Warsaw Christmas market
Last updated on January 30th, 2026.
I’m one of those people who more enjoys the run-up to Christmas than the actual day.
Always the first to suggest booking a Christmas market break, the toughest part is deciding where to go.
Since we'd already done Vienna and Berlin, we decided to check out the offering at the Warsaw Christmas market.
Warsaw, and Poland in general, tend to get overlooked during this period for more common choices.
The Polish celebrate Christmas just as much as their German and Czech neighbors, and it’s just as bright and dazzling.
If you’re looking for a European Christmas market steeped in remarkable history, you may just enjoy Warsaw.
The Warsaw Christmas market
Its central location
The Warsaw Christmas market usually starts around the last week of November, but dates can vary.
The official website isn’t much help, so plan to visit around late November just to be on the safe side.
You can find the Christmas market in Castle Square, which is in the reconstructed Old Town. It also happens to be the location of many of Warsaw’s must-see attractions.
Castle Square
As you enter Castle Square (plac Zamkowy), you get a sense of how the former Warsaw used to be.
One of the city’s most famous landmarks, Sigimund’s Column, dominates the skyline, overlooking the colorful townhouses below. The column commemorates King Sigismund III Vasa, the monarch who moved Poland's capital from Kraków to Warsaw in 1596.
As the location name suggests, the rebuilt Warsaw Royal Castle is also in the square.
If you visit Warsaw Royal Castle during November, you’ll be happy to read that entry is free. Because of this, I cite it as one of the best free things to do in Warsaw in November.
I really recommend visiting, as they did an amazing job reconstructing the castle after the bombing by the Nazi Germans.
Watch: visiting the Warsaw Christmas market
Bargains and great food and drink
The Warsaw Christmas market resembles what you find in many European cities at Christmastime. Wooden huts decorated in red and green sell a wide variety of gifts and edible treats.
It’s much smaller than its Berlin, Prague or Vienna counterparts, but this means that it's also less busy. The latter may have something to do with the freezing weather, or because it was still only November when we visited.
Plenty to eat
As you wander along the stalls, you’ll see delicacies ranging from traditional hot Polish cheese pastries, to not so traditional Middle Eastern baklava.
Temperatures hovering around 17.6/15.8°F (-8/9°C) in the evenings make a steaming mug of Gluwein a necessity. Spicy, rich and robust, it’s Christmas hygge in a cup.
If you like your bargains, the prices at the Warsaw Christmas market are also really reasonable.
Probably truer if your currency is Pound Sterling, Euro or the US Dollar, but nonetheless, there are plenty of great deals. By the end of our trip, we’d taken home 3 pairs of sheepskin-lined slippers, Christmas sweets and festive decorations.
Map of Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw Old Town Market Place market
If you haven’t frozen over from the low temperatures, head to the Old Town Market Place (Rynek Starego Miasta).
It's where you'll find several stalls selling festive food and drink, as well as an ice skating rink in the center. Dating to the 13th century, the area was the center of Warsaw until the end of the 18th century.
More to see
Renaissance style buildings greet you upon arrival, its colors even more luminous in the sunlight. The town hall was once the meeting place of representatives of guilds and merchants as well as city fairs.
While I recommend visiting during the day to fully appreciate the detail and architectural style, it’s much prettier at night. More people, both locals and foreigners, brave the cold to enjoy an outdoor beer, or grab something to eat.
Warsaw church Christmas market
It’d be amiss for to me not to mention other Christmas market stalls that we came across near Warsaw Old Town.
Before approaching Castle Square, you’ll pass a catholic church (Kościół Akademicki św. Anny) styled in a striking neoclassical design. There’s no English name for the church, and the Polish name’s tricky to pronounce, but you can't miss it.
Inside the entrance to the church courtyard are a few market stalls also selling goods and products. Take advantage of the pure wool items for sale. We took home a few pairs of alpaca wool and cashmere socks, and all for under €22 ($24/£19).
Kościół Akademicki św. Anny, Krakowskie Przedmieście 68, 00-322
The verdict
As much as we enjoyed visiting the Warsaw Christmas market, truthfully speaking, it’s not as good as Prague or Vienna. It’s much smaller and it lacks the electric energy and buzz of its larger counterparts.
However, there are several upsides to this. For one, the lack of crowds means that there's no pushing, shoving or overcrowding. Two, you can take as many photos or videos as you like, and without any interruptions.
Lastly, food, drink and gifts don't cost as much as in the bigger Christmas markets. And, during what's arguably the most expensive time of the year, this should be music to many people's ears.
I recommend adding the Warsaw Christmas market as a side attraction, rather than basing your trip around it.
There are plenty of top things to do in Warsaw in winter and there’s enough activities to occupy a 3-day itinerary.
Where to stay in Warsaw
My first choice for where to stay in Warsaw is H15 Boutique Hotel. This 5-star luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the city, offers excellent service, a mouthwatering breakfast and a spa.
To experience a boutique experience, but without the high cost, consider booking at the gorgeous Sleepwell Apartments. It’s situated off the popular Nowy Świat street in Warsaw, offering affordable 4-star accommodation in stylish surroundings.
I can't write about hotels in Warsaw without mentioning the luxury Raffles Europejski Warsaw. Taken under its wing by the Singaporean Raffles group, it’s truly a luxury hotel that satisfies its price tag.
What do you think of the Warsaw Christmas market? Would you like to visit? Leave me a comment below, I’d love to hear from you.m you.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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I totally relate to you Lisa, when you say that you get excited in the run-up to Christmas because that's exactly how I feel. And just like you, I spent my last 2 Christmases exploring different cities/countries in Europe! In 2017, I was in Austria and this year, in Hungary and absolutely loved it. Warsaw's Christmas market look smaller and more charming as compared to the ones I saw the last two years. I'd love to try some hot Polish cheese pastries, they sound delicious. A little surprised, though, that they serve baklava in Poland! Gluhwein is my fav Christmas drink 😉
Gluhwein there is really delicious! We had such a lovely time, didn't try the Baklava though lol!
Quite interesting! I was thinking about Warsaw a few weeks back and was talking to my Polish friends about it and they were giving me a few suggestions!
Yes, they did mention the fantastic Christmas market but suggested me to not go for it as the town does tend to get a bit too chilly in winters (-8/9 as you've mentioned) and with my little 1 yr old kid it might be a bit difficult to handle!
So thanks for this virtual tour as of now. I might consider Warsaw in winter next year or the year ahead...
You really must! It's a wonderful city, but yes, wrap up your little one, it's so cold!
This looks cool. I never been to a Xmas market in Europe but I have to make it someday.
Thank you, hope you make it one day!
We usually stay in Canada during the Christmas season so we never really go to Christmas markets outside the country. I love the fact that it is not crowded. It lets you take your time to shop around, and not feel rushed!
Definitely! It has that aura, and we enjoyed every second 🙂
Warsaw is amazing, even If I haven't been in the christmas period, but just few days before I remember the atmosphere so well. It was amazing, I could assume with glitter lights it could be even more. I will come back soon.
Perfect! We had an amazing time, and would definitely return, but in the summer too!
I enjoy visiting Christmas carnivals and market places. The Warsaw Christmas market really seems interesting and enjoyable. I love the fact that it's less crowded. I will now definitely consider spending my Christmas time in Warsaw.
Happy to read that, thanks for commenting!
Ah I really want to go to Warsaw anyway, but now I really really want to go for christmas
You'll have a great time!
I agree. The days leading to a festival are as important as the festival. We have Diwali markets in India. But Christmas is every little child's favourite. Warsaw seems like a wonderful place
Warsaw's a great place to visit at Christmas. Thanks for sharing your traditions too!
My boyfriend told me about this Warsaw Christmas Market, and hope we can go together next year!
Wonderful! Hope you'll enjoy it
Beautiful. I live in Miami, Florida and we have very warm Christmas and no Christmas market so whenever I go to a European city in the winter, I flock to the Christmas market. I’ve never been to Warsaw and wouldn’t think to go in the winter, but this adds a reason!
Ah I can imagine you having a warm Christmas in Miami! Warsaw's a great alternative to a Christmas market in Europe, and I highly recommend visiting!
I love that you had a swell time there and tried pastries as well. You have become my new favourite blogger!
Aw thank you!
I've been wanting to visit Poland for a long time now, but I never thought the Christmas time would be the indicated. Thank you for this review!
You're welcome, you get to visit someday!
Warwas looks like such a great place to spend Christmas. Your post makes me a bit sad for already planning to spend Christmas elsewhere. However, I would love to visit this city for Christmas in one of the upcoming years. Thank you for sharing
You definitely should, it's a sparkly place to start the season!
Warsaw has been on my wishlist for such a long time, I really do need to plan a trip there. Late November / December looks like a great time to visit, to enjoy the Christmas lights and market. The range of goods at the market looks wonderful, and I like your note that it's less crowded than the big well known Christmas markets too. I also like that there are other markets in town as well as the main one.
We really had a good time! Warsaw's a little different and much cheaper too 😀
I just love going to different Christmas markets!!! I would love to check the market in Warsaw out one day
You must, you'd love it!
I like the idea of shopping to a place with historical signficance. Europe did a great job transforming these places....
We're very lucky here with all the markets!
Wow! Cheese and Sweets are all that I can see! haha. I could go there every night. Wish we have it like here... Thank you for sharing!
There's plenty of delicious things on offer! You're welcome 😀
We love the festivites at Christmas time and this Christmas Market looks amazing! We've never visited Warsaw but would love to visit one day x
You must! It's a great trip for families too 🙂
I love Christmas Markets and seeing how different counties do them. Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome!
I'm like you. I really enjoy the excitement that leads up to Christmas. The energy is fantastic!
I totally agree!
I would love to visit Castle Square (plac Zamkowy), to get a sense of how the former Warsaw used to be. Thanks for introducing us to this great place
You're welcome Keshia, hope you get to visit one day
spending my Christmas in Warsaw is my dream! They really have plenty of traditions around Christmas
Aw I hope you get to visit one year, it's magical
I usually like offbeat and lesser known places. You are right in saying that people tend to focus more on popular destinations for Christmas, but Warsaw seems like a welcome change. I love Christmas more than any other festival. Buying gifts for friends is my favourite thing to do, love playing secret santa.
I love secret santa too, and here there are many good gift choices to buy!
I’ve never been to a Christmas market! That sounds like a lot of fun. I was watching a Christmas movie the other night that took place in England and they had so many festivities I don’t see here in the US
Which ones? I live in England, so would love to know myself 😀
This looks likes such a fun place to spend Christmas. It is so festive and has a lot of activities!
There are, and you get the wintry weather too lol!
This looks like it would be an amazing experience. I love everything about this time of the year,
Yes, you and me both!
Once I visited the Christmas market in Edinburgh and it was awesome. European Christmas markets are always fun.
I agree, I love wandering around and seeing what's on offer
Wow, that's so cool! I wish we had a Christmas market in my city! Your pictures look great as well.
Thank you! I hope you get to visit one like this one day
This is beautiful! I've never been, but after this post its on my list!
Great to read, thank you!
If I ever get out of the United States this will absolutely be a place I will go. I love that there are so many options for different food, it looks like a fun place to go!
You have to get out of the US, the world's a big place!
Wow! This looks interesting. I've never been there. I've actually never visited Poland at all. I will have to add that to my list.
Perfect, I'm glad it's provided some inspiration
Wow. This is so beautiful. I would love to be there. Such a lovely place. Seems you had a great time.
We did, and came home with some bargains too
This is now on my bucket list. Looks amazing!
Great, thanks!
Thank you for sharing! My family and I are thinking of traveling to another country for Christmas next year and this is definitely on our list! It's between Poland, London and Prague! Ah!
Aw, if possible try and do all 3! But Warsaw's a cheaper option 🙂
I will be traveling to Poland in two months time .
Thanks for sharing this wonderful piece of information online and I really hope you write more like this one.
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it, and enjoy Poland.
I was living in Warsaw for 7 years. Even not far from old town! I see you had good time there 🙂
We really did, it's a fun city!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience.I've never been personally to a Christmas market.but I would definitely consider visiting the Warsaw market as you really pictured it perfectly ❤
Aw you have to one day! We loved our time here, and know others will too
This looks like a wonderful place to go before Christmas, I should definitely take a trip to Poland in early December to see something like this.
You really should! We had an awesome trip, and recommend others to follow suit
It is amazing reading your story about Warsaw. Their Christmas markets makes me feel more excited about Christmas season with all these colors and snacks. Which is the best, the Christmas market in Germany or in Poland?
It's hard to compare country vs country, but between Berlin and Warsaw, I actually prefer Warsaw. It's smaller, but less crowded and you can actually see the merchandise 🙂
Heading to a Christmas market is something we want to do as a family soon as our kids are a little older. I did not know about warsaw market so its lovely to see your photos
Thank you! It's a great market to visit, and you won't regret it.
I have never been in that place and it was a nice guide for us once we visit that place. And it seems like a nice place to visit to buy something for this Christmas.
Yes, it's that kind of place!
Thanks for sharing this candid review of the Warsaw christmas market. Personally I would love to check it out because it is less crowded and offers great photography opportunity. I would love to taste those sweets and chocolates
That's great to know! I'm so happy that others want to try out a less busy market too. And Warsaw's fun 🙂
Thank you for sharing about Warsaw. For one, it’s interesting to know about places I’ve never been. Also, I didn’t know much about the culture or even their celebrating Christmas.
You're welcome! They do Christmas big in Poland, and it's worth visiting 🙂
I love Christmas markets so much. I miss spending my Decembers in Germany and visiting all of them.
European Christmas markets are the best!
Looks spectacular! Would love to visit there during the holidays; so much character!
It evokes that kind of feeling!
I appreciate your honestly about the Warsaw Christmas Market. While I can understand that it’s smaller and less well known, sometimes it’s just good to get away from the crowds of the well known markets. And I sure would like to Taste Christmas in a cup! The pastries sound yummy too.
I completely agree! We really enjoyed it, and am sure others will feel the same
I like the idea of warming up with Gluwein. How does it get better than "Christmas in a cup?!" (I might like to pair it with some of those cheesy pastries, too.) While the Warsaw Christmas Market may not offer as much as Prague or Vienna, it's definitely more appealing to me from a (no) crowd standpoint. I'd like to give it a try!
Me too! I was convinced that most would prefer a busier Christmas market. And yes, gluhwein really is Christmas in a cup!
OMG! looks incredible I would loved to go there! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you!
I would LOVE to see Warsaw during Christmas. The photos you've shared are just amazing. I can't imagine being able to be there for the festivities.
Thanks Stacie! It's a fun city to spend the season in!
I am planning to visit Berlin, Vienna, Prague and Budapest soon and I will be going to all the Christmas markets and New Year markets, it's nice to know what Warsaw is like and there are a lot of fun and food too! Thanks for sharing and I hope to visit there next time 🙂 @ knycx.journeying
You're so welcome! I hope you prepared clothes wise, it can get very cold there!
Pretty! And just look at all those Christmas goodies! I'm pretty sure if we're on a diet, we would easily destroy our diet discipline here. Hahaha!
It's definitely not the place to start a diet!
It is really so festive to visit colorful Christmas markets in Europe. Great to know all about Warsaw Christmas market. Those sweet treats are must try I think. Looks so delicious and fresh.
There's plenty of yummy things to eat there! And at a good price too 🙂
I'd love to visit Poland someday. There is so much history to discover. I like that the Christmas Market isn't crowded. I don't love crowds much. I think I would really enjoy it. My daughter spent about 4 months in Poland and really loved what she saw. She brought me back one of the mushroom nut crackers in your photo.
Wow what a coincidence! Honestly, we really enjoyed ourselves, and I'm not a crowd fan too so enjoyed Warsaw. I hope you get to visit one day
I love the idea of going to Christmas markets in Europe! We just don't get them here in NZ. So even if the Warsaw one was smaller than the ones in Prague or Vienna, it would be still delightful for us Kiwis! I would love to go ice skating outside at the Old Town Market Place. I only ever skate in an indoor rink so there's something quite charming about the idea of skating outside at night, under the lights at Christmas time! And I'd definitely be stocking up on those wonderfully soft wool cashmere socks too!
Aw you'd really love the outdoors skating rink, surrounded by the colourful buildings of the old town market place! Shame you don't have Christmas markets in NZ, they always make me feel festive 🙂
Very cool post! I had no idea that the Polish also had Christmas markets. I had been to them all over Germany and they look very similar. I did not see the cheese stalls like here, which look absolutely AMAZING. With all of the yummy food, it definitely seems like a place you should show up to hungry. And enjoy with a mug of Gluhwein of course 🙂
Cheese pastries and Gluhwein are a killer combo! We really enjoyed our time there, and know that others would too
I am not a big fan of Xmas markets, but if I went, I would definitely want to go to a smaller one that is not packed with people. The Warsaw one looks perfect for me! I'd love to go for a skate on the ice rink surrounded by those beautiful buildings.
Amazing! I was thinking that more people would prefer the bigger ones, but Warsaw is much less crowded and worth a visit
I 100% agree with you that the lead up to Christmas is more exciting than Christmas day itself. Its essentially an entire month indulgence for us! I have never travelled in December and thank goodness really because I would be terrible at the Christmas markets! I have this obsession with Christmas decorations and I would never be able to hold back. I'd have to carry another suitcase just to house them all! The Warsaw market looks lovely and vibrant. And speaking of stocking fillers, I better start thing about that this week! Thanks for the reminder:)
Ha, you'd go crazy at the Warsaw stalls - it's much cheaper than Vienna or Berlin, that's for sure! Good luck on the rest of the Christmas shopping!
I have never heard of the Warsaw Christmas market before. This year I have visited several markets in Copenaghen, and one in Prague but I found them somehow delusional as many items on sale were made in China and not artisanal local crafts. What was your overall impression on the items on sale in Warsaw?
That's such a shame! Honestly, everything we bought was made in Poland (sheepskin slippers for example). Thanks for the update; that's too bad. We really enjoyed Warsaw, and actually the lack of people was more pleasant!
I definitely agree and enjoy the run up to Christmas more then the day itself. Warsaw seems to have that festive run up to Christmas as well like most European major cities. The markets are very similar to the ones in london I must say. Wooden chalets and souvenir and gifts fir Christmas. Looks a good place to try some local specialities. Good one to share.
They definitely have many similarities, but still very festive to visit!
I've visited Krakow before but Warsaw is now definitely on my list! Even if it's just for those cheese pastries... plus Poland still feels super affordable.
It really is! And the pastries were very delicious
Wonderful post! I lived for 5 years in Warsaw and have some great memories of that Christmas market.. so much great food, especially the rustic bread loaves and cheeses. I agree it's not as big as some other European markets but it's definitely got a lot of charm and holiday ambiance.
Thanks Dee! We enjoyed it, and came home with some great gifts too. Warsaw's a charming city to visit
I enjoy visiting Christmas markets when visiting places as well. Thank you for that tip on making Warsaw Market as a side trip for the whole itinerary.
You're welcome, it's more my personal opinion but glad you enjoyed it
I've been reading quite a few posts on Christmas Markets and it gets me excited for the upcoming Christmas holidays! I would like to visit the Warsaw Christmas Market even if it isn't as exciting as the Prague or Vienna markets. I prefer less crowded areas and more time to browse through the various vendors. The cheesy Polish pastries look delicious and good for a cold evening.
Then this will be ideal for you! It has the glitz, but not as many people. The cheesy pastries were great!
I like both the church Christmas market and the old town market place. Just like you like run outs to Christmas even I enjoy run outs to Christmas more than the Christmas day itself. Usually on the Christmas day families tend to be together and spend the evening, so the markets do not seem to be as busy as they are during the pre Christmas evenings. So I enjoy them more. The one in Warsaw looks really pretty.This time I'm heading to Reykjavik to experience Christmas market out there I hope they are nice as well.
It's a pretty city in general, and with plenty to see. Reykjavik sounds cool, hope you have fun!
I didn't even know Warsaw has a christmas market! Thanks for telling us your honest views about it. I personally prefer less crowded places so I do want to check this out. And yes the anticipation preceding a big day is the biggest part of the fun!
Wonderful, this may be better for you! It's quieter, but you can actually see the merchandise on offer 🙂
I'm so jealous of your winter adventures, I would LOVE to be in Europe for the winter, and I've heard such great things about Warsaw! Although I feel cold just looking at some of these pictures, the Christmas markets always look so warm and inviting - you've captured that perfectly! I want to have a wander around one day with a mug of Gluhwein 🙂
I'm just uploading a video, and trust me, it was freezing! We're lucky here in Europe, it's cold, but there's a lot going on!
Like you, I have always loved the activities running up to Christmas. I appreciate your honest review of the Warsaw market and how it compares to other European markets. I hope to visit as many as I can!
You're welcome Elizabeth! It's a great city to visit, but the market is more a side attraction than the main 🙂