A visit to a Christmas market in the UK can be quite expensive, with traders charging high prices for items like hot chocolate and bratwurst. To find more affordable options, many are turning to European markets. SumUp, a card terminal provider, has identified Europe’s cheapest Christmas markets, with Poznan in Poland topping the list.
Poznan, Poland’s fifth-largest city, often goes unnoticed by tourists who prefer destinations like Warsaw or Krakow. However, its picturesque Renaissance-era old town provides a charming setting for a Christmas market, exuding a cozy and festive atmosphere during winter.
Traveling to Poznan is convenient, with flights taking just over two hours from London and slightly longer from regional airports in Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, or Edinburgh. December flights from London Stansted on Ryanair can cost as little as £30 each way, with budget airlines like Wizz Air also serving this route.
Data shows that a one-night stay in Poznan can be as affordable as £30.40, and indulging in a beer at the Christmas market may only set you back £2.50. The market, known as Betlejem Poznańskie, is held in Stary Rynek, the Old Town Square, renowned for its historic buildings illuminated by Christmas lights. Visitors can explore wooden stalls offering Christmas gifts, a Ferris wheel, an ice rink, and enjoy a range of entertainment like carolers, Christmas shows, and meeting Santa.
During December, the city hosts its annual ice festival from December 12 to 14, featuring stunning ice sculptures and various events, including ice carving activities and workshops for children to try their hand at sculpting.
While in Poznan, tourists can visit attractions such as the Poznan Cathedral, known for its underground crypt housing the remains of early Polish leaders. The Croissant Museum is also a unique stop, offering insights into the production of St. Martin Croissants, distinct from the French variety, with a tasting experience at the end. Additionally, the Muzeum Narodowe w Poznaniu, a national museum, showcases works by European and Polish artists like Monet and Delaroche.
Poznan offers a range of unique boutique hotels, including the avant-garde Blow Up Hall 5050, known for its art installations and interactive room access. For a more traditional stay, Hotel Palazzo Rosso Old Town, situated a short walk from the market, provides a historic setting with comfortable rooms featuring exposed brickwork for a cozy ambiance.
