Christmas in Zakopane has its own highland character - fresh air, street lights, the smell of mulled wine and smoked sheep cheese (oscypek), and cozy tavern interiors lit by lamps. It is a time when the town blends tourist buzz with local tradition: carols, regional dishes and festive events create a unique atmosphere. If you want holidays with a panorama of the Tatras in the background and quick access to a viewpoint - Zakopane can deliver. Still, it helps to know what to expect so you can turn the trip into a calm, unforgettable experience.
Before you plan your trip - remember the holiday period is high season. Hotel packages and restaurant bookings fill up fast, and Krupówki and the lower cable-car stations can be crowded. A few simple rules (book accommodation early, reserve a table, buy a cable-car ticket online) will help you avoid stress and fully enjoy the season.
Krupówki is Zakopane’s main promenade - it stretches through the center for about 1.1 km and concentrates much of the town’s life: restaurants, souvenir shops, museums and monuments. During the holidays the street is decorated, with extra stalls and illuminations, which gives walks a special atmosphere. The stroll starts at the lower end near the intersection with Kościeliska Street and leads southward, with Giewont visible on the horizon - a classic Zakopane postcard.
On Krupówki pay attention to a few fixed points: the Sanctuary of the Holy Family on Krupówki, the seat of the Tatra Museum and the distinctive houses in the Zakopane style. It’s also a great place to try local flavors - from hot oscypek to more elaborate dishes in mountain taverns. After dark, street lights and lit displays add magic, but also attract bigger crowds - if you prefer a quieter walk, consider mornings or early afternoons.
Gubałówka (about 1123 m above sea level) is one of the best viewpoints over Zakopane and the Tatras. The most comfortable way to get there is the funicular - a short ride of several minutes, with views of the Tatras and quick access to mountain walks. The funicular is attractive for families and for those who want to see the panorama without a strenuous climb.
Practical tips for Gubałówka: buy tickets online in advance if you plan to travel on weekends or holidays; at peak times the funicular runs frequently, but on very busy days there can still be queues at the ticket office. If you like activity, there is a marked hiking trail running alongside the funicular tracks (a black trail) that can be walked in about an hour, offering more contact with nature and less crowding at the summit.
Parking around Gubałówka and near Krupówki during the holiday season is challenging - keep this in mind when planning to drive. Local services and police often manage traffic around the promenade and viewpoints and sometimes redirect cars from selected streets - a better option is to park at an official lot and walk or use local public transport.
The easiest places to find Christmas atmosphere in Zakopane are the market and the city illuminations. In recent years central festive stalls and events have been held around Independence Square - you can find handicrafts, decorations, local treats and a stage with concerts and performances. Market dates vary year to year, but many attractions usually run from early December to the first days of January.
Seasonal illuminations also appear in parks and on main streets - some installations may require paid admission, so check current information before you travel. If you want to combine a festive walk with visiting the market, choose a weekday evening or an afternoon outside busy weekend hours.
For families with children and anyone interested in local tradition there are often additional attractions: communal carol-singing, nativity scene contests and performances by local bands. It’s a great chance to learn Podhale customs and buy handmade gifts.
If you want to try highly rated places on Krupówki, look for restaurants and mountain taverns known for traditional Podhale cuisine and good reviews. A few venues that regularly get positive feedback and are worth considering when booking: Gazdowo Kuźnia - an atmospheric tavern with highland music; Stek Chałupa - a good choice for grilled meats and a cozy vibe; Karczma Zapiecek - traditional Podhale dishes and a homely atmosphere.
During the holidays these places fill up quickly - if you plan a Christmas Eve dinner or holiday lunch, book well in advance. Ask about special holiday menus and children’s options. At market stalls try oscypek with cranberry, mulled wine and local sweets, but for a full warm meal it’s better to choose one of the taverns above. Restaurants on Krupówki usually accept card payments, but small stall purchases are often cash-only - carry a few banknotes.
Many accommodation providers in the region offer special Christmas packages: Christmas Eve dinners, children’s activities, bonfires or sleigh rides. When choosing lodging check what the package includes (number of meals, holiday program, spa access, etc.) and whether the property offers free parking. Popular guesthouses and hotels sell holiday spots very fast, so booking early is essential.
If you want an easier commute to the ski slopes, consider locations near Kuźnice or Nosal; if you prefer a more urban stay, choose accommodation close to Krupówki. Remember that mountain temperatures can be low and road conditions severe - check cancellation policies and travel details in the room description.
Prepare for crowds - that’s the most common source of frustration. In practice that means: plan visits to Krupówki and Gubałówka outside peak hours, book tables and tickets in advance and give yourself extra time for travel and parking.
Don’t try to drive where pedestrian traffic rules apply - local services and police may turn cars around and parking in the center is limited. If you plan to go up to Gubałówka by car, it’s better to park at official lots and take the funicular or walk.
Mountain weather changes quickly - even if it’s sunny in the morning, snow and wind can come in the afternoon. Bring layered clothing, sturdy shoes and sunscreen - sun reflecting off snow can be strong.
Check the opening hours of the funicular and stalls during the holiday season - hours can be shortened or changed due to technical reasons or rest days. It’s worth checking current information just before you travel.
Is it worth going to Gubałówka in winter? Yes - views of the snow-covered Tatras are spectacular and the funicular provides easy access. Keep wind and temperature at the summit in mind.
How long is the funicular ride to Gubałówka? It’s a short, several-minute trip - a quick way to reach the viewpoint without a long hike.
Where is the Christmas market held? In recent seasons central stalls and events have been organized in the area of Independence Square, but locations and dates vary - check current city announcements before your trip.
Do I need to reserve a table on Krupówki? For holidays and weekends definitely yes - the best venues run out of free tables fast.
What should I pack for a Christmas trip to Zakopane? Warm clothes, waterproof shoes, a thermos with a hot drink, a phone powerbank, cash for small purchases and confirmations of your reservations.
Christmas in Zakopane can be one of the most beautiful experiences: highland hospitality, mountain panoramas and the festive mood combine into an unforgettable atmosphere. To keep the trip stress-free, plan accommodation and reservations early, use the funicular to Gubałówka at less crowded times and remember basic mountain safety rules.
If you liked this article - share it with friends or on social media. If you need help while visiting Krakow or planning a mountain trip, feel free to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz); details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I wish you a calm, bright and truly unforgettable holiday beneath Giewont!
