Christmas markets are set to take over Europe in the coming weeks, and if you’re looking to visit the best of the best, you’ll need to hop on a plane to Poland
With Christmas just around the corner, the early sunsets and chilly air signal the start of festive markets and celebrations across Europe. Countries will be hanging fairy lights, decorating city squares and indulging in warm, tasty treats to see us through to the New Year.
However, according to Christmas Tree World’s research in 2022, some Christmas markets stand out from the rest, and you’ll need to cross the pond to find the best one. The top spot goes to Wroclaw, a city renowned in Poland for having the best market and being one of the most beautiful in Europe.
This year’s festivities kick off on November 29, promising weeks of Christmas cheer that will last until the New Year. The market will be open from 10am to 9pm on regular working days, with special hours on December 26 (1pm to 9pm), and on December 31, the shops will close at 5pm while food stalls are expected to remain open until 2am. It’s the perfect place to soak up any New Year’s alcohol.
The Wroclaw Guide reports that the city has decided to reduce the number of lights and illuminations this year due to increasing energy costs. The city’s markets will be held in four main areas: The Market Square (Rynek), The Salt Square (Plac Solny), Swidnicka Street and Oławska Street, reports MyLondon.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a magical winter wonderland, complete with an enchanting market, whimsical sights, and thrilling fairground rides. The setting will be aglow with an array of food stalls serving up delectable treats to satisfy your cravings.
Salt Square will be home to a magnificent three-story fairy tale house, boasting an observation deck and a picturesque tower with a radiant clock face. As you step inside, warm up by the crackling fireplace and indulge in steaming hot beverages.
For little ones, the Fairytale Copse is a must-visit, where spellbinding illuminations of “Little Red Riding Hood”, “The Brave Little Tailor”, and “Snow White” will transport them into a world of fantasy. If meeting the jolly old elf himself is on your wish list, Santa Claus will be making an appearance at the market, followed by a traditional Christmas parade in December.
Now, onto the main event – the food. Indulge in an assortment of regional and local delicacies that promise to tantalize your taste buds.
According to the Wroclaw Guide, a “strongly recommended” must-try is Oscypek, a mouthwatering smoked cheese hailing from the Polish mountains, exclusively available in this enchanting city and perfectly paired with sweet cranberries. But for those who love the classics, there’ll be a never-ending supply of sausages, bigos, skewers, and potato pancakes.
And for the sweet-toothed among you, indulge in treats like churros, sweet chestnuts, crepes, and chimney cakes. So if you’re considering a festive getaway and are desperate for a breath-taking Christmas market, you’ll need to jet off to Poland for Europe’s finest.
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