October marked 11 years since I decided to move to this area, with the last 4.5 years spent living right here in Gdańsk. Over that time, I’ve only missed the Christmas market once or twice. I’ve tried loads of different dishes, found a few favourites I keep going back for, and learned to spot the occasional tourist trap. And since I wrote my last guide to the Gdańsk Christmas Market back in 2019, I figured it’s about time for an update to share everything I’ve picked up since then.
Recently, the Gdańsk Christmas Market was voted the best Christmas market in Europe! Now, I’ve been to my fair share of Christmas markets in different countries, and I’ll admit Polish markets still have some catching up to do—particularly when it comes to food prices—but you can’t deny their charm.
If you’re planning a trip to Poland during the festive season, Gdańsk should definitely be on your list. The Christmas market here is one of the best Christmas markets in Poland and a perfect place to kick off your festive adventure. What I love most about it is how easy it is to explore. You can walk between the stalls, soak up the atmosphere, and see everything without feeling like you need the whole day just to get through it all.
Here’s everything you need to know before visiting the Gdańsk Christmas Market—from where to find all the best stalls, to the foods you simply have to try, and a few things to avoid!
When does the Gdańsk Christmas Market take place?
The Gdańsk Christmas Market runs from 22nd November to 23rd December. It’s open from 12 pm to 8 pm Sunday to Thursday, and on Fridays and Saturdays, it stays open an extra hour until 9 pm.
If you can, I’d recommend skipping the weekends or going as early as possible. After 3 pm, it gets really busy—you’ll end up squeezing through crowds or struggling to get close enough to the stalls to check out what’s on offer.
Now that it’s been named the best Christmas market in Europe, it’s likely to be even more popular next year, so it’s worth keeping that in mind!
What is the best way to get to the Gdańsk Christmas Market?
Getting to the Gdańsk Christmas Market is super easy, no matter how you’re travelling, but I’d say the best way is by tram or the local SKM train.
If you’re taking the SKM train, hop off at Gdańsk Śródmieście station and walk straight through the Forum shopping mall. Once you step outside, you’ll spot an illuminated tunnel on your right. Walk through it, cross the street, and voilà—you’re at the starting point of the Gdańsk Christmas market.
If you’re going by tram, the closest stop is Brama Wyżynna. From there, it’s just a quick walk across the street to the same spot. Trams 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11 will all get you there. A few minutes away, you’ve also got the Hucisko stop, served by trams 10 and 12.
This area can get very crowded during rush hours, so going by bus can be a bit hit-and-miss, but if you do choose the bus, get off at the Brama Wyżynna stop (bus numbers: 106, 108, 111, 112, 123, 132, 138, 154, 178, 186, 189, 200, 205, 207, 208, 256, and 289) or the Hucisko stop (bus numbers: 130, 167, 184, 199, and 210).
Where does the Gdańsk Christmas Market take place?
The Gdańsk Christmas Market is spread across 5 areas: the Foregate (Zespół Przedbramia), the Coal Market (Targ Węglowy), Bogusławskiego Street, the Great Armoury (Wielka Zbrojownia), and Tkacka Street. But since they’re all right next to each other, it’s treated as one big market—unlike in some other countries where each area would have its own separate name.
What can you find at the Gdańsk Christmas Market?
There are nearly 200 stalls at the Gdańsk Christmas Market this year, with over 60% run by local businesses from the Pomeranian region. On top of that, this year has the biggest selection of international cuisines so far, with over 20 different options to choose from.
Not everyone’s happy about this change, though. Some people feel the market should stick to showcasing local cuisines and traditional Christmas dishes. I get where they’re coming from, especially after hearing that a local restaurateur—who’s dedicated to preserving Gdańsk’s culinary traditions and makes traditional liqueurs from original recipes—didn’t get a spot this year. It’s even harder to swallow when you see stalls selling generic foods like Haribo gummies, lollipops, or those mass-produced dancing Santas taking up space.
Still, as a local, I can’t help but enjoy the variety of international cuisines on offer. Unless you live somewhere like London, how often do you get the chance to try Venezuelan, Afghan, or Uzbek food? It’s a rare treat, and I think it adds something special to the market.
Of course, the Gdańsk Christmas Market isn’t just about food and handicrafts. There’s plenty of entertainment too, from theatre performances and karaoke to Santa sightings, dance shows, and family-friendly activities.
Here’s a breakdown of what each area of the market has to offer.
The Foregate
If you’re coming from the Forum shopping mall, the first thing you’ll spot is the Upland Gate. Just behind it, there’s a brick complex that used to house a torture chamber and the high tower of an old prison—this area is called the Foregate.
Between the gate and the Foregate, you’ll find a Christmas pyramid where you can grab some mulled wine and a cute spot for photos inside Santa’s sleigh. Around the gate, there are stalls selling food, different types of honey, local fish products, and liquors.
One thing that makes the Gdańsk Christmas Market stand out is how they serve mulled wine and other hot drinks. Instead of the usual ceramic mugs you get at most markets, everything here comes in paper cups. If you want, you can still buy ceramic mugs in different colours, but at a steep 49.90 PLN (about €11.50 or £9.60). Considering most markets sell mugs for under €5, this feels like a bit of a rip-off. On the upside, the mulled wine flavours are pretty unique—think raspberry, plum, or even chocolate! They also have non-alcoholic options if you’re not drinking.
Around the Foregate complex and to the left of the food stalls, you’ll find plenty of artisan stalls.
My favourite has to be the PerfumeCraft stall (number 93). They sell incredible nature-inspired perfumes made by a local perfumer who also happens to be a professor running Poland’s first scent creation degree. Their most famous perfume uses natural moss, and they also have scents inspired by Gdańsk’s amber—some of which are exclusive to the market. They’re the most long-lasting perfumes I’ve ever owned, and honestly, worth every penny!
Bogusławskiego Street
The stalls on Bogusławskiego Street start between the Foregate and the National Bank of Poland building, looping around it and ending at the Advent Calendar gate.
To the right of the Foregate, you’ll mostly find artisan stalls selling jewellery, leather goods, and the most beautiful wreaths and garlands made from dried fruit.
There’s also a stall from a Polish craft brewery and several food stalls that are definitely worth a visit. Look out for barszcz – this red beetroot soup is a staple of Polish Christmas Eve dinners. I highly recommend pairing it with paszteciki—yeast dough pastries stuffed with cabbage and mushrooms.
As you’re about to turn the corner, make sure to look up and spot the star of the market – Lucky the Moose. He wakes up at regular intervals to greet visitors, and you’ll know it’s almost showtime when you see crowds gathered, all waiting to catch a glimpse of him.
In previous years, Lucky used to tell some a-moose-ing dad jokes (sorry, I had to), but it seems like someone decided to tone it down. Now, he just introduces himself and hums a bit before drifting back to sleep. Even so, stopping by to see him is still a must.
As you continue, there are two more rows of stalls, mostly selling food. My favourite is the one with sandwiches topped with wild boar pâté (stall number 60). It’s also one of the few stalls offering craft mulled wine instead of the usual Grzaniec Galicyjski, which you can buy in bottles much cheaper elsewhere.
You’ll also find a stall with a full roasted pig on display (just watch out—they charge by weight), the Living Museum of Gingerbread stall, and others selling mead, honey products, and natural oils.
The Coal Market
The Coal Market is the heart of the Gdańsk Christmas Market and home to most of the food stalls. You won’t find many artisan stands here, but it’s the perfect spot for grabbing a bite or something to drink.
If you fancy a change from the usual mulled wine, try the mulled cherry liqueur from Wiśniewski, mulled wine with a splash of Soplica vodka, or the most indulgent hot chocolate from Wedel.
For coffee lovers, don’t miss the local coffee roastery stand (number 40). You can enjoy a freshly brewed cup or pick up some beans to take home. Their packaging is gorgeous, with seaside city designs that make them a brilliant gift.
For something sweet to go with your coffee, head to Cynamonka Bakery (number 36) for their amazing buns filled with pistachio, cinnamon, or rosehip jam—you can even ask them to warm it up for you.
Another favourite of mine is Piernikowa Chatka (number 31), where you can get a traditional Polish treat called “nuts,” filled with creamy fudge.
If you’re hunting for souvenirs, the huge Visit Gdańsk stand has an almost overwhelming selection of gifts. You can even pick up one of the ceramic mugs here if you’d rather skip the queues at the mulled wine stalls. Right next to it, you’ll find a photo spot with a nutcracker dressed in a uniform inspired by XVIII-century Gdańsk city soldiers.
And if you need a break from eating and shopping, there’s plenty of entertainment too. You’ll find a merry-go-round, a rollercoaster with spinning barrels, and a sleigh flight simulator complete with a talking mailbox for dropping off letters to Santa.
There’s also a stage where the karaoke, dance shows, and other side attractions happen, and you can take a photo on Santa’s throne.
The Great Armoury
If you’re looking for high-quality handicrafts, the Great Armoury is the place to be. I’d recommend heading there after you’ve explored the stalls in the Coal Market square—it has entrances on both sides, so it’s easy to pop through and continue your visit on Tkacka Street.
Inside, you’ll find over 50 stalls selling all sorts of artisanal goods, from clothing and leather products to candles, ceramics, jewellery, home decor, souvenirs, and handmade ornaments.
I always enjoy browsing here because the craftsmanship is on a completely different level. If your budget allows, I’d say amber jewellery makes one of the best souvenirs you can take home from Gdańsk—it’s unique, natural, and beautifully local.
There’s also a little café where you can take a breather away from the crowds, a spot to play board games, and another corner where you can snap a photo on Santa’s throne (just follow the arch made of teddy bears to find it).
In past years, they’ve even run workshops for kids on select days, so it’s worth checking if anything similar is happening this time.
Tkacka Street
The last area with Christmas market stalls is Tkacka Street. It’s the smallest section of the market, and most of the stalls here are focused on food.
My absolute must-visit spot at the Gdańsk Christmas Market is the Hungarian lángos stall. There’s another one over in the Coal Market square, but it’s more expensive and run by Polish vendors. If you want the real deal, Tkacka Street is where you need to go!
You’ll also find a stall from the local Umam bakery here, which is perfect if you’re craving some delicious croissants or pastries. Other gems include a stall selling mead and honey products, one offering wild boar meat (a local specialty!), and another with preserves, pickles, sourdough bread, and various cheeses.
For handicrafts, there are stalls with handmade soaps, artisanal handbags, Christmas ornaments, and more amber jewellery.
It’s still a busy spot, but the crowds here are smaller compared to other parts of the market, so it feels a little less hectic. Plus, it’s a great starting point to explore the rest of the Old Town from there.
What food should you try at the Gdańsk Christmas Market (and what to avoid)?
This might be a bit controversial, but I’ve got to say it: the Gdańsk Christmas Market isn’t the best place to try authentic Polish food. There, I said it.
The main issue is the high cost of running a stall, which pushes up the prices. In past years, the biggest tourist traps were the grill stands offering different types of grilled meats and sausages. The tricky part was that the prices were listed per 100 grams, so you could end up paying a small fortune for a mediocre piece of meat.
This year, things are looking slightly better. There are fewer of those overpriced grill stands, and I noticed a lot more dishes with clear pricing, which is definitely a move in the right direction. Even so, it’s always a good idea to check the prices carefully—especially at spots like the roasted pig stall—so you don’t end up with an unpleasant surprise.
But don’t let that put you off! If you know where to look, there are still plenty of gems. Here are my top picks for both Polish and international food options you shouldn’t miss at the Gdańsk Christmas market.
Polish food
- Wild boar meat products: You can pick up ready-made products or go for a sandwich topped with wild boar pâté. Where to find it: Sandwiches on Bogusławskiego Street; ready-made products on Tkacka Street.
- Sourdough bread with lard: “Pig jam,” as it’s jokingly called in Poland, might not sound appealing, but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. Where to find it: the Coal Market.
- Mead and honey products: Mead is a big part of Polish tradition. I personally hate it, but it’s one of those things you have to try when you’re here. Where to find it: Bogusławskiego and Tkacka Streets.
- Rosehip jam buns: In Poland, you’ll traditionally find rosehip jam in donuts eaten on Fat Thursday, but here you’ll find it in a bun form. Make sure to leave room for the other flavours! Where to find them: Coal Market, stand number 36.
- Nuts with fudge: This Polish dessert dates back to Communist times. The name comes from their nut-like shape, and they can have different fillings. Making them is a bit of a process—often one day to prepare the dough, another to stuff them—so not many people make them at home anymore. Where to find them: Coal Market, stand number 31.
- Gdańskie Brukowce: A special type of gingerbread with a hard, glossy glaze on the outside and a soft, chewy centre. Their name comes from their resemblance to cobblestones (brukowce in Polish). Where to find them: the Visit Gdańsk stall.
- Liqueurs: Poland does fruit liqueurs like no other, and you can find just about any flavour—cherry, plum, blackcurrant, you name it. Many recipes have been perfected over generations. Warm cherry liqueur from the Wiśniewski stand is a personal favourite!
Where to find it: The Foregate complex or Wiśniewski stand on the Coal Market square.
International food
- Lángos: If I could only visit one stall at the market, this would be it. No trip feels complete without grabbing one. Head to Tkacka Street for the real deal—it’s run by Hungarians. Skip the one on the Coal Market Square; it’s more expensive and not as authentic. Where to find it: Tkacka Street, stall number 118.
- Raclette: These baguettes with melted cheese are dangerously good. Watching the cheese being melted and scraped onto the bread is almost as satisfying as eating it. Where to find it: Bogusławskiego Street, stall number 73.
- Venezuelan arepas: I tried arepas for the first time earlier this year and instantly became a fan, so I was excited to see them at the Gdańsk Christmas Market. They’re a type of Venezuelan flatbread with different kinds of delicious fillings. The beef one is my go-to. Where to find it: Coal Market, stand number 29.
- Currywurst: Whenever I’m craving the vibe of a German Christmas market, I head here. They use proper, high-quality sausages—not the store-bought kind—and you can choose between mild or spicy. They’ve also added a Flammkuchen stall this year, which I’m really excited to try. Where to find it: Coal Market, stand number 15.
These are just the stalls I’ve tried and can confidently recommend. I might add more to the list as I try new things. In the meantime, if you’re after more tips or restaurant recommendations in Gdańsk, just let me know!
What are you most excited to try at the Gdańsk Christmas Market?
