Deprecated: Drupal\gin\GinSettings::get(): Implicitly marking parameter $account as nullable is deprecated, the explicit nullable type must be used instead in
/var/www/html/app/themes/contrib/gin/src/GinSettings.php on line
77
Deprecated: Drupal\gin\GinSettings::setAll(): Implicitly marking parameter $account as nullable is deprecated, the explicit nullable type must be used instead in
/var/www/html/app/themes/contrib/gin/src/GinSettings.php on line
121
Deprecated: Drupal\gin\GinSettings::clear(): Implicitly marking parameter $account as nullable is deprecated, the explicit nullable type must be used instead in
/var/www/html/app/themes/contrib/gin/src/GinSettings.php on line
137
Deprecated: Drupal\gin\GinSettings::userOverrideEnabled(): Implicitly marking parameter $account as nullable is deprecated, the explicit nullable type must be used instead in
/var/www/html/app/themes/contrib/gin/src/GinSettings.php on line
164
Deprecated: Drupal\gin\GinSettings::overridden(): Implicitly marking parameter $account as nullable is deprecated, the explicit nullable type must be used instead in
/var/www/html/app/themes/contrib/gin/src/GinSettings.php on line
182
Deprecated: Drupal\gin\GinSettings::getSettingsForm(): Implicitly marking parameter $account as nullable is deprecated, the explicit nullable type must be used instead in
/var/www/html/app/themes/contrib/gin/src/GinSettings.php on line
275
Deprecated: Drupal\gin\GinContentFormHelper::stickyActionButtons(): Implicitly marking parameter $form as nullable is deprecated, the explicit nullable type must be used instead in
/var/www/html/app/themes/contrib/gin/src/GinContentFormHelper.php on line
303
Deprecated: Drupal\gin\GinContentFormHelper::stickyActionButtons(): Implicitly marking parameter $form_state as nullable is deprecated, the explicit nullable type must be used instead in
/var/www/html/app/themes/contrib/gin/src/GinContentFormHelper.php on line
303
Deprecated: Drupal\gin\GinContentFormHelper::isContentForm(): Implicitly marking parameter $form as nullable is deprecated, the explicit nullable type must be used instead in
/var/www/html/app/themes/contrib/gin/src/GinContentFormHelper.php on line
350
Deprecated: Drupal\gin\GinContentFormHelper::isContentForm(): Implicitly marking parameter $form_state as nullable is deprecated, the explicit nullable type must be used instead in
/var/www/html/app/themes/contrib/gin/src/GinContentFormHelper.php on line
350
Sleigh Rides & Ferris Wheels: The Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Poland
The smell of mulled wine and gingerbread in the air signals the start of the Christmas market season. From late November to early January, chefs, craftsmen and artists will descend upon Polish cities to help bring the holiday cheer.
The history of Christmas markets dates back to medieval times. They spread most quickly and most permanently in German-speaking countries, where they originally served a purely commercial function. They were an opportunity to stock up on important Christmas products, primarily meat and baked goods. Centuries passed before they began to take on the air of entertainment, and the stalls began to offer handicrafts, such as ceramics and toys, as well as Christmas snacks – strudel, gingerbread and glazed apples.
In Poland, holiday fairs first appeared in Kraków and Gdańsk around the 14th century. As in Austria and Germany, they were places of trade. Entertainment only arrived at the markets at the beginning of the 19th century. Under the communist regime, not conducive to their organisation, this tradition began to gradually disappear.
Christmas stalls only returned to Polish market squares after the fall of communism in 1989, and in recent years they have become so popular that it’s now difficult to imagine Christmas without them. From the mountains in Zakopane to the seaside in Gdańsk, most Polish cities prepare special attractions for this time of year. Which markets are worth visiting this year?
A ferris wheel in Warsaw
On 28th November, the Warsaw Christmas Fair launched on Defilad Square, directly in front of the Palace of Culture and Science. This year, over a hundred exhibitors will provide visitors with unforgettable culinary and artistic experiences. Among them, we will find traditional Christmas delicacies, such as pierogi, pierniki (gingerbread), cakes, as well as a wide selection of meads, mulled wine and kompot. Warsaw craftsmen will present their handicrafts, including baubles and other beautiful Christmas tree decorations. This year, the entire fair will also be dominated by a giant lit up Ferris wheel.
Those looking for even more unique experiences than the Ferris wheel will be delighted to hear that this year Warsaw will also host the highest market in the entire European Union. The highest?, you ask. From 1st December, the observation deck of the Varso Tower skyscraper in the heart of the city is open to visitors. Other than the spectacular view, the fair boasts special Christmas illuminations, photo points and, as always, delicious Christmas snacks.
Picture display
standardowy (864px desktop)
Christmas market in Poznań, photo: Mikołaj Kamiński / Forum
Picture image
jarmark_bozonarodzeniowy_poznan_forum-1054073931.jpg
The tenth anniversary edition of Betlejem Poznańskie (Poznań Bethlehem) brings the festive atmosphere to the entire city, as the fair takes place in three different locations: Wolności Square, Stary Rynek (Old Market Square), and at the Poznań International Fair grounds. Wolności Square offers Christmas carol concerts featuring local choirs and orchestras, as well as theatrical performances. Old Market Square is the venue for a unique winter competition: the Ice Festival. Teams from around the globe come to Poznań to take part in a festive ice carving competition. The Poznań International Fair will attract enthusiasts of various attractions – there will be a Ferris wheel, carousels and even a sleigh flight simulator, which will make everyone feel like Santa Claus.
Gnomes and dwarves in Wrocław
Picture display
standardowy (864px desktop)
Christmas market in Poznań, photo: Krzysztof Ćwik / PAP
Picture image
jarmark_bozonarodzeniowy_wroclaw_pap_20251125_22y.jpg
Stalls will be set up in the Old Market Square. This year, the fair is divided into themed zones that will take us to different fairy-tale worlds. It is worth visiting the Land of Forest Gnomes or the Land of Dwarves and Reindeer, where themed attractions such as carousels and roller coasters await. There will also be a zone with regional products, such as honey and leather goods, where you can visit craftsmen from all over Lower Silesia.
Picture display
standardowy (864px desktop)
Christmas market in Gdańsk, 2025, photo: Karol Makurat / Reporter / East News
Picture image
jarmark_bozonarodzeniowy_gdansk_en_01667678_0124.jpg
The festive spirit will also reach the Polish seaside. The Christmas Market in Gdańsk will begins with a theatrical parade featuring fairy-tale characters surrounded by ambient lantern lights. On the Christmas stage, Gdańsk artists will present Christmas classics: The Grinch and A Christmas Carol. The Snow Queen and Santa Claus will also meet with the youngest visitors there. There will be no shortage of regional songs and dances. The exhibitors will also feature a regional element – many craftsmen specialise in jewellery and Christmas decorations made of amber.
The fair atmosphere is conducive not only to fun, but also to reflection. As every year, many cities organise charity events to help those most in need. The Gdańsk fair cooperates with the Hospice Foundation.
In most cities, the market season lasts until Epiphany (Three Kings Day), 6th January. During this time, it is worth visiting at least one of them and filling your stomachs with Polish delicacies!