Krakow is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and its Christmas markets are absolutely spectacular. In this article, I’ll give you all the essential information about the dates, locations, and programme of the Krakow Christmas markets – so you can plan the perfect festive trip to Krakow Poland.
Krakow: Where to Stay
I’d definitely recommend staying right in the city centre. Some of the best apartments with breakfast can be found at K4 APARTHOTEL KRAKÓW. Another great option is Avium Old Town Apartments. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind hostels, Greg&Tom Beer House Hostel is a solid pick right in the centre. You can browse all Krakow Poland hotels on Booking.com.
Make sure you plan your visit for more than just a day – there’s so much to see beyond the markets (check out our Krakow guide for inspiration on things to do).
💡TIP: 10 Best Christmas Markets in Poland
Christmas Markets: Dates and Locations
The Krakow Christmas markets this year run from 28 November to 1 January 2026. They are open daily from 10:00 to 20:00, though the food stalls stay open until 22:00.
The main market takes place on Rynek Główny (Main Square), where you’ll find the largest concentration of stalls selling gifts, decorations, and festive treats. Beyond the main square, you can also find smaller Christmas markets at other spots around the city, including Mały Rynek square, Galeria Bronowice, and the Kazimierz district.
You might also like: Christmas Markets in Katowice
The Krakow Christmas markets are steeped in traditional Polish culture. Wooden stalls are beautifully decorated with fairy lights, the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine drifts through the air, and live music completes the magical atmosphere.
At the markets, you’ll find traditional Polish crafts such as hand-painted ornaments, ceramics, wooden carvings, and other unique gifts perfect for your loved ones. Traditional Polish cuisine is always well represented at the markets. Be sure to try pierogi (stuffed dumplings), oscypek (smoked cheese), or bigos (a hearty hunter’s stew).
Throughout the market season, you can enjoy a variety of performances – from carol singers and folk ensembles to Christmas concerts. For children, there are craft workshops where they can make their own decorations, as well as puppet shows and fairy tale performances. If you’re looking for more activities during your Krakow Poland holidays, consider booking guided tours or excursions through GetYourGuide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Krakow Christmas markets?
The Krakow Christmas markets run from 28 November to 1 January.
Where are the Christmas markets in Krakow?
The Christmas markets in Krakow take place on Rynek Główny (Main Square), Mały Rynek square, Galeria Bronowice, and in the Kazimierz district.
Are there activities for children at the markets?
Yes, there are usually craft workshops and theatre performances for children during the Krakow Christmas markets.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
