I’ve spent a lot of time in Poland, and its appeal goes well beyond seasonal markets. The food alone is worth the trip: pierogi filled with wild mushrooms, żurek (sour rye soup) served in bread bowls, and some of the best bakeries in Europe. This guide covers the Christmas markets in Poland alongside the culture, history and cuisine that make winter here genuinely rewarding.
Christmas Markets in Poland
It’s hard to choose where to go in Poland – the Christmas market scene continues to grow and improve every year. Kraków offers the most established market experience, while Wrocław’s colourful medieval square creates the most stunning backdrop. The Baltic charm of Gdańsk and the capital energy of Warsaw complete my top four recommendations.
Dates
Status: Partially Confirmed
Poland dates: 20th November 2026 to 6th January 2027 (specific dates vary by market – see below).
Last checked: July 2026
Update: Most dates were finalised in August. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes
Our Top Picks
Looking for a specific market? Skip to the full list ↓.
1. Krakow
Krakow’s winter market is easily the best in Poland. The market is filled with delicious food and unique trinkets, and the city itself is one of the most beautiful and popular in the country. While Krakow is a popular summer destination, it is also becoming well known as a great weekend spot during Christmas and New Year.
The lively events in the central square, next to the famous Cloth Hall, create a picturesque setting. It’s a fun, young city with a rich history, fantastic nightlife, and a laid-back café culture. It’s compact and quaint, with a strong focus on traditional food and some unusual items, such as classic nesting dolls.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Krakow dates: 27th November 2026 to 1st January 2027
Location: Rynek Glowny.
Recommended tour: 4 Hour Polish Food Tour gives a great introduction to Polish food and culture.
Where to Stay: Puro Hotel is one of the nicest and most central hotels in Krakow.
Read my complete Krakow Christmas Market guide.
This article on hotels in Krakow reveals all the best areas to stay. There are options for all budgets.
2. Wroclaw
Wroclaw is an underrated destination known for its canals, beautiful bridges, and colourful Market Square. The city’s unique blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture, combined with its lively cultural scene, makes it special. The market is decently sized but less crowded than Krakow’s, creating a more intimate and welcoming atmosphere.
This event is highly food-oriented, making it an ideal experience for those who love to try local specialties when travelling. The market features traditional Polish foods, such as pierogi and smoked cheese, as well as international stalls offering items like Hungarian langos, Dutch pancakes, and Paella. Of course, you can also find mulled wine, hot apple cider, hot chocolate and hot vodka.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Wroclaw dates: 20th November 2026 to 6th January 2027
Location:
Market Square (Rynek we Wrocławiu).
Solny Square.
Świdnicka Street.
Oławska Street.
Recommended tour: Take this city tour to learn about customs, traditions and history of the city.
Where to Stay: Puro Hotel Wroclaw is a stylish and affordable hotel.
Read my complete Wroclaw Christmas Market guide.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, I’ve compiled a list of hotels in Wrocław near the Market Square.
3. Gdansk
Gdansk offers a unique festive experience, featuring a Ferris wheel, a Venetian carousel, an ice-skating rink, Christmas trees from around the world, handmade ornaments, Baltic amber jewellery, and gourmet food. Polish cakes, pretzels, chocolate-covered fruit, chocolate ‘tools’, roasted nuts, smoked cheese, grilled sausages, hot chocolate, and spiced mulled wine are available, along with many more options.
Gdansk is the perfect winter destination if you want to see an old Hanseatic seaport and the Royal Way covered in fresh snow. There’s a good chance of a white Christmas, making the grzane wino (you might need a few in this weather) even more enjoyable in the chilly temperatures.
Status: Confirmed
Gdansk dates: 20th November to 23rd December 2026
Locations: The Coal Market (Targ Węglowy). The Christmas Tree is next to Neptunes Fountain at Long Market (Długi Targ). A huge Ferris wheel is on Granary Island (Wyspa Spichrzów).
Where to Stay: You can’t go wrong with Puro Hotel Gdansk, which is a boutique hotel near Long Street.
Read my complete Gdansk Christmas Market guide.
Stay at one of my recommended hotels in Gdansk in the historic city centre.
4. Warsaw
Warsaw has a cool, hipster vibe, a vibrant craft beer scene, brilliant nightlife, a burgeoning food scene, and an entrepreneurial spirit, making it feel like a mini Berlin (apologies to any Polish people reading this).
Warsaw’s primary Christmas market, located in the Old Market Square, kicks off the season with a huge Christmas light show. In addition to the central market, there are a few others worth exploring. The one near the Royal Palace has a more traditional atmosphere. Another is in the Praga district, east of the Vistula River, and features a modern market at the foot of the stadium.
Status: Expected, based on previous years
Warsaw dates: 20th November 2026 to 5th January 2027
Location: Old Town Market Square and along the Barbican.
Recommended tours: Warsaw has a couple of interesting city and food tours. I suggest this city tour if it’s your first time in Warsaw and a Polish food tour is a great way to sample a diverse range of dishes.
Where to Stay: Spichlerz II is a 7-minute walk to Warsaw’s Old Town event.
Read my complete Warsaw Christmas Market guide and find the best hotels in Warsaw near the Old Market Square.
Find winter travel inspiration at the best European Christmas Markets.
Complete List of Polish Christmas Markets
Not only do Poland’s major cities host markets, but nearly every city in Poland does as well, usually held in the central square.
- Białystok
- 28th November to 22nd December 2026 (unconfirmed)
- Rynek Kościuszki
- Gdansk – See top picks above.
- Katowice – A great choice if you’re looking to go somewhere different this year.
- 20th November to 5th January 2027 (unconfirmed)
- Market Square
- Krakow – See top picks above.
- Zakopane – Unlikely to take place this year.
- Łódź
- 27th November to 23rd December 2026 (unconfirmed)
- Piotrkowska Street
- Lublin – If you have time, take a day trip from Warsaw over to pretty Lublin. It has a more rustic look than the other cities mentioned here, but the Old Town buildings have some of the most gorgeous decorative facades you’ll find in Poland.
- 16th December to 6th January 2027 (unconfirmed).
- Poznan – Halfway between Berlin and Warsaw, Poznan has a beautiful, historic main square and cute side streets lined with cafes and boutiques to keep you busy on a day trip.
- Find hotels in Poznan near the Old Market Square.
- Szczecin – There’s a small fair at the Castle of Pomeranian Dukes in Szczecin, a lovely city not far from the border with Germany, close to Berlin.
- 27th November to 22nd December 2026 (unconfirmed).
- Torun
- 20th November to 22nd December 2026 (unconfirmed).
- Rynek Staromiejski
- Warsaw – See top picks above.
- Wroclaw – See top picks above.
Please let me know if there are any events I have omitted from the list so I can include them.
To learn more about Polish traditions, take a Christmas market tour.
Book one of my recommended Christmas hotels to stay in a convenient area.
What to Expect
Polish winter markets focus heavily on traditional foods such as pierogi, smoked cheese (oscypek), and kielbasa, alongside warming drinks such as grzane wino (mulled wine) and hot vodka.
Expect handcrafted items, such as amber jewellery from the Baltic coast, wooden toys, and traditional Polish ceramics. Markets often feature live folk music and carolers singing Polish kolędy (carols).
Responsible Travel Ideas
- Use public transport or walk to reduce emissions and navigate historic city centres easily.
- Choose plant-based meals and local Polish specialities to support regional food systems while reducing environmental impact.
- Minimise food waste by ordering appropriate portion sizes at markets and restaurants.
- Stay in hotels rather than short-term rentals to support local housing availability.
- Book eco-friendly accommodations that use renewable energy where available.
- Support local artisans by purchasing authentic handmade crafts directly from makers.
Comment below if you want to share your experience, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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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 as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
Hi will there be a Christmas Market in Łódź do you know the dates many thanks x
I haven’t heard anything yet. You can subscribe to my newsletter if you like. I send out updates when the dates are confirmed. https://ultimatechristmasmarkets.com/subscribe/
Hi
Please can you tell us the start date of the Elbląg Christmas Market ?
Patrick
I don’t have dates for Elbląg but if they have a market, it likely runs from the start of Advent until Christmas Eve. I suggest contacting the city or regional tourist office for more information.