Krakow Christmas Market is not only Poland’s number 1 Christmas market but is also regarded as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Taking place in Krakow’s main square, Rynek G?ówny, this Christmas market offers amazing food, local crafts, and a lively atmosphere. Krakow during December is the perfect city for a winter break to get into the Christmas spirit.
For the year 2023, the Krakow Christmas Market will start on the 24th of November and finish on the 26th of December.
This post will provide you with some information on Krakow before getting into the reasons why I believe you should visit the Krakow Christmas market this year!
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Skip down to 11 Reasons to visit the Krakow Christmas Market.
Getting to Krakow
Krakow’s main airport John Paul II International Airport is 15km from Krakow city centre. Currently, approximately 25 airlines operate flights from here, this includes budget airlines Ryanair, EasyJet and Wizz. To check the best prices use a flight comparison site such as expedia or skyscanner.
If you have trouble flying directly to Krakow from your local airport, consider flying into Warsaw instead. From Warsaw airport, you can take a high-speed train to Krakow in 55 minutes or a FlixBus, but this will take 4 hours and 15 minutes. Check out train and bus times on Omio.com.
Weather in Krakow during December
Pack your cosiest coat and scarf; Krakow gets super cold in December!
Krakow in December typically experiences an average daytime temperature of 2°C, which drops to -3°C at night. Krakow in December often sees rain, averaging 14 rainy days. Additionally, there is a possibility of snow, which can further reduce temperatures. Keep in mind that daylight hours are shorter, with darkness setting in around 4:30 pm, so remember to consider this when planning your sightseeing activities.
I found the weather very cold but bearable with the right clothing, such as a heavy coat, boots, gloves, and a scarf. You can always sip some hot mulled wine to keep
Best Place To Stay Close To Krakow Christmas Market
Krakow is a compact city that you can easily explore on foot, and it also boasts a fantastic public transport network with frequent trams and buses. Compared to other European cities, Krakow provides much more affordable accommodation options. However, because it’s a popular winter destination, I suggest booking early to secure the best deals.
As I mentioned earlier, the Krakow Christmas market is situated in the main square called Rynek G?ówny. I have shared several accommodation options that are nearby and in close proximity to the Christmas market.
Accommodation Close To Krakow Christmas Market
Hostel u Kmity – has received a high review score of 8.3/10, includes 2 shared kitchens and laundry services. Located only a 2 minute walk to Rynek G?ówny. Rooms start at €45 per night.
Vienna House Easy by Wyndham Cracow – large hotel with a gym, sauna and large rooftop terrace. Rooms are bright and colourful. Located beside the railway station, it is a 16 minute tram journey or 20 minute walk to Rynek G?ówny. Rooms start at €66 per night.
Hyatt Place Krakow – highly reviewed at 9.1/10, this beautiful hotel has modern spacious rooms, some with a view of Henryk Jordan Park. Facilities include a modern and well equipped gym. 18 minute tram journey to Rynek G?ówny. Rooms start at €71 per night.
PURO Kraków Kazimierz – this stunning hotel includes a fitness centre, sauna, spa, two terraces and complimentary bicycles. Rooms are modern, cosy and comfortable. Located in the bustling Jewish Quarter it is a 12 minute tram to Rynek G?ówny. Rooms start at €100 per night. The hotel also allows your dog to stay for no additional cost.
Amber Design Residence – it’s a boutique-style hotel located in a 1930’s building. The rooms exude style and elegance, offering amenities such as a Nespresso machine, with some rooms even featuring a balcony. The hotel also provides a small gym and an onsite sauna. Overlooking Planty Park it is a 6 minute walk to Rynek G?ówny. Rooms start at €129 per night.
Hotel Stary – this is a luxurious 5-star hotel with a famous sky bar on the rooftop that provides a view of Rynek G?ówny. The hotel also features a gym, pool, sauna, and spa. The rooms are spacious and exude chic elegance. People have commented on how great the food and staff are. You are just a 2 minute walk to Rynek G?ówny. Rooms start at €226 per night.
So, why even visit Krakow Christmas market?
11 Reasons To Visit Krakow Christmas Market
1. Pork Knuckle
A pork knuckle (known as ‘golonka’ in Polish) is the meaty part of a pig’s leg. It might not look too appealing, but it is truly delicious.
The knuckle is cooked to perfection, served succulently tender, and absolutely bursting with flavour due to being cooked in its own juices. Pork knuckle is usually served with potatoes.
The smell of this dish around Krakow’s Christmas market is heavenly; you will not be able to resist!
2. Ice Skating
Although not located in the main square, a large ice skating rink is set up outside Galeria Krakowska, Krakow’s main shopping mall. There are also usually a few stalls here with food and handmade gifts.
It is a super fun activity to do in Krakow before or after visiting the markets.
3. Sausages
What is a Christmas market without a gigantic sizzling grilled sausage?!
The Krakow Christmas market offers several different flavours of sausages for sale. My favourites are the Hunter’s Sausage (Kie?baski My?liwska), smoked with crushed juniper berries, and the Garlic Sausage (Kie?basa Czosnkowa).
They can be served with bread and are absolutely incredible!
4. Oscypek
You will see many stalls with tall piles of Oscypek, a smoked cheese made from salted sheep’s milk. This artisanal cheese is produced in the Tatra Mountains, in southern Poland.
The cheese is sliced into an oval shape, grilled or fried, and then served with cranberry sauce or wrapped in bacon.
The saltiness of the cheese pairs really well with the sweet cranberry sauce. I recommend purchasing a full-sized packet to take home; it makes for such a good snack during the winter nights. Filling up on oscypek is a perfectly good reason to visit Krakow Christmas market.
5. Handmade Christmas Decorations
Did you know that many of the high-end Christmas baubles that you can purchase in your local stores are produced in Poland?! You will notice plenty of stalls selling these colourful glass baubles.
Aside from baubles, you can buy wooden toys, handmade ornaments, nativity scenes, candles, and amazing sheepskin jackets for a fantastic price.
6. Langos
Although these are not Polish but instead Hungarian, you can find them throughout the market.
Langos are deep-fried flatbreads served with a healthy dollop of sour cream and cheese. This Hungarian snack is very filling and the ultimate comfort food.
Speaking of Hungarian cuisine, I highly recommend trying chimney cakes, which are also sold at the Krakow Christmas Markets. They are cone-shaped cakes made from yeast dough that has been sweetened, basted in butter, and cooked over charcoal. They will be served hot off the shelf, dusted in sugar and cinnamon.
7. Traditional Polish Slippers
Traditional Polish slippers are extremely comfy and warm, made from wool or felt. They often feature vibrant patterns, with some displaying Polish folk motifs. They come in many different colors and will keep your feet toasty during the cold nights.
These make the nicest souvenir or gift for Christmas.
8. Polish Dumplings
Known as pierogi, Polish dumplings are filled with many different ingredients; however, the most popular flavour is potato and cheese.
Pierogi are usually served with sour cream or butter and fried onions on top.
If you develop a love for these little dumplings then you should attend a pierogi cooking class.
9. Potato Pancakes
Potato Pancakes, or ‘Placki Ziemniaczane’ in Polish, are grated potatoes mixed with onions, eggs, and cornstarch. They are fried, resulting in a delightfully crunchy pancake topped with a dollop of sour cream.
10. Polish Vodka
All this food will likely require a drink to wash it down, and there’s nowhere better than the birthplace of vodka! Even the mulled wine has a couple of drops of vodka! Make sure to stop by a vodka stall; it also makes a nice Christmas gift.
If you enjoy vodka, I highly recommend Wódka Cafe Bar, which offers hundreds of different flavors of vodka, from caramel and chocolate to mint, elderberry, fig, and orange. Along with tasting some unique flavors, you can also enjoy cocktails. It is a really cool experience, and although it’s not part of the Christmas market, it is a place where you can warm up afterward.
11. The Atmosphere
Krakow transforms into a Winter Wonderland in December. The city resembles a painting you would see on a Christmas card, especially when it snows. You can’t help but get into the spirit of Christmas while walking around the cobbled squares lined with historic buildings, with a hot chocolate in hand.
Each year, there is a nativity scene contest, with the winner displayed in Rynek G?ówny, previous winners can be viewed across the old town.
Krakow is a great destination in December, whether you are looking for a romantic weekend, lads trips or with the kids there is plenty to see outside of the Christmas markets.
Some things you can checkout during the day are the Bunny Cafe, day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, Jewish Quarter tour, Wawel Castle, or for something thrilling head down to the riverside to ride Balon widokowy or Krakow Eye.
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