Gdańsk Christmas Markets Ultimate Guide 2026
The Gdańsk Christmas markets are quite charming in their size and authenticity, and were perfect for the kind of Christmas market experience I wanted.
I was looking for a Christmas market city break, where I could enjoy a festive atmosphere, savour local delicacies, buy handcrafted Christmas gifts, and hopefully see some snow, all without excessive crowds and high prices. I discovered all this in Gdańsk!
So, if you are looking for a similar experience, read on as this blog post uncovers everything you need to know about visiting the Gdańsk Christmas markets.
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At a Glance: Christmas in Gdańsk
Ready to start planning your visit to the Gdańsk Christmas market? Here’s what you should know.
Dates & opening hours
The Gdańsk Christmas Market typically runs for 4 weeks, starting in late November (around Nov 22–24) and concluding on December 23 before Christmas Eve.
From December 1st, Christmas trees are lit in all of Gdańsk's districts, signalling the start of the festive season. The main tree is on Długi Targ, the famous long street lined with colourful buildings, restaurants, the iconic Neptune Fountain and the town hall.
Opening times are:
- Sunday–Thursday: 12:00–20:00
- Friday–Saturday: 12:00–21:00
Is Gdańsk worth visiting at Christmas?
Gdańsk is worth visiting at Christmas because its historic Old Town and market streets come alive during the festive season. You can wander through cobblestone pathways lined with beautifully restored architecture, cosy cafes, and boutique shops.
Unlike the bustling Christmas markets in Germany and Austria, Gdansk remains a hidden gem that welcomes visitors with open arms. The locals go the extra mile to create a warm atmosphere, showcasing the city's festive spirit.
Forbes ranked the Gdansk Christmas Market the #1 Best European Christmas Market of 2025.
The heart of the Christmas market is located at the Coal Market (Targ Węglowy), where the festive fun comes to life. Additional market locations include Tkacka Street, in front of The Great Armoury (Wielka Zbrojownia), Bogusławskiego Street, and the courtyard of the Forum Gdańsk Shopping Centre.
How to get to Gdańsk at Christmas
Reaching the captivating city of Gdańsk is relatively easy, with many options to suit your location and preferences.
Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport is the main gateway for international travellers, with excellent connections to major European cities.
If you're travelling from within Poland or neighbouring countries, Gdańsk remains easily accessible by train or bus. The city's robust transportation network ensures convenient connections with major Polish cities like Kraków and Wrocław, where you will find other Polish Christmas markets. The network provides a reliable, efficient way to reach your destination, whether by rail or road.
Gdańsk also offers access beyond land routes. Adventurous travellers can embark on a scenic ferry journey from neighbouring countries such as Sweden and Denmark. This alternative travel mode adds a touch of charm, with picturesque vistas as you approach Gdańsk's harbour.
How Do You Get to Gdańsk Christmas Market from the Airport?
Upon arrival, you can choose between a convenient 20-minute private taxi ride or public transportation, including buses or trains, to effortlessly reach the city centre.
Bus number 210 departs every 30 minutes from the airport and takes about 40 minutes, terminating at Gdańsk Główny, the central train station. The train from the airport to the city is not direct and requires a change of route, but it offers an affordable option.
Hotels near Gdansk Christmas Market
During my visit to the Gdańsk Christmas Market, I stayed at the Puro Hotel Gdańsk Stare Miasto, located on Granary Island. It sits on the river, close to excellent restaurants, and is a 10-minute walk from the main Gdańsk Christmas Market.
We chose a suite with an open-plan bedroom/lounge area, separated by an internal wooden wall, with a TV on both sides. The bathroom was decent-sized, with dual sinks and the most beautiful-smelling toiletries!
The decor was excellent, with a modern Scandinavian/Baltic vibe and plenty of space to relax after exploring Gdansk. Poland in winter is cold, so returning to a warm, comfortable suite like this was the icing on the cake.
There was also a desk to type up those all-important travel blog notes for WhereAngieWanders!
If you are looking for other places to stay in Gdańsk to suit your budget, check Booking.com for deals on Gdańsk hotels.
What to wear in December in Gdańsk
Remember, Gdańsk is cold in winter, so wrap up well with multiple layers and a good hat, scarf, and gloves. Also, wear flat, comfortable footwear like boots or trainers, as much of Gdańsk has cobbled pavements. Wear thermal socks to keep your feet warm in case of possible freezing temperatures at Christmas.
When I visited Gdańsk in December, temperatures dropped below freezing. You can see what I wore in the photographs below: a thermally lined coat with a hood, scarf, wool hat, gloves, thermal socks and boots.
Is Gdansk expensive? How Much Does It Cost to Visit Gdańsk Christmas Market? (Prices & Budget)
One key reason to choose Gdansk for your winter getaway is its affordability. The city offers a cost-effective travel experience, from getting here to exploring its delights. Eating out in Gdansk city restaurants is cheaper than in the UK and the USA. A 3-course meal with wine will cost approximately £50, while goodies from the Gdansk markets, like pierogi dumplings, will cost £3, soup £6, or mulled wine £4.
Gdańsk Market Christmas Food and Drink
If you have already visited Poland, you will know that pierogi (small filled parcels) are a staple food dish, and it's no different at Christmas. Wander the Christmas stalls, and you will find many stallholders selling these traditional Polish dumplings. They come with fillings like meat, cheese and vegetables; if you are lucky, you might even see them stuffed with blueberries or cherries. Delicious!
Other traditional Christmas dishes include soups (look out for Hunter's soup; it's tasty), grilled cheese, spiced sausages, open sandwiches with meat, onions, mushrooms, and spices, churros and crepes, and, of course, Grzaniec, the Polish mulled wine.
| Food / Drink | Polish Name | What It Is | Approx. Price (PLN / GBP) |
| Polish Dumplings | Pierogi | Steamed/fried dough filled with meat, cheese, or fruit | ~15-20 PLN (£3-4) |
| Mulled Wine | Grzaniec Galicyjski | Hot spiced wine served in souvenir ceramic mugs | ~20 PLN (£4) |
| Grilled Smoked Cheese | Oscypek | Mountain sheep cheese served warm with cranberry jam | ~8-12 PLN (£2) |
| Hunters Stew | Bigos | Rich stew made of cabbage, sauerkraut, and mixed meats | ~25-30 PLN (£5-6) |
Polish Souvenirs to buy at the Gdańsk Christmas Markets
If you want to buy something traditional to take home, look for knitted items like gloves and scarves, carved wooden spoons and rolling pins, sweets and chocolates and amber jewellery.
Gdansk is the centre of the world's amber trade, although Amber is found all over Poland. The Baltic pine trees produce the amber nectar for this beautiful orange-coloured jewellery. However, if you are looking for an expensive piece of amber jewellery, it is worth buying from a reputable Gdańsk jewellery store to ensure its authenticity.
How long should I spend in Gdańsk at Christmas?
Christmas in Gdańsk is magical. If there's snow on the ground, you will feel like you have stepped into a Christmas card scene featuring ornate pastel-coloured buildings, Christmas trees, and fairy lights.
You can easily visit the festive markets in an hour or so, as they are not as large or spread out as other European Christmas markets, such as those in Germany. Nevertheless, there are plenty to do in Gdańsk aside from the market, so I recommend spending three nights in Gdańsk to see everything it has to offer.
What attractions can I see in Gdańsk near the markets?
The Christmas markets in Gdańsk are a 10-minute stroll from the Motława River, where you can visit some of Gdańsk's best attractions, like Żuraw, the biggest and oldest port crane in Europe, and the Ferris wheel. Close to the market are the Green Gate, Gdańsk City Hall, the Neptune Fountain, and the most beautiful street in Gdańsk, Mariacka Street, lined with antique and amber shops, plus a few charming coffee shops and restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gdańsk Christmas Market
What is the main location of the Gdańsk Christmas Market? The primary Christmas Market in Gdańsk is held at Coal Market Square (Targ Węglowy) in the Old Town. Nearby stalls also extend into Tkacka Street, the Great Armoury (Wielka Zbrojownia), and the courtyard at Forum Gdańsk.
Can you pay by credit card at Gdańsk Christmas Market? Yes, almost all food stalls, craft chalets, and drink bars at the Gdańsk Christmas Market accept contactless card payments (Visa and Mastercard), so cash isn't necessary for most visitors.
How does Gdańsk Christmas Market compare to Kraków or Germany? Gdańsk's Christmas market is more compact, authentic, and less crowded than Germany's or Kraków's. It offers lower prices while maintaining high quality, and Forbes voted it among Europe's best Christmas markets.
My final thoughts on visiting the Gdansk Christmas Markets
I loved everything about Gdansk; however, its markets are small. If you haven't been to a Christmas market before and want something bigger, I would suggest exploring Berlin or Copenhagen, where multiple larger markets are scattered throughout the cityscape. Yet, don't let that initial thought sway you entirely, as Gdansk earns my nod of approval for its beauty and affordability in terms of getting here and dining out – something worth pondering.
The amicable Polish locals also add a warm touch to the festive experience, and the city boasts diverse cultural attractions to explore, which will particularly appeal to those interested in World War II history. The WW2 museum in Gdansk is one of the best museums I have ever visited (and I have seen many).
Poland at Christmas
I've already been to Krakow at Christmas and am contemplating another return trip to Poland. I have my sights set on the Wrocław Christmas market, or maybe a visit to Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains. The charm and history of Gdansk have won me over, and experiencing this Polish Christmas market has been a magical way to start the festive season.
| Explore my complete, hand-picked list of Europe's Christmas Markets and start planning your perfect getaway today! |
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Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.