Poland for Christmas

Christmas in Poland is a time full of magic, tradition and has an unforgettable atmosphere. It attract not only Poles returning to their family homes, but also an increasing number of foreign tourists who are looking for unique experiences in a magical atmosphere.

Poland as a Christmas destination

From mid-December, airports in Poland have been welcoming thousands of passengers from all over the world. Flights from Norway, Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, France and Spain are particularly frequent. Poland’s popularity as a winter travel destination is growing thanks to its rich holiday traditions, beautiful landscapes, and affordable prices compared to other European countries.

Thanks to new air connections, such as regular flights from the United Arab Emirates to Krakow, Poland is also gaining on the  tourist map of tourists from the Middle East. Direct flights from this direction to Krakow, in December, are fully booked five times a week.

Mountains and winter resorts

The most popular destinations are mountain towns, where winter reveals its most beautiful face. Zakopane, Karpacz, Wisła or Bukowina Tatrzańska. The mountains  their provide a unique backdrop, in which, after a day full of winter experiences, you can relax in traditional highlander inns, tasting regional specialties, such as oscypek( a sheeps milk cheese) or kwaśnica (sauerkraut soup).

Sopot Zakopane Baltic Sea

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Seaside tranquillity

Although winter on the Baltic Sea can be very windy, it is the seaside towns that offer a completely different, unique atmosphere of Christmas. Places such as Sopot, Gdańsk or Kołobrzeg become picturesque resorts during the Christmas season, In addition to winter walks on the beach, you can take advantage of a wide range of spa and wellness facilities for  physical and mental relaxation.

Christmas markets in Poland as a tourist attraction

Polish Christmas markets are a must-see on the map of winter attractions for foreign tourists.

Particular attention is drawn to Krakow, where the Main Market Square turns into a fairy-tale scene full of stalls, the smell of mulled wine and carol performances. The fair is distinguished not only by its grandeur, but also by its attractions for the family – children can meet Santa Claus or take part in workshops.

In Wrocław , the market square, Solny Square and two streets (Świdnicka and Oławska) are lit up with thousands of lights. Attractions for children are a tradition every year, among other things, an illuminated carousel and a Prezentuś – a dwarf who appears only during Christmas.

Gdańsk, with its legendary Coal Market, offers a carousel and magical installations that have won recognition in the European Best Christmas Market competition. It is also worth taking part in a walk in the footsteps of Gdańsk legends, listening to fairy tales or watching performances for the youngest spectators.

In Poznań,  “Poznań Bethlehem” is a market full of Christmas delicacies, workshops and unique illuminations, including the famous  lit up goats. The Poznań Christmas market is one of the most beautiful events of this type in Poland.

The heart of Poland’s Christmas capital  is the Warsaw Barbican, where there are Christmas trees, food booths and lots of lights. Right next to it, on the Market Square, there is a winter ice rink. A walk from the Royal Łazienki Park leads to the centre of the Christmas market  and to the largest and most beautiful Christmas tree in Warsaw, which stands on the Castle Square.

Kraków Gdańsk Wrocław Warszawa

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Each of these markets is a combination of tradition, festive mood and local delicacies – the perfect places to feel the atmosphere of  a Polish Christmas.

Foreign tourists visiting Poland in 2023 in numbers

In 2023, we observed a continuation of the upward trend in foreign tourism, when the number of tourists exceeded 7 million, which is an increase of 21% compared to the previous year. Poland remains one of the most visited countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

The main tourist centre, the Małopolskie Voivodeship (with Krakow at the forefront) remains in 1st place. In 2023, the region was visited by almost 1.7 million visitors from abroad.

No less significant results can be boasted by the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, which  (with Warsaw at the forefront) also attracts tourists from all over the world. In 2023, the region was visited by over 1.6 million foreign visitors

According to Poland’s Central Statistical Office, the largest group were tourists from Germany (23 per cent of all those using the accommodation base).

The top 9 countries in terms of the number of tourists visiting Poland in 2023

1. Germany – 1,645,933
2. Ukraine – 931 425
3. United Kingdom – 642,055
4. United States – 472,160
5. Czech Republic – 351,869
6. Lithuania – 250,919
7. Italy – 202,825
8. France – 180,990
9. Netherlands – 171,950

Why tourists choose Poland for trips during the Christmas period

Poland offers something that is missing in other places – an authentic Christmas atmosphere, free from an  excess of commercialism. A high chance of snow, illuminated cities, and traditional Christmas markets make visitors feel like they’re in a fairy tale. Poland delights tourists with its hospitality and the richness of its  Christmas traditions. Many people come to experience a unique Christmas Eve with  a meal consisting of12 traditional dishes, sharing the traditional wafer and singing Christmas carols. Christmas in Poland is more than just a winter holiday – it’s an experience that combines the magic of Christmas with the beauty of nature and authentic culture.

Sources:

• Central Statistic Office (GUS)
• Triverna.pl
• Turyści.pl
• Ciekawestatystyki.pl