In Poland, St. Nicholas comes early. On the morning of December 6, Mikołajki, kids wake up to small gifts under their pillows or in their shoes, and the Tricity spends the weekend around it out on the streets. Here's what we checked, from Santa sailing up the Motława to bikers in Santa suits riding across the Tricity.
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.
For Mikołajki, Gdańsk sends a decorated tram onto its regular tracks, with festive music playing on board. Families ride it like any other tram, so there is nothing to plan beyond getting to a stop.
A second, vintage tram runs on its own route across town. It suits kids who love trams, toddlers included, and works as a short add-on to a December day out rather than a whole outing.
Mikołaje na Motocyklach is a charity parade where bikers dressed as Santas, elves, snowflakes and reindeer ride a colorful convoy of motorcycles, quads and scooters across the Tricity. Kids cheer from the curb as it rolls past.
It suits kids who love engines, costumes and a bit of Christmas noise.
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.
In Poland, St. Nicholas comes early. On the morning of December 6, Mikołajki, kids wake up to small gifts under their pillows or in their shoes, and the Tricity spends the weekend around it out on the streets. Here's what we checked, from Santa sailing up the Motława to bikers in Santa suits riding across the Tricity.
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.
For Mikołajki, Gdańsk sends a decorated tram onto its regular tracks, with festive music playing on board. Families ride it like any other tram, so there is nothing to plan beyond getting to a stop.
A second, vintage tram runs on its own route across town. It suits kids who love trams, toddlers included, and works as a short add-on to a December day out rather than a whole outing.
Mikołaje na Motocyklach is a charity parade where bikers dressed as Santas, elves, snowflakes and reindeer ride a colorful convoy of motorcycles, quads and scooters across the Tricity. Kids cheer from the curb as it rolls past.
It suits kids who love engines, costumes and a bit of Christmas noise.
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.
