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Ho, ho, ho – the countdown to Christmas is in full swing! Therefore, it is worth taking a look at where Christmas, together with the pre- and post-Christmas period, can revive and preserve the most beautiful memories. Personally, I think that Gdańsk is the perfect place to spend this unique winter time :) And why? Let me explain!
In Gdańsk, tradition mixes with modernity, creating a unique Christmas mosaic that we wait for all year round. Streets illuminated with thousands of lights, the sounds of Christmas carols permeating the Royal Route, the smell of cinnamon and gingerbread floating in the air and a cup of mulled wine warming the hands of passersby - all this makes the city even more magical than in the remaining 11 months.
I invite you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Gdańsk's Christmas splendor ✨
Photo: Christmas in Gdańsk
Observations of tourism industry employees leave no doubt: every year more and more people decide to spend the holiday season away from home. There are probably as many reasons as there are people leaving. However, the most common motivation seems to be the desire to spend time with the family without having to make great preparations - away from pots, dirty windows and tangled Christmas tree lights ;) Without a doubt, the desire to relax in a completely different setting - among beautiful, tastefully prepared hotel decorations.
Statistics show that for some of us it is also an ideal opportunity for a short vacation, but the religious aspect becomes only an addition, not the main goal, regardless of whether we spend these days alone, among friends or family.
If you are wondering where to find both the spirit of Christmas and the magic of winter time in Tricity, I have a few suggestions for you.
Photo: The Christmas Fair in Gdańsk from a bird's eye view
The Gdańsk Christmas Fair is an event with a beautiful tradition dating back to the 17th century, and at the same time constantly developing and meeting the needs of the present. This year's edition started on November 25 and will last until December 23, 2023. For a month in the historic center of the city, we have the opportunity to feel the unique Christmas atmosphere.
Is it worth experiencing it for yourself? Definitely yes! For years, the Gdańsk Christmas Market has been among the best in Europe. In last year's European Best Christmas Market 2023 ranking, it took second place - behind Budapest and ahead of, among others: Austrian Vienna and French Montbeliard. In this situation, the words that come to mind are: praise others, but get to know your own ;)
Christmas stands are located at Targ Węglowy and on Tkacka, Przedbramie and Bogusławskiego streets. For years, we have found handicrafts there - unique items made by local artists and craftsmen, e.g. amber jewelry, leather goods, ceramics and Christmas tree decorations. In line with tradition, there will also be regional delicacies based on family recipes.
Photo: Christmas Fair in Gdańsk
At the Fair, the organizers have prepared several corners, i.e. special thematic zones, including:
Photo: Christmas Fair in Gdańsk
Those craving art - dance and music - will find their way to the cultural events planned by the Polish Baltic Philharmonic in Ołowianka, especially:
Natalia Świerczyńska will pay tribute to the "Gentleman of All Time" in Frank Sinatra's winter songs. Listeners can expect a beautiful winter concert that will warm you up even in the coldest weather, and the swing arrangements will take us to the streets of New York in the 1940s, accompanied by "New York, New York" and "Winter Wonderland".
For those of us for whom Christmas is primarily a special time for religious reasons, I encourage you to visit Tricity's churches to participate in Midnight Mass, find nativity scenes and listen to a concert of carols.
The tradition of creating nativity scenes dates back to the first centuries of Christianity. For hundreds of years, the Holy Family has been presented in a stable or cave among shepherds and animals. However, mobile and living nativity scenes, as well as those designed in an unusual way, are particularly appreciated. In Tricity, it is definitely worth paying attention to the following: in the church of St. Trinity in Gdańsk, in the Franciscan church in Gdynia, or - this year exceptionally, not a sand one, but a wooden one - a nativity scene in front of the Oliwa Town Hall of Culture.
For many Catholics, the spiritual experience of Christmas involves participating in Midnight Mass. If you are looking for a suitable church for this extraordinary time, thinking about not only spiritual values, I would suggest:
During Christmas, carols resound from the philharmonic halls and the opera, but also, and perhaps above all, from churches.
I would like to invite you to a unique event that will combine tradition and emotions. The Polish Christmas Carols concert will take place on December 28, 2023 at 20:00 in the church of St. in Gdańsk Catherine. Surrounded by a Christmas nativity scene, talented opera soloists will take us on a journey full of Polish carols and pastorals. We will hear operatic interpretations of such classics as "Lulajże Jezuniu", "Silent Night", and "Wśród nocnej ciszy". The concert will feature outstanding soloists from the Grand Theater and other renowned opera theaters. Please note that the event is ticketed.
Photo: Christmas tree at Długi Targ in Gdańsk
Holidays away from home have many advantages. They allow you to quickly break away from traditional dishes and encourage you to be more active. To make room for more Christmas Eve delicacies, I suggest... taking advantage of the time for a walk and physical activity. Below you will find a proposal that will surely appeal to both older and younger people.
It has been a long-standing tradition that when dusk falls over the city, light illuminations will create a magical atmosphere for walkers. At the beginning of December, over 160 light figures lit up in 13 locations in the city, creating unique compositions, including: Floating lilies in the Oliwa Park and a port crane and high shipyard cranes in Brzeźno. The fairy-tale Rocking Horse on ul. will also delight you. Tkacka, Lighthouses in Oruński Park and the illumination of the gate in Kuźniczki Park. A new feature is the 6-meter-high Carillion on the Young Poland Square. The lighting will operate until February 2, 2024.
Certainly - to see them all, you need to have energy and... eat many dumplings, pieces of cheesecake and drink a lot of borscht. But what can you do to preserve such beautiful winter decorations in your memory and in your photos?
Photo: Christmas illuminations in Gdańsk
I hope that I have inspired you to visit Gdańsk during the Christmas and New Year period, but I also encourage you to explore Gdańsk's atmosphere on your own to create unique memories. Maybe you will discover something completely unique! ✨
Merry Christmas!
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