On Saturday 22 November, Gdańsk began its celebrations – the Opening Ceremony officially launched the Christmas Market, recognised as the best in Europe! The event was inaugurated by a colourful Winter Parade, the joint Oath of the Guardians of Christmas Magic and the symbolic opening of the Market's Book, with the celebrations enhanced by performances from the University of Gdańsk Academic Choir and young people from the "Welcome Home" project.
The Christmas Market Parade set off from Bogusławskiego Street for the first time (in previous years it began on Tkacka Street). The colourful procession gathered at the Advent Gate and made its way from there towards the stage on Targ Węglowy. In this ceremonial style, the 2025 Christmas Market began in Gdańsk.
– It is with great joy that we open the Gdańsk Christmas Market – an event that last year won the title of the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe. I think we have fully earned this distinction, and we proudly continue this tradition – said Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk. – I encourage everyone to enjoy the festivities together, to discover extraordinary flavours from around the world and to make the most of the Market's rich offering. Let us also remember, however, that the essence of Christmas is sharing kindness – so please support those who need it most. A whole month of festive atmosphere lies ahead of us here in Gdańsk – I wish you all a wonderful time – the Mayor added.
This year's Market stretches from the Wybrzeże Theatre all the way to the Shakespeare Theatre, also taking in the courtyard of Forum Gdańsk and the Institute of Urban Culture. Visitors can look forward to as many as 222 stalls selling handicrafts, gifts and festive treats from around the world, as well as 22 kitchens – from traditional pierogi and regional Pomeranian delicacies to exotic dishes from Italy, Spain and Sri Lanka. New this year are deposit-based porcelain mugs – eco-friendly and collectible, available with the purchase of mulled wine.
Among the new spaces is the Shakespeare Corner, featuring a theatrical gate, Romeo and Juliet's balcony and a modern dining area, as well as the St Nicholas Corner with its striking Advent Gate and a chair where the youngest visitors can meet Santa Claus. For families, there is the Christmas Journeys Corner with AmberSky, a magical sleigh, a carousel and spinning barrels, while lovers of humour can visit the Moose Corner with the legendary Lucek the Moose. There is also an Angel Corner with fairy-tale wings and characters from "A Christmas Carol", and in the courtyard of Forum Gdańsk the Amber Corner awaits, with a multimedia jewellery exhibition.
Almost every day at the Market there are concerts, workshops, fire shows, family performances, festive karaoke, dance parties and meetings with artists. The programme includes regular Theatre Tuesdays, Family Thursdays with performances such as "The Snow Queen's Journeys", craft workshops, and – from 1 December – the daily opening of the largest Advent calendar in Gdańsk. A detailed schedule of events is available on the Market's website.
Flavours of Pomerania and the Energa partnership
This year's Gdańsk Christmas Market is a true feast for the senses. The Pomeranian regional authority invites visitors to stalls under the banner "Flavours of Pomerania", where they can sample traditional, organic food and regional specialities. The stalls can be visited from 21 to 23 November – marked with a special "Flavours of Pomerania" sign. This is not only an excellent opportunity to buy regional treats, but also a chance to discover the culinary richness of Pomerania, based on traditional and local recipes.
– In just over a month we will be celebrating Christmas, and we can already feel that special atmosphere today. I am delighted that we can be here together, preparing for the most beautiful holiday of the year – said Mieczysław Struk, Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship. – We thank everyone who voted for the Gdańsk Christmas Market — the best in Europe. I am especially pleased to see so many exhibitors from Pomerania presenting regional flavours and traditions. I wish you all a joyful time and good preparations for the holidays – the Marshal added.
This year's Market would not have been possible without the support of partners – special thanks go to Energa, part of the ORLEN Group, which serves as the Christmas Market's CSR Partner, supporting the development of festive traditions and initiatives for the local community.
– Although it is getting darker, the market around us is becoming brighter and more festive. There are moments in our lives that we remember for a long time — and this moment clearly shows that we are entering the extraordinary time of Christmas, important to us all – said Piotr Szymanek, Vice-President of Energa S.A. – I am glad that Energa can be part of this celebration and will do everything it can to make the Market shine even brighter this year. We want it to be a place of meetings, joy and shared experience of the magic of Christmas.
The Gdańsk Christmas Market will run until 23 December. The organisers invite everyone to celebrate together, discover the magic of Christmas and share in the joy at the very heart of the city!
See you at the Market!