Christmas Market in Olsztyn - a guide to the fair in 2025 | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Olsztyn Christmas Market takes place in the picturesque Old Town against a backdrop of Gothic monuments
• The Warmia Chapter Castle and the High Gate form the historic backdrop to the market stalls
• Market stalls open Thursday to Sunday, offering handcrafts, local food products and Christmas decorations
• Olsztyn Glowny station is approximately 15 minutes on foot from the Old Town market area
• The 2025 edition returns to the Old Town following the 2024 revival after a four-year break
• Family-friendly visiting is best earlier in the day on weekdays to avoid cobblestone crowds

From this article you will find out:

👨‍👩‍👧 why the Christmas market in Olsztyn is a good idea to spend time with family or friends

⏰ what are the opening hours of the Olsztyn Christmas market

📋 what is the programme of the Olsztyn Christmas market this year

The history of Christmas markets dates back to the Middle Ages, when Christmas markets acted as places for local communities to meet, trade and celebrate the upcoming Christmas together. Although the tradition is more rooted in Western Europe, over time it has also gained popularity in Poland, including Olsztyn. The Warmian Christmas Fair, organised in the heart of Olsztyn's Old Town, was held in 2024 for the first time in four years (the three previous editions, known as the Kuźnia Fair, were held in the Social Forge on Kotanski Street).

What makes the Warmia Christmas Fair in Olsztyn so special? It is, above all, its location and atmosphere, which is hard to find anywhere else. The picturesque scenery of Olsztyn's Old Town, with such monuments in the background as the Warmia Chapter Castle or the High Gate, creates a unique aura for the event. Among the numerous stalls you will find unique handicrafts, local food products and Christmas decorations, which are perfect as presents for your loved ones.

There are plenty of reasons to visit Olsztyn in December. The Christmas Market is also an opportunity to take part in accompanying events such as carol concerts and artistic shows. For many visitors, it is a moment to pause in the pre-Christmas rush, to spend time together with their families and to soak up the warm Christmas atmosphere, which remains in the memory for a long time.

The 2025 Olsztyn Christmas Market will once again take place in the picturesque Old Town, which in December turns into a real winter wonderland. Just like last year, the historic townhouses and majestic town hall will create an extraordinary fairytale-like setting. We cannot wait for the moment when the wooden stalls will be filled with the scent of gingerbread, cinnamon and mulled wine! We are counting on the organisers to continue the tried-and-tested 2024 formula, putting tradition first.

The central location of the Christmas market makes the Olsztyn fair a natural meeting place for locals and tourists. Walking among the stalls, one can admire the illuminations wrapping the historic walls, and the whole takes on a unique atmosphere that is hard to find in other parts of the city.

In the previous edition, the Olsztyn Christmas Market stretched along Prosta Street and around the Town Hall, creating a coherent walking route full of attractions for the whole family. In 2025, visitors can expect a similar organisation of the space - the Old Town will once again become the heart of Christmas Olsztyn, pulsating with music, lights and a unique atmosphere. An additional advantage? Olsztyn's Old Town is not only a beautiful historical space, but also a great starting point for visitors. In between shopping and festive tastings, you can, for example, take a peek at the nearby Warmia Chapter Castle or sit in one of the cafés surrounding the market square.

The Olsztyn Christmas Market takes place in the Old Town and is therefore easily accessible for locals and tourists alike. The Olsztyn Główny railway station is only 1.5 km from the Old Town. The walk from the station to the fair takes about 20 minutes and takes you through the picturesque streets of the city, allowing you to admire its architecture, including its historic buildings.

You can also use public transport - numerous bus and tram lines run towards the Old Town, stopping at the High Gate or Roosevelt Square stops, which are located in the immediate vicinity of the fair. There are car parks available in the Old Town area, but these can fill up quickly during the festive period due to the large number of visitors, so it is worth considering getting there by train, especially as travelling by train is also an opportunity to feel the festive atmosphere from the very first moments, while avoiding the stress of parking.

Planning a trip to Olsztyn in December? The Christmas market is just one of the many attractions that encourage you to do so. If you are going by train, think about buying your ticket in advance - the most convenient way to do this is via the polishtrains.eu website or using the mobile app. This not only saves you time, but also ensures that a seat on the train of your choice is booked. Our app allows you to quickly access your ticket on your phone without having to print it out - you'll appreciate this convenience during winter trips. An additional advantage? You have the possibility to check current schedules and promotions - this will definitely make it easier for you to plan a comfortable and affordable trip to the Olsztyn Christmas market!

This year's Warmia Christmas Market in Olsztyn is scheduled for 11-14 December 2025, i.e. during the period of intensified preparations for Christmas. The organisers are already promising that it will be even more beautiful than last year's event - with a wider range of exhibitors, new attractions and an extensive light setting. Traditionally, the event will be preceded by the lighting of the city's Christmas tree on 6 December, which gathers crowds of residents and tourists in the Old Town every year. It is from this point on that the entire Old Town will take on a unique atmosphere and preparations for the fair will gain momentum. Olsztyn's stalls, concerts and Christmas illuminations are likely to once again become one of the biggest winter attractions in the region. Residents and tourists interested in the event are expected to find out more details soon.

The shopping area with handicrafts, treats and Christmas tree decorations will be open at the following times:

• 12 December (Thursday): 16:00-21:00;

• 13 December (Friday): 15:00-22:00;

• 14 December (Saturday): 13:00-22:00;

• 15 December (Sunday): 13:00-20:00.

As for the 2025 Christmas market, the novelty will be the complete closure of the Old Town to car traffic. The city authorities took this decision after the experience of last year's fair and this year's Olsztyn Days, when some drivers ignored the rules and drove into areas where there was a ban. Now the organisers want the Old Town to become a pedestrian-only zone during the fair. This will allow visitors to walk safely between the stalls, enjoy the illuminations and enjoy the attractions without worrying about traffic. As you can see, this is another argument for why it is better to go to the Olsztyn Christmas Fair by train!

As you already know, this year's Warmia Christmas Market will take place between 11 and 14 December. The centre of events will be located between the Fish Market, Old Town Market Square and the High Gate. It is worth reserving time during these days to fully enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and attractions prepared by the organisers.

The Olsztyn Christmas Market is an excellent opportunity to stop for a while in the run-up to Christmas. The weekend just under two weeks before Christmas is the perfect time for shopping - among the dozens of stalls it is easy to find unique presents for your loved ones, Christmas decorations or table decorations, for example among handicraft products which you won't find in regular shops. You can relieve the burden of last-minute gift-seeking and choose something truly unique, linked to tradition and local creativity.

But the Christmas market in Olsztyn is not only about shopping - it is also a moment of respite from domestic chores. A walk among the illuminations, the aroma of mulled wine or the warm atmosphere of carol singing allow you to catch your breath before the Christmas cleaning, cooking and rushing around. This year, between 11 and 14 December, combine the pleasant with the useful: do your Christmas errands and at the same time feel the magic of Christmas in the company of family and friends.

Each day of the Warmia Christmas Fair in Olsztyn is always full of unique attractions, attracting both art and culinary enthusiasts. Last year's attractions included a show and tasting led by Ola Juszkiewicz, winner of the 9th edition of MasterChef, a performance of "The Birth of a Star" in the amphitheatre of the Cracow Street Theatre Kalejdoskop Stage, a concert by Anna Maria Jopek, a Christmas carol concert performed by Zakopower, the 5th Santa Claus Run, a concert by Małe TGD and a lyrical-opera concert in the Evangelical Augsburg Church. Although the programme of the 2025 Olsztyn Christmas Market is not yet known, we are sure of one thing: this event will certainly not let you, your family or your friends get bored!

The culinary experience is also an extremely important element at the Warmia Christmas Market in Olsztyn, which attracts gourmets from all over the region every year. The food stalls offer a wide range of dishes - from traditional Varmia specialities, through regional cakes and sweets, to warming drinks served in the winter aura. Here you can taste aromatic dumplings, baked sausages, highlanders' oscypek with cranberry or scones straight from the wood-fired oven. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy fresh gingerbread, honey biscuits and hot chocolate, while adults will enjoy mulled wine and craft beers to make winter evenings more pleasant. These types of culinary attractions create a unique atmosphere at the fair - they not only allow you to warm up, but also encourage you to spend time with your loved ones around a table or a bonfire. The flavours and aromas wafting over the old town make every stroll between the stalls a culinary journey that is hard to resist.

Are you dreaming of visiting a Christmas market this year? Olsztyn is the perfect destination! Strolling among the decorated alleys of the Old Town, you can feel the spirit of Christmas, enjoying the sight of colourful lights and the taste of traditional delicacies. Looking for the perfect gifts? Do you want to try some local dishes? Or are you planning to spend time with family and friends? The Olsztyn Fair will provide you with an unforgettable experience. Don't delay - plan a visit now and discover the magic of Christmas in the heart of Warmia and Mazury!

Is there an admission fee for the Warmia Christmas Market in Olsztyn?

No, admission to the fair is completely free. Fees may only apply for the use of particular attractions such as carousels or workshops and, of course, for shopping at the trade and catering stands.

Will the programme of the Olsztyn Christmas Market be known before the event?

Yes, the programme of the Warmia Christmas Market is announced in advance - usually a few weeks before the event. The organisers publish detailed information on the city's website and social media, where you can find a schedule of concerts, workshops, attractions for children and accompanying events.

Is it possible to come to the fair with a pushchair?

Yes, the Old Town is accessible for families with children and getting around with a pushchair is not a problem. However, it is worth bearing in mind that it can be crowded in the evenings and at weekends, so it is best to choose quieter times of day to enjoy the space comfortably. Fortunately, you won't have to worry about car traffic this year.

Can I find regional products at the fair?

Yes, a large proportion of the exhibitors are local artists and producers. Usually you can buy Warmian delicacies, honey, cheese, handmade ornaments, jewellery or handicrafts. And this year will probably be no different! The Christmas market in Olsztyn is a great opportunity to take home something unique and authentic connected with the region.

**Does the Olsztyn Christmas Market take place in any weather?**Yes, the Olsztyn Christmas Market is an open-air event and takes place even when the weather is not too good. The organisers make sure that the stalls are adequately protected and visitors can take shelter at covered refreshment stands or warm themselves up with a little mulled wine. However, it is worth remembering to dress warmly!