Poland is mainly a Catholic nation and so Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December, just like in many other Western countries. The celebrations are carried out in both a public and family setting. In the case of the former, visitors can enjoy the beautiful and lush Christmas trees which are set up in town squares. Advent in Poland begins from a period of four Sundays, even before Christmas begins; it is carried out with special church services and prayers. Christmas in Poland involves having a lavish feast on Christmas Eve, or what is called Wigilia. The traditional Poland Christmas food consists of a full 12 dishes, each signifying an apostle. The dishes are usually meatless, but fish is exempt. Before sitting down to eat, the holy wafer is broken and everyone eats a piece.
Places To Visit During Christmas In Poland
A lot of superstitions also mark Christmas in Poland, like the fact that animals are able to speak of this night or that placing a straw mat under the table brings good luck. You will be able to see it all on your holiday here in the following places. Say Merry Christmas in Poland this time!
1. Karpacz
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Karpacz is a place for winter sports and thrills enthusiasts, as it offers a broad range of winter activities. Situated right in the Karkonosze Mountains, this place is the ideal place to deep dive into the adrenaline-pumping world of cross-country skiing as well as ski touring. But that’s not all there is, as, in apparent contrast, there is also a 19th-century medieval church called Wang Chapel which was brought from Scandinavia. It is a stunning example of the beauty of Romanesque architecture. Something not worth missing!
Where to stay: Mercure Karpacz Resort- Free Wi-Fi; Hotel Gołębiewski w Karpacz- Free Wi-Fi
Special Events: Country skiing, Ski touring
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2. Zakopane
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Situated right at the foot of the looming Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is a famous mountain resort here. There is something magical in this place as the rooftops and streets shine with snow. It’s an incredible place to head to to celebrate the Christmas holiday in Poland. If you want to enjoy Christmas activities in Poland, then this is the city to head to as there are excellent hiking trails and ski slopes for people to try out in here.
Where to stay: Hotel Nosal- Free Wi-Fi; ARIES Hotel & SPA- Free Wi-Fi
Special Events: Hiking, Skiing
3. Warszawa
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If you are wondering about where to spend Christmas in Poland, then, without doubt, anyone would recommend you to try out the magical city of Warszawa. It offers its visitors an abundance of things to do in the cold. We would say that instead of using any form of transport, just strolling and walking around town during Christmas to see the beautiful lights hung around. Make sure to pass through Old Town though there you will be able to meet Santa and visit the Christmas market in Warsaw Poland.
Where to stay: Warsaw Marriott Hotel- Free Wi-Fi; Novotel Warszawa Centrum- Free Wi-Fi
Special Events: Wilanów Royal Garden of Light 3D display, Christmas Fair in Warsaw Old Town
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4. Poznań
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This is an amazing winter wonderland and the main square over here is just an amazing place where the Christmas market is held. The whole square is decked out with beautiful lights. The market features the performance of a Nativity scene as well as the International Ice Sculpture Competition. Ever wondered, what happened to the ice sculptures after all the competitions were over? Well, over here the art is left to melt.
Where to stay: Sheraton Poznan Hotel- Free Wi-Fi; Mercure Poznań Centrum- Free Wi-Fi
Special Events: Nativity enactments, Christmas market.
5. Giżycko
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This is a really popular yachting resort in this nation. This holiday destination is located right between two huge lakes which have navigable connections to other water bodies that surround it. Also deemed as the sailing capital of Poland, Giżycko is becoming a land of beautifully frozen lakes, which is earning it a solid reputation as a winter wonderland. Moreover, it is becoming known for its ice boating in the winter too. So if you want to get away from the usual Christmas festivities and feel the thrill of launching yourself in the air then head on over here.
Where to stay: Hotel St. Bruno- Free Wi-Fi; Hotel Giżycko- free breakfast
Special Events: Iceboating, Yachting
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6. Białowieża
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The forests of Białowieża are actually the last surviving primaeval forest in lowland Europe. For this purpose, UNESCO recognizes their age, diversity, and natural structure as a World Heritage site and a biosphere reserve. As one can expect, the place calls like a siren to visitors, and this is an amazing destination for thrill-inducing experiences such as bison tracking during these winter months. You will love searching for these huge Christmas reindeer in the clear snow.
Where to stay: Hotel Żubrówka Białowieża- pool, upscale lodgings; Hotel Białowieski- sauna, pool
Special Events: bison tracking
Christmas Markets In Poland
1. Gdańsk
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This is the most influential seaport in the nation and its architecture is just awe-inspiring. It is an amazing old town full of buildings and houses. The one thing one cannot miss while here is the Christmas market held at Targ Weglowy to meet the town’s own Polish Santa Claus. For some action, you can try out the ice skating rink and take a stroll around the town to see the Christmas tree displays hung on them.
Where to stay: Qubus Hotel Gdańsk- free river cruises, upscale lodging; Radisson Blu Hotel, Gdansk- bar, dining, upscale lodging
Special Events: St. Dominic’s Fair, Light installations
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2. Torun Christmas Market
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Christmas in Poland, especially in Torun is a thing to behold, even if it’s not as large as some of the other cities. The city has one of the most charming Christmas markets in Poland. What Torun lacks in size, it makes up in beauty with its medieval charm which simply gets enhanced when the Christmas decorations are put up. Known for its gingerbread, if you are in the place, check out the small but beautiful Christmas market scene going on, grab a mug of hot mulled wine, chat with the locals, and engage in the holiday spirits.
Where to stay: Copernicus Toruń Hotel- Free Wi-Fi, Mercure Toruń Centrum- Free Wi-Fi
Special Events: Magic Christmas tour, Wooden Christmas pyramid, Games and quizzes
3. Kraków
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One of the most dazzling and stunning cities in the continent for sure, Christmas in Krakow Poland offers a lot of possibilities for its visitors. The Christmas market in Krakow Poland located on Market Square shows off a whole range of Christmas merchandise which includes things like hand-painted bubbles, tree decorations for Christmas, various decorative articles and Christmas attires like souvenirs, ceramics, cloth goods, calendars and postcards among other varieties. A truly global meeting ground since the place attracts people from all over the globe.
Where to stay: Holiday Inn Krakow City Centre- Free Wi-Fi; Novotel Krakow Centrum- Free Wi-Fi
Special Events: Christmas market
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4. Wroclaw Christmas Market
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The Christmas market in Wroclaw Poland is held at the city’s Old Town which is amongst its historic sights. The market dates back centuries, to the 16th century. As such the market with its fairytale forest is marked by a bunch of fairy-themed acts taking place each year. It is a thing most well-liked and enjoyed by children. Of course, with the gradual increase in the popularity of holiday markets, more people flock here, which in turn makes more vendors sell their wares and treats. It’s a place perfect for those looking to enjoy the festival but in some solace.
Where to stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wroclaw- pool, dining, modern lodging; Radisson Blu- sauna, dining, retro rooms.
Special event: Christmas market, fairytale performance.
Christmas Tradition In Poland
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The most popular ritual for Christmas celebrations in Poland is the Christmas Eve Supper. A formal meal is served in the majority of the homes with a white tablecloth. People exchange presents and there are many Christmas traditions related to the festival including carol singing, and singing of melodious seasonal songs. Decoration of the Christmas tree is also an important and fun activity done shortly before Christmas. The decorations include homemade ornaments, candles, garlands and more.
The Eve day is a day of fasting followed by a delicious dinner consisting of 12 traditional dishes. Just before the dinner, the family shares the wafer and wishes good luck to each other. Gift giving is following post-Christmas dinner which is placed under the Christmas tree.
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Christmas is a beautiful occasion that is celebrated with much love and care over here. People are religious as well as hospitable which makes the trip to Poland even more worthwhile and with its bison tracking, skiing and Christmas markets, there’s a lot to do in this beautiful snowy land.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Poland
What are some Christmas traditions in Poland?
Advent Celebrations, Midnight Mass are some of the traditions of Poland.
What is Santa Claus called in Poland?
Mikolaj is the name of Santa Claus in Poland.
What is a Polish Christmas dinner?
Wigilia Recipes, Polish Mushroom soup, Fish in Aspic, are some of the dishes of Polish Christmas dinner.
What is the most important holiday in Poland?
Catholic Christmas is the most important holiday in Poland.
Which are the best Christmas markets in Poland?
The most charming Christmas markets you need to visit are - Christmas market in Krakow Poland, Christmas market in Wroclaw Poland, and Christmas market in Warsaw Poland.
How do they celebrate Christmas in Poland?
People celebrate Christmas in Poland by visiting their neighbours and family members, by attending the Christmas Eve midnight mass, and kids also receive presents, sweets, and money.
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