Poznan Christmas Market lights (Kimberly Kephart)
What if I told you there’s a Christmas Market in Poland that could rival Germany’s, without the elbow-to-elbow crowds or overpriced bratwurst? That market is Poznań.
My friend Aleksandra and I went on a Christmas Market road trip last year. We mapped out a three-day Christmas Market trip through Gdańsk, Torun and Bydgoszcz, but everything changed once we arrived in Poznań.
Poznań glowed, it buzzed and wrapped us in cinnamon-scented warmth (or maybe it was the mulled wine that made me feel this way) because before I knew it, I was declaring: “THIS IS THE BEST CHRISTMAS MARKET IN POLAND!”
Why Visit Poznań?
Poznań delivers everything you want from a European Christmas market but without the chaos. It’s festive yet unpretentious, cozy but not cramped, and filled with sparkle and soul that turns even the grinchiest traveler into a holiday cheermeister.
As someone who is a solo traveler, I couldn’t help but notice how well this market balanced entertainment and fun for both adults and children. Parents could take their kids to enjoy the festive rides and games while everyone wandered between stalls with mulled wine in hand. You could even meet Santa!
Two Square, Two Vibes
The magic unfolds in two central squares.
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Stary Rynek (Old Market Square): A backdrop of Renaissance architecture, a towering Christmas tree, DJ and picture-perfect ice-skating rink.
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Plac Wolności (Freedom Square): A livelier scene, with food stalls and a Ferris wheel offering gorgeous views and the International Ice Sculpture Festival. You’ll want to check the dates for the festival to time your visit with this!
The Best Mulled Wine is in Poznań (Yes, Really)
Let’s talk about mulled wine. Poland’s version, known as grzaniec, was the best I’ve ever had. And I have had plenty: Germany, Italy, Austria and France. But here? The balance of spice and sweetness was perfect, and it was served in a tall, frosted mug I knew I would immediately be packing into my suitcase.
Market mug filled with wine (Kimberly Kephart)
I noticed that unlike German Christmas markets, you must buy the mugs outright. This was not a problem for me. As an avid collector of mugs, I gladly handed over 16PLN (roughly $5) for Poznań’s edition.
Don’t leave without a St. Martin’s Croissant
If there is one thing you absolutely must eat in Poznań, it’s the Rogal Świętomarciński, or St. Martin’s Croissant. This pastry is unlike any croissant I’ve ever tasted, rich, heavy, filled with white poppy seeds, nuts and dried fruit, then topped with a sugary glaze.
What my friend Aleksandra eventually told me was that the St. Martin’s Croissant is so special, it can only be sold by certified bakeries in the city. Biting into a St. Martin’s Croissant felt like I was biting into a pillow of heavenly goodness. It was such a highlight!
Of course, you can order more than just sweet treats, you’ll need to try pierogi, and grilled skewers. Shashlik or Shish kebab is a favorite; but fair warning, don’t be like me and just point at the food. Everything is by weight. So, make sure you are specific with how many grams you want of certain foods. I honestly couldn’t figure out why the vendor looked at me like I was crazy.
What I expected to be a pleasant stop turned into the highlight of my winter trip. From the intimate layout of the squares to the unforgettable flavors, Poznań felt authentic, approachable and joyfully festive. I know that you’ll love this one whether you’re going with family or solo. Poznań Christmas Market is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Christmas cheer.
White building lit up interiorly with a Christmas tree in front (Kimberly Kephart)
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.