December evenings on the Baltic turn dark by four, so the lights do a lot of the work. Gdańsk has put up its city tree on Długi Targ every December since 1989, and Santa traditionally arrives by boat on the Motława to light it. Here's what we checked, from the Main Town market to the light trail at Lumina Park in Pruszcz Gdański.
Lumina Park is an open-air light trail through the parkland of Faktoria Cultural Park in Pruszcz Gdański, just south of Gdańsk. This season the glowing installations tell the story of Alice in Wonderland along a path of about 1.5 km.
Kids walk the route after dark, stopping at each scene for photos. It suits kids who can manage a long evening walk outdoors in the cold.
Santa comes to Gdańsk by boat. Families line the Motława on Długie Pobrzeże to spot him sailing in, then his procession sets off from the Green Bridge toward the Neptune Fountain.
It ends on Długi Targ, where thousands of lights and colored baubles on the city's Christmas tree switch on and open the holiday season. It suits kids happy to stand outdoors on a winter evening.
Every winter Gdynia hangs lights along its main streets, squares and roundabouts, and in neighborhoods well beyond the center, all switched on together on St. Nicholas Day. The look leans nautical: sailboat-shaped trees, light sails and blue and white strings.
It's a walk, not a show: no stage or program, just an evening stroll that works with a stroller or a scooter.
Gdańsk's big Christmas market fills the streets of the Main Town with stalls, a crafts zone and a program of live events, set among the city's Gdańsk Illuminations light displays. Kids can wander the stalls, catch a show and pick out a handmade gift.
It suits families happy with a slow walk and plenty of stops. Everything is outdoors in the Baltic winter, so dress warm and plan short loops.
Every winter the square at the foot of Sopot's pier becomes a Christmas and New Year village, run by the city. Huts line the arcades with food and handmade gifts, and the concert shell by the pier hosts carols, kids' theater and circus acts.
It's a come-and-go outing: wander, eat, catch a show. It suits families with kids of any age who don't mind the Baltic cold.
December evenings on the Baltic turn dark by four, so the lights do a lot of the work. Gdańsk has put up its city tree on Długi Targ every December since 1989, and Santa traditionally arrives by boat on the Motława to light it. Here's what we checked, from the Main Town market to the light trail at Lumina Park in Pruszcz Gdański.
Lumina Park is an open-air light trail through the parkland of Faktoria Cultural Park in Pruszcz Gdański, just south of Gdańsk. This season the glowing installations tell the story of Alice in Wonderland along a path of about 1.5 km.
Kids walk the route after dark, stopping at each scene for photos. It suits kids who can manage a long evening walk outdoors in the cold.
Santa comes to Gdańsk by boat. Families line the Motława on Długie Pobrzeże to spot him sailing in, then his procession sets off from the Green Bridge toward the Neptune Fountain.
It ends on Długi Targ, where thousands of lights and colored baubles on the city's Christmas tree switch on and open the holiday season. It suits kids happy to stand outdoors on a winter evening.
Every winter Gdynia hangs lights along its main streets, squares and roundabouts, and in neighborhoods well beyond the center, all switched on together on St. Nicholas Day. The look leans nautical: sailboat-shaped trees, light sails and blue and white strings.
It's a walk, not a show: no stage or program, just an evening stroll that works with a stroller or a scooter.
Gdańsk's big Christmas market fills the streets of the Main Town with stalls, a crafts zone and a program of live events, set among the city's Gdańsk Illuminations light displays. Kids can wander the stalls, catch a show and pick out a handmade gift.
It suits families happy with a slow walk and plenty of stops. Everything is outdoors in the Baltic winter, so dress warm and plan short loops.
Every winter the square at the foot of Sopot's pier becomes a Christmas and New Year village, run by the city. Huts line the arcades with food and handmade gifts, and the concert shell by the pier hosts carols, kids' theater and circus acts.
It's a come-and-go outing: wander, eat, catch a show. It suits families with kids of any age who don't mind the Baltic cold.
