Krakow Christmas Market 2026
(Website last updated: September 2026)
Krakow Christmas Market 2026
How far away is Krakow?
I am a Polish-Brit who has been visiting Poland once or twice a year for the last thirty years.It’s only in the last few years that people are beginning to realise that Poland is a hidden gem amongst European city breaks!
If you’re planning on visiting the Krakow Christmas Market but you’re worried that Krakow is too far away to consider as a weekend break then think again!
Krakow is just over a two hour flight away from UK airports. That is less time than it takes to get from London to Manchester by train!
A Krakow Christmas break is perfect for an extended weekend stay in November or December as even without the Xmas market there is still plenty to explore and discover.
There are a number of budget airlines that offer flights to Krakow so it’s possible to bag a bargain on the flight price, especially if you book well in advance.
Once you arrive at Krakow airport then thankfully you are already pretty close to the centre of the city.
A taxi will take you around 25 minutes to get to Krakow’s city centre and a train will take you around 20 minutes to get to Krakow’s main railway station.
Author Bio
My name is Marek and although I was born in the UK my entire family originated from Poland.
My mother breathed her love of Poland into me.
I cannot speak the language very well but that didn’t stop me from falling in love with the country.
I visit Krakow Christmas market on a regular bases and update these pages accordingly.
I believe I get to see Poland through the eyes of a Brit but with the love of a Pole and I hope you find these guides, articles and information useful
When is Krakow Christmas market 2026?
The opening date for the Krakow Christmas market 2026 has not yet been officially released, however, it usually starts on the last Friday of November, which would make the opening date to be Friday 27th November 2026.
Once the opening date has been confirmed then we will, of course, update the information on our page.
The market end around the 6th January (date of the Epiphany) but by this time many of the stalls have packed up.
The core dates are from the last Friday in November to 26th December.
→ Krakow Christmas Market dates, opening times and Christmas Day information
Does it snow in Krakow at Christmas?
I know……I get it. You travel to Poland (a country where you believe it is ALWAYS cold). At Christmas-time. Ideally, you want snow, right?
The question, “does it snow in Krakow at Christmas” is impossible to answer as Krakow weather, just like everywhere else, is unpredictable.
What I can tell you is that, unlike the Gdansk Christmas market in the north, Krakow is in the far south of Poland, not all that far from the ski resort of Zakopane (Poland’s winter capital).
If it is going to snow anywhere in Poland then it’s more likely to fall in the south so there is a good chance it may snow in Krakow around Christmas but weather is always unpredictable so there is obviously no guarantee there will be snow in Krakow though there is a far greater chance it will snow here than anywhere in the UK!
→ Does it snow in Krakow at Christmas? Krakow December weather guide
Where in Krakow is the Krakow Christmas market held?
The Krakow Christmas market is centred in and around Krakow’s Main Square. In Polish the Main Square is called “Rynek Główny” (pronounced Rinek Gwuvny)
Krakow Christmas market is one of the most picture perfect settings for a Christmas market that you can imagine.
Krakow’s Main Square is HUGE!! It is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe and amongst all the Christmas market stalls is the beautiful twin towered basilica of St Mary’s.
In the centre of the square is the Cloth Hall. In Polish the Cloth Hall is called Sukiennice (pronounced Sukyenitse).
Krakow’s Cloth Hall is THE place to go for souvenirs throughout the whole year and Christmas-time is no exception.
How much does Krakow Christmas market cost?
It is completely free to enter the Krakow Xmas market but you will want to budget for food, drinks, souvenirs, Christmas decorations etc which are sure to tempt you.
As you would expect, prices vary from stall to stall, but be aware that some stalls will advertise prices by weight (usually meat dishes) so always ask if you’re not sure or you might get an unpleasant surprise!
What is worth seeing at Krakow Christmas market?
As mentioned earlier. The Main Square in Krakow is the perfect backdrop to a Christmas market so just discovering the many beautiful buildings, cafes and restaurants here is a memorable experience. Krakow is also one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and there is plenty to see besides Krakow’s Christmas market – trust me…..you will not be bored!
There are many interesting day trips you can book from Krakow but there’s also plenty of things to do in Krakow even on an rainy or snowy day.
Krakow Christmas market is filled with food and souvenir stalls but with a Polish flavour. So what’s worth looking out for?
What can you eat and drink at Krakow Christmas market?
Expect your usual Christmas market fayre but with a Polish twist!
Grilled meats are a Polish speciality. Sausages or pork knuckles cooked to perfection and served steaming hot are the perfect Christmas food choice on a cold, wintery day.
Polish mountain cheese made from sheep’s milk is a unique taste and very popular with visitors. It’s also something you will not find at any other Xmas markets in Europe.
And of course, which Christmas market is complete without the soothing taste of spiced, mulled alcohol?
The Poles have this down to a fine art as you’ll find a selection of mulled drinks from wine to beer!
What can you buy at Krakow Christmas market?
Plenty of handmade wooden toys and Christmas decorations including the famous Krakow Christmas baubles. Art glass is very popular in Poland and many of the luxury Christmas baubles we see back home in our stores are manufactured in Poland.
There are plenty of different Christmas decorations such as candles, Christmas centrepieces, nativity scenes etc.
You will also find a good selection of jewellery and some very reasonably priced sheepskin coats.
Below are some photos taken from our visit to the market in 2022.
Vodkas, liqueurs and spirits
You may have heard about them and some of you may have tried them back home but when in Poland there is really no excuse not to sample the delights of Polish vodkas, liqueurs and spirits.
The grass flavoured vodka of Zubrowka is internationally renowned but there are many other flavoured varieties. I defy you not to enjoy the chocolate vodka made by the legendary Polish patisserie, Wedel.
Cherry liqueurs, honey spiced liqueurs……there really is no end to the drinks on offer but we’d suggest sampling these delights in the evening AFTER you’ve visited the Krakow Christmas market otherwise you’ll be staggering from stall to stall!
Ice Skating near the Krakow Christmas Market
Although technically not part of the Xmas market, around December time a number of ice rinks pop up around the city in addition to the year round rink used by the city’s ice hockey team (and available to the public).
All of them are outside of the Old Town but within easy travelling distance and even by foot if you don’t mind walking.
Two of the most popular ones are the ones outside Krakow’s main shopping gallery, Galeria Krakowska and the one west of the Old Town at Blonia.
Read our full guide to ice skating around the Krakow Christmas Market
