Ho, ho, ho! The store shelves and displays have given us the official signal to start the grand countdown to Christmas!
It’s the perfect time to explore where Christmas—along with the pre- and post-holiday season—can come alive and preserve your most beautiful memories. I firmly believe that Gdańsk is the ideal place to spend this magical winter time. Why? Let me explain!
In Gdańsk, tradition blends with modernity to create a unique mosaic we look forward to all year long. Streets lit up with thousands of lights, carols echoing down the Royal Route, the scent of cinnamon and gingerbread in the air, and a cup of mulled wine warming the hands of passersby—all of it makes the city even more enchanting than during the other 11 months of the year.
So I warmly invite you to immerse yourself in the festive glow of Gdańsk ✨
Why spend Christmas away from home?
The tourism industry leaves no doubt: every year, more and more people choose to spend the holiday season away from home. The reasons? Likely as many as there are travelers. But the most common motivation seems to be the desire to spend time with loved ones without the hassle of major preparations—far from pots, dirty windows, and tangled Christmas lights ;)
Another important factor is the wish to relax in a completely different setting—surrounded by beautiful, tastefully decorated hotels.
Statistics also show that, for some of us, this is the perfect excuse for a short winter vacation—where the religious aspect becomes a complement, not necessarily the main focus, whether we spend the holidays alone, with friends, or with family.
If you’re wondering where to find both the spirit of Christmas and the magic of wintertime in Gdańsk, I’ve got some great suggestions for you.
Gdańsk Christmas Market
The Gdańsk Christmas Market is an event with a beautiful tradition dating back to the 17th century, and yet it constantly evolves to meet the expectations of modern times. This year’s edition begins on November 22 and runs until December 23, 2024. For one whole month, in the historic city center, you’ll get to experience the one-of-a-kind Christmas atmosphere.
Is it worth experiencing in person? Absolutely!
For years, the Gdańsk Christmas Market has ranked among the best in Europe. In the 2023 European Best Christmas Market ranking, it proudly took second place, and this year, maybe with your help, it’s aiming for the top spot on the continent :)
Holiday Stalls
You’ll find the Christmas stalls at Targ Węglowy, as well as along Tkacka, Przedbramie, and Bogusławskiego streets. For years, these stalls have offered beautiful handcrafted items created by local artists and artisans—like amber jewelry, leather goods, ceramics, and Christmas ornaments. In line with tradition, there will also be plenty of regional delicacies based on family recipes.
Festive Corners
The Market will feature several themed areas prepared by the organizers, including:
AmberSky’s Christmas Journey Corner at Targ Węglowy – classic fun for all ages! Look out for the renovated Gdańsk Carousel and a brand-new attraction: Whirling Barrels, a spinning coaster that’s sure to boost adrenaline and warm you up on a chilly day ;)
Santa’s Corner at Targ Węglowy – a magical meeting spot for families with children, where you’ll find Santa’s Glowing Throne at the heart of a stage hosting various artistic events. Next door, in the charity corner, you can take a photo to capture the festive moment.
Artistic Corner – perfect for lovers of beauty and art. Inside the Great Armoury, you’ll find works created by students of Gdańsk’s Academy of Fine Arts. I’m convinced these unique gifts will bring smiles to many faces.
A Celebration of Music – the Most Beautiful Winter Concerts
If you're craving a cultural experience, the Polish Baltic Philharmonic on Ołowianka Island has something special planned:
"Film Music for Christmas… and More!" – concerts on December 21, 2024 at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
What do Love Actually, Home Alone, and Bridget Jones’s Diary have in common? Their iconic holiday tunes! Maja Gadzińska, Mirosław Niewiadomski, and the Amberto Orchestra conducted by Natalia Walewska will perform music from beloved films like The Holiday and The Polar Express, along with timeless hits to enhance your holiday mood."Winter Songs of Frank Sinatra" – happening December 28, 2024 at 7:00 PM.
This enchanting concert will transport you to snowy 1940s New York. Natalia Świerczyńska and her band will perform charming arrangements of classics like Let It Snow, Jingle Bells, and Winter Wonderland. Expect an unforgettable night full of warmth and swing!
Love jazz? There’s more:
"Christmas Jazz" feat. Kurt Elling – December 21, 2024 at 8:00 PM at Ergo Arena (on the Gdańsk-Sopot border).
A dazzling holiday show with two-time GRAMMY-winner Kurt Elling, accompanied by jazzman Mark Gross (soloist of Duke Ellington’s orchestra), a children’s choir, and the Svitlo Orchestra. Expect holiday classics, selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, and favorites like Joy to the World, Let it Snow, and The Christmas Song.
Nativity Scenes, Midnight Mass & Christmas Carol Concerts
For those for whom Christmas holds a special religious meaning, I highly recommend visiting Tri-City churches to take part in Midnight Mass, see nativity scenes, and enjoy Christmas carol concerts.
Nativity Scenes
The tradition of creating nativity scenes dates back to the early days of Christianity, depicting the Holy Family in a stable or cave surrounded by shepherds and animals. Particularly admired are live and moving nativity scenes, as well as those presented in creative ways. In the Tri-City, don’t miss:
Church of the Holy Trinity in Gdańsk
Franciscan Church in Gdynia
Outside the Oliwa Cultural Hall
Will this year bring a sand or wooden nativity, as in previous years? We'll find out soon enough :)
Midnight Mass (Pasterka)
For many Catholics, celebrating Christmas means attending Midnight Mass. If you’re looking for a church that combines spiritual and architectural beauty, I suggest:
Oliwa Archcathedral – renowned for its majestic pipe organ and the magical ambiance of the “old Oliwa” district (hopefully covered in snow).
St. Mary’s Basilica – one of Gdańsk’s most iconic landmarks and the world’s largest brick church. Ideal for feeling part of a vast community of believers.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Expectation in Matemblewo – a lesser-known gem nestled among trees in the Tri-City Landscape Park. This one sacred night deserves such a stunning setting.
Christmas Carol Concert
Carols are sung everywhere during Christmas—from philharmonics and opera houses to churches.
You’re invited to a special event combining tradition and emotion:
Christmas Concert – Carols of the World, held on December 28, 2024 at 8:00 PM at St. Catherine’s Church in Gdańsk.
Enjoy beautiful Polish carols and international holiday songs like Silent Night, Feliz Navidad, Jingle Bells, and White Christmas performed by a pop-opera duo with piano accompaniment. Expect warmth, emotion, and plenty of sing-along moments.
Step Away from the Holiday Table… and See the Light Displays
Spending Christmas away from home offers many advantages. It encourages you to step away from the traditional feast and embrace more activity. To make room for another helping of holiday goodies, why not go for a walk and get moving? Here's something for all ages.
Christmas Light Displays in Gdańsk
It’s a beloved tradition: once night falls in Gdańsk, the city comes alive with stunning light displays. Starting in early December, about 160 light installations will shine across multiple city locations, forming a magical spectacle.
Last year’s highlights included:
Floating Lilies in Oliwa Park
Port Crane and towering Shipyard Cranes in Brzeźno
Rocking Horse on Tkacka Street
Lightships in Oruński Park
Illuminated Gate in Kuźniczki Park
A 6-meter-tall Carillon in Young Poland Square
What surprises await this year? We’ll find out soon. One thing’s for sure: family (and solo) strolls among the glowing displays are among the season’s favorite activities :)
You’ll definitely need energy—and maybe a good few pierogi, slices of cheesecake, and cups of beetroot soup—to see it all. But hey, it’s worth it for those unforgettable memories and pictures!
Wishing You the Best Christmas
I hope I’ve inspired you to visit Gdańsk during the holiday and New Year season—but I also encourage you to explore its festive spirit in your own way, creating your own one-of-a-kind memories. I’m sure you’ll discover something truly special! ✨
Wishing you the very best Christmas!
Post by: Daria Bałdyga
