Gdansk Christmas Market - everything to know before your visit
Each holiday, Gdańsk, the pearl of Poland’s Baltic coast, transforms into a winter wonderland. From November 21st to December 23rd, 2025, the historic streets of the Old Town sparkle with thousands of lights. The aroma of mulled wine fills the air, and wooden stalls overflow with festive crafts and regional treats. The Gdańsk Christmas Market 2025 is consistently ranked among Europe’s best.
Whether you’re drawn by the twinkling decorations, the rich flavors of Polish holiday cuisine, or simply the cozy Christmas atmosphere, this market promises an unforgettable experience.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit, including the exact market location, local food recommendations, entrance details, and honest visitor reviews. And because the best trips begin easily, we’ll show you why arriving directly at Gdańsk Główny by train is the smartest way to start your festive Baltic adventure!
In this essential guide, you'll discover:
- When does the Gdansk Christmas Market start and what are the 2025 dates?
- Where is the Gdansk Christmas Market located?
- Gdansk Christmas Market opening times and entrance details
- What to eat and drink at the Gdansk Christmas Market?
- Gdansk Christmas Market reviews and visitor opinions
- Is the Gdansk Christmas Market worth visiting?
When does the Gdansk Christmas Market start and what are the 2025 dates?
Timing your trip is simple, as the market runs for a generous period, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the atmosphere without feeling rushed.
The Gdansk Christmas Market begins in the latter half of November and remains open until just before Christmas Day. These dates align with the traditional Advent period. It ensures that visitors can enjoy the full holiday atmosphere before Christmas Eve.
Start Date (2025): The market is scheduled to open November 21nd, 2025
End Date (2025): Stalls in Gdansk will wrap up on December 23rd, 2025, right before Christmas Eve
The market’s opening ceremony takes place on the first evening. It features a Christmas parade, carol singing, and the ceremonial lighting of the city’s main Christmas tree. Weekends are the liveliest time to visit. Especially with themed events such as Santa’s Parade, Christmas concerts, and craft workshops for children.
If you’re looking for fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere, weekday mornings are ideal. You’ll have more time to explore the artisan stalls, take photos under the twinkling lights, and enjoy hot chocolate or grzaniec (Polish mulled wine) without waiting in line.
Where is the Gdansk Christmas Market located?
The magical atmosphere of the Gdansk Christmas Market is centered in the heart of the historic city. It's spread across two main areas near the Old Town: Targ Węglowy (The Coal Market) and the adjacent area around the Great Mill.
The market’s layout stretches toward Świętojańska Street and Tkacka Street, forming a winding path of stalls and attractions. Along the way, visitors can admire the Golden Gate (Złota Brama), the Prison Tower, and the Great Armoury.
And remember to take photos with the iconic, two-level Amber Carousel! This central location makes it easily accessible from the famous Long Market (Długi Targ) and Neptune’s Fountain via a short pedestrian route.
If you’re staying in Gdańsk for a few days, the Old Town is also the perfect base, as most hotels, restaurants, and attractions are within walking distance. Visitors arriving from outside the city will find it convenient that the market is only about 10 minutes on foot from Gdańsk Główny railway station. Trams and buses stop nearby for easy access.
Gdansk Christmas Market opening times and entrance details
First and foremost, the good news is that access to the Gdansk Christmas Market is completely free! There are no tickets required for general entry, allowing you to wander, browse, and soak up the atmosphere at your heart's desires. Although, some individual attractions, such as the Ferris wheel, ice rink, or photo booths, may charge a small fee.
The operating hours for the market stalls are typically split between shopping and gastronomy:
The main entrance to the market is located at Targ Węglowy, marked by a large, glowing archway and a festive gate guarded by wooden nutcrackers. A perfect photo spot for visitors. Once inside, you’ll find themed sections such as Christmas Alley, Angel’s Mill, and Elf Town. Each of them offers unique stalls, gifts, and treats.
If you’re arriving by train, the easiest route is via Gdańsk Główny Station. From there, it’s a short 10-minute walk to Targ Węglowy through Heweliusza Street and Korzenna Street. For those traveling by car, there are several paid parking zones nearby. Keep in mind that the Old Town is busiest during evenings and weekends, so public transport is usually the faster choice.
Good to know:
Some food and souvenir stalls accept credit cards, but it’s still wise to carry cash (Polish złoty) for smaller vendors
Toilets and ATM machines are available near the market entrance
What to eat and drink at the Gdansk Christmas Market?
A trip to the Gdańsk Christmas Market wouldn’t be complete without sampling the delicious food and warming drinks that define Polish winter traditions. Prepare to indulge in hearty, warming food and drinks, perfect for cold December evenings
Must-try Pomeranian specialties:
🍷 Grzaniec galicyjski (Mulled Wine): The essential winter drink. You'll find it served piping hot, heavily spiced with cinnamon and cloves, and sometimes with a splash of local spiced vodka for extra warmth
🐟 Smoked fish and seafood: Unique to Gdansk! Reflecting its port city status, look for stalls offering regional smoked salmon, herring preparations, or other local fish sandwiches
🥬 Bigos (Hunter's Stew): A hearty stew made of sauerkraut, meat, and spices, perfect for cold evenings.
🥔 Placki Ziemniaczane (Potato Pancakes): Thick, crispy potato pancakes served traditionally with sour cream or sometimes with a rich goulash or mushroom sauce.
🥟 Pierogi: You can’t leave Poland without trying these! They are usually filled with cabbage and mushrooms, cheese and potato, or sweet fruit.
Food stalls are scattered throughout the market, but locals recommend starting at Angel’s Mill. This wooden windmill-shaped bar will warm up with mulled wine or hot beer while listening to live carols. For a sweet souvenir, don’t miss the Gdańsk gingerbread - beautifully decorated and sold in festive tins.
Gdansk Christmas Market reviews and visitor opinions
The feedback from international visitors consistently ranks the Gdansk market as one of the best in Europe. Visitors often praise it for:
Location. Unlike many markets set in a single square, Gdansk's market is spread across historical areas like Targ Węglowy, creating a sense of discovery as you wander between different zones.
The Baltic touch. Gdansk is the global capital of Baltic Amber, and the market is the perfect place to buy high-quality, authentic jewelry and crafts.
The beautifully intricate, two-level Amber Carousel. It’s constantly highlighted in reviews as a memorable, unique attraction, offering an ideal festive photo opportunity.
Compared to the sheer size and intensity of markets in Berlin or Vienna, visitors often report that Gdansk maintains a cozy, festive feeling without the overwhelming density of peak season crowds.
Is the Gdansk Christmas Market worth visiting?
Absolutely! The Gdańsk Christmas Market is one of Europe’s biggest festive gems. Unlike some of Europe’s larger, commercial markets, this one feels personal - filled with genuine craftsmanship, local delicacies, and Polish holiday traditions that have been passed down for generations. The city’s maritime charm adds an extra sparkle: wooden stalls adorned with seashells and amber jewelry remind visitors that they’re celebrating Christmas by the Baltic Sea.
For those traveling from abroad, the market’s convenient location. It’s just a short walk from Gdańsk Główny railway station, which makes it an ideal stop on any European winter itinerary.
So yes! Pack your warmest coat, hop on a train, and let the festive spirit of Poland’s coast wrap you in its glow. The market may only last a few short weeks each year, but the memories you’ll take home will shine long after the lights have dimmed.