The Wroc?aw Christmas Market is Poland’s largest Christmas Market, in Wroc?aw’s candy colored old town square. It is a must-visit on your Christmas Market list! 

I randomly found my way to Wroc?aw (formerly Breslau) one winter with friends during the Christmas Market – and we ended up falling majorly in love with this Polish city.

While in Poland recently with some friends to visit Christmas Markets (amongst other fabulous sights), we weren’t even supposed to visit Wroclaw- but I had heard from some friends how gorgeous the town was, and when the Lufthansa strike slightly changed our travel plans (I had to rent a car and drive to Krakow from Frankfurt instead of flying in directly) I begged my friends to let me take them through Wroclaw!

And man…. we were SO lucky for the weird misfortunes. On our way to the amazingly gorgeous Ksiaz Castle, we stopped to visit Wroclaw – and headed back on our last day in Poland to visit once more because we loved it SO much!

I could have spent our whole trip in Wroclaw – I was seriously so obsessed. I will be sharing more about the city later, and the amazing surroundings – but today I’m excited to share the most joyous part of Wroclaw – the Christmas Market!

What to See and Do at the Wroc?aw Christmas Market

The Wroc?aw Christmas Market, located in the heart of the Old Town at Rynek (Market Square), is a must-visit. Here are some highlights you won’t want to miss:

Explore the Christmas Stalls: The market is filled with charming wooden huts selling a wide range of traditional Polish goods and holiday treats. From handcrafted ornaments and woolen scarves to artisanal candles and wooden toys, there’s something special for everyone.

Indulge in Local Delicacies: You can’t visit the market without trying some traditional Polish food:

• Pierogi: Handmade dumplings stuffed with savory fillings like potatoes, cheese, or mushrooms.
• Oscypek: Grilled smoked cheese, often served with cranberry sauce.
• Kie?basa: Traditional Polish sausage, grilled to perfection.
• Makowiec: A delicious poppy seed cake that’s a holiday favorite.
• Mulled Wine (Grzaniec): Warm up with a glass of this spiced, aromatic wine, the perfect drink to enjoy while browsing the stalls.

The Christmas Carousel: The market’s whimsical carousel is a favorite among families. Lit up with colorful lights and festive decor, it’s fun for children and a charming sight for all visitors.

Visit the Dwarfs: Wroc?aw is famous for its charming bronze dwarfs, and during Christmas, many of them are dressed up for the holidays. Find them scattered around the city, adding a playful element to your exploration.

Christmas Lights and Displays: The entire Rynek is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, transforming the square into a magical scene. Be sure to take a stroll in the evening when the lights shine brightest, especially around the towering Christmas tree in the square.

The Fairy-Tale Forest: A special area of the market is transformed into a Fairy-Tale Forest for children, with animated displays telling the stories of classic fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood.

What to Do in Wroc?aw During Christmas

Take a Stroll Around Rynek: The Old Town Square (Rynek) is one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe. Even when it’s not hosting the Christmas Market, it’s a stunning place to explore, with colorful townhouses, historic landmarks, and plenty of cafes where you can relax and soak in the festive atmosphere.

Climb the Wroc?aw Town Hall Tower: For a breathtaking view of the Christmas Market and the city, climb the Wroc?aw Town Hall Tower. It’s a bit of a workout, but the panoramic views from the top are worth it, especially with the market lights twinkling below.

Visit Ostrów Tumski The oldest part of Wroc?aw, Ostrów Tumski, is a short walk from the market and is even more magical during the holidays. The cobbled streets are lit with gas lamps, and the gothic Wroc?aw Cathedral looks like something straight out of a fairy tale.

Explore the Wroc?aw Christmas Fair at Plac Solny: Adjacent to Rynek, Plac Solny hosts additional Christmas stalls and an ice skating rink. It’s a quieter spot compared to the main market, making it a great place to explore if you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere.

Visit Panorama Rac?awicka: Take a break from the festivities and visit the Panorama Rac?awicka, a massive 360-degree painting that depicts the Battle of Rac?awice. It’s one of the largest panoramic paintings in Europe and a must-see for art and history lovers.

Attend a Concert at the National Forum of Music: During the Christmas season, Wroc?aw’s National Forum of Music hosts a variety of holiday concerts and classical performances. Check the schedule ahead of time to catch a festive performance in this beautiful venue.

Where to Stay in Wroc?aw for the Christmas Market

Wroc?aw offers a range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets, many within walking distance of the Christmas Market.

Monopol Hotel: For a luxury experience, the Monopol Hotel is a five-star property just a short walk from Rynek. This historic hotel offers elegant rooms, an onsite spa, and fine dining. Its rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the Old Town and is a perfect spot for evening drinks.

The Granary – La Suite Hotel: A boutique hotel set in a restored 16th-century building, The Granary offers spacious suites with modern amenities. Its central location makes it a great option for those looking to stay close to the market and other attractions.

PURO Hotel Wroc?aw: For a stylish, modern stay, PURO Hotel is a great choice. This trendy hotel is located just a 10-minute walk from Rynek and features sleek rooms, a cozy lounge, and free bike rentals for exploring the city.

AC Hotel by Marriott Wroc?aw: A modern, mid-range hotel, the AC Hotel offers comfortable rooms with a contemporary design. It’s conveniently located in the heart of the city, just minutes from the Christmas Market, and features an indoor pool and fitness center.

Art Hotel: For those who want to stay in the heart of the action, Art Hotel is located right next to the Christmas Market. It’s a cozy, charming hotel with an emphasis on local art and traditional Polish hospitality. The perfect base for exploring the market and Old Town.

Best Time to Visit

The Wroc?aw Christmas Market typically runs from late November to just before Christmas. Weekdays are less crowded, so if you prefer a more relaxed visit, aim to go during the week. However, the weekends are when the market is at its most vibrant, with live entertainment, carolers, and the lively buzz of holiday shoppers.