Do you want to feel the holiday atmosphere, buy handmade gifts and at the same time visit places of worship? You can combine all of this into one excellent day. Kraków in winter looks magical: the lights on the Market Square, the warm scent of spices and mulled wine, and a little further away — the quiet interiors of historic churches and sanctuaries.
You might be wondering: when is the market in 2025? How do I get to the sanctuary? Is it possible to see St. Mary’s Basilica and go on a pilgrimage in one day? In this article I offer a practical plan and tips so you return home full of memories — not frozen and exhausted by logistics.
I won’t bore you with formalities — instead you’ll get a tested route idea, a list of things worth seeing and practical tips: what to wear, what to eat and what to expect at the market and in places of worship.
Let’s get started!
Practical note: Christmas markets in Kraków usually start in late November and run until early January; in the 2025 season the Main Market Square events are planned from late November through January 1st.
Morning — a moment of quiet: start your day with a visit to one of Kraków’s important churches. I suggest St. Mary’s Basilica (if you want to see the Veit Stoss altarpiece, remember the visiting hours for tourists) or the Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Łagiewniki if you prefer a place with more space for prayer and a museum dedicated to Saint Faustina and Pope John Paul II.
Afternoon — the market on the Main Market Square: stroll between wooden stalls with handmade goods, try local treats, look for original gifts. This is the best time to soak up the holiday mood: lights, trees and carol concerts.
Evening — dinner and concerts: many stalls stay open until late and there are carol concerts and local events nearby. If you prefer, you can end the day with Mass at one of the parishes offering evening services.
Alternative — a full-day pilgrimage outside the city: if you have a car or arrange a coach trip, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is a classic pilgrimage option near Kraków — check event dates, as major ceremonies take place on selected days of the year. After returning, relax at the market in the evening.
This plan is flexible — shorten or stretch it depending on how much time you have and how much walking you want to do.
The main holiday fair traditionally takes place on the Main Market Square. This is the heart of the city: wooden kiosks with handicrafts, food stalls and a stage with concerts create a full-day event.
Dates: the market usually opens in late November and runs until early January. In 2025 the Main Market events are planned from late November through January 1st, so if you travel in that period you have a good chance to see the full range of attractions.
What you’ll find at stalls: handmade Christmas tree decorations, pottery, wooden items, regional delicacies, sweets and gift ideas. In food you’ll often find mulled wine, gingerbread, oscypek cheese with cranberry and other local specialties.
Prices and practice: markets attract tourists, so some products may be pricier than elsewhere in the city. It’s worth comparing a few stalls, asking sellers about ingredients and prices and carrying both cash change and a card — many stalls accept contactless payments, but it’s good to have a backup.
If it’s crowded: visit the market in the morning or late afternoon on weekdays to avoid the biggest crowds. The evening is the most festive but also the busiest.
St. Mary’s Basilica — a must-see: the beautiful Veit Stoss altarpiece and a unique atmosphere. Pay attention to visiting hours for chapels and the main altarpiece; on Sundays and holidays tourist access can be limited because of liturgy. Remember that parts of the basilica are active prayer spaces — keep quiet and show respect.
Divine Mercy Sanctuary (Łagiewniki) — a larger complex with a basilica, the chapel with the miraculous image and the Museum of John Paul II and Saint Faustina. For many visitors this is a place of silence and reflection; the chapel with the image is open most of the time and Masses and services are regularly celebrated at the sanctuary.
Wawel and the Cathedral — although better known for history and royal tombs, the cathedral is also an important liturgical site. It’s worth planning a short moment of prayer and a visit inside the cathedral; if you’re interested in religious history, visiting outside liturgy hours is easiest.
Pilgrimage trips outside the city — if you want a fuller pilgrimage experience, consider a day trip to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska or other nearby sanctuaries. This works well if you have more time and want to feel the contrast between the busy Market and the quiet pilgrimage routes.
All the listed places operate according to their own opening hours and service schedules — check them before you go, especially during the holiday period when times may change.
Weather and clothing: December in Kraków can be cold and damp — wear layers: a warm coat, hat, gloves and waterproof shoes. For longer walks a thermos with hot tea or a cup of mulled drink from the market will be useful.
Transport: the city centre is well connected by trams and buses, but during the holiday season traffic and crowds can slow journeys. If you plan a trip outside the city (for example to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska), check bus or train connections and consider renting a car or joining an organized group.
Accessibility: many places of worship and parts of the Market offer solutions for people with limited mobility, but not all wooden stalls or cobbled streets are stroller-friendly — plan your route in advance.
Safety: as with any large market — keep an eye on personal belongings. Small scams happen rarely, but it’s better to keep your phone and wallet close to you.
Payments: have some small change and check if a stall accepts cards. Many vendors accept contactless payments, but there are exceptions.
Tastes: be sure to try local dishes and snacks at the stalls: mulled wine or spiced compote, oscypek with cranberry, sweet gingerbread and if you want something more substantial — look for stalls with regional cold cuts and cheeses.
Handicrafts: hand-painted baubles, wooden items, artistic jewelry and ceramics make great souvenirs. When buying handicrafts, ask the maker about materials and how the item was made — it’s often an interesting conversation and an extra memory.
Gifts with meaning: if you want to combine a pilgrimage feel with shopping, look for small devotional items (rosaries, holy cards, prayer books) in sanctuaries — these are often high-quality and made with the spiritual dimension of the visit in mind.
Tip: if you like something, don’t put off the decision — popular items can disappear quickly from the stalls.
Remember that most stalls offer unique items — buying supports local makers.
Day 1 — centre and the market: walk around the Market, visit St. Mary’s Basilica and take a short tour of Wawel. In the evening enjoy dinner and a carol concert at the market.
Day 2 — spiritual and reflective: morning visit to Łagiewniki to explore the sanctuary and museum, afternoon stroll around Kazimierz (cafés, galleries), evening return to the market or attendance at a parish service.
Day 3 — a trip outside the city: Kalwaria Zebrzydowska or another nearby sanctuary. This is a good way to feel the contrast between the busy Market and the quiet pilgrimage routes.
This schedule gives both the festive atmosphere and time for spiritual reflection without rushing.
If you travel with a group or family — adapt the pace for children and seniors, planning breaks for a warm drink and a meal.
1. Check dates and times: the market usually runs from late November to early January, but confirm specific dates and hours before you travel.
2. Plan your route: choose one main place of worship to visit in the morning and leave the market for the afternoon/evening.
3. Wear comfortable shoes and warm layers; winter Kraków means walking on cobbled streets.
4. Prepare payments: small change, a card and possibly access to an ATM.
5. Book accommodation in advance if you come on a weekend or during the holidays — the city fills up.
6. If you want to join a larger organised pilgrimage outside the city — check dates and registration rules, as places may be limited.
Kraków offers a wonderful mix of festive bustle and places where you can find silence. If you plan to visit the market in 2025, you can easily add a spiritual element to your itinerary — even a short visit to a sanctuary gives your trip a different dimension.
If you’d like, I can help plan a route tailored to your pace and interests — tell me how much time you have and whether you prefer a more touristy or more spiritual experience. I can also suggest specific Mass times or practical transport connections before your arrival.
Wishing you a great trip and many warm memories from a winter in Kraków!
Małgorzata Kasprowicz - zwiedzaniekrakowa.com
