The Gdansk Christmas market is one of the oldest events of its kind in Poland. It has both old and modern traditions. One of the market’s biggest attractions a visit by Santa Claus and his suite. In Poland, this traditional Christmas character is also known as Święty Mikołaj (Saint Nicholas) or Dziadek Mróz (Grandfather Frost). These used to be two different characters, but they have merged into one over years. Santa Claus visits the market on its opening day. He rides around the town in his sleigh, lighting Christmas lights and spreading holiday cheer.
The Gdansk Christmas market is also famous for its beautifully adorned Christmas trees from Germany, Finland, France, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and other countries. The trees are decorated by their consulates’ representatives and lit up during the opening ceremony. During the market, Targ Węglowy transforms into a winter wonderland with Christmas trees, decorations and fairy lights.
The market features several dozen stalls and booths where local merchants and artisans offer all kinds of Christmas gifts and souvenirs. Here you can buy Christmas decorations, homemade scarves and hats, toys, cushions and blankets, gift bags, angel figurines and scented candles, amber jewelry, ceramics, handicrafts made of leather, wood and glass, and more. Vendors also offer local delicacies including cheeses, sausages, pastries, spices, and dried fruit.
As far as Christmas treats and traditional Polish dishes are concerned, the Gdansk Christmas market has plenty to offer. You can enjoy Polish pierogi (stuffed dumplings), oscypek (smoked cheese made of sheep milk), pancakes, sausages served with potato salad and sauerkraut, Christmas cakes, pretzels, chocolate-covered fruit, roasted chestnuts, and more. If you get cold, treat yourself to some hot chocolate, mulled wine or grzane piwo served in ceramic mugs. Grzanie piwo is a Polish drink similar to mulled wine but made with beer instead of wine.
Too keep the guests entertained, the Gdansk Christmas market has a wide array of attractions for children and grown-ups alike. There’s a vintage merry-go-round with horses, a synthetic ice rink, all kinds of live performances (from caroling to traditional folk dancing), games and contests, cultural events for adults and entertainment for kids. Children will be especially delighted to meet Santa Claus and his reindeer, Rudolph and Comet.
