History of the Market - Gdańsk Christmas Market

Did you know that the history of Christmas markets in Gdańsk goes back to the 17th century? At that time they were held around the historic parish church of the Main Town in Gdańsk, now called the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and commonly known as St Mary’s Basilica.

From the 19th century the markets were moved to Artus Court. They were then called the Christmas Dominiks. Craftspeople exhibited at them, presenting their work.

After the First World War the markets were already very close to those we know today. They became a place for social and culinary meetings and, above all, for pre-Christmas shopping.

Where do the Market’s nutcrackers come from?

The Market’s mascots, Mr and Mrs Orzechowski that is, the Market’s nutcrackers, whose costumes echo the uniforms of 18th-century Gdańsk city soldiers, recreated by Stowarzyszenie Garnizon Gdańsk.

Before the Partitions the city maintained a permanent city garrison. Among the brave defenders of the city one could meet musketeers and grenadiers in navy-and-white uniforms, artillerymen in navy, red and straw-coloured, cavalrymen in navy and straw-coloured, while the garrison of Wisłoujście Fortress wore red-and-white uniforms. They guarded the city gates and ramparts and performed the role of today’s city guard and police. In 1734 they defended the Polish king Stanisław Leszczyński against the Russians and Saxons. In 1793 they fought against the Prussians.

Państwo Orzechowscy, the Market's nutcracker mascots, in front of a decorated stage

Illustration: soldiers of the Royal City of Gdańsk Garrison, 1736–1793, in historical uniforms

Many people in Gdańsk placed life-size wooden figures of Gdańsk soldiers in their gardens. The Market’s nutcrackers are a kind of continuation of this custom from the time of the First Polish Republic.

Stowarzyszenie Garnizon Gdańsk draws on these traditions. It is made up of a group of people in love with old Gdańsk and its culture. They carry out academic research, translate historical texts and write popular-science articles. They recreate Gdańsk cuisine, fashion and customs. They work with many Gdańsk cultural institutions, creating historical spectacles, shows and talks. Since 2012 they have organised monthly shows of the Historical Changing of the Guard. In 2021 they were honoured with the Lech Bądkowski Award for their work.