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Christmas season is magical time of the year. Christmas preparations usually start about a month before Christmas and bring lots of joy in the middle of cold Polish winter. One of the main points of preparations are Christmas markets (traditional German: Weihnachtsmarkt). This tradition as many customs connected with Christmas has become international and also popular in Poland. Big and small Christmas markets are organized in many Polish cities and towns around the country.

 

Weinachtsmarkt tradition was first practised in Austria (the 13th century) and in German (the 14th century). In Poland Christmas markets have become especially popular in the last 20 years. Typical Weihnachtsmarkt takes place in the streets or squares of older parts of the city. There are stalls offering Christmas decorations, local culinary specialties, handicrafts, etc. The fairs are accompanied by various artistic performances, such as nativity plays, charity concerts, Christmas nativity scenes etc., sometimes also amusement parks and other entertainment options.

The biggest Christmas markets in Poland are organized in:

  1. Krakow
  2. Wroclaw
  3. Gdansk
  4. Warsaw

Check our typical Christmas tours in here. 

 

Krakow Christmas market

Kraków Christmas market is definitely the biggest one in the country and is organized at the Main Market Square (also the biggest one in Poland). During this time the tradition of trade comes back to the historic place when the Main Market Square in Krakow becomes once again very colourful and vibrant trade centre due to numerous Christmas stalls (more than a hundred). The Christmas fair is accompanied by numerous events: Christmas Caroling Page, Polish “Dziady” ritual, presentations of Małopolska regional communities, Christmas meetings with city officials, famous Krakow nativity scenes competition etc.

 

Wrocław Christmas market

Wroclaw Christmas market similarly like the one in Kraków is organized at the Main Wrocław Square. The second largest (just after Kraków) in the country. Wrocław Market Square during Christmas period becomes the background of a fairy-tale scenery. Among the forest-scented Christmas trees, the aromas of mulled wine and chocolate gingerbread, visitors can find many attractions, surprises and of course Christmas gifts. On Solny Square, from a three-level fairy-tale house with an observation deck and a turret with an illuminated clock, tourists and Wrocław citizens will be able to admire the panorama of the fair. Moreover, only during Christmas period additional dwarf joins Wrocław’s dwarf family, he is called “prezentuś” (gift) so, be quick to find him! 

 

Gdańsk Christmas market

Gdańsk Christmas market is organized every year at Targ Węglowy. It is adored by residents and tourists from all over Poland and abroad. To advertise the event, it is sometimes enough to say that Santa Claus arrives to Gdańsk every year on a pirate ship! Colorful strings of lights, delicious food, handicraft exhibitions and lots of attractions for the little ones such as 35 m snow hill and huge snowball are magnets for people every year!

 

Warsaw Christmas market

Warsaw Christmas market is organized at Międzymurze Piotra Bigańskiego by Warsaw’s Barbican. The space of the Barbican becomes the background for the holiday preparations and fun. Among the fragrant Christmas trees, the aromas of mulled wine and chocolate gingerbread, numerous attractions await visitors. On the Old Town Square, around the Monument to the Mermaid in the Old Town, there is ice rink, where tourists and Warsaw’s inhabitants are able to slip in the Christmas scenery. Visitors can drink mulled wine, coffee or tea to warm up but also try Christmas dishes. 

 

Poland is a great choice for a Christmas period trip. It offers not only beautiful Christmas markets, decorations and illuminations. It also allures tourists with good value for money for Christmas shopping. Poland as typically Catholic country is full of Christmas symbols, customs and events and of course excellent cuisine. If you want to visit one of Polish cities during this period, contact one of ITS Poland professional group coordinators.

 

Author: Agnieszka Szwedzińska

Date: 7.12.2020

 

All photos: fot.Pianoforte Agencja Artystyczna - www.jarmarkbozonarodzeniowy.com, Wrocław Christmas Market