Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | The Christmas market in Warsaw offers a Christmas atmosphere, market stalls, Polish specialties and above all, a fantastic Christmas lighting. We visited Warsaw in December and despite rain and grey weather, we were completely charmed when darkness fell and the whole city was lit up. Here we tell you about the Christmas market in Warsaw, the Christmas lights and what you can eat, see and experience during a winter visit.
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Christmas market in Warsaw
Warsaw's Christmas market is usually held mainly in the Old Town, with market stalls in the area around the city walls and the Barbican. Here you can stroll among small stalls selling Christmas decorations, crafts, wool products, toys, delicacies and sweets.
When we visited the market, we thought it had a nice and relatively genuine feel. The selection was varied and much of it felt more artisanal than mass-produced. The combination of the market, the historic surroundings of the Old Town and all the Christmas lights also did a lot for the atmosphere.
Everything from wooden, metal and wool crafts to toys, delicacies and sweets is sold here. The variety is great and the feel is often ”homemade” rather than ”factory-produced”.
Warsaw gets amazing Christmas lights
The Christmas market is just one part of the Christmas experience in Warsaw. Just as impressive is the city's extensive Christmas lighting. During our visit, we strolled along the historic Royal Route, Royal District, between central Warsaw and the Old Town.
During the day, the rain had made Warsaw quite grey, but when darkness fell, the city completely changed. Trees and lampposts were lit up, and various light installations appeared along the way. It was actually one of the things we remember best from our Christmas trip to Warsaw.
Eat Polish specialties at the Christmas market
When it's cold, a cup is also suitable mulled wine, Polish warm spiced wine. Sweets and pastries are of course also available in abundance. The selection varies from year to year, so see it as a good opportunity to browse through what happens to be on offer when you are there.
A big part of the fun of going to a Christmas market is of course trying different things to eat and drink. In Warsaw, you can look out for Polish specialties such as pierogi, bigos and various types of sausages and grilled cheese.
More to see and do in and around Warsaw
The Christmas market in Warsaw is of course not the only reason to visit the Polish capital. There is more to see and experience in and around the city. Here you will find tips and inspiration:
FAQ – frequently asked questions about the Christmas market in Warsaw
When is the Christmas market in Warsaw?
The Christmas market is usually held from late November or early December and runs over the Christmas period. Dates and opening hours may vary from year to year, so check for current information before your trip.
Where is the Christmas market in Warsaw?
The traditional Christmas market is usually located in the Old Town, especially around the Barbican and the city walls. Christmas decorations and activities can also be found elsewhere in central Warsaw.
What can you buy at the Christmas market in Warsaw?
The selection varies, but you can find Christmas decorations, crafts, wool products, gifts, sweets and various Polish delicacies, among other things.
What can you eat at the Christmas market?
Look out for pierogi, bigos, sausages, grilled cheese and various sweets. Mulled wine is also popular during the Christmas market season.
Is Warsaw nice at Christmas?
Yes, especially after dark. Warsaw usually has extensive Christmas lighting in the city center and along the historic Royal Route, and the Old Town becomes extra atmospheric with decorations and market stalls.
Is Warsaw good for a weekend in December?
Yes. The Christmas market can be combined with shopping, restaurants, museums and Warsaw's many attractions. Just keep in mind that December can bring cold, rain and snow.
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English (UK) 
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Ditte says:
You can't control the weather and maybe it doesn't feel very "Christmassy" to walk around in the rain. But what don't you do?
Beautiful pictures and very beautiful lighting!
Fun with all the people!
11 December 2016 - 7:12
Marina says:
Despite the weather, it looks really cosy. Fun with local flavours!
11 December 2016 - 7:16
Steve says:
There were lots of little things to choose from.
11 December 2016 - 7:55
Lennart says:
Markets are nice!
11 December 2016 - 9:19
Husisblogg says:
Here there seemed to be a heavenly lighting that framed the whole Christmas market. Too bad about the weather but there's nothing you can do about it, just put on some real clothes...?
11 December 2016 - 10:07
Denandraresan.com says:
Wow how nice! Have relatives in Warsaw, but have not visited for a long time. Will surely be a trip there soon. It is fun to see how Eastern Europe is recovering from communism. Soon the grey will be a memory.
11 December 2016 - 10:13
admin says:
Ditte, you can't control the weather! In the evening, with lights and music in the streets, there was still a Christmas atmosphere!
Marina, yes, with all the lights, all the cosy stalls and live music, there was still a nice Christmas atmosphere!
Steve, yes a lot! Have really only shown a small sample here.
Lennart, agree! 🙂
Husisblog, no you can't control the weather ...
Denandraresan, definitely think you should travel here, especially if you have relatives here! The communist era is becoming more and more distant history. Here it is indeed more visible in the architecture than in other cities we visited in Poland, but otherwise it feels quite distant. And the Christmas decorations are probably as far from grey as you can imagine! 😉
11 December 2016 - 10:41
Geddfish says:
Here's the light! Lots of blingbling and illuminating lights 😀 which can be needed in the dark.
I have a penchant for handmade cutting boards, so I'll have one of those, and some grilled goat cheese, yum. Other than that, I'm pretty full from yesterday 😉.
Sign Sunday hug ♥
11 December 2016 - 10:57
Ulla Widing says:
What a market, where you would be - something to think about for another time.....
Happy Advent to you!
11 December 2016 - 11:14
åsa i åsele says:
WOW there it was illuminated, cosy 🙂 .
11 December 2016 - 11:31
Fantasy Dining says:
So nice! Love Christmas markets 🙂
11 December 2016 - 11:42
BP says:
Once again, I can only conclude that Stockholm's Christmas decorations are very poor compared to Warsaw and other cities. Not to mention what is offered at the Christmas market, which is also significantly larger than ours in the Old Town.
The picture with Peter and the umbrella is lovely. I also really like the LED artwork!
PS. Too bad about the weather, but you can't have everything. It continues to snow here - unfortunately. DS.
11 December 2016 - 12:33
4000mil says:
Yes, you just have to keep going even if it rains. Next thing you know it'll turn round.
What a great inventory of Europe's Christmas markets you are doing now! So much gluhwein in so little time. 🙂
11 December 2016 - 14:08
admin says:
Geddfish, when you're still full the next day it's usually a good dinner 😉.
Ulla Widing, thank you very much!
Åsa in Åsele, they haven't skimped on the lighting 😉.
Fantasy Dining, there is always a cosy atmosphere with Christmas markets 🙂.
BP, the Christmas decorations and lights here are really impressive! I've only shown a tiny part here ... Stockholm would have to sharpen up a bit here 😉 The weather here is really not the best, but you can't control that. Thanks for the snow warning! At least this time we have winter tyres 😉.
4000 kilometres, haha, yes a lot of gluwein in a short time 😉.
11 December 2016 - 14:48
Lindha Älenmark says:
Oh how cosy with a Christmas market 🙂 Almost got a little homesick!
11 December 2016 - 15:10
Emma, Sol som sol? says:
But that's the kind of lighting I wanted to see in Madrid! And it was probably there, but with a sick kid and rain, there wasn't much of a chance.
I love Christmas markets that are truly homemade! That's how a market should be.
11 December 2016 - 16:15
nils-åke says:
There were lots of things to drag home.
11 December 2016 - 17:14
Matts Torebring says:
Unbelievable! But how exciting! But I don't want blue, red and green lights in my garden. In the city they would come into their own.
11 December 2016 - 17:54
Ruth i Virginia says:
Peter looks like "King Bore" as he sits with his
umbrella between artificial snow on, presumably, artificial
Christmas trees. 🙂 The illumination is fantastic.
I still have a nasty feeling about Warszava; cannot
forget the "horrendous" event in the W. ghetto during WWII.
11 December 2016 - 18:11
Husbilspraktikan says:
High quality of craftsmanship matches my expectations of Polish Christmas market. Much and good food too! Enjoy the atmosphere!
11 December 2016 - 21:09
Anna, Travel on a Cloud says:
Unlucky with the rain but wow, what Christmas lights! So cosy to walk around and taste different dishes, at good prices too. Then life is good! 🙂
11 December 2016 - 22:12
admin says:
Lindha, of course it can be cosy with the Christmas atmosphere here in northern Europe 🙂.
Emma, I understand that it was difficult to see everything you wanted with a sick child. Take care!
Nils-Åke, it is best to travel with some air in your suitcase 😉.
Matts, yes, maybe these big colourful things fit better in a city. But light can be nice in a garden as well 🙂 .
Ruth in Virginia, Warsaw is a constant reminder of history. A lot of it was bombed and that in itself is a reminder of history. There are also many museums that tell about what happened. I've read some books from this time, but I still find it hard to understand ...
The campervan internship, a lot and good food we agree. We will show some pictures of food tomorrow 🙂 .
Anna, one of the advantages of Poland is good prices!
11 December 2016 - 22:39
Elisabeth says:
Sounded like a very nice market! We appreciate tasting our way through the market!
14 December 2016 - 20:12
steel city anna says:
Incredibly beautiful!
16 December 2016 - 0:13