Warsaw Christmas Market: The Complete Guide
Warsaw, the capital city of Poland, morphs into a winter wonderland each year beginning in November and continuing through December. The elaborate lighting displays, fabulous Christmas markets, and breathtaking holiday decorations make Christmastime in Warsaw something truly magical.
Visit a Warsaw Christmas market for a fun-filled day of shopping, eating, and making memories. Expect any Christmas market in Warsaw to be brimming with visitors as tourism in Warsaw explodes during the holiday season. Stop by an ice skating rink, rent skates, and avoid the winter blues. Warm up with hot drinks after ice skating.
With thousands of visitors to the city during this time, the streets are going to be crowded. You will want to leave any excess baggage at a Warsaw luggage locker for safekeeping while you let loose and partake in the festivities. You can even sign up for a few Christmas market tours that will take you through the city and give you a taste of the food and culture.
Warsaw Christmas Market
Warsaw in December takes place alongside the Warsaw Christmas Market and both will run from November 25th to January 6th making this a very long and festive holiday season. The market is held in the Old Town Square and in Praga.
The best time to visit the Warsaw Christmas Market is mid-December when everything is in full swing. You will get to experience everything the market has to offer and be able to check out other Warsaw Christmas markets so you can get all your Christmas shopping done. The vendors here offer some of the best, most unique items for sale that make the perfect gift for anyone on your list.
What to do near Warsaw Christmas Market
Old Town Market Square is an interesting place to visit with its old-world architecture and quaint shops. Some interesting places to visit nearby include Polart and the Amber Art Gallery Silver Line. The Museum World of Illusion is only a short walk from Old Town and will intrigue and impress. Stop by the Warsaw Mermaid Statue as you stroll through Old Town.
Christmas Market near Praga District
The streets of Praga are strewn with Christmas lights, creating a magical feel to this old district. Castle Square is lined with stalls where vendors are offering beautiful gift items including jewelry, clothing, candles, baked goods, and Christmas ornaments. Handmade crafts are abundant here. This market usually runs from late November through the first week of January.
Stop by one of the kiosks for a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate to warm you from the inside out as you stroll through the streets, meandering through the different stalls. You will definitely find something fun or interesting that you just can’t live without. You may even be able to finish all your Christmas shopping when you visit the Christmas markets in Warsaw.
What to do near Christmas Market near Praga District
Take a walk through the oldest market in Warsaw, Bazar Różyckiego, which was established in the 19th century. The National Stadium is also in the Praga District and is the biggest market in Warsaw. Another fascinating sight is the Soho Factory where artists have unleashed their creativity.
Christmas Market in Royal Wilanów, Warsaw
A wonderful place to spend an afternoon and buy unique Christmas gifts and wonderful Christmas decorations, the Christmas Market in Royal Wilanów has adorable wooden huts where vendors offer traditional Christmas gifts, arts, crafts, knitted items, jewelry, and toys.
Located in the recreation area of the Royal Castle, this market is held during December. Traditional food and drink are offered by street food vendors. Sample holiday treats, visit with friends, and marvel at the beautiful market in Wilanów.
What to do near Christmas Market in Royal Wilanów
When you are near the Royal Castle, you will want to check out the amazing architecture of St. Martin’s Church and St. John’s Cathedral. The Crypts of St. John’s Cathedral are interesting and unique. Spend a lazy afternoon at the Antonina Lesniewska Museum of Pharmacy. Even if you do not find pharmacology interesting, this museum has some rather special exhibits you will like.
Barbican Christmas Crafts Fair
Held in Old Town at the same time as the Warsaw Christmas market, this Christmas craft fair offers a wide array of crafts that have been produced in Poland. Some foreign vendors even offer international craft items, including jewelry, clothing, hats, toys, and Christmas decorations. Watch artisans at work, including a traditional blacksmithing demonstration at one of the best Christmas fairs in Warsaw.
Sip on hot chocolate or mulled wine and sample Lithuanian cold cuts, Turkish halva, Hungarian Kurt, and even amazing pancakes when you visit this fair. Bring your kids and sign them up for a ceramic workshop where they can create their own gifts. Kids can even write a letter to Santa Claus and visit with St. Nick for a photo.
What to do near Barbican Christmas Crafts Fair
Take a stroll around the Old Town Market Square and visit the Historical Museum of Warsaw to learn more about Poland’s role in World War II as well as Cold War history. Pay a visit to the Royal Castle and sign up for a tour of the Royal Garden.
Don't Miss the Christmas Markets in Warsaw
Spend a winter evening strolling through the streets of Warsaw and see where an illuminated tunnel leads. Check out the Palace courtyard decked out in fairy tale figures and beautiful decorations. The Palace terrace is transformed for Christmas. The beautiful gardens offer three-dimensional displays that will leave you in awe.
Drop by the Palace of Culture and Science near Warsaw Train Station during this festive season for a unique atmosphere and ice rinks and market stalls. The King's winter garden with shimmering orange trees, fully decorated Christmas trees, and colorful decorations, make the perfect backdrop for a wonderful time in Warsaw.
Polish food is in abundance at the top Christmas markets in Warsaw. Check out the street food vendors at the Christmas markets and discover tasty holiday treats.
Now you are ready to enjoy the Christmas markets in Warsaw. For more things to do in Warsaw, check out these other guides.
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