Warsaw Christmas Market (Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy) 2027

Warsaw’s Christmas market spreads across several city-centre locations from early December through the final week of advent, with the primary site at Plac Zamkowy - Castle Square - at the entrance to the Old Town. The market is free to enter and maintains a genuine seasonal character, drawing Warsaw families alongside international visitors.

Note: Exact 2027 dates will be confirmed by the Warsaw tourism board in autumn 2027. The 2026 market ran 1–26 December. For 2027 expect similar timing: first Thursday of December to around 27–28 December. Check the city’s official tourism website (warsawtour.pl) for confirmed dates.

Castle Square and the Old Town

The main market at Castle Square sits in front of the Royal Castle, which is illuminated attractively after dark. Stalls sell hand-painted Christmas ornaments, amber and silver jewellery, wooden toys, hand-embroidered linens, and traditional Polish folk crafts. Food stalls offer grzaniec galicyjski (Polish mulled wine), hot oscypek (grilled smoked cheese with cranberry jam), zapiekanka (open-faced baguettes), and seasonal sweets. The Old Town streets adjacent to the square carry additional market stalls and decorative lighting through the narrow lanes.

Other market locations

Warsaw typically runs a secondary market at Plac Defilad in front of the Palace of Culture and Science, which tends toward fairground attractions including a skating rink. In some years a market also runs along Nowy Świat Street. Check the Warsaw tourism website in November 2027 for confirmed locations and any new additions.

Programme and hours

Markets generally run daily from around 11:00 to 21:00, with extended hours on weekends. Carol concerts and live music take place on the Castle Square stage most evenings from around 17:00 to 20:00. Children’s events - visits from Mikołaj, craft workshops, and storytelling - run on weekend afternoons.

Getting there and practical tips

Castle Square is at the northern end of the Old Town and walkable from most central Warsaw accommodation. The nearest metro station is Ratusz Arsenal (M1 line), a 10-minute walk. Buses 116, 175, and 222 stop near the Old Town. Avoid driving - the Old Town is pedestrianised and central parking is expensive. December in Warsaw is cold (-3°C to 4°C); waterproof boots and warm layers are essential.

See our Warsaw city guide for where to stay in the capital, and our visiting Poland in December guide for the full picture of Poland at Christmas.

Guided tours of Warsaw that combine the Old Town, the Royal Castle, and Łazienki Park pair well with a Christmas market visit - the illuminated Old Town is particularly atmospheric on winter evenings.