What to do in Gdańsk in winter: attractions, walks and events in the winter season
- Damian Brzeski
- 1 day ago
- 10 min read
Wondering what to do in Gdańsk in winter, when the wind blows over the Baltic Sea and the days are short?
On the contrary – it offers a unique blend of atmospheric illuminations, sea-based conditioning and world-class culture.
This guide is your map of the Tricity in winter, full of specifics and local recommendations.
Winter city attractions and seasonal events
Gdańsk transforms in winter. The tourist bustle shifts from the beaches to the historic center, where light and scent become the main atmosphere creators. This is the time for those seeking "hygge," Hanseatic in its own way.
Christmas Market at Targ Węglowy
This is the absolute heart of winter Gdańsk and a key event opening the winter season, which regularly wins awards in the European Best Destinations plebiscite.
Imagine a fairytale town, where a luminous roof floats overhead and the monumental "Angel's Mill" serves as its focal point. The 2025 season saw a significant change: decentralization .
Although the main part is still bustling with life at Targ Węglowy, you will also find stalls at the Great Armoury and in Przymorze.
Category | Details (2025 Season) |
Deadline | November 21 - December 23 |
Hours | Sun-Thu: 12:00–20:00 Fri-Sat: 12:00–21:00 |
Prices (estimate) | Mulled wine (deposit required!): 18–20 PLN Snacks: 25–40 PLN |
Entry | Free |
Christmas illuminations in Oliwa Park and the city center
When the fair ends just before Christmas Eve, the illuminations take over. Gdańsk is famous for some of the most beautiful installations in Poland.
The most important point on the map is Oliwa Park with its light tunnels and lilies on the water, but in 2026 it is also worth visiting the illuminated Reagan Park and Oruński Park .
Category | Practical Information |
Deadline | December 5, 2025 – February 2, 2026 |
Hours | Daily: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM Christmas Eve (24/12): until 02:00 |
Entry | Free (all city parks) |
The ice rink at Plac Zebrań Ludowych and winter activities on the ice
Good news for skaters: for the 2025/2026 season , the ice rink at Plac Zebrań Ludowych (People's Meeting Square) has a professional marquee . No more dripping water and uneven ice. The facility offers a full-size rink and equipment rentals.
Category | Price List and Hours (2026) |
Regular ticket | 25 PLN (for 60 minutes) |
Family ticket | 75 PLN (2+2) |
Hire | Ice skates: 20 PLN Penguin: 10 PLN |
Hours | Tue-Fri: 14:30–20:30 Weekends: 11:30–20:30 |
Cruises on the Motława River in winter scenery
The winter view of the Crane from the water is unique. However, remember that the large "White Fleet" is usually closed in winter.
The gap is being filled by smaller shipowners offering intimate cruises – traditional or on heated yachts.
Cruise Type | Estimated Cost |
Gdańsk Galleys | Adult: 75 PLN Student: 50 PLN |
Holiday Boat | From 89 PLN (60 min) |
Private boat | approx. PLN 550–600/h (whole boat) |
The culture and history of Gdańsk in its winter version
Winter is strategically the best time to visit museums. The lack of lines and warm, modern interiors make engaging with history a pure pleasure.
European Solidarity Centre and the ECS observation deck
An icon of architecture and history, the rust-colored building houses not only an exhibition about Solidarity but also the Winter Garden – a green oasis perfect for relaxation. The rooftop terrace is also open in winter (weather permitting).
Category | Data for Visitors |
Hours | Mon, Wed-Fri: 10:00–17:00 Sat-Sun: 10:00–18:00 Tuesday: Closed |
Tickets | Regular: PLN 35 Family: PLN 95 |
For children | Play Department: PLN 9/child |
The Museum of the Second World War and other museums worth visiting
The war museum is located 14 meters underground, guaranteeing a constant temperature regardless of the freezing temperatures. The exhibition conveys a powerful message.
Note: A maintenance break is planned in January 2026 (January 5–13)!
Category | Data for Visitors |
Hours | Tue-Sun: 10:00–18:00 Monday: Closed |
Tickets | Regular: PLN 33 Family: PLN 72 |
Free admission | Tuesday (tickets at the box office/online) |
Hevelianum on Góra Gradowa – learning and fun under the roof
A unique combination of 19th-century fortifications and a science center.Gradowa Hill offers the best panoramic views of the Main Town , and the interactive exhibitions will captivate more than just children.
Category | Practical Information |
Hours | Tue-Fri: 8:00–16:00 Sat-Sun: 10:00–18:00 |
Tickets | Exhibitions: PLN 25 (N) / PLN 20 (U) Package of 3 exhibitions: PLN 30 |
Workshops | Winter at Hevelianum: approx. PLN 25 |
The Blue Lamb and the Uphagen House – the history of Gdańsk in museums
A journey through time for connoisseurs. The Blue Lamb (Granary) transports you to a medieval street, while the Uphagen House shows the lives of wealthy burghers in the 18th century.
Museum | Hours and Prices |
Uphagen's House | Wed-Sat: 10:00–16:00, Sun: 11:00–16:00 Monday: Free admission (shorter) |
Blue Lamb | Tue-Fri: 08:30–16:00, Weekend: 09:00–17:00 Thursday: Free admission |
The Main Town Hall and the monuments of the Main Town
The dominant feature of Długa Street, with its beautiful Red Room , it's the perfect place in winter to explore the city's history without freezing.
Category | Information |
Hours | Wed-Sun: 10:00–16:00 Thu: until 6:00 PM |
Tickets | Regular: approx. 25–30 PLN |
Free admission | Monday (10:00–16:00) |
Winter attractions for families with children
Gdańsk has excellent indoor infrastructure that saves family trips in case of bad weather.
Loopy's World Gdańsk – an entertainment center for children
The largest entertainment center in northern Poland . Kids can have fun on 3,000 square meters while parents relax (or work via Wi-Fi). Best of all, you only pay for your child.
Category | Price List and Hours |
Hours | Mon-Thu: 10:00–20:00 Fri-Sat: until 9:00 p.m. |
Ticket (Child) | Week: approx. 46–50 PLN Weekend: approx. PLN 77 (unlimited) |
Adults | 0 PLN (free admission) |
Gdańsk Zoo in winter - animals in a snowy scenery
The Oliwa Zoo is open year-round! In winter, it's quiet, peaceful, and much cheaper. Fur-bearing animals (tigers, bison) are very active, while warm-blooded animals can be viewed in the pavilions.
Category | Winter Tariff |
Hours | Daily: 09:00 – 14:00 (entrance) |
Tickets | Regular: 20–30 PLN Family: 55–90 PLN |
Majaland - a theme park in a fairy-tale setting
Majaland Amusement Park (Osowa district), largely indoors, is rain- and snow-proof, with attractions for children aged 2-10.
Category | Information |
Hours | Daily: 10:00 – 18:00 |
Tickets | Adults/Children >1m: approx. PLN 105–115 Toddlers <85cm: 0 PLN |
Tower of Secrets – interactive indoor entertainment
A mix of attractions in the center: Mirror Maze, Wax Figures , and Pirates. Fast-paced entertainment ("fun") in the historic tower.
Category | Information |
Hours | 10:00 – 22:00 |
Prices | Basic package: PLN 49 Extras (VR/House of Horrors): +10–15 PLN |
Klockownia - Family Education and Fun Center
A creative space in the Manhattan Shopping Center (Wrzeszcz). Building with blocks of various sizes and textures.
Category | Price-list |
1h ticket | 43 PLN (Mon-Thu) / 53 PLN (Fri-Sun) |
No-Limit | 69 PLN (Mon-Thu) / 79 PLN (Fri-Sun) |
Outdoor activities and contact with nature
A walk on the beach in winter – Brzeźno, Jelitkowo, Stogi
The beaches are deserted and wild. The Brzeźno-Jelitkowo route is a classic. Admission to the beaches is, of course, free and open 24 hours a day.
Winter swimming on the beaches of Gdańsk
Meetings take place every Sunday at noon (Jelitkowo, entrance 72/73). Participation in group winter swimming is usually free and open to everyone.
Oliwa Park, Reagan Park and Oruński Park – winter walks
Perfect for strolling. Admission to all city parks in Gdańsk is free.
The observation tower on Pachołek and the panorama of Gdańsk
Pachołek Hill in Oliwa. Admission to the tower: PLN 0. Accessible 24 hours a day (although a flashlight is recommended after dark in winter).
Sopot Pier in Winter – a Walk Without the Crowds
In winter (October-April) admission to the pier is usually free .
Winter attractions around Gdańsk
Sleigh rides in Kashubia – traditional entertainment in Szymbark and the surrounding area
Real sleigh rides with horses and a bonfire.
Option | Estimated Cost |
Daytime sleigh ride | approx. PLN 50–55 / person |
Night sleigh ride | approx. PLN 70–80 / person |
The whole sleigh | approx. PLN 250 (exclusive) |
Ski lifts in Sopot, Wieżyca and Szymbark
Skiing in Pomerania is a fact! Wieżyca (Koszałkowo) has the best conditions.
Center | Ticket Prices (Respect) |
Tower | 2h: 80–90 PLN All day: approx. PLN 100 |
Bald Mountain | 10 rides: approx. PLN 45 |
The open-air museum in Wdzydze Kiszewskie in winter
The oldest open-air museum in Poland looks magical under the snow.
Category | Information |
Hours | Mon-Fri: 10:00 – 15:00 |
Prices | Regular: 16–20 PLN Saturday: Free admission (November-March) |
Culture and entertainment on winter evenings
Baltic Philharmonic – winter and New Year's Eve concerts
The building on Ołowianka. Tickets for symphony concerts cost 30–100 PLN , and for plays/balls 100–180 PLN .
Winter festivals and cultural events in Gdańsk
It is worth checking the details on city portals, as prices and hours vary depending on the event.
Maritime Culture Centre and Amber Museum – education and relaxation
Museum | Prices and Offers |
Amber Museum | Ticket: PLN 32–35 Monday: Free admission |
OKM (Internet Hall) | Ticket: 23 PLN Wednesday: Permanent exhibitions for PLN 0 |
Gastronomy and culinary discoveries in winter
The flavors of Gdańsk in winter – mulled wine, regional cuisine and cafes
Prices in restaurants: Mulled wine approx. 18-25 PLN, dinner dish (goose/fish) 45-80 PLN.
Olivia Star observation deck – panorama and restaurants
View from 130 meters and exotic garden .
Category | Price-list |
Ticket (Terrace) | Regular: 23–26 PLN |
Package (Terrace + Garden) | 26–30 PLN |
Hours | 12:00 – 22:00 |
Christmas Market
(For organizational details and snack prices, see the table at the beginning of the article).
Practical information for visitors
How to get to Gdańsk in winter – travel tips
Logistics are crucial in winter. Shorter days, possible snowfall, and stronger winds make it worthwhile to rely on proven means of transport that operate regardless of the weather. Fortunately, Gdańsk is very well prepared in this regard.
The train is essential
If you're traveling around Tricity, the city rail is the fastest and most predictable solution.
The SKM and Polregio trains run frequently and on time, avoiding traffic jams that can significantly slow down traffic in winter. This is an ideal option for both tourists and locals.
Example routes and ticket costs:
Route | Ticket cost (SKM / Polregio) |
Gdansk – Sopot | approx. 5.50 – 6.00 PLN |
Tricity Ticket | approx. PLN 10.00 |
The Tricity ticket is particularly worthwhile when you plan intensive sightseeing and several journeys during the day – without the stress and counting individual journeys.
Longer distances? By plane.
If you are arriving from another region of Poland or from abroad, the best choice is Gdańsk Airport, which is regularly rated highly in European rankings for travel organization and comfort.
You can easily get from the airport to the city center by airport transfer – a convenient option, especially in winter when you don't feel like struggling with luggage and transfers. Prices start from just 130 PLN (see the price list for details).
Getting around the city
I recommend Gdańsk's trams . They're a particularly effective means of transport in winter – they're punctual, well-connected to key districts, and allow you to safely reach the city's major attractions regardless of weather conditions.
Combined with buses, it creates a coherent system that allows you to easily plan each day of your stay.
In short: you don't need a car to get around comfortably in Gdańsk in winter. All you need is a well-chosen means of transport – and the rest is pure sightseeing pleasure.
Where to stay and how to plan your winter holidays in Tricity
Hotel prices are lower in winter than in summer, but they increase during the holidays and New Year's Eve. It's worth booking in advance, especially for hotels with pools.
FAQ: Winter in Gdańsk – frequently asked questions and practical advice
Below you'll find quick answers to key questions about visiting Gdansk in winter, including logistics, costs, and availability of attractions during the winter season.
When is the Christmas Market in Gdańsk? For the 2025 season, the Market runs from November 21st to December 23rd.
Is there an admission fee to the Christmas Market? No, entry to the fair grounds (Targ Węglowy, Zbrojownia, Przymorze) is completely free.
Until when can you view the illuminations in Oliwa Park? The Christmas illuminations in Oliwa Park and other city parks are available from December 5, 2025, to February 2, 2026.
Is there a ticket for the illuminations in Oliwa Park? No, admission to the illuminations in Oliwa Park, Reagan Park, and Oruński Park is free.
Is the Gdańsk Zoo open in winter? Yes, the Gdańsk Zoo is open year-round, and tickets are cheaper during the winter season.
Do cruise ships sail on the Motława River in winter? The large Gdańsk Shipping Company suspends its services, but smaller shipowners offer cruises on heated boats, provided the river doesn't freeze.
Is the ice rink at Plac Zebrań Ludowych open in the rain? Yes, for the 2025/2026 season, the rink will be covered with a professional tent, so weather conditions won't affect its operation.
What days are museums in Gdańsk free? The Museum of the Second World War is free on Tuesdays, and most branches of the Gdańsk Museum (e.g., Town Hall, Uphagen House) are free on Mondays.
Is there a fee to use the Sopot Pier during the winter? No, admission to the Sopot Pier is usually free from October to April.
Where can you ski near Gdańsk? The nearest ski slope is Łysa Góra in Sopot, while the largest snow-making resort is in Wieżyca in Kashubia.
Is the Museum of the Second World War open throughout January 2026? No, there will be a maintenance break between January 5 and 13, 2026, during which the main exhibition will be unavailable.
What's the best way to get around the Tricity area in winter? The fastest and safest is the SKM train, which allows you to avoid traffic jams and difficult road conditions.
Where can I buy a SKM ticket and how can I validate it? You can buy tickets at machines or through apps (e.g., Jakdojade); you must validate a paper ticket on the platform or in the tunnel before boarding the train.
Where to go for a sleigh ride near Gdańsk? Organized sleigh rides with horses and bonfires take place mainly in Szymbark and Wieżyca in Kashubia (about 45 minutes from Gdańsk).
Do adults pay for admission to Loopy's World? No, this entertainment center offers free admission for guardians; only the child's ticket is charged.
Where is the best free viewpoint? Gora Gradowa (near Hevelianum) and the observation tower on Pachołek Hill in Oliwa offer stunning panoramic views of the city.
Is it worth visiting Westerplatte in winter? Yes, but you should dress very warmly, as the peninsula is windy and the perceived temperature is much lower.
Is there smog in Gdańsk in winter? Usually not. Thanks to strong winds from the sea, the air in Gdańsk (especially along the coast) is cleaner than in other large Polish cities.
Comments