I love Christmas, no I’m obsessed, and Krakow is one of my favorite cities in the world. So I should love the Christmas Market in Krakow? Right? Well, yes and no.
It is definitely a great Christmas Market, I should know, I used to live in Krakow and have visited it at least 10 times. However, I wouldn’t say it is worth it as a standalone attraction.
But as a whole with Krakow’s other beautiful Christmas decorations and majestic landmarks, it is definitely a vibe. So let’s take a closer look at what you can expect at Krakow Christmas Market.
Article overview
Krakow Christmas Market overview
Note: as mentioned above I have been to Krakow Christmas Market at least ten times. So the photos in this article are from many different years.
Location
The market is held in Rynek Główny, the main square of Kraków’s Old Town and one of the largest in Europe. It is easily accessible and offers stunning views of St. Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall. The spacious square accommodates numerous stalls, festive decorations and a stage.
After the pandemic, the location changed from the south side of the Cloth Hall to the north side. There is just more space for it there.
Krakow is a compact city, so you can easily walk to the Christmas Market from most accommodations. I always recommend you stay in Kazmierz, my favorite neighborhood in Krakow, or somewhere along the park that encircles the Old Town.
When does Krakow Christmas Market open in 2024?
The 2024 market is scheduled to open on November 29th and will run through December 26th. After that, a smaller version of the market is usually open until January 1st.
In my experience, the Christmas Market is open from around 10:00 until 8:00 pm and the food stalls are open even later, sometimes until midnight if it’s very crowded.
The best time to visit Krakow Christmas Market is during the week, after dark so you can get the full experience with all the beautiful lights. Sundays are extremely crowded.
Is it expensive?
No, I find Krakow Christmas Market one of Europe’s most affordable. The market has some more expensive items, however, Krakow, and Poland in general, is still one of the most affordable destinations in Europe.
You can expect to pay €3 – 10 for food, €4.5 for a draft beer and $5.5 for mulled wine.
Are there more than one Christmas market in Krakow?
Yes, there are a few other Christmas markets and happenings in Krakow other than the one on Rynek.
Plac Jana Nowaka-Jeziorańskiego: There is a small ice rink on the square in front of Krakow Glowny Train Station and Galeria Krakowska, the largest shopping center in Krakow. Around it, you’ll also find a few Christmas stalls selling warm drinks, snacks, gifts and souvenirs.
Plac Wolnica: I really like this market in the heart of Kazimierz, as it offers a more intimate and relaxed alternative to the one in the busy Main Market Square. It promotes local producers and artists selling handmade decorations, ceramics, jewelry and sustainable wood products.
Podgórze Christmas Fair of Unique Things: The fair takes place, usually on the first weekend in December, in Rynek Podgórski with the stunning backdrop of St. Joseph’s, one of Krakow’s hidden gems and most beautiful churches.
The Kraków Nativity Scene Competition: Known as “Konkurs Szopek Krakowskich,” this one is a cherished annual tradition that dates back to 1937. Held in the Main Market Square on the first Thursday in December, this competition showcases intricately crafted nativity scenes, or “szopki,” which are unique to Kraków and often feature elements of the city’s iconic architecture.
You will also see beautiful Christmas decorations across the city, with often large light installations outside Wawel Castle, the shopping centers and in the streets surrounding the square.
Pro tip >> If you want to do more Christmas shopping than just at the market, I recommend making your way over to Galeria Kazimierz which is much calmer than Galeria Krakowska. Bonarka is another great option just outside the city center.
My experience at Krakow Christmas Market
Before you actually get to the market, you will see all the beautiful lights. The entire area glows under intricate light displays, creating a magical winter wonderland. I like to get there at dusk, so everything is lit up, but you can still see the beautiful surrounding architecture.
Stalls are festively decorated with garlands, wreaths, and baubles. While the crisp, cold air often carries the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread.
Although, every year I think the same thing, that the market is not as big as you would expect. It only takes up about a quarter of the square. But what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm.
Maybe 5 of the 10 times I’ve visited the market it has been raining and around 1 degree Celsius. Only once have I experienced it completely frozen over at -15 Celsius. Coming from Norway I usually don’t find it too cold, but I recommend wearing a jacket, beanie, scarf and gloves.
I enjoy listening to the traditional Christmas carols sung by local choirs and watching live music and dance performances. Though this usually happens during the weekend.
The decorations and the Christmas trees are changed out and around, so it’s not always the same set-up. Below you can see two different trees in the same spot in two different years.
What to buy
From hearty Polish dishes to unique handcrafted gifts, shopping at Krakow Christmas Market is always fun. In other words, don’t come here with an already full suitcase.
A few stalls are selling the same type of food, so if there’s a line at one stall, just walk a little further and you’ll most likely find another one selling the same.
Sampling traditional Polish food
Pierogi: One of the must-try dishes is the traditional Polish dumplings known as pierogi. I personally didn’t like them before, but now I find them a quick and easy snack. Last time I paid 25 PLN (€5.85) for six, and you can choose between various fillings, from savory options like potato and cheese to sweet ones.
Oscypek: This smoked cheese made from sheep’s milk is a delicacy in southern Poland, and is one of the things I always see all over the market. Just follow the sound of the grill pans and enjoy it plain or with a side of cranberry sauce and/or ham. Yum!
Grilled meats and bread: For the carnivores, many stalls offer grilled meats, sausages and various skewers. I went for a pajda, which is an open sandwich. A big slice of bread is slathered with lard or garlic butter and then you can add toppings such as grilled kielbasa sausage, seasoned minced meat, sauteed onions and pickles.
You can choose as many toppings as you like, but be aware that it’s a very filling sandwich. We went with garlic butter, some type of grilled pork meat and onion. It was delicious and I absolutely loved the stall, just look how nicely it is decorated.
I even found Langos which is a very common street food in Budapest. It cost 38 PLN (€9) with garlic sauce and then I added bacon and onion for 6 PLN each, which I thought was a little steep.
Soups: Don’t miss out on hearty soups like Borscht, a sweet and sour beet soup, and goulash that’s perfect for warming up on a cold day. Often the most affordable food option, they will set you back between 10-30 PLN.
Warm beverages
Mulled wine: Known locally as Grzaniec, this spiced red wine is always a favorite at Krakow Christmas Market. It’s a mix of cloves, cinnamon, and citrus, served hot to help fend off the chill. Other flavors are also available. Last time, I saw at least three stalls with lines selling it, but the wait was only a few minutes.
Hot chocolate: A few places offer rich, creamy hot chocolate for those who prefer a non-alcoholic option.
Teas and coffees: You’ll also find a variety of hot teas and coffees, including those infused with winter spices. Perfect for a cozy evening stroll through the market.
Souvenirs and artisan crafts
One of the most popular items is the beautiful, Christmas ornaments in all shapes and sizes. I love buying decor when I travel because I can actually use it and it will always remind me of my trips.
Traditional wooden toys, often painted with bright colors, make for wonderful gifts for children. Additionally, the market is filled with stalls selling unique items like knitted accessories, jewelry, pottery, candy and leather goods.
Many of these items are made by local artisans, ensuring you take home something truly special. I have also bought crystals here before, and a turquoise handmade bowl that I have used a lot.
You’ll also see quite a few stalls selling the usual touristy souvenirs and trinkets. You know everything from wooden spoons to key chains with Krakow on them.
During my last visit to Krakow Christmas Market, I bought different tools made from chocolate for my father and grandfather who are both very handy and love to work with their hands. Such a fun gift that both of them loved.
I also got several bags of burnt sugar almonds and a few handpainted Christmas tree ornaments as gifts.
Plan your visit to Krakow
Visiting Krakow’s Christmas Market is a magical experience, especially when you find the right place to stay and know how to get around easily. Let’s dive into the details to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Where to stay
As mentioned above, I love to stay in Kazimierz, the Jewish heart and coolest neighborhood in Krakow. It is a lot calmer than the old town, and there are a ton of quality bars and restaurants on your doorstep.
You can walk to the Christmas Market along the river in under 15 minutes. Or you can take trams 8,13 and 72. My favorite place to stay in Kazimierz is this small but super stylish apartment and Hotel M29.
However, if you’d rather stay in the hustle and bustle, the loft-style suite with a hot tub in Hotel Betmanowska, offers gorgeous views of the Christmas Market. The breakfast is also supposed to be very good.
This majestic apartment, set in a beautiful old-style building on one of the short ends of the market square, sleeps 4 people. I’m guessing this is how the Krakow elite lived back in the day.
I also love Feniks Fragola Apartments, Look for the apartment called “Amazing 1-Bedroom Apartment with Best Market Square View”. They are beautifully decorated and you get views across both sides of Rynek.
Pro tip >> If you book your accommodation in Krakow through Booking.com (just click on one of the links above), you very often get free transport from the airport. Just look for the green text under the address to see if a specific hotel or apartment qualifies.
How to get around Krakow
Getting around Krakow is straightforward with its efficient public transport system. Trams and buses are the norm, and you can buy tickets from machines at selected stops or from machines on the vehicle. Don’t forget to validate it in the smaller machine.
If you prefer walking, I recommend walking along the river if it’s not too cold to enjoy the beautiful views and get away from traffic. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are also available, I find Bolt to be the most affordable.
For visitors with accessibility needs, Krakow’s transport system is accommodating with low-floor trams and buses. To find the best route I usually just use Google Maps, but you can also download the Jakdojade app for timetables.
You also have many options to get from Krakow airport to the city center, ranging from the budget-friendly airport bus to private transfers.
Final thoughts: Krakow Christmas Market
So is Krakow Christmas Market worth visiting? My answer is YES, but… It is worth it because Krakow is worth it. Krakow is one of the most beautiful yet affordable weekend getaways in Europe.
However, I wouldn’t plan a visit to Krakow just for the Christmas Market, there are better destinations such as Dresden and Strasbourg for that. I have also heard that the Christmas Market in Wrocław is the best in Poland.
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