Europe’s Best Christmas Market 2025 — Full Gdańsk Travel Guide & What to Expect
If you’re searching for the most magical Christmas market in Europe, look no further than Gdańsk, the historic Baltic port city that recently earned the prestigious title of Europe’s Best Christmas Market 2025. Every winter, Gdańsk’s atmospheric Old Town transforms into a glowing wonderland of lights, music, wooden stalls and festive charm — but this year, the celebration is bigger than ever.
From award-winning displays and traditional Polish food to unique crafts and cozy winter vibes, the Gdańsk Christmas Market promises an unforgettable holiday escape. In this full travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your perfect December trip: dates, locations, food to try, where to stay, what to expect and my best tips after my recent trip to Gdańsk.
📌 Quick Facts: Gdańsk Christmas Market 2025
📍 Location: Old Town Gdańsk (Targ Węglowy & surrounding streets)
📅 2025 Dates: from November 21st to December 23rd
🏆 Award: Europe’s Best Christmas Market 2025
🕯 Atmosphere: Historic, warm, family-friendly
🎟 Entry: Free
🌡 Weather: Cold (0°C to 5°C), occasional snow
⏳ Time Needed: 2–4 hours for the market, 2–3 days for Gdańsk
👪 Best For: Couples, families, photographers, food-lovers
🏆 Why It Was Voted Europe’s Best Christmas Market
I’ve visited many Christmas markets across Europe — including the famous Christmas markets in Belgium and the charming Christmas markets in Stockholm, where I live. Each destination has its own magic, and I’ve loved them all for different reasons.
But there’s something undeniably different about the Gdańsk Christmas Market.
Something warmer, more intimate, more enchanting.
Here’s what truly sets it apart:
✨ A fairy-tale setting unlike anywhere else
Gothic gates, amber-lit streets, medieval facades, and the stunning Great Armoury create a backdrop that feels straight out of a storybook. Few markets blend historic beauty and festive decor as effortlessly as Gdańsk.
✨ Authentic Polish traditions at every corner
From the rich aroma of pierniki (gingerbread) to handmade ornaments and folk crafts, the market feels wonderfully genuine. It’s festive without being overly commercial.
✨ A unique, immersive layout
The Christmas Village, Advent Calendar House, Angel’s Mill and tightly woven lanes make exploring the market feel like wandering through a living Christmas tale. No two corners feel the same.
✨ A food scene that warms you from the inside out
Think steaming pierogi, smoked oscypek cheese, hearty bigos and mugs of grzaniec warming your hands — comfort food at its finest, especially on a crisp winter night.
✨ And yes… the prices
Poland is still generally more affordable than many Western European destinations, though I did notice that prices have risen compared to when I visited some years ago. Even so, Gdańsk remains a fantastic value for travelers — you can enjoy hearty food, festive treats and beautiful souvenirs without stretching your budget too far. It’s one of the many reasons so many visitors fall in love with this city during the holiday season.
The Christmas Market in Gdansk is so special
All these elements — the atmosphere, the warmth, the authenticity and the incredible value — come together to create a Christmas market experience that feels both magical and meaningful. It’s no wonder that Gdańsk earned the well-deserved title of Europe’s Best Christmas Market for 2025, receiving an impressive 92,283 votes from visitors across the continent.
📅 When Does the Gdańsk Christmas Market Take Place?
The Gdańsk Christmas Market 2025 will run from November 21st to December 23rd, giving visitors more than a month to enjoy the festive atmosphere, twinkling lights and charming stalls.
I visited Gdańsk on a weekend trip and absolutely loved it. The market was indeed crowded, but once you see it, it’s easy to understand why — the festive atmosphere, twinkling lights and charming stalls draw both locals and visitors from all over.
If you have the chance to visit during the week, it’s probably a wiser choice to enjoy a slightly quieter experience. That said, even as a weekend getaway, Gdańsk is totally worth it — the magic of the Christmas market more than makes up for the crowds.
For the best experience, whether you’re strolling, shopping, or taking photos, aim for the late afternoon to early evening, around 4 to 7 PM, when the Old Town is bathed in the warm glow of the Christmas lights. Visiting at dusk lets you enjoy the market at its most enchanting and capture that perfect winter wonderland moment.
🕰 Opening hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 – 20:00
Friday – Saturday: 12:00 – 21:00
📍 Where the Market Takes Place
Gdańsk’s Christmas Market is a bit different from the ones I’ve visited in other European cities. Instead of being concentrated in a single main square, it’s spread out along charming streets and even includes an indoor area. This is the market’s location on Google Maps, but don’t be deceived: it spreads way further than just that square. This gives such a sense of discovery to it and makes the market feel both huge and cozy at the same time.
This layout turns what could be just another crowded market into a truly immersive experience, where every corner offers something new to see, taste or photograph.
Map taken from Gdansk’s Christmas Market Official Website
⭐ What to See & Do at the Gdańsk Christmas Market
Gdańsk’s Christmas Market is full of surprises around every corner. Here’s a guide to the main highlights and experiences you won’t want to miss:
🎅 Join the Festive Fun: Market Program & Events
Gdańsk’s Christmas Market isn’t just about strolling and shopping — there’s always something happening. From meet-and-greet sessions with Santa to live concerts, carol performances and festive shows, the market offers plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
I loved stumbling across the smaller performances and interactive events — they make the market feel alive and bring an extra layer of magic beyond the twinkling lights and delicious food. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends or traveling solo like I did, taking part in these activities is a fun way to experience Gdańsk like a local and make unforgettable memories.
🎄 Targ Węglowy (Coal Market Square)
The bustling heart of the Gdańsk Christmas Market, Targ Węglowy, is where the holiday magic truly comes alive. Wooden stalls line the square, overflowing with handcrafted gifts, ornaments and festive souvenirs that make it impossible not to linger.
The smell of mulled wine (grzaniec) and freshly baked gingerbread fills the air, instantly putting you in the festive spirit.
One of the highlights of Targ Węglowy is its two carousels, offering fun for visitors of all ages. One of them is a classic, French-style round carousel with beautifully painted animals that children can ride; while the second is a small roller coaster that adds a bit of excitement for older kids and adults. Both are adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, creating a whimsical atmosphere that’s perfect for family fun or capturing those Instagram-worthy holiday moments.
This is one of the most beautiful parts of Gdansk’s Christmas Market
With so much to see, taste and explore, Targ Węglowy is not only the perfect place to start your market adventure but also a lively centerpiece where the energy and charm of Gdańsk’s Christmas celebrations shine brightest.
🎪 The Great Armoury (Zbrojownia)
This stunning Renaissance building is one of Gdańsk’s most photogenic landmarks and a highlight of the Christmas Market, as it houses the indoor section of the market during the festive season.
Inside, you’ll find festive corners perfect for photos, complete with a decorative chair, a Christmas tree and charming holiday decorations. There’s also another inviting corner with games and a book exchange, where visitors can sit, relax and socialize while enjoying the festive atmosphere. In addition to artisan crafts and unique gifts, these spaces make the Great Armoury a warm, welcoming spot to escape the winter chill while still soaking in all the holiday cheer.
Gdansk’s Christmas Market has an indoor area inside The Great Armoury
It’s also one of the spots I featured in my 🔗 Guide to the Best Free Things to See and Do in Gdańsk — even if you just admire the architecture, it’s a beautiful experience. Don’t forget your camera: whether indoors or outside, the Great Armoury provides a magical backdrop for festive photos.
✨ Tkacka Street
For a more intimate stroll, head down Tkacka Street, located right next to the Great Armoury. This is one of the quietest and most tucked-away parts of the market, even though it still attracts a steady flow of visitors. Lined with wooden stalls selling glögg, hot chocolate, traditional Polish dishes and beautiful Christmas souvenirs, Tkacka Street offers a cozy and festive atmosphere that feels a little like a hidden gem.
Tkacka Street is such a picturesque part of Gdansk’s Christmas Market
Situated at the heart of Gdańsk’s Old Town, the street arguably provides the most picturesque backdrop of the entire market. Historic buildings, twinkling lights and carefully decorated stalls make it perfect for wandering, sampling local treats or snapping holiday photos in a setting that truly captures the charm of a European Christmas.
🦌 Meet Łucek the Moose (Moose’s Corner)
One of the most loved — and slightly quirky — features of the Gdańsk Christmas Market is Łucek the Moose. Stationed near the market’s “Moose Corner,” this animatronic moose entertains visitors with jokes and tidbits in multiple languages: Polish, English, German and I even heard some… Norwegian?
It adds a playful charm and a dose of humor to the festive atmosphere, but don’t expect it to talk constantly — Łucek sleeps quite often and only wakes up occasionally to interact with the public. That moment is always a highlight! If you see a crowd gathering around, it usually means the moose is about to wake up or is already talking, so be ready to grab a photo or enjoy the show.
This is such a highlight of Gdansk’s Christmas Market
👼 Angel’s Mill
The Angel’s Mill is a charming, spinning windmill-style attraction tucked into the market, adding playful energy and a magical touch to the festive atmosphere. While it’s not a ride like the carousels, it’s a favorite spot for visitors to stop, admire and take photos.
Its rotating arms and little angel figures make for a magical backdrop, especially in the evening when the warm Christmas lights illuminate the surrounding stalls.
The Angel’s Mill of Gdansk’s Christmas Market is so beautiful
🍽 Traditional Polish Food & Cozy Stalls
Just around the Angel’s Mill and other parts of the market, you’ll find wooden stalls serving a variety of traditional Polish dishes. It’s a treat to watch locals prepare pierogi, sausages and other seasonal favorites right in front of you.
The warm aromas, combined with the festive decorations and twinkling lights, make this area one of the coziest spots in the market, perfect for tasting your way through authentic Polish flavors while soaking in the holiday atmosphere.
It smelled amazing everywhere in Gdansk’s Christmas Market
🍽 What to Eat & Drink at the Christmas Market
Polish winter cuisine is hearty, warming and full of flavor — exactly what you need to keep cozy while wandering the festive streets of Gdańsk. From sweet treats to savory classics, the market is packed with stalls serving traditional dishes that perfectly capture the spirit of the season.
For better or for worse, there are also lots of international options at Gdańsk’s Christmas Market. Some visitors worry this might take away from its charm, while others appreciate the variety. One thing is for sure: you’ll still find plenty of traditional Polish food alongside the international offerings.
There are so many international food options at Gdansk’s Christmas Market
Some must-try foods include:
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🥟 Pierogi – Traditional Polish dumplings with fillings like mushroom & cabbage, cheese or meat.
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🍖 Bigos – Slow-cooked hunter’s stew with cabbage, mushrooms and sausage.
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🧀 Oscypek – Smoked mountain cheese, often served with sweet cranberry sauce.
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🍩 Pączki – Polish doughnuts filled with rose jam or custard.
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🍪 Pierniki (Gingerbread) – A Gdańsk specialty, beautifully decorated and perfect as gifts.
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🍷 Grzaniec (Mulled Wine) – Warm, spiced and often served in festive souvenir mugs.
Nothing beats holding a steaming mug of grzaniec while strolling under twinkling lights on a crisp Baltic evening — it’s the ultimate way to experience the market.
The food options in Gdansk are endless
💰 Prices & Budget at Gdańsk Christmas Market
Gdańsk is one of the most affordable Christmas market destinations in Europe, offering festive charm without the high costs of cities like Vienna, Brussels or Strasbourg. That said, prices are higher than I expected — I first visited Poland several years ago and clearly remember it being much cheaper back then. With Europe facing widespread inflation, it seems Poland has been affected as well.
Even so, Gdańsk remains a budget-friendly European Christmas market, where you can enjoy hearty food, twinkling lights and handcrafted gifts for significantly less than in Western Europe.
Some examples:
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🥟 Pierogi – 12–20 PLN per portion
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🍖 Bigos – 15–25 PLN per bowl
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🧀 Oscypek with cranberry sauce – 12–20 PLN
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🍩 Pączki – 10–17 PLN each
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🍪 Pierniki (Gingerbread cookie) – 10–25 PLN depending on size
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🍷 Grzaniec (Mulled Wine) – 15–25 PLN, usually served in a souvenir mug
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🍵 Tea – the cheapest regular tea I found was 6 PLN, while the cheapest spiced winter tea was 14 PLN
Some examples of the prices in Gdansk’s Christmas Market
When it comes to small gifts or food at Gdańsk’s Christmas Market, some items can start around 5–6 PLN; while others, especially souvenirs and larger portions, can easily cost 20–30 PLN or more. That said, as a budget traveler, I wouldn’t rely on the market for bargains — prices are almost always higher than elsewhere, and Gdańsk is no exception.
While I absolutely loved the festive atmosphere of the market, I didn’t buy a single thing there. Some might blame me for not contributing to the local economy, but my top priority is traveling on a low budget. So, instead of spending extra money at the market, I walked just 100–200 meters away and found much better prices at small convenience stores and local cafés.
For me, Christmas markets are best enjoyed through the lights, smells and experiences, rather than as a place to hunt for deals — and I still got the full magic without overspending.
Are you also trying to travel on a budget? After visiting 50+ countries as a budget traveler, I’ve learned what really works and what doesn’t. Check out my How to Travel on a Budget: 7 Practical Tips That Actually Work guide for practical strategies that make a real difference 💰
🎄 Final Thoughts: Is the Gdańsk Christmas Market Worth Visiting?
Absolutely — and honestly, 2025 is the perfect year to go. Now that Gdańsk has gained so much well-deserved attention, it’s only going to get more popular (and more crowded) in the coming years. Visiting now means you’ll experience the magic while it still feels manageable and not overwhelmingly busy.
Having visited Christmas markets across Europe, from Belgium’s storybook squares to the cozy winter markets here in Stockholm where I live, I still felt something magical in Gdańsk. The atmosphere, the lights, the smells, the food, the streets — everything blends together into an experience that feels both festive and deeply authentic.
And it’s not just my opinion. With 92,283 votes, Gdańsk was crowned Europe’s Best Christmas Market for 2025, and after wandering its glowing streets, I can clearly see why.
It’s the combination of charm and value, tradition and creativity, warmth and whimsy — from the beautiful layout to the incredible food, the Angel’s Mill, the carousels, the indoor Great Armoury, Tkacka Street and even the beloved talking moose that occasionally wakes up to entertain the crowds.
Whether you’re visiting for a romantic winter getaway, a family trip, or a solo weekend escape, the Gdańsk Christmas Market delivers everything you hope for in a European Christmas experience — and probably more.
It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after the lights dim and the stalls close. If you love Christmas markets, atmospheric old towns, good food and that unmistakable winter magic, then yes — Gdańsk’s Christmas Market is absolutely worth visiting.
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