Are you planning a short team-building trip and want a festive atmosphere, shared experiences and a good dose of fun? Great idea — December in Kraków with the Christmas markets is an excellent setting: twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine, handicrafts and street concerts create an atmosphere that encourages bonding. Below you’ll find a detailed, practical 2-day plan plus ideas for activities and logistics tailored to a group. Everything is written in a simple, friendly style so you can quickly prepare an offer or organise a team trip. I won’t list other guides or companies here — I focus on what’s worth seeing and how to organise time for your group.
Further on you’ll find a sample schedule, suggestions for team-building activities (workshops, contests, city games), practical tips on transport, bookings and budgeting, plus a checklist of things to arrange before the trip. Enjoy the reading — and see you in Kraków! - Małgorzata.
If you want, I can also prepare a personalised plan for your group (number of people, food preferences, activity level). Send the parameters and I’ll prepare a proposal with a cost estimate and a list of potential workshop providers.
Christmas markets combine exactly what team-building needs most: short shared experiences, chances to chat over food and drink, and activities that are easy to adapt to a group. Browsing stalls together, tasting local treats or joining a craft workshop quickly loosens up the atmosphere and helps build relationships. The festive backdrop also provides a natural setting for team photos and memories participants will bring back to work.
Markets take place in several parts of the city and are usually accompanied by concerts, children’s animations and craft demonstrations — this lets you choose attractions that fit the group profile (for example, calmer walks and tastings or more active workshops and team games).
In practice: markets are a great base for short, half-hour team tasks while also serving as places to organise coffee breaks, warm meals and quick information points for the group.
Below is a universal plan you can easily adapt to group size and pace. This proposal is for teams that want to combine sightseeing with bonding while keeping a comfortable daily rhythm. Times are approximate and can be shifted according to the group’s preferences.
Day 1 – Arrival and a festive warm-up:
- 10:00 – Arrival and check-in: choose a hotel near the Old Town or Kazimierz for short travel times to most attractions. Allow time for unpacking and a brief briefing.
- 11:30 – Kick-off meet at the Main Market Square: a short welcome, distribution of the plan and rules for the next 24 hours. A quick warm-up activity: a 10–15 minute “meet someone new” game works great to loosen the team.
- 12:00–14:00 – Walk through the market on the Main Market Square: browse stalls, taste regional treats, take group photos by the nativity scene. Lunch at market stalls or reserve tables at a nearby inn.
- 14:30–16:30 – Team workshop: e.g., craft workshops (holiday decorations, table arrangements) or culinary workshops (pierogi/gingerbread) — a great chance for cooperation and laughs.
- 17:00 – Short free time and preparation for the evening.
- 18:30–20:30 – Group dinner with team-building elements: menu with local dishes, a Christmas quiz or a contest for the best market photo.
- 20:30–22:00 – Evening walk through the lit-up city and optional bonfire or hot drink at the market square.
Day 2 – Culture, fun and farewell:
- 09:00 – Breakfast and a short morning briefing.
- 10:00–12:00 – Kazimierz and Plac Wolnica: an alternative market area, cafés and galleries of local makers. This is an excellent spot for a city game or photo-safari scenario.
- 12:30–14:00 – Lunch as a buffet or tasting — a fast option for larger groups, allowing a flexible end time.
- 14:30–16:00 – Team scenario: a city game with tasks at the markets (e.g., collect 5 different spices, take a photo with an artisan, create a short holiday sketch) or quick cooking competitions with a jury.
- 16:30 – Wrap-up, prize-giving and goodbyes. Participants depart.
Short and extended versions: if you only have an afternoon on the first day, focus on the Main Market and a short workshop. If you have more time, add a concert, a museum or even a Vistula river boat ride (if conditions allow).
Craft workshops – ideal for 1.5–2 hours. Making your own holiday ornament, centerpiece or gingerbread engages the whole team and leaves a keepsake. Look for local studios that run group workshops.
Culinary afternoon – pierogi, gingerbread, tastings of local cheeses and sausages. Team contests like “who can make the prettiest pierogi” always bring laughter and friendly rivalry.
Photo-safari around the market – photographic tasks for groups, e.g., “photo with the oldest vendor”, “the most creative stall” or “best lights shot”. Finish with a presentation of the photos and prizes.
City game with market elements – a short game with checkpoints at stalls and tasks tied to local traditions. A perfect combination of sightseeing and cooperation.
Christmas quiz and show – a quick regional traditions quiz with improvisation elements (teams perform short scenes).
Tastings and mini culinary routes – plan 3–4 stops with local treats. This suits groups who prefer a relaxed, taste-focused programme instead of workshops.
Meeting places – the best starting points are the Main Market Square and Plac Wolnica: central, recognisable and good for a short introduction. Set one fixed meeting point and designate a timekeeper.
Bookings and permissions – if you plan workshops, a group dinner or larger animations, book several weeks before the planned date. During the holiday season slots fill up fast.
Transport in the city – Kraków’s centre is best explored on foot; however, for larger groups it’s worth arranging bus transfers or using trams between more distant programme points. Remember to provide storage space for group luggage at the hotel or a designated point.
Number of participants – smaller groups (up to 20 people) are easier to engage in workshops; with bigger teams it’s worth splitting into subgroups and rotating between activities.
Catering and meals – the markets offer many street-food options, but for groups it’s more convenient to reserve a room or tables in a restaurant with a set menu. This shortens serving time and simplifies billing.
Budgeting – plan paid elements (workshops, dinner, any entrance fees) and small extras like prizes for game winners. Prepare a per-person cost list and a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.
Accessibility – if the group includes people with limited mobility, choose routes that are walkable, venues with ramps and restaurants with facilities. Inform workshop partners in advance about any special needs.
Toilets and breaks – queues at food stalls and toilets are common at markets; schedule regular short breaks so no one gets left behind.
Insurance and safety – make sure there is first-aid coverage and give a short briefing about behaviour in crowds; for larger groups it’s good to have designated contact people and a coordinator’s phone number.
Checklist for a few days before departure:
- confirm hotel bookings and number of rooms;
- confirm workshop dates and number of participants;
- menu and reservation for the group dinner;
- a map with meeting points and a plan B in case of rain;
- participant list with phone numbers and information about allergies/diets;
- a set of essential items: first-aid kit, powerbanks, payment cards, small cash;
- prizes and small souvenirs for participants (e.g., local keepsakes, handmade decorations).
It’s also worth preparing a short information document for participants with meeting times, the daily plan and a packing list — send it by email the day before departure.
Weather in December can be unpredictable — usually cold and damp, sometimes snowy. I recommend:
- layered clothing – thermal base layer, a warm sweater, waterproof jacket;
- comfortable, non-slip shoes;
- gloves, hat, scarf;
- a small backpack or bag for personal items;
- an umbrella or a lightweight rain poncho;
- flashlight / powerbank and a small first-aid kit.
If you plan outdoor group photos, bring neutral accessories (for example matching hats or scarves) — an easy way to create stylish keepsake photos.
Respect the local vendors – markets are often the livelihood of small creators and craftspeople. Agree rules of conduct with your group in advance: ask permission before photographing a stall, don’t touch merchandise without asking and support local sellers with small purchases.
Set clear payment rules for the group – if participants will pay individually, inform them about approximate prices; if the organiser pays, have a clear reimbursement system and keep receipts.
Adjust the pace to the slowest link – when planning walks and urban activities make sure the pace is comfortable for everyone. Regular breaks and the option to rest are key to keeping the group in good spirits.
As a guide I can help you with:
- preparing a personalised schedule taking into account the group’s age and expectations;
- contacting local studios that run workshops;
- running city games and team quizzes;
- coordinating logistics during the trip (meeting points, time control, restaurant recommendations).
If you want, I’ll prepare a detailed cost estimate and suggest several scenarios tailored to your group’s budget. Tell me: how many people, food preferences and what you expect from the team-building — I’ll prepare an offer.
The best keepsakes from the market are handmade items: tree decorations, local ceramics, small crafts or homemade preserves. They also make great prizes for team games.
Preparing small “souvenir” kits for winners is a nice idea — local tea, sweets and a small ornament make a thoughtful gesture that builds warm memories.
I wish you a warm, laughter-filled and successful trip to Kraków — if you’d like, I can help prepare a detailed plan for your group. Send the parameters and I’ll create a tailor-made programme.
