10 Best Christmas Markets in Poland

When winter reaches Central Europe, Poland transforms into a festive wonderland of lights, music, and lots of pierogi. Across the country, charming town squares (ryneks) glow beneath towering Christmas trees, while wooden stalls selling handmade ornaments, smoked cheese, and mulled wine fill the air with delicious aromas. Running from late November through early January, these Polish Christmas markets are among the most budget-friendly in Europe, offering a magical mix of history, hearty food, and local warmth. Get ready to glide across ice rinks, wander centuries-old cobbled streets and discover traditional Polish crafts in these 10 best Christmas markets in Poland to visit in 2025.

1. Wrocław – Market Square & Plac Solny

📍 Location: Rynek & Plac Solny, Wrocław
📅 Dates: 21 Nov 2025 – 7 Jan 2026

Often hailed as one of the best Christmas markets in Poland, Wrocław’s fairytale-style market lights up several parts of the city, from the Market Square (Rynek) to Plac Solny. Its glowing wooden chalets, carousel, and 25-metre Christmas tree create a whimsical setting, while the city’s famous dwarves add a touch of humour. Browse stalls selling carved toys, sweets, woollen goods, and hot drinks served in collectible boot-shaped mugs. Food lovers can enjoy pierogi, grilled sausages, and rich mulled wine. A nearby ice rink and daily performances make it ideal for families. Compared to Kraków, Wrocław feels a little more relaxed and budget-friendly, perfect for soaking up festive cheer without the crowds.

2. Kraków – Rynek Główny (Main Market Square)

📍 Location: Rynek Główny, Kraków
📅 Dates: 28 Nov 2025 – 1 Jan 2026

Kraków’s Christmas market is pure magic, set against the backdrop of the Cloth Hall and St. Mary’s Basilica in the heart of Europe’s largest medieval square. Expect twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine, and festive music echoing through the Market Square (Rynek Główny). Wooden huts sell everything from traditional Polish pierogi and smoked cheese (oscypek) to handcrafted ornaments and local ceramics. Beneath the city’s towering Christmas tree, carolers perform daily, while the nativity scene competition (szopki krakowskie) fills the square with creative miniature cribs. After shopping, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Old Town or plan day trips to nearby Zakopane or Wieliczka Salt Mine to complete your winter itinerary.

Krakow, main square winter evening, christmas fairs, Mickiewicz statue and St Mary church; Shutterstock ID 1328392337

3. Warsaw – Old Town & Barbican

📍 Location: Old Town & Barbican, Warsaw
📅 Dates: Typically from Last week of Nov 2025 – Early Jan 2026

The Warsaw Christmas markets capture the capital’s modern-meets-historic spirit. Set among the pastel façades of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the market glows with strings of lights, a skating ice rink, and a towering Christmas tree in Castle Square. Stalls selling woollen mittens, Christmas decorations, and local snacks like pierogi and warm borscht create a cosy, urban vibe. You can enjoy hot mulled wine by the Barbican walls before wandering to nearby cafés for sweet Polish gingerbread. For an extra treat, head to Wilanów Palace for its spectacular winter light garden, one of Warsaw’s best day trips during the festive season.

4. Poznań – Old Market Square & Plac Wolności

📍 Location: Stary Rynek & Plac Wolności, Poznań
📅 Dates: Late Nov 2025 – 22 Dec 2025

Poznań’s Christmas market sparkles with creative energy, combining its charming Old Market Square (Rynek) with the modern Plac Wolności festival area. A dazzling ice rink, Ferris wheel, and the International Ice Sculpture Festival turn the city into a winter playground. Stalls selling handmade Christmas decorations, sweets, and delicious food like sausages, soups, and grilled cheese line the cobbled streets. With its family-friendly vibe and great prices, Poznań is a budget-friendly alternative to Poland’s bigger cities. Don’t miss the light tunnel and photo spots, they make Poznań one of the most Instagram-worthy Christmas markets in the country.

5. Gdańsk – Targ Węglowy, Old Town

📍 Location: Targ Węglowy Square, Gdańsk
📅 Dates: 21 Nov 2025 – 23 Dec 2025

By the Baltic Sea, Gdańsk hosts one of Europe’s most picturesque Advent markets. Its stalls selling amber jewellery, handmade trinkets, and delicious traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and grilled sausage line the cobbled streets of the Old Town. The scent of mulled wine and roasted nuts drifts through the frosty air, while an enormous Advent calendar display and carousel delight families. If you can, try avoid going on the weekends or head as early as possible, because after 3pm midweek it gets packed with after-work revelers. The market’s location near Neptune’s Fountain and St. Mary’s Basilica makes it the perfect stop between cultural sights. Gdańsk’s portside charm and medieval architecture create a magical setting that’s both lively and atmospheric, ideal for visitors looking to blend history with holiday sparkle.

6. Toruń – Rynek Staromiejski

📍 Location: Rynek Staromiejski, Toruń
📅 Dates: 21 Nov 2025 – 23 Dec 2025

Known for its famous gingerbread, Toruń’s Christmas market feels straight out of a storybook. The UNESCO-listed Old Town hosts stalls selling spiced biscuits, woollen crafts, and wooden toys beneath twinkling lights and snow-dusted rooftops. As you wander the town square, inhale the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine while admiring the Gothic skyline. Try your hand at decorating gingerbread in one of the workshops. With fewer crowds and a strong local flavour, Toruń is among the best Christmas markets in Poland for an intimate, cultural experience that captures the true warmth of the Polish festive season.

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7. Zakopane – Krupówki Street

📍 Location: Krupówki Street, Zakopane
📅 Dates: 6 Dec 2025 – 5 Jan 2026

In the heart of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane’s Christmas market blends alpine scenery with traditional Polish charm. Wooden chalets line Krupówki Street, selling smoked cheese (oscypek), wool blankets, and carved souvenirs. You can sip mulled wine while admiring snow-covered peaks or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride under the stars. The combination of mountain air, hearty food, and festive folk music makes Zakopane one of the best Christmas markets in Poland for an atmospheric winter getaway. It’s also ideal for combining with skiing or spa days for the ultimate cold-weather retreat.

8. Lublin – Old Town & Plac Litewski

📍 Location: Old Town & Plac Litewski, Lublin
📅 Dates: 6 Dec 2025 – 9 Jan 2026

Lublin’s market offers a peaceful, historic atmosphere away from the crowds. Its Renaissance streets and town square glow with golden lights and traditional music, while stalls selling delicious food like poppy-seed cake, sausages, and hot beer tempt visitors. Enjoy mulled wine as you watch carolers perform beside the city’s illuminated gates. Because of its local charm and welcoming energy, Lublin often ranks among the best Christmas markets in Poland for authenticity. Be sure to visit the nearby Lublin Castle viewpoint for a picture-perfect panorama of the festive lights below.

9. Łódź – Piotrkowska Street

📍 Location: Piotrkowska Street, Łódź
📅 Dates: Late Nov 2025 – Early Jan 2026

Łódź brings its artistic flair to the holiday season along its famous Piotrkowska Street. The city’s old industrial buildings and creative vibe provide a striking backdrop for stalls selling modern Christmas decorations, art prints, and handmade candles. Mulled wine, smoked cheese, and sweet pastries warm the air as visitors explore the pop-up ice rinks and light installations. This is one of the best Christmas markets in Poland for those looking for something a little different; trendy, vibrant, and full of festive creativity.

10. Gdynia – Waterfront Christmas Market

📍 Location: Skwer Kościuszki, Gdynia
📅 Dates: Late Nov 2025 – 23 Dec 2025

Poland’s northern gem, Gdynia, delivers a coastal twist to the Christmas season. Along the waterfront, wooden chalets serve mulled wine, warm cider, and seafood snacks beside a glittering seaside Christmas tree. Families can enjoy live music, light shows, and ice-sculpture displays while browsing stalls selling maritime-inspired gifts and handmade ornaments. With its fresh sea air and smaller crowds, Gdynia’s market offers a peaceful break from the city hustle plus easy day trips to nearby Gdańsk or Sopot.

Is Poland a good place to visit at Christmas?

Yes! Poland’s mix of historic cities, great prices, and welcoming atmosphere makes it one of Europe’s most rewarding festive destinations. You’ll find diverse markets, delicious food, and plenty of charm throughout December.

Is Wroclaw or Krakow better for Christmas market?

Kraków wins for grandeur and atmosphere, while Wrocław offers better value, fewer crowds, and a whimsical setting. Both rank among the best Christmas markets in Poland, so you can’t go wrong.