Experience the Atmosphere of Polish Christmas Markets in 2025
Christmas markets in Poland are unique places where the holiday magic begins long before December 24th. They are not just stalls with food and handicrafts – they are about the atmosphere, colors, scents, and a full range of attractions for all ages. Traveling by bus to a market is convenient, economical, and eco-friendly, and with excellent connections to the largest Polish cities, you can easily plan a short winter trip.
In the previous article, we explored the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe “The Magic of Christmas Markets”. Now it’s time for our local events – we have prepared a list of the 10 most beautiful markets in Poland in 2025, including detailed descriptions, dates, and the most popular bus connections.
Gdańsk – a Christmas fairytale in the heart of the Old Town
Date: November 21 – December 23, 2025, Targ Węglowy
The Gdańsk Christmas market has been awarded in European competitions for its atmosphere and family-friendly character. The picturesque streets of the Old Town, illuminated with lights, become a stage for unique decorations: the AmberSky Ferris Wheel, the Advent Gate, Christmas carousels, and charming wooden huts.
The market is famous for its wide selection of international cuisine – from traditional Polish dishes to regional delicacies from Hungary, Lithuania, and the Balkans. The aroma of mulled wine and cinnamon fills the air from the first steps of your stroll.
Children and families can enjoy numerous attractions: Santa’s Village, themed zones such as Fairy Tale and Moose Land, art workshops, and a VR flight simulator in Santa’s sleigh. Adults can try regional drinks and attend concerts.
Gdańsk is also an excellent starting point for a Christmas city break. Its proximity to the sea, beautiful monuments, and unique atmosphere make a trip here always a great choice.
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Wrocław – the most fairytale-like market in Poland
Date: November 21, 2025 – January 7, 2026, Market Square and surroundings
The Wrocław market is one of the most recognizable Christmas events in the country. The atmosphere is unique – giant illuminations, the characteristic “Fairy Tale Forest,” and a huge Christmas tree create a magical ambiance.
The market offers a wealth of stalls: handicrafts, local products, and delicacies from around the world. Culinary attractions include pierogi, oscypek cheese, Balkan cevapi, and Czech trdelnik.
For children, there are numerous carousels and activities, and entire families can enjoy concerts and shows. Wrocław’s market is also an opportunity to explore the city in a festive setting – with illuminations, reindeer, and gnomes scattered across the Market Square.
Wrocław is an ideal destination for a weekend trip – both because of the size of the market and the beauty of winter architecture.
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Kraków – tradition and magic at the Main Square
Date: November 29, 2025 – January 1, 2026, Main Square
The Kraków market is one of the oldest and most atmospheric in Poland. Wooden stalls showcase a wide selection of crafts, Christmas decorations, and local products.
Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, pierogi, and other regional specialties. For children, there is a Venetian carousel, and families can join the Nativity Parade, Santa Parade, and caroling.
Kraków is famous for its authentic Christmas spirit and old-Polish traditions, making a trip here like traveling back in time. It’s also worth visiting Kazimierz, Podgórze, the Vistula Boulevards, and numerous museums – all within walking distance of the market.
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Kraków – tradition and magic at the Main Square
Date: 29 November 2025 – 1 January 2026, Main Square
The Kraków Christmas market is one of the oldest and most atmospheric in Poland. Wooden stalls showcase a wide variety of crafts, Christmas decorations, and local products.
At the market, you can taste mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, pierogi, and other regional specialties. For children, there is a Venetian carousel, and the whole family can join the Nativity Parade, Santa Claus Procession, and communal caroling.
Kraków is famous for its authentic holiday atmosphere and old Polish traditions, making a visit here a journey back in time. It’s also worth exploring Kazimierz, Podgórze, the Vistula Boulevards, and numerous museums – all within walking distance of the market.
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Poznań – Betlejem Poznańskie with ice sculptures
Date: 21 November – 23 December 2025, Old Market and Freedom Square
The Poznań Christmas market is famous for its ice sculpture festival, where artists create works in front of visitors. This event attracts families and tourists from all over the country.
In addition to the ice sculptures, Poznań offers numerous stalls with regional products, Greater Poland cuisine, carousels, and children’s zones. The market is perfect for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the charm of the old town in a winter setting.
This is an ideal spot for a family trip, with plenty of space, attractions for kids, and convenient bus access.
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Warsaw – the Christmas capital of Poland
Date: 28 November 2025 – 1 January 2026, Old Town and surroundings
The biggest attraction in 2025 will be a 55 m Ferris wheel near the Palace of Culture and Science. From 1 December, the Christmas Market and the Light Park at the top of Varso Tower – the first “market in the clouds” in the EU – will also be open.
The Old Town will feature stalls with crafts and food, and children will enjoy workshops, ice rinks, and visits with Santa Claus. The city also dazzles with illuminations along the Royal Route and Castle Square, creating a unique festive atmosphere.
Warsaw is a perfect choice for those who want to combine the market with additional cultural attractions – concerts, galleries, museums, and winter events.
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Toruń – the city of gingerbread and Christmas atmosphere
Date: 22 November 2025 – 6 January 2026, Old Market Square
The Toruń Christmas market is the gingerbread capital in a festive edition. You can try classic baked goods, hand-decorated sweets, and holiday treats.
Visitors can also enjoy numerous attractions for children: carousels, gingerbread workshops, meetings with Santa Claus, and live performances. During this period, Toruń’s Old Town transforms into a true winter fairy tale, with illuminations and themed decorations.
Thanks to the city’s compact layout, a walk through the market also allows you to see the Leaning Tower, the Vistula Boulevards, and beautiful historic townhouses.
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Bydgoszcz – a peaceful market with charm
Date: 21 November 2025 – 6 January 2026, Old Market and Mill Island
The Bydgoszcz Christmas market will run from 21 November 2025 to 6 January 2026 and take place in the city center, at the Old Market and Mill Island. It’s a great option for those looking for a festive atmosphere without crowds.
The market features stalls with local crafts and regional products, while children can enjoy carousels, workshops, and weekend activities. On weekends, there are also Christmas carol concerts and live performances that attract entire families.
The city in winter impresses with beautifully lit boulevards along the Brda River and charming streets. A walk through the market combines festive magic with relaxed sightseeing in the city center.
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Katowice – a modern market full of attractions
Date: 21 November 2025 – 6 January 2026, Old Market and surroundings
This modern Christmas town stands out for its excellent organization, illuminations, and numerous attractions for the whole family.
At the market, you will find a Ferris wheel, carousels, food zones, and a stage with concerts and shows. Visitors can also learn about Silesian traditions, taste local specialties, and explore the atmospheric Nikiszowiec district.
Katowice in winter offers great opportunities to combine the market with walks around the city center and nearby areas. With convenient bus access, it’s a popular choice for a weekend Christmas trip.
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Łódź – Piotrkowska Street full of lights
Date: 21 November 2025 – 6 January 2026, Piotrkowska Street
Piotrkowska Street turns into a tunnel of lights, and the unique illuminations and music create the perfect atmosphere for family walks.
The market offers traditional holiday treats, stalls with handicrafts and regional products, and for children, there are carousels and a special play area. Every year, new spectacular light installations appear, attracting crowds of tourists.
Łódź is an excellent choice for a quick bus trip – perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends.
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Szczecin – Christmas atmosphere by the Oder River
Date: 21 November 2025 – 6 January 2026, Wały Chrobrego
The city stands out with its spacious layout, beautiful decorations, and food offerings inspired by the seaside.
This is an ideal place for a family walk – along the promenades by the Oder, numerous stalls, carousels, and illuminations are set up. Many events take place around Wały Chrobrego, creating a cozy, festive space.
Szczecin combines a Christmas atmosphere with beautiful water views and closeness to nature, making a trip here perfect for a relaxing weekend.
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Why Choose Christmas Markets in Poland?
✔ Close and convenient – perfect for a short trip
Polish Christmas markets are so diverse and beautifully organized that you don’t need to travel abroad to experience the true holiday magic. In 2025, the events run from 21 November to early January, so there are plenty of opportunities to plan a weekend getaway.
Traveling by bus is easy to plan – it usually takes an hour or two, and once you arrive, you are right in the heart of the festivities. This is a great option for busy people who can’t take longer trips.
An additional advantage is that there’s no paperwork or stress associated with international travel – you simply go and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
✔ Low travel cost and no parking fees
Taking a bus is the most economical way to reach a market. City center parking can be expensive or hard to find, and the bus drops you practically “at the door” of the event.
This saves money on fuel, tolls, and the stress of looking for a parking spot, which is especially important for families and larger groups.
✔ Convenient direct bus connections
Poland’s major cities have a well-developed network of bus connections. Most markets can be reached with a single direct trip – no transfers or complex planning required.
Buses run frequently at different times of the day, so everyone can choose departure and return times that suit their schedule. Usually, you get off just a few minutes’ walk from the market – a huge convenience in winter weather.
✔ Perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends
Christmas markets offer entertainment for everyone. Children enjoy carousels (including the Venetian carousel in Kraków), ice rinks, Santa’s village, and the ice sculpture festival in Poznań.
Adults can sample local treats, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, or Toruń gingerbread. Seniors appreciate quiet areas, carol concerts, and handicrafts.
Traveling by bus also allows more time together without the stress of driving or searching for parking.
What to Buy and How to Prepare
Polish markets are great for finding unique gifts: handmade Christmas ornaments, ceramics from local artisans, natural candles, honey, wool accessories, or home decorations made in small batches. Many stalls sell regional treats – warm oscypek cheese, gingerbread, holiday cakes, traditional cold cuts, cheeses, meads, or hot chocolate. There are also collectible mugs from limited editions of specific markets, which often become annual souvenirs.
It’s worth carrying some cash – most large markets accept cards, but small, family-run stalls often operate more traditionally.
When preparing for a bus trip, a practical approach works best:
Before the trip
- Check the departure location and time, planned stops, travel time, and required documents (ID, ticket on phone or printed).
- Buy tickets in advance – Advent weekends and the last days before Christmas are usually the busiest.
What to pack in your carry-on
- Warm, layered clothing and accessories: hat, scarf, gloves, plus something warmer for breaks or evenings.
- Small toiletry bag: tissues, hand sanitizer, travel toothbrush and toothpaste, basic medications, water bottle.
Food and comfort on the road
- Bring light snacks: sandwiches, fruit, nuts, granola bars.
- A thermos with tea or borscht is very handy when temperatures drop below zero at the market.
On the bus and at the market
- Keep essentials (documents, wallet, phone, medications, snacks) in a small backpack or waist bag.
- Dress so you can start exploring the market immediately upon arrival.
Plan your trip with bilety.pl
Polish Christmas markets usually start in the second half of November and run until the end of December, making it easy to fit a trip into your schedule. On bilety.pl, you can check bus connections to major cities, compare carriers, and choose the option that best suits your calendar.
Booking takes just a few minutes – select your destination, date, and ticket type, then just count down the days to your trip. The bus drops you practically at the heart of the festive atmosphere. A short getaway is a great way to recharge, and bilety.pl makes it easy to find the option that fits your schedule and departure city.
