The programme for the Gdansk Christmas Market in 2024 has been recently announced, so we more or less know the details of the event. It’ll start on the 22th of November (which is one week later than had been announced earlier) and last until the 23rd of December.
Gdansk Christmas Market
Although not as known as its counterpart in Berlin, the Christmas Market in Gdansk has become more and more popular in recent years. It’s smaller and less crowded than St. Dominics Fair which takes place during summer, but still attracts citizens and tourists to the city centre. The Christmas Market in Gdansk took second place, in the European Best Christmas Market 2023 competition. This year, the Christmas Market in Gdansk starts on November 22th and lasts until December 23rd. Contrary to Dominikanski Fair, which is spread all over the Main and Old Town, the Gdansk Christmas Market is mainly concentrated around Targ Weglowy and Wyzynna Gate. Although it’s not officially announced, there will probably be something going on in the Forum Shopping Mall Courtyard.
Opening times
The stalls at the Christmas market will open in the following hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 12:00-20:00
Friday-Saturday: 12:00-21:00
However, if there are plenty of buyers, they will stay open longer.
Booking.comGdansk Christmas Market location
Below, we present the map of the Gdansk Christmas Market in 2024:
In general, the Christmas Market venue will be divided into three areas:
Coal Market (Targ Weglowy)
The Coal Market is the heart of the Christmas Market. In addition to entertaining attractions and a stage, you will find delicious food from all corners of the world and regional foodstuffs.
Armoury of Arts and Crafts (Wielka Zbrojownia)
The Armoury is a space where artists and craftspeople will present their unique products, often prepared especially for the Fair and only available at the Fair.
Fair streets – Przedbramie, Boguslawskiego and Tkacka
Teeming with Christmas magic, the Fair’s streets are the best place to find unique gift ideas, Christmas accessories or decorations, as well as local foodstuffs.
Main events and activities of the Gdansk Christmas Market
Main stage
Theatre Tuesdays
Theatrical animations and performances full of magic will transport you to a world of fairy tales, where art is combined with fun and creativity knows no bounds. Come and discover amazing stories together and create unforgettable memories in a festive atmosphere.
Singing Wednesdays
On Wednesdays, visitors can grab the microphones and sing the most beautiful Polish and foreign Christmas hits at a Christmas karaoke.
Family Thursdays
Plenty of attractions for the whole family! Children can take part in creative animations that will transport them to a world of fantasy, while adults will find the magic of Christmas in a unique atmosphere. Santa Claus will appear on stage, who is sure to bring a smile to your faces. He will be happy to listen to your Christmas dreams and take a souvenir photo. An unforgettable time full of magic and family fun awaits you!
Dancing Fridays
It’s a day full of energy and fun! Get ready for Rudolph’s challenges – laugh-filled animations and competitions where everyone can test their skills. And when the excitement is at its peak, join the winter dance party, where festive tunes will get you up and dancing. The perfect way to warm up on a winter evening and celebrate together!
Magical weekends
Each weekend will bring something new – from themed days, such as Day with Caritas, to gatherings full of joy and festive spirit. There will be no shortage of competitions, games and music to warm hearts and get everyone in the Christmas spirit. We invite you to celebrate together, discover the magic of Christmas and enjoy spending time together!
The Great Armoury
Workshop
Anyone who likes handicrafts and spending time creatively will find themselves at the Christmas workshop at the Armoury!
You will be able to prepare Christmas decorations and cards or Christmas table centerpieces for the Christmas Eve table.
The schedule of workshops will be coming soon.
Artistic Café
This is the perfect opportunity to get energised before further shopping and enjoy the atmosphere of the fair in an artistic setting! Immerse yourself in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and tea, savouring a moment of relaxation in a festive atmosphere. This is the perfect place for a moment with a book – together with the Provincial and City Public Library we have prepared a special bookcase for you, where you will find a variety of titles. This is a place where you can also leave your old books, perhaps they will delight the next reader just like you. Share the joy!
Christmas Chamber
Welcome to our unique Christmas room. Surrounded by beautifully dressed Christmas trees, by the fireplace and on Santa’s throne, everyone will be able to feel the true atmosphere of Christmas. It’s the perfect place to take a souvenir photo and keep those special moments for longer. Come and capture Christmas memories in a fairytale setting!
Throughout the Christmas Market Area
23 November 2024.
Fire Theatre – performance
From 1 to 22 December 2024.
Opening the windows of the Advent Calendar
30 November 2024.
Advent Songs from the Towers
Performers: Monika Kaźmierczak – carillon, Tubicinatores Gedanenses
Organisers: Polish Carillon Association, City of Gdańsk
Partners: Gdansk Museum, AmberExpo, Christmas Market, Carmelite Fathers
Funded by the City of Gdansk.
5 December 2024.
Gdansk Christmas Tree at Dlugi Targ
17 December 2024.
Gdansk Christmas Eve Supper at Dlugi Targ
24 December 2024.
Christmas Eve for the Needy
21 November – 30 December 2024.
The Big Factory of Elves at Amber Expo. Accompanying event, check the details on their official website.
Encounters with Santa Claus!
During the Fair, you will be able to meet Father Christmas, who has come all the way from the far North especially for you, to listen to your dream about presents and pose for Christmas photos.
You will find Santa in the Great Art Armoury, on the Main Stage or in the Fairground depending on the programme of events.
Special areas
The Christmas Market in Gdansk will also have special areas:
Santa’s Corner (Mikolajowy Zakatek
At Targ Weglowy
During the Christmas Market, there is no shortage of places to meet Santa Claus! In the centre of the Christmas market stage, you can spot St. Nicholas’ luminous throne. Among Santa’s attractions you will also find a giant snowball with an additional attraction – thanks to a special bicycle, the fair will certainly not run out of snow! Santa will also provide a ride in his sleigh – for the safety of travellers, he will do so with a special simulator.
Moose’s Corner (Los Lucek)
At Boguslawskiego Street
He is the reason many of the regulars at the Christmas Market come to see it! Lucek the Moose will amuse everyone with his original riddles. He loves children – with reciprocity – and introduces them to the world of the Bogusławski Fair in a joyful way. In the house where he lives, we will buy Christmas presents created straight from the heart.
Artistic Corner (Artystyczny Zakątek)
Inside the Great Armoury
The Great Armoury is a beautiful Gdańsk building that also hides the magic of the holidays. Inside it, you can often find works by students of the Academy of Fine Arts. There is something for everyone in the artistic corner – unique jewellery, handmade ornaments, and for the youngest….misi gate! Various Christmas workshops will be held there – details in the Fair programme.
Angel Corner (Anielski Zakatek)
Tkacka street
This is where you will become Christmas Angels – we hope that the angelic mood will stay with you for as long as possible. Take a photo by the beautiful wings and show off your angelic soul.
A Christmas Journey with Ambersky
Targ Węglowy
A corner of wonderful pre-Christmas entertainment. This is where the Fair Carousel will stand. The new structure is coming to us in 2024 straight from the factory in Italy! It is on it that we will be able to indulge in a carefree spin – often to the rhythm of snowflakes falling from the sky – in between Christmas shopping. Or perhaps it is on the carousel that you will come up with an unconventional Christmas gift?
Food court
But the Christmas Market is not only about shopping and entertainment. You’ll find here also a food court, where snacks from all over Europe may be tasted, including Spanish churros, Hungarian Langos and German Bratwurst. Of course, there will be some Polish and Kashubian food and drinks (hot wine!) as well, to warm you up in the cold evening.
Advent Gate with Calendar
This is the first time a 5 meters high, Advent candleholder shaped gate will be presented at the Fair. Every day from 1st until 23rd of December at 18 one window of Advent Gate will be opened exposing a Christmas gift.
Other Christmas Markets in Poland
Many cities in Poland organize their Christmas Markets. Check also our articles on Christmas Fairs in Wroclaw, Krakow and Poznan.
The Full Programme of Christmas Market in Gdansk in 2024
| Date | Event Name | Time | Place | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 23, 2024 | Opening Ceremony of the Christmas Market | 16:00 | Santa’s Corner / Main Stage | The Magic Parade will start at the Advent Gate on Bogusławskiego Street with mascots Mr. and Mrs. Orzechowski. |
| November 23, 2024 | Rudolph’s Christmas Challenges | 17:00 – 19:00 | Santa’s Corner / Main Stage | Interactive challenges with games and photo opportunities with fair mascots. |
| November 24, 2024 | Hello, Santa Claus! | 13:00 – 17:30 | Santa’s Corner / Main Stage | Meet Santa Claus, take photos, and enjoy activities with Rudolf. |
| November 25, 2024 | Christmas Instaspot | 12:00 – 20:00 | Santa’s Corner / Main Stage | Photo opportunities in a beautifully decorated Christmas scene. |
| November 26, 2024 | Elves for Special Tasks | 16:30 – 17:30 | Santa’s Corner / Main Stage | Interactive theater with games and competitions by Qfer Theater. |
| November 27, 2024 | Intergenerational Workshops: Decoupage Works | 16:00 – 18:00 | Christmas Factory/Armory | Create festive decorations using decoupage technique. |
| November 27, 2024 | Christmas Karaoke | 16:00 – 19:00 | Santa’s Corner / Main Stage | Sing your favorite Christmas songs with Rudolf’s challenges. |
| November 28, 2024 | Reconstruction of Post-War Gdańsk | 16:00 | Anielski Zakątek / Przedgate Complex | Historical tour led by Klaudiusz Grabowski. |
| November 29, 2024 | Winter Dance | 18:00 – 21:00 | Santa’s Corner / Main Stage | Dancing to Christmas hits under the stars. |
| November 30, 2024 | Explore Gdańsk / English | 12:00 | Anielski Zakątek / Przedgate Complex | City tour in English led by Krzysztof Kucharski. |
| November 30, 2024 | Advent Songs from the Towers | 19:00 | Anielski Zakątek / Przedgate Complex | Live carillon performance with carol singers from the Main Town Hall Tower. |
| December 1, 2024 | Explore Gdańsk / German | 12:00 | Anielski Zakątek / Przedgate Complex | City tour in German with Krzysztof Jachimowicz. |
| December 1, 2024 | A Day with the Great Elf Factory | 14:00 – 17:00 | Santa’s Corner / Main Stage | Elves bring special tasks and games for visitors of all ages. |
| December 1, 2024 | Opening of Window No. 1 with the Great Elf Factory | 17:30 | Advent Gate | Join the Elves to open the first Christmas window and enjoy a unique task. |
| December 2, 2024 | Opening of Window No. 2 | 17:30 | Advent Gate | Discover a new Christmas surprise behind the second window. |
| December 3, 2024 | Revival at the Gate – Historie Wylatane | 17:30 | Anielski Zakątek / Przedgate Complex | Aerial acrobatics and dance theater performed by the Youth Theater. |
| December 3, 2024 | Opening of Window No. 3 | 17:30 | Advent Gate | Another Christmas window opens with a new surprise. |
| December 4, 2024 | Rudolph’s Christmas Challenges | 16:00 | Santa’s Corner / Main Stage | Fun challenges and games led by Rudolf for kids and families. |
| December 5, 2024 | Santa’s Lantern Parade | 17:00 | Advent Gate | Join Santa and his helpers in a festive lantern parade through the city. |
| December 6, 2024 | Saint Nicholas Day Celebration | 12:00 – 18:00 | Santa’s Corner / Main Stage | Meet Saint Nicholas and enjoy various festive activities and surprises. |
| December 7, 2024 | Christmas Carol Concert | 18:00 | Anielski Zakątek / Przedgate Complex | A beautiful evening filled with traditional Christmas carols performed by local choirs. |
| December 8, 2024 | Opening of Window No. 8 | 17:30 | Advent Gate | Another Christmas window unveiling with a festive surprise behind it. |
| December 9, 2024 | Christmas Card Making Workshop | 16:00 – 18:00 | Christmas Factory/Armory | Learn to make personalized Christmas cards to send to loved ones. |
| December 10, 2024 | Christmas Instaspot | 12:00 – 20:00 | Santa’s Corner / Main Stage | Capture festive moments at a beautifully decorated Christmas photo spot. |
| December 10, 2024 | Opening of Window No. 10 | 17:30 | Advent Gate | A new surprise behind the tenth Christmas window. |
| December 11, 2024 | Christmas Storytelling Evening | 18:00 – 19:00 | Anielski Zakątek / Przedgate Complex | Magical evening of storytelling with classic Christmas tales for children. |
| December 12, 2024 | Winter Dance Show | 19:00 – 20:30 | Santa’s Corner / Main Stage | Enjoy a spectacular dance performance celebrating the winter season. |
| December 13, 2024 | Christmas Karaoke Night | 18:00 – 21:00 | Santa’s Corner / Main Stage | Sing your favorite Christmas songs with friends and family. |
| December 14, 2024 | Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshop | 14:00 – 16:00 | Christmas Factory/Armory | Learn to decorate delicious Christmas cookies with festive designs. |
| December 14, 2024 | Caroling at the Market | 17:00 – 18:00 | Targ Węglowy | Join local choirs for an hour of caroling in the heart of the market. |
| December 15, 2024 | Nativity Play Performance | 18:00 – 19:30 | Anielski Zakątek / Przedgate Complex | A live performance of the traditional nativity story by a local theater group. |
| December 16, 2024 | Christmas Crafts Workshop | 15:00 – 18:00 | Christmas Factory/Armory | Create your own Christmas decorations using various crafting techniques. |
| December 17, 2024 | Advent Songs from the Towers | 18:00 | St. Catherine’s Church & Main Town Hall Tower | Enjoy carillon music and carols from the church towers. |
| December 18, 2024 | Elves’ Treasure Hunt | 16:00 – 18:00 | Santa’s Corner / Main Stage | Join the elves in a treasure hunt around the Christmas Market. |
| December 19, 2024 | Christmas Choir Concert | 19:00 – 20:00 | Anielski Zakątek / Przedgate Complex | A heartwarming performance by a local choir, singing traditional Christmas carols. |
| December 20, 2024 | Winter Tales for Kids | 12:00 – 14:00 | Santa’s Corner / Main Stage | Interactive storytelling session featuring winter-themed tales for children. |
| December 21, 2024 | Christmas Lantern Parade | 17:30 | Advent Gate | Join a festive lantern parade through the beautifully lit streets of Gdańsk. |
| December 22, 2024 | Christmas Market Concert | 18:00 – 20:00 | Targ Węglowy | Live music performance by local bands to celebrate the festive season. |
| December 23, 2024 | Santa’s Farewell Party | 16:00 – 19:00 | Santa’s Corner / Main Stage | Say goodbye to Santa Claus before he begins his Christmas Eve journey. |