On Saturday, November 22nd, Gdańsk began its celebrations with an Opening Ceremony officially ushering in the Christmas Market, recognized as the best in Europe! The event began with a colorful Winter Parade, the Oath of the Guardians of the Magic of Christmas, and the symbolic opening of the Christmas Market Book. The event was enhanced by performances by the University of Gdańsk Academic Choir and youth from the "Welcome Home" project.
For the first time, the Christmas Market Parade set off from Bogusławskiego Street (in previous years, it had started on Tkacka Street). The colorful procession gathered at the Advent Gate and from there proceeded towards the stage at Targ Węglowy. This festive occasion marked the beginning of the 2025 Christmas Market in Gdańsk.
"We are delighted to open the Christmas Market in Gdańsk – an event that last year won the title of the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe. I believe we fully deserve this distinction and are proud to uphold this tradition," said Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk. "I encourage everyone to join in the fun, discover unique flavors from around the world, and enjoy the rich offerings of the market. However, let's also remember that the essence of the holidays is sharing goodness – so I ask you to support those who need it most. A whole month of festive atmosphere awaits us in our Gdańsk – I wish you a wonderful time," added the Mayor.
This year's fair stretches from the Wybrzeże Theatre to the Shakespeare Theatre, also encompassing the courtyard of the Gdańsk Forum and the City Culture Institute. Visitors can enjoy 222 stalls selling handicrafts, gifts, and holiday treats from around the world, as well as 22 cuisines – from traditional pierogi and regional Pomeranian delicacies to exotic dishes from Italy, Spain, and Sri Lanka. A new addition are porcelain deposit mugs – eco-friendly and collectible, available with the purchase of mulled wine.
Premiere spaces include the Shakespeare Corner, featuring a theater archway, Romeo and Juliet's balcony, and a modern food court. St. Nicholas Corner features an impressive Advent Gate and an armchair where children can meet Santa. Families can enjoy the Christmas Journey Corner with AmberSky, a magical sleigh, a carousel, and spinning barrels. Humor lovers can visit the Moose Corner, featuring the legendary Lucky the Moose. There's also the Angel Corner, featuring fairy-tale wings and characters from "A Christmas Carol," and the Amber Corner, featuring a multimedia jewelry exhibition, awaits in the Forum Gdańsk courtyard.
Almost every day, the Fair hosts concerts, workshops, fireworks, family performances, Christmas karaoke, dance parties, and artist meet-and-greets. The program includes regular Theatre Tuesdays, Family Thursdays with performances like "The Snow Queen's Journeys," craft workshops, and – starting December 1st – the daily opening of the largest Advent calendar in Gdańsk. A detailed schedule of events is available on the Fair's website.
Tastes of Pomerania and the Energa partnership
This year's Christmas Market in Gdańsk is a true feast for the senses. The Pomeranian government invites visitors to its "Tastes of Pomerania" stands, where they can sample traditional, organic food and regional specialties. The stands are open from November 21st to 23rd, and are marked with a special "Tastes of Pomerania" sign. This is not only a great opportunity to purchase regional delicacies, but also a chance to discover the culinary richness of Pomerania, based on traditional and local recipes.
"In just over a month, we'll be celebrating Christmas, and we can already feel this unique atmosphere. I'm so happy that we can be here together and prepare for the most beautiful holiday of the year," said Mieczysław Struk, Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship. "We thank everyone who voted for the Gdańsk fair—the best in Europe. I'm especially pleased with the presence of numerous exhibitors from Pomerania, who are showcasing regional flavors and traditions. I wish you a joyful time and good preparations for the holidays," added the Marshal.
This year's Fair would not have been possible without the support of our partners – special thanks go to Energa from the ORLEN Group, which acts as the CSR Partner of the Christmas Fair, supporting the development of holiday traditions and activities for the local community.
"Although it's getting darker, the fair around us is becoming brighter and more festive. There are moments in our lives that we remember for a long time—and today clearly shows that we are entering a special Christmas season, an important one for all of us," said Piotr Szymanek, Vice President of Energa SA. "I'm delighted that Energa can be a part of this celebration and will do everything in its power to make the fair even brighter this year. We want it to be a place for meetings, joy, and experiencing the magic of the holidays together."
The Gdańsk Christmas Market will run until December 23rd. Organizers invite everyone to join in the celebration, discover the magic of the holidays, and share the joy in the heart of the city!
See you at the Fair!
