Krakow Christmas market is the most popular and the best Christmas market in Poland. It’s located on Rynek Glowny, the 13th-century square in the centre of the old town. You can’t miss the stalls as they sit between the famous Cloth Hall and the imposing St Mary’s Basilica.
The market and old town is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike with many people visiting after work and during the weekends leading up to Christmas day.
Krakow in December is vibrant and bustling with shoppers and visitors from around the world. There is so much to see and do, visit museums or the countless churches, take a day trip to sombre Auschwitz or see the underground Cathedral carved into a salt mine. Krakow is also known for its religious history thanks to the strong presence of the Catholic church and with Krakow being the hometown of Pope John Paul II.
Krakow Christmas Market 2021
The Christmas market in Krakow is lined with timber huts where they prepare delicious grilled and smoked specialties and slow-cooked hearty soups and goulash. You can also find handcrafted toys and Christmas decorations to take home or give as gifts.
Krakow Christmas Market dates: 26th November – 26th December 2021 with some markets continuing into January for the Epiphany festival (27th December 2021 to 2nd January 2022).
Location: Rynek Glowny – the main old town square.
Reason to visit: It’s a cool city with a younger crowd than in Germany and Austria, it’s more affordable, there’s a good chance of a white Christmas and there is always delicious cheap vodka.
Specialties: Oscypek smoked cheese from Zakopane served with cranberry preserve. Pretty crystal baubles. Sweet vodka based hot drinks.
Recommended tour: 4-hour Polish food tour or check our other recommended tours in Krakow.
Krakow weather in winter: Temperatures average 3°C / -4°C (high / low) in December. You might see snow if you’re lucky.
Plan your trip: A list of resources to plan your Christmas holiday or winter break.
Travel tip: If you have time take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz or to the mountains at Zakopane.
Hotels near Krakow Christmas Market: Puro Hotel or book one of our recommended Christmas hotels.
Hotels Near Krakow Christmas Market
Krakow in winter can be very cold, even in November and December. It’s advisable to look for hotels near Krakow Christmas market to avoid spending too much time walking outdoors. Whereas when you arrive at the market you can warm up with mulled wine, hot soup or by standing around one of the heated areas. We have visited Krakow on many occasions and suggest staying in one of our recommended hotels.
Krakow Christmas Market Specialities
Krakow’s market is heavy on food which is a great thing. There’s so much to try! These are just a sample of what is on offer and it changes every year but you can expect to see most of the following during the Krakow Christmas market period or even into January. You can do your Xmas shopping at the market or browse the boutique shops in Kazimierz.
- Smoked cheese – A good option for vegetarians although it’s sometimes wrapped and cooked in bacon!
- Pierogi stalls – Savoury stuffed dumplings with cheese, sauerkraut or various meats and sweet pierogies stuffed with berries and sweetened cheese.
- Grilled meat stations – Meat lovers can choose from local sausages, roasted pork knuckle, chicken kebab and loads of other grilled meats.
- Soup – There are a few vegetarian soups at the Krakow market; mushroom, tomato and cabbage. Plus you can get traditional goulash soup. Mulled wine from the huge barrels dotted around the market. Look out for signs saying grzane wino, hot wine in Polish.
- Matryoshka (Russian) dolls seem to be popular at the Christmas markets.
- Wooden toys and kitchen gadgets.
Other attractions at the Christmas market include artisans working on their craft, singing, dancing and free concerts and the occasional appearance of Santa Claus for the kids.
Things to Do in Krakow in December
Krakow is a popular summer destination but it’s becoming more well known as a great break destination during the Christmas and New Year period. It’s a fun, young city, with so much history, great nightlife and laid-back cafe culture. While you’re in Krakow, be sure to check out these things to do in Krakow in December.
- Wawel Hill and Castle – Medieval royal castle and museum area. Try to see to visit at least one of the buildings in the museum complex.
- Cloth Hall – The huge building on the main square is home to little shops with hand made goods and unique gifts. It’s free to walk through and have a look around.
- Kazimierz – The old Jewish Quarter is filled with cool cafes and bars. This is a great place to stay in Krakow if you want to be in a lively hipster neighbourhood.
- Zapiekanka – Eat a traditional Polish baguette/pizza topped with grilled mushrooms and cheese. Head to Plac Nowy in Kazimierz for the best. This is the best fast food in Poland!
- Pierogies – Don’t miss out on eating some of the tastiest dumplings in Poland. Sweet or savoury, pierogies are a must try.
- Sweet fruit flavoured vodka – Poland is famous for all kinds of vodka (obviously) but in cafes around the main square like Cafe Camelot you can try some deliciously sweet, hot vodkas, perfect for warming up in winter. They aren’t as strong as you might imagine and vodka is inexpensive in Poland.
- Brunch – You might want to recover from a night of vodka drinking and eating with a delicious late breakfast at Bistro Charlotte. This modern cafe has fresh bread and baked items and excellent coffee.
- Auschwitz – If you have time, take a day trip to visit the former concentration camps at Auschwitz – Birkenau. Take a tour or get the bus from central Krakow (going by train is more complicated).
We’re here to help you experience the best of winter in Poland in 2021. Plan your trip with our Poland Christmas markets guide. Discover where to go, things to do and the best ways to experience Polish food, history and culture.
Visit Krakow has information and more details about visiting Krakow on a Christmas break or winter holiday. You can find out about museums, public transport, religious routes, Jewish heritage, Pope John Paul II, walking the Royal Route and many other attractions. Visit Krakow can also help with questions regarding the Krakow Xmas market in 2021.
Map of Krakow
If you have visited Krakow in winter or would like to leave a review of the Christmas market, comment below. If you have a question about Krakow Christmas market dates or anything about Christmas in Krakow, ask a question below or send us an email.
This post contains affiliate links to hotels in Krakow and recommended tours. This means we get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
Hi, Does anyone know if the Christmas Market in Krakow has been confirmed for 2021 yet ?
Yes, it is confirmed.
Hi Debbie, It’s not confirmed yet. Let you know
Do the Christmas markets run on Sundays and Mondays?
Yes, they do.
Is the Christmas market dates confirmed yet??
26th November to 26th December 2021.
What are the opening hours of the Christmas market in Krakow please?
Hi,
Is it likely that the Christmas market will open on the 27th November this year as it is a Saturday and 29th falls on a Monday? Trying to book flights around the Christmas market dates and don’t want to miss it! Thanks.
Sorry, I haven’t received confirmed dates as yet. Those were the dates from previous years so they are approximate.
Is there anywhere to find a list of past vendors. I was at the market a few years ago and purchased a mug and would love to find contact info for the vendor so I can try to order more.
Not that I’m aware of. Maybe contact the City of Krakow.
Any news on the market this year? will it go ahead?
Yes, from the 26th November to the 26th December.
Any news on the market this year?
Yes, it will be open from the 26th November to the 26th December with a smaller market continuing until the 2nd January.
Does anyone know if the Christmas markets will be going ahead for Dec 1-3 due to COVID?
Hi…. please you tell us about the face-covering rules at the Christmas markets? Does everyone have to wear a proper one? Is there a 1.5m rule? If so, then it sounds tricky….
Do most stalls accept cash, or do you have to pay contactless?
Is the main Christmas market as big as before Covid?? and/or is it spread out over a bigger area/space?
Thank you.
Is there a map of the stalls/layout please?
Wishing everybody a happy, safe and healthy Christmas time, 2021-2022
I’m not sure on the official stance but it would be prudent to wear a mask and be socially distant. New Covid cases in Poland are around 20,000 per day. Please be careful and follow all regulations when you arrive.
We are visiting krakow over the Christmas break, we hope travel isn’t restricted and things don’t change. Is the market still open through Christmas as it currently stands and do you know if Auschwitz open over the christmas period? 26/27th?
I’m sorry but I’m not in Poland at the moment so I’m not aware of the current situation. Maybe email your hotel and see if they can help.
Hi I am attending the Christmas markets this weekend, I am wondering if there are any medical centres close to the markets that do Covid Antigen tests as I require one to travel home.
I’m not sure. I suggest asking at your hotel, they will be able to help you.