A concert by the band DownTown Brass and an extreme aerial acrobatics show performed by Teatr Młodych from Gdańsk on the wall of Katownia were the highlights of the celebration of the Gdańsk Christmas Market’s victory in the competition for the best Christmas market in Europe. On Tuesday, the Market Grand Prix awards and the Christmas Treasury of Ideas awards were also presented, honouring the best offers from exhibitors.
During the Gdańsk Christmas Market, awards in the Grand Prix and Christmas Treasury of Ideas competitions were presented for the second year in a row. The first covered three categories: Good Idea, Good Treat and Good Taste, and its aim is to recognise the best offers from exhibitors. The awards were presented by councillor Piotr Dzik – chair of the Market Grand Prix committee, Sylwia Betlej – chair of the Market Committee, and the President of Międzynarodowe Targi Gdańskie, Andrzej Bojanowski.
Market Grand Prix winners at the Christmas Market
In the Good Idea category, the Grand Prix was awarded to Just Candles from Malbork for natural soy candles in unique gift arrangements. Distinctions went to:
• Cyryla Buczek from Gdańsk, for handmade gnomes
• Rafał Nachtygal from Kartuzy, for personalised carved wooden decorations
In the Good Treat category, the Grand Prix went to Art – Żywilla Okła, Ale Pierniki.pl, for intricately decorated gingerbread biscuits in the form of a gingerbread cottage. Cukiernia Jacek Placek from Gdańsk was also recognised, for Christmas cakes and biscuits.
In the new Good Taste category, dishes entered in the food and drink competition were judged. The jury consisted of Piotr Dzik, Michał Stężalski – head chef of the restaurant Tygle Gdańskie, Olga Borkowska – head chef of the restaurant Masło Maślane, and MTG representative Marcin Dajos.
The Grand Prix went to Lobster House Gdańsk for an excellent brioche with prawns, scallops and baby octopus. Distinctions were awarded to:
• Sea Side Street Food from Mosty – for a seafood box
• Inpeks from Gdynia – for a traditional Czeburek
The Christmas Treasury of Ideas once again attracted great interest among visitors, who voted for the best gifts and gift inspirations in the display case in Zbrojownia. As a result of the vote, three distinctions and a main prize were awarded. The winners of the distinctions were: Pat&Art for a wool set with added milk proteins (scarf and hat) and bookmarks made of amethyst and amber, Biały Kot for the “Cat Townhouse” cushion, and Vericone for a leather wallet and belt. The main prize, for a malachite mineral symbolising success and abundance, went to the company Anamir.
Celebrating the best Christmas market in Europe
The presentation of the awards kicked off a beautiful Tuesday evening at the Gdańsk Christmas Market, during which the victory in the Best Christmas Markets in Europe 2025 competition was celebrated. Let us recall that the Gdańsk Market won more than 92,000 votes from internet users, making it the best in Europe.
A special concert and an extreme acrobatics show on the wall of Katownia were prepared for visitors on Tuesday. The band DownTown Brass appeared on the Market stage, a project inspired by the street bands that formed in the first quarter of the last century in New Orleans, as well as by the work of contemporary brass bands active in different corners of the world. DownTown Brass was founded in 2019, and its members are musicians who studied at the Academy of Music in Gdańsk. On Tuesday they presented Christmas pieces and other upbeat sounds associated with celebration.
“We are delighted that the Gdańsk Christmas Market has been named the best in the Best Christmas Markets 2025 poll. We thank everyone for the votes cast for us. We collected more than 92,000 of them, a record result in the history of the competition. I thank in particular the residents of Gdańsk, who supported us very strongly. I wish you an enjoyable celebration at the Market until 23 December,” said Deputy Mayor of Gdańsk Monika Chabior, whose speech opened the celebration of the victory in the Best Christmas Markets 2025 competition.
On the wall of Katownia, meanwhile, we watched “Historie Wylatane”. New “sculptures” were placed on the tower of Zespół Przedbramia and brought to life by the voice of contemporary Angels. The show took the audience on a journey – from the superficiality and tawdriness of Christmas, through a rough truth, to an encounter with Love and with another human being. It was extreme aerial acrobatics theatre combined with dance theatre. All of it was performed by Teatr Młodych from Gdańsk. The partner of the event was Energa from the Orlen Group, one of the three largest electricity suppliers in Poland. A socially responsible company that has supported events and institutions in Pomerania for many years.
Come to the Gdańsk Christmas Market
The Gdańsk Christmas Market runs until 23 December, offering countless attractions as well as the chance to buy unique handmade products and regional delicacies. Everyone who has not yet visited this special event still has the chance to experience an unforgettable Christmas atmosphere.
During the Market there is no shortage of the magical Christmas Travel Corner with AmberSky. This special place features attractions dedicated to the youngest (and not only!): the VR simulator Santa’s Magical Sleigh, the Gdańsk Carousel and the spinning coaster – Spinning Barrels. The Observation Wheel on Ołowianka is also part of the corner.
At Targ Węglowy, visitors will also find the Amber Corner – an exceptional exhibition, “Treasure Box of the Future / Kapsuła Przyszłości”, which shows visitors a modern form of amber that can make a great Christmas gift.
In the very heart of Targ Węglowy stands a giant present that visitors can walk into to create a special family photograph. The GPEC Group, together with the Fundacja Hospicyjna and AMBEREXPO, prepared this magical place full of Christmas warmth in order to help those most in need. The photo can be personalised with a heartfelt message to loved ones, and the whole thing framed in a beautiful Christmas frame. The proceeds from this initiative will support the beneficiaries of the Fundacja Hospicyjna. Because this Christmas, the magic of helping is what counts.
It is worth recalling that, as is traditional, the organisers of the Gdańsk Christmas Market will also donate support to the Fundacja Hospicyjna from part of the proceeds from the sale of Market mugs, which this year are available in two versions – traditional and modern.
