Switching On the Festive Season in Gdańsk has been scheduled for 5 December. There will be no shortage of the light curtain in Oliwa Park, popular with photographers, the illuminated tram on Zielony Bridge, and many other decorations already familiar to Gdańsk residents, but there will also be new additions – including a plane in Zaspa. On this day, the lights on the city's Christmas tree, traditionally set up next to the Neptune Fountain, will also be ceremonially switched on.
What illuminations has the International Fairground Gdańsk prepared?
Decorations will appear in nine locations. In Kuźniczki Park in Wrzeszcz, plans include an illuminated gazebo, a drummer, lamp-post decorations and a „Merry Christmas” sign. On Zielony Bridge, as in previous years, there will be an illuminated tram, while Stągiewny Bridge – will feature a bus illumination. Oliwa Park will once again have the magical light curtain, as well as 3D sailboats and a royal peacock – also in 3D format. Light decorations will also appear in other parts of the park.
In Jan Paweł II Park in Zaspa, the aforementioned plane will appear, along with other, smaller decorations also related to the aviation theme. In Oruński Park, the local gazebo will be illuminated, and there will also be a 3D swan and an illuminated giant gift. Near Hevelius Square in the Old Town, plans include setting up Hevelius's telescope and seat, as well as amber baubles on the lamp-posts in the immediate vicinity of the Amber Museum. Meanwhile, at Kobzdej Square in the Main Town, illuminations referencing former townsfolk will be installed. There will be a Lady, the Gdańsk Boy, a Courtly Couple and a Gdańsk Couple. In addition, a garland will be hung on the pergola there. Illuminations will also appear on the promenade leading to the pier in Brzeźno. These will be three cranes, including one with a gift, and an anchor.
A dozen or so illuminations are already lit after dark at the Christmas Market, namely on Targ Węglowy, Tkacka Street and Bogusławskiego Street.
The Christmas Market has traditionally lit up with festive lights – snowflake gates and a light sky over Bogusławskiego Street. A Forest Gazebo was set up on Targ Węglowy, and on Tkacka Street – photo points with angel wings in two sizes. Snow sleighs, in turn, were set up by the Torture Chamber (Katownia).
All these illuminations use soft, yellow light. They are made using energy-efficient eco-LED technology, meaning they need nine times less electricity than traditional bulbs. The new illuminations at the Gdańsk Christmas Market consume 1.2 kW/h, the same as one running fridge. One evening with the market illuminations costs under 9 złoty.
