Best Places to Visit in Poland for Christmas Cheer

As the festive season approaches, expats and digital nomads in Poland will find a wealth of places to visit to get into the holiday spirit. From the twinkling lights of big cities to the charming Christmas markets of quaint towns, Poland offers a magical experience in December. Whether you're looking for traditional Polish treats, unique gifts, or just a warm, festive atmosphere, these destinations are sure to fill your holidays with cheer.

Krakow

Krakow is renowned for its picturesque Christmas market, which takes place in the historic Main Market Square. The Rynek G?ówny transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with wooden stalls selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to traditional Polish foods like pierogi and grilled oscypek cheese. The market usually starts in late November and runs through December. The city's Gothic architecture provides a stunning backdrop, and the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread fills the air. A towering Christmas tree and frequent carol singing add to the festive ambiance.

We Recommend: Don't miss the chance to try a cup of "grzaniec," the Polish version of mulled wine, which is a perfect way to keep warm while exploring the market. Also, look out for the intricately painted glass baubles – they make for beautiful souvenirs or gifts.

Warsaw's Old Town

Warsaw's Old Town is transformed into a festive hub during December, with its Christmas market being a highlight for many visitors. The market, known as Jarmark Bo?onarodzeniowy, features rows of stalls selling hand-made gifts, festive decorations, and Polish Christmas delicacies. The Old Town's historic streets are adorned with lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. Seasonal events, including carol concerts and nativity plays, are common, and the market typically runs from the end of November until the beginning of January.

We Recommend: Be sure to taste the "pierniki," traditional Polish gingerbread cookies, which come in various shapes and sizes. They are not only delicious but also make for a sweet souvenir.

Wroclaw

Wroclaw's Christmas market is one of the largest in Poland and spreads across several streets and squares in the city center, including the picturesque Market Square. The market usually opens in late November and lasts until just after Christmas. Visitors can enjoy a variety of festive attractions, including a fairytale forest for children, a Santa's grotto, and an array of craft stalls. The market is also known for its unique handmade glass decorations and the beautiful, illuminated Christmas tree that stands tall in the center of the square.

We Recommend: Try the "?ledzie w oleju" (herring in oil), a traditional Polish Christmas dish often served with onions and bread. It's a flavorful experience that's quintessentially Polish.

Gdansk

The Gdansk Christmas market, also known as Jarmark Bo?onarodzeniowy, is a highlight of the holiday season in this coastal city. Set in the historic Coal Market (Targ W?glowy), the market offers a mix of traditional and maritime-themed Christmas items, reflecting Gdansk's rich history as a port city. The market typically runs from the end of November to the end of December. Visitors can enjoy live performances, a Ferris wheel, and an ice rink, alongside the many stalls selling festive goods and treats.

We Recommend: Sample the "kashubian" style smoked fish, a local delicacy that's particularly popular during the holiday season. It's a taste of the Baltic Sea that you won't forget.

Poznan

Poznan's Christmas market, known as Betlejem Pozna?skie, is a festive event that takes place in the Old Market Square. The market is famous for its ice sculpture festival, where artists from around the world create stunning works of art from blocks of ice. The market usually starts in late November and continues until just before Christmas. Alongside the sculptures, visitors can browse through a variety of stalls selling Christmas crafts, decorations, and traditional Polish food.

We Recommend: Don't leave without trying "rogale ?wi?tomarci?skie," a crescent-shaped pastry filled with white poppy seeds, nuts, and raisins, which is a local specialty in Poznan.

Zakopane

Zakopane, nestled at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, offers a unique Christmas experience with its winter sports and highland folklore. The town's Krupówki Street is lined with stalls selling regional products, including the famous smoked cheese "oscypek." The Christmas market here is smaller but exudes a cozy mountain charm, with traditional highlander music often heard in the background. The market typically runs throughout December.

We Recommend: Enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy landscape, which is a truly enchanting way to experience the highland winter scenery.

Lublin

Lublin's Christmas market is a charming event that takes place in the city's historic center. The market offers a variety of traditional Polish Christmas goods, including hand-painted ornaments and regional culinary specialties. The atmosphere is enhanced by the beautiful Renaissance architecture of the Old Town, and the market usually operates from early December until Christmas.

We Recommend: Taste the "makowiec," a poppy seed roll that is a staple of Polish Christmas cuisine. It's sweet, nutty, and perfect with a warm drink on a cold day.

Torun

Torun, known for its medieval Old Town and as the birthplace of the famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, hosts a delightful Christmas market. The market is set against the backdrop of the city's Gothic architecture and offers a range of traditional Christmas items and gingerbread, for which Torun is famous. The market typically starts in late November and lasts until the end of December.

We Recommend: You can't visit Torun without trying its gingerbread, known as "pierniki." These spiced cookies come in various shapes and are often beautifully decorated, making them a perfect holiday treat or gift.

Each of these destinations in Poland offers its own unique take on the holiday season, providing expats and digital nomads with a festive and memorable December. Whether you're looking for traditional Christmas markets, unique regional treats, or simply a place to soak up the holiday atmosphere, Poland's cities and towns are sure to deliver.