The Gdańsk Christmas Market has started, and it brings plenty of surprises! Besides the familiar and well-loved attractions, visitors can look forward to new spaces, flavours from different corners of the world, creative handicrafts and daily cultural events that will let you feel the magic of Christmas in the very heart of Gdańsk. The first of the events, the Opening Ceremony, is this Saturday from 15:30.
The official opening of the Christmas Market in Gdańsk will traditionally take place on the first Saturday of the event, which falls on 22 November. The start of the Christmas parade is planned, exceptionally, at the Advent Gate, which this year for the first time stands at the junction of ul. Bogusławskiego and ul. Zbytki, in the new part of the Market. The parade will set off at 15:30 towards the stage at Targ Węglowy. There, from 16:00, the official opening of the event is planned. The Opening Ceremony is one of more than 100 artistic items that will appear in the Market area until 23 December.
New features and special spaces
This year’s edition of the Gdańsk Christmas Market once again transforms the city’s landscape into Christmas magic! For the first time the Market takes in the whole of ul. Bogusławskiego, which delights with entirely new container-style buildings, themed after the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre. This is where the modern food and drink zone and the atmospheric Instagram spots were created, ideal places for memorable Christmas photos with family and friends, such as the Shakespeare Gate, the balcony of Romeo and Juliet, Santa’s Corner and the Advent Gate. This is also where Santa Claus will be welcoming guests during this edition!
After a two-year break the Market also returns to Forum Gdańsk, where more attractions, Christmas decorations and a unique atmosphere await guests. As always, every part of the Market radiates Christmas magic, and the decorations and illuminations make a walk around the Market an unforgettable experience.
Christmas programme
The programme events start together with the Opening Ceremony. Right after it, a Winter Dance Party will take place in the Angelic Corner. The next two days are for exhibitors only, and from Tuesday the programme returns, including the recurring Theatre Tuesdays, which begin with a performance of The Grinch. The Market Karaoke will also premiere on that day. On Wednesday we invite you to a Christmas fire show, and on Thursday to a workshop on feeding birds wisely and the cycle of performances Family Thursdays: The Journeys of the Snow Queen. On Friday, visitors will be welcomed by Christmas carols and festive hits with a smooth-jazz feel, and by dance workshops with SoSalsa. The Market’s daily programme is available on https://bozonarodzeniowy.pl/program/.
Food and drink – Christmas flavours from around the world
The Gdańsk Christmas Market is a real feast for food lovers! As many as 22 world cuisines await visitors, from traditional Polish pierogi and aromatic mulled wine, through regional Pomeranian specialities, to exotic dishes of Italian, Spanish, Georgian or Asian cuisine. There is something for everyone, whatever their culinary tastes.
In the modern food and drink zone on ul. Bogusławskiego you can not only warm up with a hot drink and try festive treats, but also rest in specially prepared relaxation areas and feel the atmosphere of the best Christmas market in Europe. It is an excellent opportunity to discover new flavours, share them with loved ones and feel a truly international Christmas atmosphere.
Handicrafts and gifts – find something special
The Market is a paradise for handicraft lovers and seekers of unique gifts. Among the 222 stalls you will find original jewellery, ceramics, Christmas decorations, natural cosmetics, wooden and textile goods, candles, and plenty of other offerings from local and regional makers. It is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind presents for your loved ones and feel the spirit of Christmas.
Handmade products, which are often made as single pieces, are especially popular. That is a guarantee that a gift from the Market will be absolutely special. It is also worth visiting the stalls with regional treats and organic products, which will be just right for the Christmas table.
Porcelain cups – a new tradition of the Market
This year porcelain deposit cups make their debut at the Market! They are not only an eco-friendly solution that reflects care for the environment, but also a beautiful souvenir of Gdańsk. Cups with a unique Christmas design are available with the purchase of mulled wine. A deposit of PLN 30 applies, which can be recovered by returning the cup to one of two special containers placed around the Market.
The return system introduced is quick and convenient: you no longer have to go back to the same stall. A porcelain cup will not only make your drink taste better, but also let you take home a piece of the Christmas atmosphere and start your own collection of Market cups, including, of course, the collector’s mug, which has traditionally appeared at the Market – this time in four colours! Other drinks will continue to be served in disposable cups.
Market Corners!
There were as many as 10 special corners at the Christmas Market this year
SHAKESPEARE’S CORNER –– ul. Bogusławskiego /next to Dom Harcerza/ NEW
We invite you to the new Market space on ul. Bogusławskiego. This is where the brand-new Shakespeare’s Corner is located, reached through a special, theatrical gate. The Romeo and Juliet bench and a light roof are waiting for you there, where you can take the most beautiful romantic photos! You will also find the new food court there, with culinary surprises. Discover the new part of the Market and its special atmosphere!
SANTA’S CORNER – ul. Bogusławskiego /next to the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre
Its heart is the impressive Advent Gate, a structure decorated with wreaths, lanterns and lights, from which you can admire the whole Market. It is an excellent place to stop for a moment, catch your breath and experience the unique atmosphere of Christmas from a special perspective. You will also find Santa’s Chair there, which is where Santa looks in most often, so keep a patient watch for him! Come, feel the atmosphere and let yourself be enchanted!
AMBERSKY CHRISTMAS TRAVEL CORNER
We invite you to the AmberSky Christmas Travel Corner. It is a special place with exceptional attractions for children and adults: Santa’s Magic Sleigh, the Gdańsk Carousel, and a spinning coaster – Spinning Barrels. In the pre-Christmas rush it is worth finding time for moments of joyful escape and fun with family and friends
MOOSE CORNER – ul. Bogusławskiego /next to the Golden Gate
Passers-by are traditionally chatted up by Lucek the Moose, who jokes about all sorts of situations. Although his sense of humour is usually “dry”, the crowds in front of his chalet show that he knows how to keep “his” guests in a good mood. The Moose has made himself at home on ul. Bogusławskiego.
ANGELIC CORNER – Zespół Przedbramia, Katownia
Angelic Corner – this is where you become a Christmas Angel – we hope the angelic mood stays with you for as long as possible. Take a photo with the beautiful wings. Here you can also have your photo taken with the main character of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol”, Ebenezer Scrooge, who through a spiritual journey rediscovers the meaning of kindness, empathy and the magic of Christmas. Stop for a moment and capture your own Christmas story.
CORNER AT FORUM – Dziedziniec Forum Gdańsk
We warmly invite you to Dziedziniec Forum, where Christmas presents, delicious treats and a magical atmosphere by the illuminated Christmas tree await you in the Market’s wooden chalets. Visit the new Market corner, taste Market specialities and feel the magic of Christmas! Take a photo with the beautiful Christmas tree!
AMBER CORNER – Dziedziniec Forum Gdańsk
The exhibition “Treasure Box of the Future / Capsule of the Future” is a unique presentation of a contemporary view of amber. The hybrid nature of the exhibition combines jewellery with multimedia. At the centre of the display are eight sets of jewellery, dedicated to four symbolic figures reflecting contemporary lifestyles. An interactive app allows visitors to get to know the artistic and conceptual context of the designs better. As a result, amber appears as a raw material of the future – versatile, modern and full of inspiration.
FAIRYTALE CORNER – Targ Węglowy / near the Academy of Fine Arts
This is a magical alley full of lights and fairytale illuminations – a huge 3-metre teddy bear, a rocking horse and giant, shimmering candy canes.
ARTISTIC CORNER – Wielka Zbrojownia
Wielka Zbrojownia is a beautiful Gdańsk building that holds the magic of Christmas within. In this artistic corner there is something for everyone – unique jewellery, handmade decorations and, for the youngest….the Teddy Bear Gate! Come and see for yourselves! Waiting for you… 62 stalls with handicrafts and crafts. The “Christmas Treasury of Ideas”, a display case with gift inspirations that will help you choose the best present. Zbrojownia is also home to the Festive Chamber, with as many as 3 Insta spots inside. Tired? Rest in the Artistic Café, enjoy a delicious coffee or play board games. If you still want more creative activities, drop into the Christmas Factory and take part in a workshop. With us, there is no chance of getting bored.
CORNER ON UL. TKACKA – ul. Tkacka
Here you will find the Kissing Gazebo, a unique Insta spot for taking fantastic photos.
Join us in celebrating together!
The Gdańsk Christmas Market is a place where tradition meets modernity and the Christmas atmosphere is contagious. Come, feel the magic of Christmas, try exceptional flavours, find the perfect gifts and have fun with us at numerous cultural events!
You will find programme details, the map of attractions and the latest news on the official website: bozonarodzeniowy.pl.
See you at the Market!
