Christmas markets in Krakow
Kraków’s iconic Market Square, Rynek Glowny, comes alive at Christmas time. With snow and stalls galore, it’s the perfect backdrop for immersing yourself in festive celebrations. The Cloth Hall and a towering Christmas tree are the focal point making the Kraków Christmas Market a fantastical experience.
With a hot drink in hand, browsing the 70 or more wooden stalls in the oldest Medieval square in Europe is the best way to get in the Christmas spirit!
Kraków is home to Poland’s largest Christmas Market
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Top Experiences at Kraków’s Christmas Markets
Kraków’s Christmas Markets run from the 29th of November to the 1st of January. Although there is just one large Christmas Market in Kraków, there are plenty of traditions, treats and things to see...
- Christmas Crib Contest: Dating back to the Middle Ages and an official contest since 1937, the annual Crib Contest is a vibrant spectacle to behold. It takes place at the start of December where locals gather at the Adam Mickiewicz monument. The colourful cribs, resembling cathedrals and castles, are paraded by proud locals during the official procession before they get judged.
- The Food: Kraków’s Christmas Market is known for its amazing food. With candied nuts, chocolate and plenty of mulled wine, there’s no shortage of traditional Christmas Market fare. If you want to try some typical Polish food, opt for Oscypek smoked cheese, Kiełbaski Myśliwska (smoked pork sausage with crushed juniper berries), Kiełbasa Czosnkowa (garlic sausage), Krówka fudge or a hearty padja (open grilled sandwich).
- Handcrafted Goods: One of the nicest things to get at a Christmas Market is a new decoration for your tree to remind you of your trip. You can find beautiful handcrafted wooden decorations as well as utensils, jewellery and pottery here. Or if you want something cosy, there are lots of stalls selling woolen goods from slippers to scarves!