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Ho, ho, ho! Store shelves and windows have given us the official signal to start the great countdown to the holidays! So it's worth taking a look at where Christmas, together with the pre- and post-holiday period, can revive and preserve the most beautiful memories. I still think that Gdańsk is the perfect place to spend this unique, winter time, why? I hasten to explain!
In Gdańsk, tradition mixes with modernity, creating a unique mosaic that we wait for all year round. Streets lit up with thousands of lights, the sounds of carols permeating the Royal Route, the smell of cinnamon and gingerbread wafting in the air and a cup of mulled wine warming the hands of passers-by - all this makes the city even more magical than during the other 11 months.
So I invite you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the festive, Gdańsk glow ✨
Photo: Christmas decorations in Gdańsk
The experience of the tourism industry leaves 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 family without the need for major preparations - away from pots, dirty windows and tangled Christmas lights ;) Without a doubt, the desire to relax in a completely different setting - among beautiful, tastefully prepared hotel decorations - also plays an important role.
Statistics indicate that for some of us this is also an ideal opportunity for a short vacation, with the religious aspect becoming only an addition, not the main goal, regardless of whether we spend these days alone, among friends or with family.
If you are wondering where in Gdańsk to find both the spirit of the holidays and the magic of winter, I have a few suggestions for you.
Photo: Christmas Market in Gdansk
The Gdańsk Christmas Market 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 will begin on November 22 and will last until December 23, 2024. For a month in the historic city center, we will have the opportunity to feel the unique, festive atmosphere.
Is it worth trying it out for yourself? Definitely yes! For years, the Gdańsk Christmas Market has been among the European leaders. In last year's European Best Christmas Market 2023 ranking, it took second place, and this year, maybe with your help, it wants to fight for the laurels of the best market on the old continent :)
Video: Christmas Market in Gdansk 2023 - one of the most beautiful in Europe!
Christmas stands are located at Targ Węglowy and on Tkacka, Przedbramie and Bogusławskiego streets. For years, we have been finding handicrafts there – unique items made by local artists and craftsmen, such as amber jewelry, leather goods, ceramics or Christmas tree decorations. In keeping with tradition, there will also be regional delicacies based on family recipes.
Photo: Stands at the Christmas Market in Gdańsk
At the Fair, the organizers have prepared several corners, or special thematic zones, including:
Photo: Christmas Market in Gdansk
Those thirsty for art will find it in the cultural events planned by the Polish Baltic Philharmonic on Ołowianka, especially:
This magical winter concert will transport you to the snow-covered streets of New York in the 1940s. Performed by Natalia Świerczyńska and her band, you will hear charming arrangements of Christmas hits such as Let It Snow, Jingle Bells, or Winter Wonderland. Sinatra's songs filled with Christmas atmosphere and swing will guarantee an unforgettable evening full of warmth and emotion!
If a jazzy atmosphere is what you're looking for this holiday season, I have another suggestion for you. This time, on the border of Gdańsk and Sopot, at Ergo Arena.
You can expect classic Christmas music, excerpts from Piotra Czajkowski "The Nutcracker" and hits such as "Joy to the World", "Let it Snow" and "The Christmas Song".
Photo: Christmas tree in Gdansk
Those of us for whom Christmas is primarily a special time for religious reasons are encouraged to visit the Tri-City churches to participate in the Midnight Mass, find nativity scenes, and listen to a carol concert.
The tradition of creating nativity scenes dates back to the first centuries of Christianity. For hundreds of years, the Holy Family has been depicted in a stable or a cave among shepherds and animals. However, moving and living nativity scenes are particularly valued, as well as those designed in an unusual way. In the Tri-City, it is definitely worth paying attention to these: in the Holy Trinity Church in Gdańsk, in the Franciscan Church in Gdynia, or in front of the Oliwa Culture Hall. And whether this year it will be traditionally sand or, like last year, wooden, we will find out in about a month :)
For many Catholics, the spiritual experience of Christmas is connected with attending the Midnight Mass. If you are looking for a suitable church for this extraordinary time, thinking about the values not only spiritual, I would suggest:
Christmas carols concert
During the Christmas period, carols can be heard from philharmonic and opera buildings, but also, and perhaps above all, from churches.
I invite you to a unique event that will combine tradition and emotions. The Christmas Concert - Carols of the World will take place on 28.12.2024 at 8:00 PM in the St. Catherine's Church in Gdańsk. You will hear the most beautiful Polish carols and international Christmas songs, such as "Silent Night", "Gdy śliczna panna", "Feliz Navidad", "Jingle Bells" or "White Christmas". The songs will be presented by an entertainment-operatic duo accompanied by a piano. The artists will provide an unforgettable atmosphere full of warmth, emotion and Christmas magic, filled, of course, with joint carol singing.
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 treats, I suggest... taking advantage of the time for a walk and physical activity. Below you will find suggestions that will certainly appeal to both older and younger people.
It has been a long-standing tradition that when dusk falls on Gdańska Street, light illuminations will take care of the magical atmosphere of walkers. At the beginning of December, about 160 light figures will shine in a dozen or so locations in the city, creating unique compositions. Last year, these included: Floating lilies in Oliwa Park and the port crane and tall shipyard cranes in Brzeźno. Also arousing delight: the fairy-tale rocking horse on Tkacka Street, the lighthouse lanterns in Oruński Park and the illuminated gate in Kuźniczki Park. A novelty was the 6-meter-high Carillion on Young Poland Square. What will this year's edition bring? All we can do is wait patiently. But - patience will certainly be rewarded soon, because family (and not only) walks along illuminated alleys are one of the most popular Christmas activities :)
Certainly – to see them all, you need to have energy and… eat many pierogi, pieces of cheesecake and drink a lot of borscht. But what wouldn’t you do to immortalize such beautiful winter decorations in your memory and in photos :)
Photo: Christmas illuminations in Gdańsk
I hope I have inspired you to visit Gdańsk during the Christmas and New Year period, but I also encourage you to search for Gdańsk's atmosphere on your own to create unique memories. I am sure you will discover something completely unique! ✨ Merry Christmas!
Photo: Winter Gdańsk
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