Gdansk
54°21′ N 18°39′ ECityPop. 487,834Poland
Gdańsk suits a December city break built around a large market in the old Hanseatic centre, and the city has set the 2026 market for 20 November to 23 December. It closes the day before Christmas Eve, so put Gdańsk early in a trip that runs on to New Year.
Who should base here
The Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy spreads from Targ Węglowy along Tkacka Street and into the Great Armoury, with more huts by the Katownia, on Bogusławskiego Street and in the Forum Gdańsk courtyard. In 2025 the city counted about 1.3 million visits and 222 stalls. Gdańsk also carried the title Best Christmas Market 2025 that season, won in a public vote the year before.
Stay in Śródmieście, the historic centre, and the market starts at the edge of the Old Town by Targ Węglowy. The opening weekend in 2025 brought Smaki Pomorza (Tastes of Pomerania) into the Great Armoury, with more than 20 stalls of regional food such as Kashubian cheese and smoked fish. A parade on the Saturday afternoon led to the formal opening at 16:00, so check the 2026 programme if you want to catch it.
Worth knowing
- Take the tram on December weekends, when the city changes traffic around Forum Gdańsk and the Highland Gate.
- The market closes on 23 December, so plan Christmas Eve and Christmas Day elsewhere in town.
Quick answers about Gdansk
Is Gdansk a good place to stay?
The Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy spreads from Targ Węglowy along Tkacka Street and into the Great Armoury, with more huts by the Katownia, on Bogusławskiego Street and in the Forum Gdańsk courtyard. In 2025 the city counted about 1.3 million visits and 222 stalls. Gdańsk also carried the title Best Christmas Market 2025 that season, won in a public vote the year before.