The programme for the Gdansk Christmas Market in 2023 has been recently announced, so we more or less know the details of the event. It’ll start on the 24th 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 24th 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 2023:
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. Zone of food court and groceries
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. Zone of artists and craftspeople
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. Zone of Craft and food products, food court
Main events and activities of the Gdansk Christmas Market
Main stage
Concert Tuesdays
On Tuesdays, music fans will be able to listen to Christmas concerts. Performing will be: Slavic Soul Christmas Band, Gospel Carolling and Carolling with the GUMED Choir.
Singing Wednesdays
On Wednesdays, visitors can grab the microphones and sing the most beautiful Polish and foreign Christmas hits at a Christmas karaoke.
Magic Thursdays
On Thursdays, there will be surprises to please the eye: Fire Theatre or Parades. It will be an open day for the promotion of schools and institutions, with afternoon activities for children and adults, such as dance schools that can organise shows of their students.
Fridays with fun
On Fridays, the little ones are invited to animations with the Academy of Fun and Education Exclamation, and the older ones to an evening dance party with festive DJ sets.
Surprise Saturdays
Saturdays are open to Partners and Cultural Institutions. We will see, among others: Performances by the Gdansk Song and Dance Ensemble and Neptune. There will be areas for charity and volunteer actions. Santa Claus and the official mascots of the fair, Mr and Mrs Orzechowski, will also appear on stage, just waiting to take a photo with visitors or record Christmas greetings.
Family Sundays
Sundays are a time for loved ones. Children and their parents will be able to watch plays and take part in animations performed by the Qfer Theatre, listen to Carol singing with the Carillon or have fun with Caritas. This will promote volunteer activities and the joy of sharing goodness.
The Great Armoury
Workshop
Anyone who likes handicrafts and spending time creatively will find themselves at the Christmas workshop at the Armoury!
It will be possible to make Christmas decorations with the Gdansk Archipelago of Culture or Christmas wreaths with the State Forests. Handicraft workshops will also be held by the Local Integration Centre for People with Mental Handicaps – with these activities we want to integrate the local community, encourage visitors with limitations to play together and support this association.
Chillout area
In the Grand Armoury, a unique chillout zone with numerous attractions will be prepared.
Throughout the Christmas Market Area
30 November 2023.
Fire Theatre – performance
From 1 to 23 December 2023.
Opening the windows of the Advent Calendar
14 December 2023.
GAK Theatre Parade
Encounters with Father Christmas!
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 2023 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.