Krakow Christmas Market – Poland (1/48)

Krakow Christmas Market

Christmas is a wonderful time to visit northern Europe. The weather might be cold, but the atmosphere in the many Christmas Markets is warm and cozy. My home base of Krakow is no exception. The Krakow Christmas Market runs from the end of November until December 26th this year, but other years there will be decorations until January 6th, Epiphany. Set up in the city’s historical Rynek Główny, you can feast your eyes and stomach at once while getting into a festive spirit.

What to See and Do

The Krakow Christmas Market lets you see Europe’s most beautiful square decked out in Christmas spirit. The Christmas tree is in front of the glorious St. Mary’s Basilica (Kościół Mariacki).

The Rynek’s centerpiece, the Sukiennice, itself is decorated with lights on its inside. There you can buy Polish wares and gifts as always. Many stands in the market are also selling great options for Christmas gifts. To the south there is a stage featuring singers and other local performers. Many of them play traditional music from various parts of Poland.

Also not to be missed at Christmas time in Krakow are Szopki, traditional Nativity scenes usually including other imagery of Krakow. These are displayed in the Krakow Christmas Market and throughout the city.

Eat at the Krakow Christmas Market

Let’s be real, what else is Christmas time for if not to get super fat on food? At the Krakow Christmas Market you can gorge on traditional offerings. I personally wouldn’t bother with basics like pierogi because they’re horribly overpriced at the market (18zl for 10 rogis?!?!). However, other local hot foods are worth the extra cost. I’m a big fan of the mountain dish oscypek, a smoked sheep cheese grilled with cranberry sauce. And of course, you have to grab a cup of grzaniec which usually refers to mulled wine, but if you’re feeling adventurous get the grzane piwo, mulled beer, instead. And be sure to take home some cheese or kielbasa.

No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll have a good time at the Krakow Christmas Market. It’s the perfect way to warm the soul as it gets colder out. Even if you can’t get yourself to the Krakow Christmas Market, I hope these photos help you get into the Christmas spirit. Wesołych Świąt!