Yes — Kraków “lives” during the holidays, but in a different way than on a normal day. Many tourist attractions operate reduced hours or are closed on December 24–25, while on December 26 (the second day of Christmas) many museums and exhibitions reopen with shortened hours.
Shops and shopping malls are often closed on December 25 (and partially on December 26). The Christmas market at the Main Market Square runs during the holiday season, but specific hours and dates should be checked before you travel.
In other words: at Christmas Kraków is like any other city — you’ll find places full of festive atmosphere and other places you won’t be able to visit without prior planning. It’s worth having a flexible plan and checking opening hours for specific sites a few days before your arrival.
Day 1 (Christmas Eve or the day before if you prefer the festive vibe with fewer restrictions): morning walk around the Main Market Square and the Christmas market, stroll the representative streets of the Old Town, visit St. Mary’s Basilica (note: on holiday dates masses take priority, so visiting inside may be limited). In the afternoon keep plans light — coffee, local treats, and perhaps a short visit to an attraction that is open (check in advance as many places close earlier on Christmas Eve).
Day 2 (December 26 – the second day of Christmas): this is the best day for museums and interiors. Many institutions open that day with reduced hours, usually in the morning or late morning and closing in the early afternoon. Plan a morning entry to a chosen museum (buying tickets online is recommended), a walk to Wawel and the surrounding area, an afternoon at the market, and dinner at a restaurant that is taking holiday reservations.
If you have attractions that require timed tickets (popular museums, special exhibitions), buy them in advance for a specific slot. It’s also useful to prepare an alternative program in case a chosen attraction is closed.
In practice many municipal and national museums are closed on December 24 and 25, then operate on December 26 with shortened hours (often around 10:00–16:00 or 11:00–15:00). This includes large city and national institutions which on the second day of Christmas usually welcome visitors for special, reduced visiting hours.
Some outdoor attractions and viewpoints may operate on a different schedule — for example, mounds, lookout points or outdoor sites often have modified hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s. Locations such as Kopiec Kościuszki have in the past had special hours across the holidays.
Also remember that shopping malls and large retail centers usually close early on Christmas Eve and are often fully closed on December 25 and sometimes on the 26th. If you plan to do Christmas shopping, do it in advance.
Restaurants and cafés: some places serve guests normally (often by reservation), others close for the holiday break. If you want to eat at a popular spot during the holidays, book ahead.
Check official pages of chosen museums and attractions a few days before arrival — holiday schedules change year to year. It’s best to visit the institution’s website or call if opening hours are crucial for your plan.
Buy tickets online where possible. During the holiday season, especially on December 26, popular places have a limited number of entries and high attendance.
Dress warmly and in layers. Even if most time is spent walking the city, December can be cold, windy and slippery.
Have a plan B in case of closures: a walk around Kazimierz, a stroll along the Vistula, cafés with local baked goods or less-visited museums can save the day.
Check public transport timetables for holiday days. Trams and buses run but often on a special holiday schedule. Pharmacies and essential services operate on duty shifts — plan any necessary shopping in advance.
Main Market Square and the Christmas market – the heart of the festive atmosphere: wooden stalls, aromatic food and local crafts. It’s a must for a short visit.
Wawel – the exterior is always impressive, and on the second day of Christmas some parts of the exhibitions and chambers are often available. Even a walk around Wawel provides great views and atmosphere.
Selected museums open on December 26 – this is the best opportunity to see interiors and exhibitions that were closed on Christmas Eve and December 25. If there’s a specific museum you want to visit, check in advance which branches will be open and their hours.
Kopiec Kościuszki or other viewpoints – if you want a panorama of the city and some fresh-air exercise.
Kazimierz – a neighborhood full of character, cafés and good food; worth dedicating an afternoon or evening, especially if some museums are closed.
Typical patterns observed each year: December 24 — many attractions close early or are closed; December 25 — most museums and shops are closed; December 26 — many institutions reopen with reduced hours, e.g. 10:00–16:00 or 11:00–15:00. This gives a reliable planning framework.
For example, large institutions like the National Museum have in the past been closed on December 24–25 and reopened on December 26 for morning and late-morning visits. Some exhibitions and museum branches publish separate holiday timetables.
Treat the above hours as guidance, not a strict rule — it’s best to verify exact dates for the current year before you travel.
Plan main visits for December 26 — it’s usually the safest day for interior visits and exhibitions. Use the day before Christmas for walks, the market and soaking up the festive atmosphere.
Reserve in advance where possible — especially popular exhibitions and restaurants. Be prepared that some services will operate on a holiday schedule.
If you’d like help fine-tuning a plan for specific dates (available hours, ticket or restaurant reservations), tell me your travel dates and preferences and I’ll gladly help prepare a personalized itinerary.
Enjoy your visit and the festive spirit — Kraków in winter has a special charm. Warm regards, Margaret.
