Krakow Christmas Market 2025 – Dates, costs & travel guide

There’s a lot to like about Krakow at any time of year, but in December the city is host to a great European Christmas market that’s in a lovely central location.

It’s packed with trinkets and food treats and is one of Europe’s most attractive festive destinations.

Here, the Christmas.co.uk team offer tips and advice on what to expect when visiting Krakow’s Christmas market, so you enjoy everything it has to offer.

When is the Krakow Christmas market in 2025?

This is a hugely popular festive market and one that’s worth visiting. After closing, the city gears up for Cortege of the Three Wise Men for the Epiphany Festival (it’s also known as the Feast of Epiphany, Three Kings Day and Theophany) on 6 January. The Christmas market in Krakow will run between these dates:

28 November 2025 until 1 January 2026

Market stall opening times: 10am to 8pm

Location: Rynek Glowny (the Main Square).

Why visit Krakow for its festive market?

Krakow’s Christmas market, has 100 stalls and is in the heart of the city’s bustling main square (Rynek Główny). Visitors can also enjoy a traditional Polish Post Office stall, where visitors can send Christmas cards and letters and receive a special Christmas Market postmark.

This iconic square, which features a very tall Christmas tree with lights is the centrepiece of a square packed with charming wooden stalls offering traditional Polish delights, handcrafted treasures, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This really is a delight for the senses, which explains why the likes of CNN Travel recommend it, and includes:

• Festive treats: Warm yourself up with a steaming mug of grzaniec (Polish mulled wine) infused with spices and citrus fruits, along with a plate of pierniki (gingerbread cookies) which are decorated and the perfect festive snack. It’s also worth trying a hearty serving of oscypek, a smoked sheep’s milk cheese grilled and served with cranberry sauce. We’d recommend not missing out on a piping hot zapiekanka, a toasted open-faced baguette piled with cheese, mushrooms and other toppings, a Polish street food favourite for a reason!
• Handcrafted treasures: The market offers a treasure trove of Polish craftsmanship including ornaments depicting Krakow’s iconic landmarks like Wawel Castle or St Mary’s Basilica. You’ll also find intricately hand-painted wooden figurines reflecting Polish folklore, warm sheepskin gloves and hats perfect for the chilly weather. We loved the beautifully embroidered tablecloths featuring traditional Polish patterns. The market also offers skilled artisans showcasing their traditional crafts, like pottery making, amber jewellery crafting and wool weaving.
• Festive entertainment: Along with the stalls, the market has a busy programme of entertainment including performances by local choirs singing traditional Polish carols. There’s also a Christmas light show illuminating the historic buildings and streets. You can even enjoy a horse and carriage ride around the edge of the market and surrounding streets we enjoyed the beautiful nativity scenes depicting the Christmas story.
• Fairytale setting: This is a great opportunity to explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cobbled streets, the majestic Wawel Castle and charming squares.
• Affordable experience: Compared to other major European Christmas markets, we think that Krakow offers an affordable experience, allowing you to enjoy delicious treats, handcrafted souvenirs and festive activities without breaking the bank.
• Focus on Polish traditions: The other big difference from European Christmas markets is that Krakow prioritises the showcasing of traditional Polish cuisine, crafts and carols so this is a unique cultural experience. It’s also a chance to discover Polish Christmas traditions.

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Here’s why EVERYONE is visiting the Krakow Christmas Market

The loveable duo Probably Lost have created an excellent video about their ‘favourite cities in all of Europe’ – Krakow.

There’s plenty of snow on the ground for their trip and, as usual, they head for the food and drink stalls first.

They have a hit list of things they want to try including mulled wine, soup, smoked cheese, dumplings, grilled meat and cheesecake.

They highlight the huge mediaeval square with a cathedral and the town hall on opposite sides.

There’s also a very good walk through the market to show visitors what they can expect.

The soups look great – and they say of all the Christmas markets they have visited; they haven’t seen as many soups on offer!

The smoked cheese is grilled on an open firepit, and some are wrapped in ham.

These too go down well – they say you can’t go wrong with the food choices.

The stalls don’t just cater for Christmas and the pottery stalls certainly look like a worthwhile visit.

Then it’s on to the plates of dumplings which look very appetising.

And the grilled meat stalls look fantastic with all types of meat being cooked. The portions here are very large…

The presenters also highlight that all the stalls are cashless – unlike the year before when they had to carry lots of euros.

Finally, the cheesecake is really a type of pastry, and it too looks tasty.

The video ends with the purchase of a Polish metalwork in the shape of a dragon bottle opener.

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The tradition of a Christmas market in Krakow

The Christmas market in Krakow dates to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest continuously operating Christmas markets in Europe. It was established as a one-day market for locals to buy provisions for Christmas and the cold winter months that followed.

Now, it has evolved into a major tourist attraction while retaining its warm and welcoming spirit.

We think the market retains its historical charm, with many vendors dressed in traditional Polish attire, adding to the authentic atmosphere.

How to plan a visit to Krakow Christmas market

Consider these Christmas.co.uk tips as you plan your festive trip:

Planning: We think that visiting on weekdays will help avoid weekend crowds, especially during peak season. That also means booking your accommodation early too.

Clothing: Krakow winters can be very chilly, with temperatures often dipping below freezing. Pack warm layers – thermals, a winter coat, hat, gloves, and sturdy boots are essential. Be prepared for snow too.

Currency: Poland uses the Polish Złoty so it’s a good idea to exchange some currency beforehand or use a travel card. Many stalls accept debit and credit cards, but some will only deal in cash.

• Souvenirs: The unique Polish keepsakes we mentioned earlier include intricately crafted amber necklaces and hand-painted wooden boxes depicting Polish folk scenes. You could even buy a warm and stylish sheepskin hat or scarf to keep you cosy during your visit. For friends and family, take a pack of beautifully decorated pierniki cookies home to share.
• Basic Polish phrases: While we found that many Poles speak a good level of English, learning a few basic Polish phrases will be appreciated, such as ‘Dzień dobry’ (Hello), ‘Dziękuję’ (Thank you), ‘Proszę’ (Please), ‘Przepraszam’ (Excuse me), ‘Wesolych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia’ (Merry Christmas).

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Krakow Poland Christmas Market

This video is in 4K by Planet Krakow and shows the market in all its glory.

It’s worth noting, because the video starts there, that the square has an indoor market in the middle of it which is open all year but at Christmas everything is bedecked in decorations and lights.

The presenter says there are carol concerts every day and the stalls with handicrafts are impressive from glassware to metal work and pottery.

We also get to see the lace tablecloths and various clothes on sale.

The presenter also highlights that the stalls appear to be different with more variety to enjoy than the year before.

The mulled wine stalls do a roaring trade, plus there are different versions with fruits including raspberry, for instance.

The video is made on the opening day and the snow is starting to fall so wrapping up to keep warm will help visitors enjoy the market.

Viewers will get a good idea of what the market is about watching this video – and why it is growing in popularity.

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How to get to Krakow for Christmas

The best and easiest way to visit Krakow for the Christmas market from the UK is to fly.

• Flying: The UK airports offering direct flights to Krakow include Leeds Bradford Airport, London Heathrow Airport, Birmingham Airport, Manchester Airport, London Gatwick Airport, London Stansted Airport and London Luton Airport. Airlines flying direct include Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, Wizz Air and British Airways. The average flight time if flying BA from Heathrow is around 2h 30m. As should be expected, flight fares vary widely: as of late 2025 you can find return deals from as low as £30–£40, and sometimes single trips for less than £20, though those tend to be last minute. The average return fares for popular UK routes in the run up to Christmas are around £90–£140+, according to Skyscanner.
• Train: While it offers a scenic route, travelling by train from the UK to Krakow will need several changes, for example, via Eurostar to Brussels and then onward through Germany. The journey typically takes around 16 to 23 hours. Train tickets from London to Krakow start at around £140 (one-way) when booked well in advance. We found that Rail Europe gives a good idea of what the best prices are for the trip from London St Pancras. Because of the duration and cost, many travellers prefer flights as the more practical option for a short city break.
• Driving: Travelling by car is possible, although it’s a long haul of just over 1,000 miles from the UK to Krakow. You’ll need to factor in the cost of the Channel Tunnel crossing (the most popular route) or a ferry, along with motorway tolls, fuel and food stops for what becomes a full-day drive.
• Coach: Taking a long-distance coach is usually the cheapest way to reach Krakow, with journey times of up to 35 hours depending on the operator and route. Prices typically range from £75 to £200, with earlier bookings securing the best deals. We found FlixBus offering the best fares for coach trips from London to Krakow, with ticket prices and schedules. We found a bus fare of £89 when travelling midweek.

Staying in Krakow

Krakow offers a variety of accommodation options, from charming boutique hotels in the Old Town walls to cosy guesthouses and Airbnbs. We used Booking.com, but here are some factors to consider when choosing your stay:

Budget: Kraków is well-known for affordable stays, especially if you book early for the Christmas market. We like: HI Hostel Krakow which is in the Old Town with dorm beds from around £15. Another great Old Town option, popular with travellers looking for comfort on a budget is the Flamingo Premium Hostel and the Miodosytnia Aparthotelm, which is in the Kazimierz district also offers simple rooms at competitive rates.

Mid-range: For a tad more comfort, good locations and amenities, then consider the Hotel Wawel, which is close to Wawel Castle and the main square, with from £70 for a double. We also like Hotel 32 in the Old Town which has modern rooms and friendly service, the Hotel Wentzl overlooks Rynek Główny, which is ideal for anyone wanting to stay right on the main square.

Luxury: Krakow offers several exceptional hotels for a luxurious stay, so take a look at Hotel Copernicus, which is a landmark hotel in the Old Town, known for elegant rooms and vaulted interiors with doubles from around £200. Alternatives include Bonerowski Palace, which is on the main square, and H15 Luxury Palace, which has a mix of heritage architecture and modern design, plus a spa.

We used Booking.com to find the best hotels in Krakow (Note: Christmas.co.uk might earn a commission if you book via the platform).

Airbnb is another great option for finding a place to stay in Krakow during the Christmas Market.

There are a wide variety of apartments and rooms available to suit all budgets and tastes – and most Airbnbs are in the Old Town or Kazimierz district, both of which are within walking distance of the main square. Prices start from around £50 per night for a private room.

We would advise anyone booking an Airbnb to read the reviews carefully and pay attention to the location of the apartment – always make sure it’s in a safe and convenient neighbourhood.

Other attractions in Krakow to visit

Along with the Christmas market, there’s a lot to see and do in Krakow, including:

• Wawel Castle: The majestic Wawel Castle is a former royal residence perched on a hill overlooking the city. There are opulent staterooms and lovely views of Krakow from the castle walls.
• Rynek Główny: Even during the Christmas market season, Main Market Square is a bustling hub, offering historical landmarks like St Mary’s Basilica (which is worth a visit) and the Cloth Hall, a historic marketplace. There are bars and coffee shops aplenty here.
• Wieliczka Salt Mine: This is a unique underground adventure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has impressive salt sculptures, and the mine has a fascinating history.
• Schindler’s Factory: You can also visit the Oskar Schindler Factory, a museum dedicated to the Holocaust and the story of German businessman Oskar Schindler who saved more than 1,000 Jews during World War II.

It’s also worth making the trip to see the Auschwitz-Birkenau, a Nazi concentration camp. It is a harrowing glimpse into the atrocities that took place here in World War II and the excellent guides, or educators, deliver the tour really well.

Budgeting for your Krakow Christmas market trip

To help you budget for your Krakow Christmas market trip, here’s a breakdown of the potential costs by the Christmas.co.uk team:

• Accommodation: Kraków is known for offering great value, especially if you book early. We found that most of the city’s accommodation is either inside the Old Town or within a short walk, so it’s easy to stay close to the market. As stated above, hostels are £15–£30 per night for a dorm bed, mid-range hotels will be £90–£120 in the Old Town and premium hotels are from £200+ per night. Airbnb costs range between £50–£150+ per night depending on location and amenities. Check out Skyscanner which has rooms from £42 and up to £200 for mid-December.
• Food and drink: Eating at Krakow’s Christmas market is a trip highlight and affordable. Market food, such as sausages, pierogi, soups and pastries will cost £4–£8. Mulled wine, beer and hot chocolate are usually £2–£4. Restaurant meals range from £10–£30 per person, depending on cuisine and location. We should highlight that there are lots of small supermarkets where the prices are low.
• Transport: Krakow’s public transport system is reliable and cheap with buses and trams costing £1-£1.50 for single fares. We loved the KrakowCard which offers unlimited public transport plus entry to 40 museums and attractions. The one-, two- and three-day cards generally work out at £10–£20 per person per day, depending on duration. Taxis and ride services are widely available and relatively cheap compared with UK prices.
• Souvenirs and gifts: At the Christmas market, ornaments, handcrafted items and local delicacies range from £7 – £20. In the nearby shops, the prices will vary depending on the type of souvenir and location. Expect to pay around £5 – £50 for souvenirs.

Here’s a sample budget for a stay in Krakow, broken down by per person, per day:

• Budget: Accommodation (£20) + food (£25) + transport (£5) + activities (such as a free walking tour) = £50
• Mid-range: Accommodation (£80) + food (£40) + transport (£5) + activities (a museum ticket at £10) = £135
• Luxury: Accommodation (£250) + food (£60) + transport (£10) + activities (such as fine dining £50) = £370.

Other Christmas markets to visit from Krakow

A festive trip to Krakow also offers an opportunity to visit other Christmas markets, such as:

• Wrocław Christmas market: The charming city of Wrocław has a vibrant Christmas market featuring a spectacular light show, beautiful nativity scenes and a focus on regional crafts and delicacies. Take a day trip from Krakow by train.
• Prague Christmas market: The capital of the Czech Republic has a magical Christmas market offering traditional Czech crafts, glühwein and a festive atmosphere in the Old Town Square. Travel there by train or bus from Krakow.

Frequently Asked Questions – Krakow Christmas Market

When and where is the Krakow Christmas Market 2025?

The 2025 Christmas Market in Krakow runs from 28 November 2025 until 1 January 2026, with market stalls open from 10am to 8pm daily. The market is held in the city’s historic main square, Rynek Główny (Main Square) which is right in the heart of the Old Town.

Why visit Krakow for its festive market?

Krakow’s market combines festive charm, historic architecture and affordable pricing. The 100 stalls fill the Old Town square with handcrafted gifts, traditional Polish foods (like mulled wine, pierogi and smoked cheese), festive treats and local crafts. As the heart of a UNESCO-recognised Old Town there are cobbled streets and historic buildings, which add to the city’s festive magic.

What kind of food, drinks and souvenirs can I expect — and how much?

You’ll find plenty of tasty, traditional treats and affordable prices: warm mulled wine, hot drinks and comfort foods to stave off the cold; seasonal pastries and local cheeses; street-food staples like toasted baguettes. We loved the handcrafted souvenirs such as wooden ornaments, amber jewellery, pottery, warm sheepskin accessories and embroidered textiles. Prices are reasonable compared to many European markets and small treats and drinks tend to be inexpensive, and souvenirs range from modest gifts to more premium keepsakes.

What else is there to see besides the market stalls?

Beyond the shopping and food, the Christmas market period in Krakow offers a rich blend of history and culture. You can stroll the winding, atmospheric streets of the Old Town, visit the famous castle or basilica nearby, explore museums, enjoy festive light displays, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride. The historic architecture and festive decorations give the whole city a festive atmosphere. We think Krakow is a winter city-break full of charm and discovery.

How can I plan my visit to make the most of it?

For the best experience we think you should aim for visiting on weekdays when the market is less crowded; book your accommodation early, especially for the Christmas season; pack warm clothes, including a coat, hat, gloves and sturdy shoes; carry some local currency (that’s Polish złoty) as some stalls may prefer cash, though many accept cards; and factor in a few days so you can combine the market with sightseeing.

Visiting the Christmas market in Krakow

We found that Krakow’s Christmas market offers a captivating blend of festive cheer, rich history and a touch of fairytale charm.

The Polish festive experience is different to that found in Germany and France that other European cities copy, and the warmth of Polish traditions make this a great city to visit.

The big square that plays host to the market is impressive and there’s a good selection of stalls to enjoy. The city also offers lots of bars and cafes to make this an unforgettable winter wonderland experience.