The Wrocław Christmas market is one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe. It takes place on the Rynek square from 24 November to 31 December 2025. The city will enchant you with its fairy-tale atmosphere – complete with festive decorations, a magical three-storey fairy-tale house, and a gallery of Santa Clauses.
Besides stalls offering Polish and international specialities, you can also enjoy a cultural programme with concerts and performances. For children, there’s a Christmas workshop and a carousel.
Don’t miss the traditional pierogi and a cup of hot mulled wine. Stalls are open daily, except 24 and 25 December.
Katowice
In Katowice, you’ll find Christmas markets right on the Rynek square. From late November until Christmas, stalls with traditional crafts, Christmas decorations, and delicious food await you. Katowice also draws visitors with its ice-skating rink located near the market.
The city’s atmosphere is enhanced by Advent concerts and local customs. We recommend trying Polish specialities such as bigos (hunter’s stew) or traditional mead.
Kraków
The Kraków Christmas market is one of the oldest in Poland. On Rynek Główny, the largest medieval square in Europe, it runs from late November until January. The market is famous for its traditional szopki (nativity scenes), which are inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. These colourful models of historic buildings can be seen at a special exhibition during Advent.
At the market, you’ll find not only local specialities but also international delicacies. The atmosphere is enriched by a packed programme – from carol singers to theatre performances. It’s well worth staying until the evening, when the city is illuminated by thousands of lights.
Warsaw
In Warsaw, Christmas markets are held in several locations, the most notable being Rynek Starego Miasta (Old Town Market Square). The capital’s festive decorations are among the most beautiful in Poland. The Warsaw Christmas market offers a wide selection of handcrafted goods, delicious refreshments, and plenty of attractions for families with children.
The biggest draw is the enormous Christmas tree and the historic backdrop of the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The market is complemented by ice-skating and performances by local artists.
Szczecin
The Advent market in Szczecin takes place in the city centre and offers a diverse selection of handmade ornaments, Christmas treats, and regional specialities.
The market is often accompanied by programmes such as live music and theatre. Visitors can sample fish delicacies or purchase gifts with a nautical theme.
Poznań
The Poznań Christmas market, known as the “Bethlehem Village,” takes place annually on the historic main square. From late November until Christmas, you’ll find cosy stalls with traditional food, original gifts, and handcrafted goods. There are also activities for families with children, including an ice rink and workshops for little visitors.
Among the biggest attractions are the enormous nativity scene and a range of live performances, from carol singers to bands playing Christmas melodies. Don’t miss the local speciality – rogale świętomarcińskie, sweet croissants with poppy seed filling.
Cieszyn
Cieszyn is unique thanks to its location on the border between the Czech Republic and Poland, which is reflected in its Christmas markets. The Advent stalls are spread across both banks of the Olza River, giving you the unique opportunity to explore markets in two countries at once. In Polish Cieszyn, you can look forward to an authentic atmosphere, traditional crafts, and Christmas treats.
There’s also an accompanying programme that includes folk ensemble performances, demonstrations of local traditions, and Christmas workshops for children.
Gdańsk
In Gdańsk, you’ll find the Christmas market at Targ Węglowy, where you’ll be greeted by a fairy-tale setting full of wooden stalls, illuminated streets, and festive music. From late November until Christmas, you can admire traditional crafts, including artistic amber decorations typical of the Baltic Sea region.
A major attraction is the giant Advent calendar on the main square, where a special programme takes place each day. Try the local fish specialities, grilled sausages, or the ever-popular pierogi.
Jelenia Góra
This mountain town, surrounded by the scenic landscape of the Karkonosze Mountains, is known for its peaceful atmosphere. You’ll find the Christmas market on the main square, where stalls offer mainly local products and handcrafted goods.
At the market, you can enjoy warm drinks, taste regional specialities such as cheeses and cured meats, and admire beautifully carved nativity scenes.
Bielsko-Biała
This city, known as the gateway to the “Polish Beskids,” hosts its Christmas market on Targowy Rynek square. Bielsko-Biała is particularly popular with families thanks to its friendly atmosphere, craft workshops, and children’s attractions. At the market, you’ll find products from local artisans, including beautifully decorated Christmas ornaments and wooden toys.
Foodies will love it too – from Polish sausages and sweet pastries to warm punch. The accompanying programme includes live music and festive performances by local ensembles.
What to Try at Christmas Markets in Poland
At markets in Poland, you shouldn’t miss traditional pierogi, bigos (hunter’s stew), grilled sausages, or sweet spiced gingerbread. Wash it all down with hot mulled wine or traditional fruit vodka.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Christmas markets start in Poland?
They start each year from the end of November and last until the end of December. Some of them continue into January.
Where can I find the biggest Christmas market in Poland?
In Wrocław or Kraków.
Are the markets suitable for children?
Yes, they often offer ice-skating rinks, workshops, and other activities.
Is there an entry fee for Polish Christmas markets?
Entry to most markets is free of charge.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
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