A Guide to Gdansk’s Christmas Markets
By Travel blogger, Flight and Travel expert Mr Plane Guy
If you're dreaming of a cosy winter escape filled with festive cheer, twinkling lights, and charming wooden stalls, Gdansk, Poland, might just be your perfect destination. This beautiful port city on the Baltic Sea combines rich history with a magical Christmas market atmosphere, making it a top contender among the best Christmas markets in Europe. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Gdansk Christmas Market 2024. From market dates and opening times to the best things to do in Gdansk during the holiday season.
Does Gdansk Have a Good Christmas Market?
Yes, Gdansk offers one of Poland’s most enchanting Christmas markets. Located in the heart of the city, this market is known for its festive atmosphere, artisan stalls, and traditional Polish holiday treats. It's not as large or crowded as markets in Germany or Austria, but that’s part of its charm. Plus, it’s a great way to experience authentic Polish Christmas traditions.
Gdansk Christmas Market Dates & Opening Times
The Gdansk Christmas Market 2024 will run from November 24, 2024, to January 1, 2025. The market typically opens around 11:00 AM and stays open until 9:00 PM, with longer hours on weekends for those who want to soak in the festive vibes after dark. Keep an eye on official announcements to confirm exact Gdask Christmas Market opening times closer to your visit.
How Many Christmas Markets Are There in Gdansk?
While Gdansk focuses its festive energy on one main market, it’s large enough to feel like several markets rolled into one. Here’s where the magic happens:
Targ Węglowy Christmas Market (Coal Market)
Located in the heart of Gdansk’s Old Town, the Christmas market at Targ Węglowy is the centerpiece of the city’s holiday celebrations. This lively market features a wide variety of Gdansk Christmas Market stalls, offering everything from handcrafted ornaments to hearty Polish comfort foods.
Look out for the market’s iconic decorations, including the towering Christmas tree, a giant advent calendar, and whimsical fairy-tale-inspired installations. And don’t miss the beautiful carousel perfect for kids and adults alike!
Gdansk Christmas Market Stalls: What to Expect
Whether you're shopping for unique gifts or indulging in festive treats, the Gdansk Christmas market stalls have something for everyone:
Artisan Crafts: You’ll find plenty of handmade treasures, including Polish pottery, amber jewellery, wooden toys, and woollen scarves. These make for thoughtful, one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts.
Festive Foods: Warm up with traditional Polish dishes like pierogi (dumplings), oscypek (grilled cheese), and bigos (hunter’s stew). Pair them with a cup of grzaniec (Polish mulled wine) or hot chocolate to keep the chill at bay.
Sweet Treats: Don’t leave without trying pierniki Polish gingerbread cookies often shaped like hearts and beautifully decorated.
Gdansk Christmas Market 2024 Tickets
Here’s the best part: the Gdansk Christmas Market is free to enter! You’ll only need to bring cash or a card for shopping at the stalls. Most vendors accept cards, but it’s always a good idea to have some złoty (PLN) on hand for smaller purchases.
Is Gdansk Worth Visiting in December?
Absolutely! Gdansk is one of the most beautiful Polish cities year-round, but it truly shines during the holiday season. The cobblestone streets of the Old Town are adorned with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the scent of mulled wine fills the air. Whether you’re visiting for the markets, the history, or the food, December in Gdansk offers a magical experience. Plus, the Baltic chill adds a perfect wintery vibe—just layer up!
Things to Do in Gdańsk During Christmas
Beyond the market, Gdańsk has plenty to offer during the holiday season:
Explore the Old Town: Stroll along Długi Targ (Long Market) and admire the beautifully decorated buildings, including the iconic Neptune Fountain.
Visit St. Mary’s Church: Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city, especially enchanting when the rooftops are dusted with snow.
Amber Museum: Gdańsk is famous for its amber, and this museum showcases stunning amber artefacts, perfect for history buffs.
Christmas Concerts: Check out local churches and venues for special holiday performances throughout December.
Day Trip to Sopot: Just a short train ride away, Sopot’s festive atmosphere and beautiful coastline make for a great winter day trip.
I did a tour around G'dansk it was so good and a great way to see so much of the city in a short amount of time.
Where to Stay in Gdansk
There’s a range of accommodation options in Gdańsk to suit every budget:
Luxury: Hotel Gdańsk Boutique – Overlooking the marina, this hotel offers luxurious rooms with a view.
Mid-Range: IBB Hotel Długi Targ – Right in the heart of the Old Town, offering comfort and convenience.
Budget: La Guitarra Hostel – Perfect for budget travellers, with a cozy and friendly atmosphere.
I stayed at the Grano hotel and it was PERFECT! Located right in the heart of the old town, the hotel was so modern and luxurious with spa facilities including a pool. It included breakfast which was so good and considering the price to stay here I can't believe how good value it is. I will link details here as I 1000% recommend this hotel in Gdansk.
How to Get From Gdansk Airport to the City
Getting from Gdansk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN) to the city centre is easy:
Train: The SKM train service runs regularly and takes about 30 minutes to reach the city centre. Tickets cost around 10 PLN (€2.50).
Bus: Buses are frequent, with Line 210 being the most popular option, taking about 40 minutes.
Taxi: A taxi ride costs around 60 PLN (€13), but using ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber is often cheaper and more reliable.
The Business Class lounge at Gdansk airport wasn't worth the visit. Not a vibe!
Who Has the Best Christmas Markets in Europe?
While destinations like Vienna, Prague, and Strasbourg often steal the spotlight, Gdansk Christmas Market 2024 offers a unique and less commercialised holiday experience. Its beautiful Old Town setting, authentic Polish traditions, and friendly atmosphere make it a hidden gem among the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Riga HERE (coming soon***!! like this week)
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your festive getaway now. Whether it’s for the Gdansk Christmas Market dates 2024, the delicious food, or the historic charm, Gdansk is a magical destination to spend the holiday season. Don’t forget to book your flights to Gdansk early and immerse yourself in the enchanting Christmas atmosphere.
Book some trips with GetYourGuide they have such low prices, so many curated experiences, and I love having all my trips and days planned. I love the GetYourGuide mobile app so I can keep all my tickets and infomation to hand and know exactly when and where to meet.
HELLO I’m Paul a Travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
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