Romania Joins Germany, France, Austria, Czech Republic, and More to Ignite the Most Enchanting and Joyous Christmas Markets in Europe for 2025!

Published on November 20, 2025

Gdańsk, a charming city on the Baltic coast of Poland, has claimed the prestigious title of Europe’s Best Christmas Market for 2025, outshining several iconic festive destinations. As the winter season approaches, travellers are increasingly drawn to Gdańsk’s unique blend of medieval charm, seasonal delights, and artistic showcases. In a tightly contested vote conducted by European Best Destinations (EBD), Gdańsk was chosen as the top destination, with more than 92,000 votes, making it the overwhelming favourite among seven finalists from across Europe.

Gdańsk’s Success in European Best Destinations Poll

The city’s victory reflects its growing popularity as a festive getaway. While Germany, Austria, France, and other European countries traditionally dominate the Christmas market scene, Gdańsk’s win signals a shift in the travel landscape. Alongside Poland’s top city, other markets from Romania, Germany, France, Austria, Czech Republic, and Italy competed for the title. The online poll invited more than half a million voters, adding further prestige to Gdańsk’s win, and bolstering Poland’s tourism credentials as an up-and-coming destination for winter holidays.

The Gdańsk Christmas market, also known as the “Baltic Christmas Market,” is set in the city’s Old Town, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its medieval architecture and stunning brick buildings. The historical backdrop, combined with festive lights and artisanal crafts, made Gdańsk’s market the ultimate crowd-pleaser for 2025.

A Closer Look at the Finalists

Why Gdańsk Won

While all these markets offer festive charm, Gdańsk’s triumph in 2025 can be attributed to several key factors:

A Unique Baltic Experience

Unlike the alpine, central European markets, Gdańsk offers visitors a unique maritime Christmas experience. The market is set against the backdrop of the Vistula River and the Gdańsk Crane, a medieval port crane that historically helped unload goods from ships. This Baltic coast setting provides a scenic backdrop that few other markets can offer, and its location gives it a distinctive edge over more common winter holiday destinations.

Authenticity and Tradition

Gdańsk has built its reputation on combining authentic local experiences with creative, contemporary designs. The Old Town of Gdańsk offers a perfect blend of Hanseatic architecture and Polish holiday traditions. The market’s focus on regional craftsmanship (including Baltic amber and traditional ceramics) is a major draw for tourists looking to take home something uniquely Polish.

Value for Money

While many Western European markets can become overcrowded and expensive, Gdańsk offers a more affordable travel option with high-quality experiences. This balance of budget-friendly pricing and authentic experiences has clearly struck a chord with travellers, making Gdańsk an attractive option for those seeking both value and atmosphere.

Travel Tips for Visiting Gdańsk’s Christmas Market

If you’re planning a visit to the best Christmas market in Europe for 2025, here are some tips to make the most of your festive trip:

When to Visit

The Gdańsk Christmas Market typically opens in late November and runs until 23 December. This gives plenty of time for visitors to experience the holiday cheer without the full holiday rush in late December.

What to Buy

When visiting the market, don’t miss the chance to pick up local Baltic amber jewellery, hand-painted ornaments, and ceramics. These are the ideal souvenirs to remind you of your festive visit.

What to Eat

Make sure to sample grzane wino (Polish mulled wine), and pierogi (Polish dumplings) at the market’s stalls. Don’t forget to try some of the local sweets, such as gingerbread and Karp (fried carp), a Polish Christmas tradition.

How to Get There

Gdańsk is easily accessible by train or plane. The city’s airport, Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport, is well connected with major cities in Poland and across Europe, making it a convenient destination for a winter getaway. Trains from Warsaw to Gdańsk take around 3 hours, making it easy to reach by rail.

Accommodation

For accommodation, consider staying in the Old Town for easy access to the market and other local attractions. Gdańsk offers a variety of options from luxury hotels to charming guesthouses that allow you to experience the city at your own pace.

As we enter the 2025 holiday season, Gdańsk is firmly established as a must-visit destination for Christmas lovers across Europe. With its enchanting medieval streets, festive market, and unbeatable value, Poland’s second-largest city invites travellers to experience a winter wonderland like no other. For those planning their festive getaway, Gdańsk now leads the way with its combination of holiday spirit, rich history, and unique setting.

Whether you’re looking for historical charm, holiday traditions, or holiday magic, Gdańsk’s Christmas market has something special for everyone and that’s why it took the crown. Make this festive season the one where you discover Europe’s hidden gem.