It's around that time in the earth's orbit where things start getting a little colder, darker and stormier here on the Baltic, and most businesses in Tri-City (Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia) will shorten their opening hours or just close altogether...
Winter activities in Gdańsk that rely on sub-zero temperatures make up for the less-appealing weather. Those travelling with young children can get some extra ideas from our feature on Activities for Kids in the Tri-City. There are also several advantages to visiting Gdańsk in the winter: there are fewer tourists, less crowded restaurants and museums and, all-round, prices are much lower. As foreigners living in Poland, we also notice that customer service greatly improves in the off-season, which is no doubt an indicator of less stress and more equal customer-to-staff ratios. Those from the Southern Hemisphere (including Yours Truly) have the opportunity to experience a classic European Christmas and New Years Eve in the snow, much like the ironic decorations of your local western shopping centre in the sweltering heat of summer.
Gdańsk Christmas Markets
By far the most popular activity during winter in Gdańsk, this one should be in your calendar. Every year from mid-November to mid-January, the Christmas markets in Gdańsk Old Town spring up in Targ Węglowy (ironically translating as 'The Coal Market'), which has a tonne of goodies for all those on Santa's 'good list' - here in Gdańsk, that means everyone! This quaint little Christmas village offers steaming portions of Polish food, a string of bars prepping hot beer and wine for all, decorations and treats, woollen scarves and socks, handmade jewellery, children's toys and much much more. Furthermore, the backdrop of historic buildings like the old prison tower and high gate really add to the magic!
It doesn't end there! Passing through the Golden Gate and back down ul. Długa , many more Christmas lights and stalls adorn the main strip, all the way down to the big Christmas tree on Długi Targ ! Outside of the Old Town, the Christmas markets in Sopot and Gdynia are also worth a look, and while they lack the historic backdrop, they are still full of the same charm and spirit!
Sightseeing during Gdańsk in winter
Many people avoid travelling to Europe during winter, not wanting to deal with the cold and shorter daylight hours. In our opinion, Gdańsk is at its most picturesque from late November until the end of February. Gdańsk Old Town is a pleasing mash-up of Germanic and Baltic architecture, coated with a fresh layer of snow (or glossed with light rain, depending on the weather report) that enhances the weird-and-wonderful gargoyle drains and naked greco-roman nymphs and hero poses on townhouse reliefs.
ul. Mariacka is always photogenic, especially when the lights come on in the mid-afternoon, as is the glitzy west end of ul. Piwna and the main strip. Snow on the iconic Crane on the Old Town's long waterfront looks particularly stoic when it's dumping hard, and really adds to that Baltic maritime feeling that many associate Gdańsk with.
Gdańsk Christmas Lights in Oliwa Park
In Gdańsk, as well as the neighbouring cities of Sopot and Gdynia, you'll find no shortage of illuminations in each centre (We're glad we don't have to pay the electricity bill!). By far, however, the best Christmas lights can always be found in Oliwa Park, 20 minutes north by train from the Old Town. Running around the same period as the Christmas markets, the historic park is lit up between 16:00 and 22:00 every evening, with stunning arrangements that truly knock you off your feet.
