Kraków in winter has an unmistakable atmosphere: the Main Market Square transforms into a fairytale market, and the scent of mulled wine and roasted treats makes a walk through the Old Town an event in itself. For a group of 7–30 people you can plan the day so that the morning captures the city’s festive mood, while the afternoon is spent outside the city — a traditional sleigh ride with a bonfire and a regional feast. This combination gives program variety: city culture and atmosphere + outdoor integration and fun.
08:30 — arrival / group meeting, short briefing and we start a walk through the Old Town with a brief introduction (15–20 minutes) pointing out key landmarks.
09:00–11:00 — walk around the Main Market Square and nearby: the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica (outside), a short story about the crib traditions and guidance on where to find the best stalls with local products.
11:30–13:00 — lunch in a group-friendly restaurant (book in advance) — suggestions include places equipped for larger groups with regional menus, perfect to taste pierogi, oscypek or a hearty goulash.
13:00–15:30 — free time at the market, shopping and warming up with mulled wine; a great moment for short extra attractions (e.g. a visit to Browar Lubicz, cafés in Kazimierz) or a quick tour of the Rynek Underground.
15:30 — departure by coach/minibus from Kraków toward the sleigh ride location (travel time usually 1–2 hours depending on direction: the Beskids, Podhale area, or nearby countryside); remember to allow extra time in winter conditions.
17:00–20:00 — sleigh ride, bonfire and regional feast: ride by sleighs or wagons, bonfire, hot refreshments, music and group games.
21:30 — return to Kraków and end of the program.
A sleigh ride is usually an attraction organized outside the strict city center — typically in the mountains or rural areas within a dozen to a few dozen kilometres of the city. Popular directions for a one-day trip from Kraków include Podhale (around Zakopane) and the Beskid Silesian or Beskid Żywiecki ranges. For groups, good options are places that offer a complete package: transport, ride by sleighs or wagons, a bonfire with a feast and on-site catering. When planning, check travel time and road conditions in winter and whether the organiser provides weatherproof alternatives (if there’s no snow, many providers switch to wagons and barn feasts).
A sleigh ride brings not only fun but also a chance to bond — that’s why it’s an excellent choice for corporate or school groups. Ask the organiser about extras such as sausage roasting over the fire, regional performances, or themed entertainment for the feast.
The market on the Main Market Square is the heart of festive Kraków: wooden chalets with handicrafts, local food, warming drinks and small attractions. For groups it’s an ideal place for quick shopping (souvenirs, handmade goods), tastings and photos in a picturesque setting.
When planning time at the market, remember weekends and the pre-Christmas period attract larger crowds — it’s smart to schedule free time outside peak hours or reserve a spot for a shared meal. Kraków also offers other winter attractions: ice rinks, crib exhibitions and holiday illuminations, which you can add to the program as complementary activities.
Depending on group size, consider hiring a minibus or coach. Groups of 7–12 usually use minibuses (flexibility, lower cost), while larger teams — from about 15 people up — are more comfortably transported by coach.
Book transport and the sleigh ride well in advance, especially during the holiday season: availability can fill up quickly. For a smooth day, set a fixed meeting point and ask the driver for a travel plan with extra time allowance for winter conditions.
Organisational documents: prepare a participant list, note any dietary restrictions and allergies, provide a contact number for the group leader and have a backup plan in case of rain or lack of snow (for example, a barn feast instead of sleighs).
A sleigh ride usually consists of several dozen minutes on sleighs or wagons, ending with a bonfire and refreshments (hot drinks, regional dishes, roasting). Good organisers provide warm meals and drinks and a dry, heated space for changing if needed.
Duration and format vary: some offers focus on a short ride and a longer feast, others provide a longer scenic ride. If the group has special requests (live music, competitions, team-building games), discuss them with the organiser in advance.
For groups, choose venues experienced in larger reservations. In the city centre and Kazimierz you’ll find places serving traditional Polish dishes and regional specialties: pierogi, żurek, grilled dishes and highlander cuisine. Guests often recommend restaurants and brewpubs that handle larger groups well and offer menus with local accents.
If you plan a short beer tasting or want an alternative to a standard lunch — consider Browar Lubicz, which offers local beers and a group-friendly space. For coffee and cakes, cosy cafés around Kazimierz and the Old Town are perfect for warming up.
Not allowing extra time — winter conditions and heavier traffic require a time buffer. Add an extra 30–60 minutes between program elements.
Failure to reserve restaurants and sleigh rides early enough — during the season dates fill up fast. Make reservations several weeks in advance, and for large groups plan months ahead.
Participants dressed inadequately — remind everyone about warm layers, waterproof shoes and hats. For the sleigh ride suggest extra warm layers under coats and a dry spare pair of socks in a backpack.
Is a sleigh ride possible without snow? Yes — organisers often offer alternatives (wagon rides, a barn feast), but the sleigh experience is best with proper snow cover.
How far in advance should I book? During the holiday season and winter weekends, book transport, restaurants and sleigh rides several weeks ahead; for larger groups plan about a month in advance.
Do groups need a guide in Kraków? For a short one-day visit a concise introduction from the group leader is usually enough; if you want historical stories or a themed walk in Kazimierz, consider hiring a professional guide. If you’d like direct help planning, contact the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
Consider preparing a short printed or digital programme with meeting times and contact numbers — it helps logistics and gives participants a sense of security.
If you plan to buy souvenirs at the market, remind the group to carry some cash — not all stalls accept cards, especially smaller handicraft stands.
If you’re taking seniors or people with limited mobility to the sleigh ride, check accessibility and possible alternatives in advance (shorter ride, more emphasis on the feast).
If you want your one-day winter trip to Kraków for your group to be perfectly organised — write to us or use the help of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. On zwiedzaniekrakowa.com you’ll find contact details and offers tailored to groups of 7–30 people: from Old Town walking programmes to organising a sleigh ride and feast.
If this article helped you — share it with friends or on social media so others can more easily plan a winter getaway to Kraków. Good luck with your planning and see you in Kraków!
