The Gdańsk Christmas Market (Nov 21 – Dec 23) offers unique Baltic amber jewelry, hand-painted glass baubles, ceramics, and sheepskin slippers in the Old Town. Key food items include grzaniec (mulled wine), pierogi, langos, smoked cheese, and traditional waffles, all within a festive, often snowy atmosphere.
At most markets, you can find a variety of decorations, ornaments, and toys - sometimes handcrafted and sometimes made right on the spot. You'll often also find handmade gifts, such as jewelry, soaps, and winter clothing like scarves and gloves. There's lots of food, too! Oh, and MUGS!
How cold is it in Gdańsk during December? It's cold in Gdańsk during December. The temperature tops out at around 3℃ during the day, falling away to -0℃ at night.
Thermal wear for Poland travel (tops & bottoms) Fleece or insulated mid-layers. Waterproof, windproof outerwear like a puffer jacket for men. Insulated, waterproof boots.
With four full days — including a day trip to Malbork Castle — you'll have plenty of time to explore the city's history, culture, and coastal charm at a relaxed pace. Start with Gdańsk's Royal Route, the most iconic walk in the city.
If you're planning to visit and only speak English, you'll find that Gdańsk is generally quite English-friendly. English is widely spoken among younger people and in tourist-focused areas, making it easier for international visitors to navigate the city. Most hotels in Gdańsk have English-speaking staff.
The 7 Gift Rule for adults provides a structured, meaningful way to exchange presents by focusing on purpose, often including: something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read, something to do (an experience or hobby item), something for the family, and something to give (charitable or consumable). It shifts focus from endless items to quality, intentional gifts that nourish different aspects of life, reducing clutter and holiday stress.
Apparel leads online: While gift cards are most requested, apparel and electronics were the top-selling online categories during the record-breaking $233.7 billion U.S. online holiday shopping season.
The best-selling market stall products are often hot food/drinks, handmade goods (jewelry, crafts, soaps, candles, art), vintage/second-hand items, plants/flowers, and seasonal goods like Christmas decorations, driven by high demand, uniqueness, and impulse buys, with personalized items, organic produce, pet supplies, unique tech accessories, and natural cosmetics also proving popular across different market types. Success depends on market type (farmers', craft, festive) and target audience, so researching your specific market is key.
Gdańsk is famous for being the birthplace of the Solidarity movement that helped end communism in Poland, its rich maritime history (including the iconic Gdańsk Crane), being the "Amber Capital" of the Baltic due to abundant amber, stunning architecture blending Gothic and Renaissance styles, and as the site where World War II began. Key attractions include the European Solidarity Centre, the Museum of the Second World War, St. Mary's Church, and the picturesque Long Market (Długi Targ).
Wrocław Christmas Markets are some of the largest and most beautiful in Poland. The main one out of the four is located in the city's picturesque Rynek (Main Market Square). From past visit, the market is a true winter wonderland and has everything you could want from a festive getaway.
When visiting Poland, DO validate public transport tickets, dress modestly in churches, learn basic Polish phrases, and be punctual; DON'T drink alcohol in public, call Poles "Eastern Europeans," smile at strangers, or discuss sensitive history casually, while always respecting cultural norms like removing shoes at home and being mindful of tipping customs.
The heartiest version would be scrambled eggs fried with onions and diced kiełbasa. Seasonally we make scrambled eggs with chanterelles (spring forest mushrooms) or with fried tomatoes. Another quintessential Polish breakfast would be milk soup. This consists of just rice and milk or noodles and milk.
Poland is famous for its vodka, and bringing home a bottle (or two) is a great idea. Whether you opt for traditional clear vodka or flavored varieties like Żubrówka (bison grass vodka), it's a great way to reminisce about your trip. Many specialty vodkas are not available abroad, making them an exclusive souvenir.
Did you know Gdansk is called the world capital of amber? 👁 Discover the secrets of this ancient gemstone when in #Gdansk for #VC25! Here are two top sights: 🏛 Visit the Amber Museum, located in a restored medieval Great Mill.
Gdańsk at night feels safer than almost any other city. The nightlife is vibrant and full of energy, yet there's no sense of unease—no worries about pickpockets or crime. People remain watchful, but there's an undeniable calm in the air, as if everyone knows they're in one of the safest cities in Europe.
Generally, Gdańsk is considered slightly cheaper or very comparable in cost to Krakow, with some sources showing Gdańsk as having a lower overall cost of living index, though tourist areas in both cities can be pricey, especially for nightlife, while food often remains affordable in both. Krakow is known for being a budget-friendly cultural hub, while Gdańsk offers a similar vibe with a seaside twist, meaning significant price differences are unlikely for general travel, notes.
