If you love the smell of mulled wine, twinkling fairy lights, and nibbling on festive treats (hi, pierogi!), then you’re going to adore Poland at Christmas time. Even though I’m Polish by birth, I rarely get to visit my homeland. This winter, I decided to make the most of the festive season and hop around some of Poland’s best Christmas markets—solo! I left my three “boys” (yes, all of them!) back home and made my merry way through Krakow, Lublin, Warsaw, my hometown Gdansk, and Wroclaw. Next time, I’d skip Lublin in December only because, pro tip, there was no Christmas Market during my dates. It’s still a fantastic city, though, so if you visit at a time they do have a market—lucky you!
And here’s another insider tip: If you’re already in Krakow, pencil in an extra day to zip over to Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Think cozy wooden cottages, stunning mountain views, and cheese so good it’s practically a national treasure (hello, oscypek!).
Getting Around: Polish Trains and Other Adventures
So, let’s talk about how my Christmas market tour began. I was flying from Bristol to Krakow, but—surprise!—due to weather, we were rerouted to Katowice. Ryanair kindly offered a bus transfer, but I decided to hop on a train because (1) it cost me just £3, and (2) I missed the feeling of having full control of my schedule. Pro tip for anyone used to pricey train tickets elsewhere (looking at you, UK): Polish trains are super budget-friendly. Sometimes your coffee and cake can cost more than the ticket itself—so definitely take advantage!
Why Poland for Christmas?
Poland in December transforms into a winter wonderland straight out of a storybook. Each historical Old Town is sprinkled with holiday charm, festive lights, and cozy market stalls. The vibe? Pure magic. Whether you’re looking for a small, intimate celebration or a larger-than-life extravaganza, Polish Christmas markets have something for everyone. It’s no wonder they’re popular with travelers from all over Europe!
Below, I’ve rounded up the festive markets that stood out to me on this year’s visit (plus a few I’m eyeing for my next trip). Let’s deck the halls and see which one calls your name!
Krakow Christmas Market
What makes it special?
Krakow’s Christmas Market is nestled in the city’s gorgeous Old Town, near the Main Market Square and iconic Wawel Castle. While it’s not massive in size, it’s big on charm! The historic ambiance, classic Polish Christmas carols, and drool-worthy street food will leave you feeling jollier than Santa after a cookie binge.
Foodie heaven:
- Pierogi (stuffed dumplings) in every flavor you can dream up
- Kielbasa (Polish sausage) sizzling on the grill
- Aromatic Polish gingerbread—your new holiday obsession
Fun fact:
Poland is serious about Christmas carols. Don’t be surprised if a choir pops up in the middle of the square for a sing-along. Join in—extra points if you belt them out in Polish (or at least pretend)!
Insider tip:
Make sure to peek at the shop windows around the square. Many stores go all-out with extravagant holiday displays. Who needs museum tickets when you have these holiday masterpieces all around you?
Lublin Christmas Market
A hidden gem—when it’s on
Lublin’s holiday market (located near Plac Litewski) can be pretty small compared to other cities, but it oozes charm. This ancient city has a unique historical flair, making it a gorgeous place to visit year-round. Unfortunately for me, there was no market during my winter stopover, but meeting up with my sister there still made the journey worthwhile.
Why you should go
If you time it right (double-check market dates in advance—learn from my mistake!), you’ll be rewarded with stalls selling handmade crafts, Polish goodies, and a festive atmosphere that lights up the whole square.
Warsaw Christmas Market
Big city lights, big Christmas vibes
Poland’s capital knows how to do Christmas right. The Warsaw Christmas Market in the Old Town is a guaranteed delight, blending old-world charm with modern city sparkle.
I’m lucky enough to have both my sister and best friend Kamila living here—free city tours, anyone? The Old Town square near the Royal Castle is dazzling with its giant Christmas tree, traditional stalls, and lively carol singers. The snow (if you’re lucky) transforms Warsaw’s cobblestone streets into a romantic winter postcard.
Must-tries:
- Grilled oscypek cheese topped with cranberry jam (you’ll be hooked)
- A steaming cup of Polish hot chocolate—so thick you might need a spoon
- Browsing for unique hand-painted ornaments that are perfect for your own tree at home
Pro tip:
Wear comfy shoes! The Old Town’s cobblestones are charming but can be tough on your feet. Or just think of it as a mini-workout to make room for extra pierogi.
Gdansk Christmas Market
Home sweet home
Ah, Gdansk—my hometown! If I sound biased, it’s because I am. But guess what? Gdansk actually won the title of Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2025 (yep, we’re that good!). The medieval Old Town decked out in holiday décor is an absolute sight to behold.
What you’ll find:
- Wooden chalets selling local crafts, ornaments, and souvenirs
- Mouthwatering Polish treats like bigos (hunter’s stew) and pierogi
- Santa’s helpers handing out festive cheer (and maybe a sample or two!)
Extra fun:
You can often catch live music and carolers who’ll make you want to dance in the streets. Don’t blame me if you develop a sudden craving for more mulled wine—it’s that cozy around here.
For more about my hometown adventures, check out my earlier blog post:
A Weekend to Remember: Celebrating Family and Heritage in Gdansk.
Wroclaw Christmas Market
Poland’s biggest Christmas wonderland
Wroclaw’s market is massive and frequently hailed as one of Europe’s finest. Held in the city’s Market Square (Rynek), it’s famous for its dazzling lights, extensive rows of wooden stalls, and a giant Christmas tree that’ll have you reaching for your camera faster than you can say “pierogi.”
All the goodies:
- Handmade Polish crafts, from pottery to felt ornaments
- Hot mulled wine to warm your hands and heart
- Ferris wheel rides that give you a panoramic winter view of the city
Family-friendly fun:
There’s usually an ice rink and even a whimsical little carnival area for kids (and kids at heart!). Because who doesn’t want to pretend they’re a figure-skating champion while wearing a Santa hat?
Other Must-See Christmas Markets (and Festive Towns!)
Zakopane
If you can swing it, make the trip! While Zakopane doesn’t have a mega Christmas market like the big cities, it’s absolutely dreamy in the winter. Take the Gubałówka cable car for breathtaking views, and check out the small market at the top. You’ll find local crafts, cute wooden trinkets, and plenty of cozy places to sip hot tea or mulled wine. Oh, and don’t forget to try oscypek—the smoky cheese that’ll have your taste buds saying “Dziękuję!” (Thank you!).
Poznan
Poznan’s Christmas Market is another gem. With a giant 16-meter Christmas tree, a 30-meter Ferris wheel, and over 70 stalls, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Warm up with bigos, pierogi, or the city’s trademark dish pyra z gzikiem (potatoes with cottage cheese). Rumor has it there’s even a Santa sleigh flight simulator—because it’s never too late to practice for the big guy’s job, right?
Gdynia
Just a short ride from Gdansk, the seaside city of Gdynia hosts its own charming market at Plac Grunwaldzki. Expect handcrafted gifts, sea-inspired decorations, and holiday concerts that’ll have you humming “Jingle Bells” all the way down the coast. It’s a peaceful alternative to the bigger markets and a great day trip if you’re in the area.
Katowice
Though I only saw its airport (darn you, weather!), Katowice’s market is said to be a festive highlight, located right in the Rynek (Market Square). The vibe here is known to be super welcoming, with stalls selling traditional goodies and a schedule packed with live music and entertainment. It’s definitely on my list for next year—maybe I’ll finally get to properly meet Katowice!
Final Thoughts & Holiday Cheer
Poland’s Christmas markets are the real deal: delicious food, heartwarming traditions, and sparkling decorations that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas card. Whether you’re tucking into pierogi in Krakow, searching for the perfect ornament in Gdansk, or sipping mulled wine in Wroclaw, you’ll be enveloped by that warm, fuzzy holiday feeling.
Top Tips Before You Go
- Check the dates for each market—some open earlier in November, some wrap up right after Christmas.
- Bring cash (złoty) for smaller stalls—they may not all accept cards.
- Dress in layers—Polish winters can be frosty, especially if you’re exploring late into the evening.
- Try something new—Polish cuisine has plenty of surprises. Be adventurous with your food choices!
- Learn a little Polish—“Dzień dobry” (good day) and “Wesołych Świąt” (Merry Christmas) will earn you a smile wherever you go.
So go on, indulge in the festive cheer, fill up on Polish treats, and discover why these markets are so beloved. Wesołych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia (Merry Christmas) and safe travels! May your pierogi always be perfectly stuffed, and your mulled wine never run dry. Cheers to a joyful Polish Christmas adventure!
MKS Photography Travel 
Leave a comment