The charming university city of Poznan hosts one of the most extravagant Christmas markets in Poland (of course, Wroclaw takes the cake on that one). As a city that is perhaps not typically on the top of many tourists’ radar, Poznan draws a large crowd come Christmas time. Poznan is consistently named one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe. After seeing this incredible Christmas market, it is easy to see why. The Poznan Christmas Market covers two locations in the Old Town. With Poznan’s beautiful architecture as the background of the Christmas Market, Christmas-themed rides and games, and festive decor, the Christmas Market in Poznan is undoubtedly worth visiting. If you time your visit just right, you may even see ice sculptures at the Christmas Market.
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Poznan Christmas Market Overview
How to Get to Poznan
Poznan is a great city to visit for the Christmas Markets in Poland due to its proximity to the German border. You can get from Berlin to Poznan in under three hours by train, making it easy to pop over to Poland if you are visiting the German Christmas Markets.
If you are traveling within Poland, train travel is one of the best options. It is easy to get around and visit Poznan and other cities in Poland. Compare train tickets directly on the PKP Intercity website. Make sure to pay attention to the duration of the trains. Unless you are on a tight budget, you will want to get the express train.
There are non-stop flights to Poznan Airport from various destinations within Europe, making Poznan perfect for a weekend getaway. While Poznan is a beautiful city, it is pretty small, and you can see almost everything, including the Christmas Market, in one day. If you plan a weekend getaway, I would consider spending one night in Poznan and taking a train to nearby Wroclaw.
Where to Stay When Visiting Poznan’s Christmas Market
The Old Town of Poznan is highly walkable and has reasonably priced hotels, so I suggest staying there. However, if the tram system is easy to use, you can easily get to the Christmas Market no matter where you stay in Poznan.
Hampton by Hilton Poznan Old Town
I stayed at the Hampton by Hilton Poznan Old Town and cannot recommend it enough. It is ideally located near Old Town Square and directly off a tram route. The hotel was modern, had a great continental breakfast, and was affordable.
Find More Great Hotels Near the Poznan Christmas Market
Check out this Booking.com map to see what hotels are available during your visit. Keep in mind that Christmas is a busy time to visit Poznan, so be sure to secure your hotel by booking now.
Poznan Christmas Market 2023 Dates
The official Poznan Christmas markets 2023 dates are from November 18 to January 7, 2024.
Poznan Christmas Market Hours
10 am – 10 pm
Poznan Christmas Market Locations
The Poznan Christmas Market is relatively large and spread out across two locations in the Old Town. The Christmas Market is located in Plac Wolności and Poznan’s Old Market Square, Stary Rynek. The two locations are less than a five-minute walk from each other, so it is easy to go back and forth between the two areas.
Plac Wolnosci- Freedom Square
The Christmas Market set up in Plac Wolności has a lively atmosphere. There is a massive Ferris wheel overlooking the Poznan Christmas Market, Christmas-themed rides, and various mulled wine stalls.
The decor is exquisite, with wooden stalls painted green adorned with garland and vibrant wrapped presents. Christmas lights are strung over walkways between the stalls, creating a lovely ambiance for strolling through the market.
If you fancy a mulled wine or hot chocolate, stand-up bar tables are set up by the mulled wine stands. Additionally, the Poznan Christmas Market has limited editions mugs. As in other Christmas Markets in Europe, you pay a deposit to use the mug and can choose to keep it or return it for your money back.
Old Market Square
The Old Market Square is a perfect spot for the Christmas Market in Poznan. This large square is in the center of the Old Town and has some beautiful architecture. The colorful merchant houses surrounding the square add a burst of color to this Christmas Market.
The stalls in the Old Market Square are a bit more spread out than those in Plac Wolności, allowing you to stroll more leisurely through the market.
The large Christmas tree in front of the impressive Renaissance Town Hall is one of the attractions at the Poznan Christmas Market. This tree is elegant and draws focus to this landmark in Poznan. The Christmas Market set up in Poznan’s Old Market Square is excellent as it doesn’t compete or take away from the setting. While I love an over-the-top Christmas Market that completely transforms a destination, it is great to be able to appreciate Poznan’s architecture without an extensive amount of decorations.
There are a few religious Christmas elements at the Christmas market in Poznan including a nativity scene in the Old Market Square.
There are some beautiful light installations in the Old Market Square in the evening, which are very festive. There is nothing as magical as experiencing a Christmas market under the glitter of Christmas lights.
Poznan Christmas Market Events
Silent Disco
Every Thursday from 5-9 pm, there is a silent disco in Plac Wolności. The headphones are limited, so be sure to arrive early to get a pair if you want to participate. I am kicking myself for missing this during my visit because what sounds more fun than silently jamming out amid the Christmas Market?
Poznan Ice Festival
Over three days during the Poznan Christmas Market, there is an icy experience like none other. The Poznan Ice Festival brings together ice sculptors from around the world to compete. The ice festival is located in the Old Market Square, alongside the Christmas Market.
What to Eat and Drink at the Poznan Christmas Market
The food options at the Poznan Christmas Market include traditional Polish food and typical Christmas market sweets, including plenty of gingerbread, chocolate-covered fruits, and chimney cakes.
There are a plethora of mulled wine stands at the Poznan Christmas Market. You can enjoy a warmed mulled wine in limited editions Poznan Christmas Market mugs. As in other Christmas Markets in Europe, you pay a deposit of around 15 PLN to use the mug and can choose to keep it or return it for your money back.
Other Things to do in Poznan During Christmas
In addition to experiencing the Christmas Market in Poznan, there are a few other things to do in Poznan at Christmas.
Ride the Ferris Wheel
Be sure to ride the Ferris wheel at Plac Wolności for an incredible birds-eye view of the Poznan Christmas Market. The Ferris wheel also offers incredible views of Poznan’s Old Town. The Ferris wheel is only set up to ride during Christmas, so don’t miss it.
Christmas Lights on Cathedral Island
Cathedral Island is a must-visit while in Poznan, and during the Christmas season, it is decorated with light installations. These installations depict religious Christmas elements such as the Three Kings.
See the Decorated Trams
Keep an eye out for the trams nearby the Old Town of Poznan. Many are decorated with Christmas Lights during the holidays. They are so fun and festive, and I almost yelled in glee when I saw one pass.
Poznan Christmas Market: Wrap-up
Poznan was one of my favorite Christmas Markets in Poland. While the city’s tourist center is fairly small, I found that it was perfect for a Christmas Market. I was able to experience the Christmas Market in Poznan while exploring all the top sites in Poznan in one day. I spent an extra afternoon seeing the Poznan Ice Festival. I highly recommend visiting the Poznan Christmas Market, especially as it is easy to visit other Polish cities and Berlin.
