Christmas is the merriest time of the year. We all look forward to Christmas with our list of activities to make it memorable. So, if your Christmas checklist includes travelling, then consider the Christmas Market in Krakow as an option.

To ease your task, this article will provide a guide on the Christmas market and a list of the top 6 things you can do at the Christmas Market in Krakow during your vacations.

1. An Introduction to the Christmas Market in Krakow

Christmas markets are a classic holiday tradition. Generally set up in the city’s main square, these markets exhibit a strong cultural significance. Christmas markets are evolutionary as they evolve with every generation. They change with time but keep the traditional and cultural elements alive forever.

Krakow, located in Poland, is famous for multiple things, ranging from its history, culture, climate, and architecture to its medieval roots. Similarly, its Christmas market is renowned for its lively atmosphere, adding to the Christmas festivities. The market is an exhibition of Polish culture, local Krakow food and the folk art of the people of Krakow.

1.1 Rynek Gĺown – The Venue of the Market

Set up in the Rynek Glown (a Polish term for main market square), the Christmas market is a manifestation of the vibrant and lively nature of the festival. Rynek Gĺown is the main old town square of Krakow city. Rynek Glowny is in itself evidence of Poland’s rich cultural history. The place dates back to the 13th century and is among the best medieval markets in Poland and Europe. It is adorned with architectural marvels like Wieża Ratuszowa, i.e. The Town Hall Tower, and the gothic St. Mary’s Basilica, i.e. St. Mary’s Church.

The Christmas market stretches from the city centre to Rynek Gĺown and ends at Cloth Hall.

1.2 Timeline of the Market

You need not worry about shifting your plans to visit this market. The market remains in place for a complete month, sometimes more than a month, too. It is usually set up on the last Friday of November and continues till the day after Christmas.

Many times, the market extends till the Epiphany festival in January. So, don’t worry about losing out on the opportunity to miss this vibrant market.

2. A List of 6 Amazing Things to Do at Christmas Market in Krakow

Marketplaces are characterized by the collective joy of enjoying a festival. Just take a stroll at the market, and you will find yourself vibing to the Christmas spirit. Christmas market stalls at Krakow will cater to your festival needs.

Here is a list of 6 things to do at the Krakow market.

2.1 Shop One-Stop Centre for Christmas Shopping

From kids to grown-ups, everyone is thrilled to shop for Christmas. The Christmas market in Krakow offers you plenty of shopping options. You can shop according to your needs, from traditional Polish to handmade and modern items.

2.1.1. Christmas Decorations

The market will provide tea light candle holders, crocheted little angel figures, polish dolls, candle holders, and many more options for your Christmas decorations. Traditional Polish stuff includes Polish dolls, handpainted glass baubles and handpainted pottery. Polish folk art is also on display here in wooden sculptures, earthenware and glass paintings.

2.1.2 Knitwares and Woolen Clothes

Knitwear and warm clothes like fur waistcoats, fur boots, and local warm blankets will also catch your attention. Make sure to check out warm, traditional patterned Polish scarves and hats. To appreciate the local culture, you can also buy folk costumes. Other items include postcards, calendars, jewellery, ceramics, glassware etc. In addition, one noble thing is that when you buy an item, you also do charity. Many stalls contribute their earning to charity as well.

2.2 Eat and Drink Like Local Polish Folks

The market is aan excellentplace for foodies. With an array of sweet and savoury stalls, one cannot dare go home without stopping by multiple food stalls. You will feel tempted to try multiple things at this market, from sourdough bread sandwiches to sausages to doughnuts.

The food options served are-

2.2.1. Grilled Meat

From sausages to roasted pork to kebabs to pork knuckles, there is a plethora of food options for non-vegetarians.

2.2.2. Oscypek (Smoked Cheese)

Another major food item that you should certainly not miss! A signature Polish smoked cheese served with cranberry jam surely deserves your attention.

2.2.3. Mulled Wine Stalls

A mulled wine, i.e. Grzaniec Galicyjski (in Polish), in the Christmas market, is a must. This Polish drink will undoubtedly keep you warm in the cold Krakow winter. The giant wooden barrels from which this hot wine is served will amuse you even more. People who have already visited Krakow will recommend mulled wine as the first thing to drink in the market.

2.2.4. Pierogi Stalls

Pierogi, a kind of filled dumplings, is a traditional dish of Poland. Fillings of potato, cheese or berries come in both savoury and sweet categories.

2.2.5. Krówka

Krowka is a Polish term for fudge and will surely cater to your sweet tooth. These homemade sweets will certainly make you want to try more.

2.2.6. Sweets

You will find a well-dedicated candy shop with colourful candies and candy canes. Baklava, Turkish delight and Churros are other sweet items for your sweet tooth. Chocolate is moulded in unimaginable ways, and you can find chocolate-shaped cotton reels, chocolate-covered bananas, apples and whatnot! What could be possibly better than being in Poland and eating organic and locally sourced Polish food?

2.3 Take-Home Souvenirs From the Market

The Christmas market is a perfect place to take home a souvenir with yourself. The site has an array of handmade traditional Polish stuff, which will make up for a unique souvenir. Handmade items included crochets, embroidered tablecloths, handmade candles and pottery.

Wooden Handicrafts are also an essential feature of the Christmas market. Carved wooden toys and wooden home decor at the wooden stalls can also be considered an option when buying a souvenir. Make sure to stop by the wooden stalls to admire the craft of the people of Poland.

Moreover, you get to support the local economy and local artisans by buying these fantastic traditional Polish stuff.

2.4. Choose Your Christmas Presents 

Gifting, a popular tradition of Christmas, is what makes it so unique. Giving and receiving gifts is something which everyone enjoys. But the toil to select a perfect gift sometimes becomes overwhelming. The good news is that you can shop for a perfect Christmas gift for your friends and family at the market.

With a wide range of items on display, you will be sorted. You can choose from various options like Amber Jewellery imported from the Baltic region, handcrafted wooden decor, handmade tablecloths, or beautiful little handmade espresso mugs. In addition, ceramics and glassware will make up for a great gifting option.

2.5. Amusements 

The market is in itself a carnival with all the arrangements to engage children as well as grown-ups. Through the activities organized in the market, you will learn about Poland’s customs during Christmas.

2.5.1. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

The carriage rides will give you a tour of the leading market square and old town. This majestic ride will undoubtedly live up to your expectations.

2.5.2. Christmas Cribs

Christmas cribs in the market are a tradition in Krakow City. The Cribs are put in exhibitions and prepared by different people, from expert artists to schoolchildren. A crib is a decorated colourful structure which represents native as well as modern scenes of Christmas. They include miniature representations of gingerbread houses, cathedrals and castles.

2.5.3. Christmas Carols

Performed by school children and village artists, the carols keep the Christmas spirit alive. The stage in the market is a venue for many live music performances. Several folk bands, theatre groups and choir groups perform to keep the crowd engaged in their live performances.

2.5.4. Christmas Trees

The market features a giant Christmas tree, a major attraction site for the crowd. The tree is embellished with festive lights and is a sight to behold. Make sure to click Instagram-worthy pictures with this giant Christmas tree draped in infinite fairy lights.

2.5.5. Games

Games are also organized in the venue to keep the kids engaged.

2.6. Visting Iconic Places Near the Christmas Market in Krakow

There are a couple of places in Krakow that are unmissable. You should certainly plan a 3-5 day trip to visit all the iconic places in Krakow.

2.6.1. Ice Rink at Jordan Park

Experience the joy of ice skating at Ice Park in Krakow. Ice skating is the holocaust one activity that resonates the most with Christmas. The Ice Park also offers rental equipment and provisions for beginners.

2.6.2. Wawel Royal Castle

You will find Wawel Royal Castle in the old town of Krakow. The Castle embodies Gothic, Renaissance and early Baroque Architectural styles. The castle is a part of Krakow’s historic centre and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are a series of structures in Wavel Hill, including Wavel Castle, Wavel Cathedral and Dragon’s Den. Polish myths and folklore believe that the den is the place of a furious Dragon. Interesting.

2.6.3. Wieliczka Salt Mine

Plan a day trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine and discover the history of European mining development in the medieval era. The salt mine has multiple chambers and hundreds of kilometres of galleries. Museums and sculptures are a significant insight into the history of the place. The mine also has an on-site restaurant, Karczma Górnicza, which will be an ideal place after hours of exploring the mine.

2.6.4. Visit Auschwitz- Birkenau Memorial and Museum

A resting site for millions of Jews, Auschwitz served as a concentration camp for Jewish people during World War II. Visit this extermination camp with a tour guide and get an insight into the dire conditions that Jews were subjected to during Nazi Germany.

The museum protects the relics, archives, photographs and documents related to the sad history of the extermination camp. The place connects you with European history and is undoubtedly worth the visit.

3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Christmas Markets?

Christmas markets first originated in Germany and are a kind of collective celebration of Christmas. Activities include setting up stalls for food, shopping and recreational activities.

2. Where is the Christmas Market in Krakow set up?

The market is set up in Rynek Gĺown,i.e. the primary square market at Krakow. The market stretches from the city centre to Rynek Gĺowny and ends at Cloth Hall.

3. Is the Christmas Market in Krakow worth visiting?

Yes, the market is rich in food, shopping and Christmas decoration items. The venue is well-lit and decorated. The Christmas tree at the market is vast, and the market is vibrant and lively.

4. For how long does the market remain open?

The market remains open for an entire month, from the last week of November until the last week of December. Many times, it gets extended till early January.

5. Is there a need for a tour guide in Krakow Christmas Market?

Although the market is relatively simple and mainly self-guided by foreigners, one can opt for a guided tour to get better insight into Polish Christmas traditions.

6. Is the market open in January?

In case of an extension, the market remains open till January. But there may or may not be full stalls available.

7. What to buy at Christmas Market in Krakow?

You can buy Christmas decorations, presents, souvenirs, knitwear, candies, and cookies from the Krakow Market.

Final Note

Krakow is indeed a “jewel in the crown of Poland.” It would be best if you were convinced about adding Krakow to your travel list by now. Plan your visit around December to experience a winter wonderland. If luck favours you, you might see snow as well.

Everything about Christmas is worth cherishing. It seems that nature is in harmony with the festival. The positivity in the air, the excitement for the upcoming year, the process of Christmas decorations, everything fills you with joy. One is overwhelmed during Christmas Eve, and kids are excited about gifting and receiving presents. In a nutshell, everything makes Christmas the best time of the year.

In summary, the festive atmosphere of the Christmas market in Krakow is worth cherishing. It indeed adds to your already positive state of mind. It is a source of recreation for local people and an unparalleled experience for tourists. The Krakow Christmas Market has kept the city’s spirit alive with its traditional approach. If you enjoyed reading this article, then make sure to check out this for more travel-related articles.

Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty