December in Poland is the season of lights, warm drinks, music and one of Europe’s most charming winter traditions — the Christmas market. Whether you want traditional crafts, regional food, or picture-perfect streets, Poland’s markets deliver. Below you’ll find the top markets presented in the same easy-to-scan format so you can plan where to go and what to try.
✨ Wrocław Christmas Market
What to expect: wooden chalets, handmade gifts, live performances and a huge decorated tree on the Market Square.
Must-try & approx. prices: hot chocolate 10–15 zł, mulled wine (grzaniec) 20–30 zł, grilled oscypek cheese 8–12 zł.
Best photo spot: Town Hall square at dusk (fairy lights + reflections on cobblestones).
When: late November → December (check exact dates each year).
✨ Warsaw Old Town Christmas Market
What to expect: stalls set between illuminated Old Town houses and city walls, street food and artisan crafts.
Must-try & approx. prices: pierogi 15–25 zł, sausages & soups 10–25 zł, hot drinks 10–25 zł.
Best photo spot: narrow Old Town streets with the lit tenement houses in the background.
When: late November → December.
✨ Kraków Christmas Market (Main Square)
What to expect: one of Poland’s most traditional markets — regional food, artisans and a true festive village feel on Rynek Główny.
Must-try & approx. prices: bigos / grilled meats 15–30 zł, pierogi 15–25 zł, crafts 20–150+ zł.
Best photo spot: Cloth Hall with St. Mary’s Basilica behind.
When: late November → December.
✨ Gdańsk — Seaside Christmas Market
What to expect: large lit market on Targ Węglowy with amber and artisan gifts, concerts and maritime atmosphere.
Must-try & approx. prices: mulled wine 20–30 zł, hot chocolate 10–15 zł, regional sweets 8–20 zł.
Best photo spot: Long Market with Golden Gate or Neptune statue at dusk.
When: late November → late December.
✨ Zakopane — Highlander Market (Podhale vibes)
What to expect: mountain market featuring folk crafts, smoked oscypek cheese and local highlander music — great with a walk in the Tatras.
Must-try & approx. prices: oscypek 10–20 zł, mulled wine 20–30 zł, mountain sausages 15–30 zł.
Best photo spot: stalls with Tatra foothills / Krupówki street background.
When: early December → early January (varies).
✨ Poznań — Big Fair & Family Attractions
What to expect: Ferris wheel, ice rink, Santa workshops and family-friendly entertainment around Old Market Square.
Must-try & approx. prices: pierogi 15–25 zł, hot snacks 10–25 zł, sweets 5–20 zł.
Best photo spot: market rides + illuminated Old Market Square.
When: mid November → December.
✨ Toruń — Gingerbread City Market
What to expect: cozy Rynek market with a strong piernik (gingerbread) tradition and spice-scented stalls.
Must-try & approx. prices: gingerbread & sweets 8–25 zł, mulled wine 20–30 zł.
Best photo spot: Rynek with St. Mary’s Church / Cloth Hall at dusk.
When: late November → late December.
✨ Szczecin — Festive Squares & Big Tree
What to expect: several central squares with light installations, performances and a large tree.
Must-try & approx. prices: mulled wine 15–30 zł, roasted chestnuts 8–15 zł, sausages 12–25 zł.
Best photo spot: main square with tree and lights.
When: end of November → December.
✨ Katowice — Silesian Market with Events
What to expect: lively market at Plac Wolności with concerts and Silesian regional food.
Must-try & approx. prices: regional dishes 15–35 zł, mulled wine 20–30 zł.
Best photo spot: lit city square and stage area.
When: mid-late Nov → early Jan.
✨ Łódź — Urban Market & Design Pop-ups
What to expect: markets and pop-up design stalls around Piotrkowska and Plac Wolności, modern vibe.
Must-try & approx. prices: hot drinks 10–20 zł, street snacks 10–30 zł, artisan gifts 20–150+ zł.
Best photo spot: Piotrkowska street decorations and festival tree.
When: late Nov → early Jan.
✨ Lublin — Old Town Festive Market & Culture
What to expect: market with workshops, performances and an ice rink — strong cultural program.
Must-try & approx. prices: sweets & snacks 8–25 zł, mulled wine 15–30 zł, crafts 20–100+ zł.
Best photo spot: Lublin Old Town with illuminated facades and chalets.
When: mid → late Dec (check local calendar).
✨ Bydgoszcz & Regional Markets — Quick Notes
Mid-sized cities like Bydgoszcz, Olsztyn, Białystok, Rzeszów and Opole offer cozy markets on main squares — fewer crowds and authentic local crafts. Typical food prices 10–30 zł; great for quieter visits.
When: late Nov → Dec (local dates vary).
🎄 Why Christmas Markets Are Worth Visiting
Incredible festive food and regional drinks
Beautiful lights, decorations and local traditions
Unique handcrafted gifts you won’t find in malls
Great photo opportunities and atmosphere for families and friends
Practical tips for visiting Poland’s Christmas markets
Check exact dates & opening hours — they change yearly.
Weekday mornings are quieter; evenings & weekends get crowded.
Cash & cards: many stalls accept cards but small vendors may prefer cash — keep some złoty handy.
Dress warm: layers, waterproof boots and gloves make the visit comfortable.
Public transport: markets are usually well connected — use trams/buses where available.
Combine with sightseeing: markets pair well with museums, churches and local walking routes.
Safety: keep personal items secure in crowded areas.
Which market will you visit this December? Share your plans, tips or photos in the comments — we’ll add the best reader recommendations to this guide. 🎁📸❤️
