Once the buzz of the crowds gathered for the St. Martin Street Name Day celebrations fades, Poznań shifts into winter mode. Streetlamps are adorned with festive decorations, Christmas markets are slowly set up in the squares, and the Christmas tram is decked out in lights. The city gears up to delight both locals and tourists with a plenty of attractions during this magical time of year - even when it gets dark just after 3 p.m. and the sleet keeps soaking your shoes.
Experience the magic of Christmas at the Christmas markets
It is impossible to start an overview of attractions without mentioning Poznańskie Betlejem (Poznań Bethlehem) - the initiative responsible for organizing in Poznań for the tenth year running. Beyond the classic staples, such as mulled wine, a slice of bread with lard, or mountain cheeses, you can find something a bit more unique here. At Plac Wolności (Freedom Square), two goats speaking with human voices await visitors. Standing proudly beside them is a Ferris wheel, the top of which offers a beautiful view of the festive decorations.
For ice skating fans, rinks also await in the festive villages: one at the Old Market Square and another at the square on the Poznań International Fair, though these are not the only ones available in the city. At the aforementioned Fair, you can also find a unique attraction for children called the Great Elf Factory (Wielka Fabryka Elfów), which can be briefly described as an unconventional, festive indoor playground. Staying on the topic of Christmas villages, the market organized by the Museum of Agriculture in Szreniawa near Poznań is also worth mentioning. This event is particularly interesting because, in December, the museum is closed to individual visitors, with the exception of special events like this one.
Unique winter experiences
After visiting the Christmas villages, it is worth looking out for other events, among which the Poznań Ice Festival certainly deserves special mention. This championship-level ice carving competition attracts crowds of spectators every year, and admission is free. Furthermore, the Church of St. Francis Seraphic is well worth a visit to see its Nativity scene, which annually fights for the title of one of the largest in Europe. For a very atmospheric walk, head to Lumina Park, a collection of light installations in the Dendrological Garden, or just as beautiful Land of Lights (Kraina Świateł) at DELI Park near Poznań.
In winter, Malta Ski also welcomes tourists with its artificial slope and ski instruction center. Staying on the topic of gliding on snow, it is worth mentioning the cross-country skiing options available in the Wielkopolski National Park or the Zielonka Forest (Puszcza Zielonka), where you can ski on existing hiking trails. For an unforgettable ride of a different kind, Trapper Hut offers dog sledding; what is more, if snow is lacking, they swap the sleds for carts adapted for dry terrain.
Indoor attractions – or how to explore Poznań without getting cold
The lack of snow certainly won’t get in the way of visiting the temporary exhibitions available this winter in Poznań. Andy Warhol’s works at Stary Browar, as well as periodic exhibitions at the Gallery of Painting and Sculpture or Galeria Miejska Arsenał, await visitors. In turn, January brings a standard event that warms up even the coldest days every year: the city finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (WOŚP). It is full of attractions, auctions, and concerts, all under the banner of charity and aid.
While in Poznań this winter, it is also worth seeing the more classic attractions: the always beautiful Renaissance Town Hall with the museum within its walls; the Cathedral, linked to the origins of the Polish state and the first Piasts; the richly decorated Baroque Parish Church; or both castles. The Imperial Castle houses the Culture Centre, guaranteeing a multitude of concerts, meetings, and exhibitions, while the Royal Castle invites you to its observation deck and the Museum of Applied Arts. This time, however, the recently modernized Museum of World Cultures (formerly the Ethnographic Museum) or the Poznań Palm House might be particularly drawing. The Palm House will soon close for renovations, making this the perfect moment to visit!
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