Gdańsk Christmas Markets: The Festive City Break You Didn’t Know You Needed

Travel Consultant: Kelly Aspire Travel Role: Business Owner & Travel Consultant Destination: Gdańsk, Poland Trip Type: Christmas Market Short Break / Educational Travel Style: City break, festive escape, walking & foodie heaven Dates: 21st to 23rd November 2025

Why Gdańsk – and why now?

What can I say about Gdańsk Christmas Markets… WOW. 🎄✨If you’re thinking about a festive getaway for 2025/2026, Gdańsk absolutely needs to be on your Christmas list.

It’s beautiful, insanely good value, easy to get around and, in my opinion, one of the best all-round Christmas market breaks in Europe right now.

Stress-free arrival & central stay

From landing to being in the heart of the Old Town is less than 15 minutes.

• Our taxi from the airport to a central hotel right next to the markets cost around £13.

• No faff, no long transfers, no stress.

We stayed at Hampton by Hilton Gdańsk, right in the Old Town:

• Multiple access points straight out onto cobbled streets, cafés, shops and riverside views

• Everything you want is within a 10–15 minute walk

• Queen Room with a great night’s sleep, powerful shower and toiletries provided

• Plenty of plug sockets (especially by mirrors), safe, hairdryer, 24hr snacks, a fully serviced bar and secure key-card lift access

It’s the perfect base if you like to walk everywhere and be in the middle of the action.

Old Town magic… even without the markets Before we even went near the markets, we walked the length and breadth of Gdańsk Old Town:

• St Mary’s Basilica & St Mary’s Church (including the 400-step climb to the top – tiny steps, huge views ⛪✨)

• Town Hall and Neptune’s Fountain

• The Waterfront & Motława River

• Mariacka Street with its beautiful terraces

• Harbour Crane and the Marina

• Długi Targ / Long Street

• Golden Gate

• Royal Chapel of St Mary’s

• Over Wartka Bridge, through Żuraw and beyond

What I love most? The contrast.

You’ve got old-world architecture and cobbled lanes on one side, and just around the corner, glass buildings reflecting the skyline back at you. Old and new sitting side by side – and it just works.

Even without the Christmas stalls and decorations, Gdańsk is stunning. It’s a brilliant year-round city break: riverside walks, museums, cafés, history and plenty of “just one more photo” moments.

Christmas markets that actually feel unique

Compared with some bigger cities (like Prague last year), where a lot of stalls repeat across multiple squares, Gdańsk feels genuinely different:

• A record 222 stalls this year – the city’s largest Christmas market ever

• Different local sellers on every corner

• Handmade gifts, crafts, decorations and regional treats

• Themed areas and quirky touches that make you want to explore every lane

It feels like a festive labyrinth – twinkling lights, cosy corners, carols and so much atmosphere.

We arrived on opening day and it was surprisingly quiet – ideal for wandering, browsing and actually talking to stallholders. By the second day, it was heaving, so timing really matters.

Food, drink & insane value for money

Let’s talk prices – because this is where Gdańsk really shines.

• Food, drinks, gifts and souvenirs are incredibly cheap compared to the UK

• A bottle of wine that would be around £10 at home is around half the price here – and that’s for imported, branded bottles

• No bag charges at stalls – so you’re not paying extra every time you pick up a gift

From mulled wine pit stops and street food to birthday celebrations at Chleb i Wino (the hottest restaurant in town, and absolutely worth booking), everything felt special – without the scary bill at the end.

Chleb i Wino was a standout:

• Gorgeous setting, amazing food and brilliant service

• We booked for my mum’s 75th birthday and felt like queens 👑

• They even sang Happy Birthday, and the wine arrived on smoking ice 🥂

• Queue out the door, with people hoping for cancellations – always a good sign

If you want the coolest places in town, book restaurants 3–4 weeks in advance, especially for weekends.

Top tips from our Gdańsk Christmas Market trip

• Arrive for opening day or go early in the day if you can – quieter, calmer, more time to browse

• Give yourself time – 222 stalls is no quick wander

• Don’t stress about cash – card is accepted everywhere

• Use taxis, trams and buses – no need for private transfers

• Markets open around midday – use mornings for sightseeing and shopping

• Dress for standing as well as walking – layers, hat, gloves and good boots

• Explore beyond the main square – follow the lights and decorations into side streets and different sections

• Remember: Gdańsk isn’t just for Christmas – it’s an amazing 2–3 night city break any time of year

Why book Gdańsk with Aspire Travel?

Because you’re not just getting a hotel and flight – you’re getting:

• First-hand insight from someone who’s just been and done the lot

• Advice on when to go, where to stay and how long for

• Tips on restaurants, viewpoints, must-see streets and hidden corners

• Support if you want to combine Gdańsk with other Polish cities or European stops

We can package everything up – flights, central hotel, transfers and a ready-made plan so you can simply land and enjoy.

Ready to make Gdańsk your next festive favourite?

✨ First Christmas market of the year… and Gdańsk might just have stolen the show. ✨

If you’re thinking about:

• Christmas markets in 2025/2026

• A cosy, great-value winter escape

• Or a romantic city break with plenty to see, do and eat…

  
  

…then Gdańsk is absolutely one to put on your list.

If you’re inspired by Gdasnk or want advice tailored to your travel style, get in touch with the Aspire Travel team today. Whether you’re planning a couples’ getaway, a family holiday, or your next bucket-list adventure, we’ll help make it seamless, memorable, and exactly what you’re looking for.

Call us, email us, or pop into one of our stores – your next dream holiday starts here!