The Christmas Market on the Main Square is more than a few dozen stalls – it’s the city’s winter calling card, full of lights, Christmas trees and seasonal scents. Recent editions feature well over a hundred vendors on the square, with the area decorated by hundreds of firs, a wooden nativity scene and atmospheric lighting – together they create a truly festive mood that draws both tourists and locals. If you come to Krakow in winter, skipping the Main Square market is a real missed opportunity.
The market is also a convenient starting point for a walk through the Old Town – from the square you can easily reach St. Mary’s Church, Floriańska Street and, a little further, the Kazimierz district. In recent years more local initiatives and smaller markets have appeared across the city, so it’s worth planning time for a few spots, not only the Main Square.
Handmade stalls and traditional decorations – hand-painted baubles, nativity figures, wooden and ceramic items. This is a great place to find original gifts, often made by craftsmen from Lesser Poland and neighbouring regions.
Live demonstrations: a blacksmith’s forge with demonstrations, a wooden nativity scene carved by local sculptors and stalls with regional crafts. You’ll often find lace-making demonstrations or presentations of traditional folk techniques.
Atmosphere and lighting – decorations, garlands and an unusually large number of Christmas trees make a walk around the Cloth Hall and the Town Hall Tower feel like a small street performance. Even if you don’t plan to shop, go for a short walk just to soak up the atmosphere.
Traditional specialties that dominate the stalls: oscypek with cranberry, pierogi, żurek (sour rye soup), a slice of bread with pork lard and, of course, mulled wine or grzaniec – these classics are worth trying at least once. Try small portions from several stalls rather than one big serving so you can compare tastes.
Watch the prices: in recent editions food on the Main Square can be pricey – as an example, a larger hot dog with sausage could cost around 38–40 PLN, a portion of pierogi sometimes reached around 50 PLN, a traditional oscypek about 17 PLN, and a small cup of mulled wine from about 18 PLN (premium drinks or larger servings will be more expensive). It’s a good idea to compare offers before you buy.
If you prefer to sit down for a heartier meal, consider a short break in one of the nearby well-rated cafés or restaurants. There are many classic, highly rated places and cosy cafés around the Square – perfect for warming up.
Mały Rynek — in recent years intimate holiday markets with a focus on authentic handicrafts have appeared here; they often have fewer crowds and more moderate food prices.
Wolnica Square and Kazimierz markets — atmospheric, local fairs with an artistic bent; great if you want a more neighbourhood feel and original gifts.
Markets in Dębniki and other local fairs — check event calendars (city and local media publish dates) — they can be shorter but often feature unique craft stalls.
When to go: avoid weekend evenings if you want to dodge the biggest crowds; the best times for a calmer visit are mornings and early afternoons on weekdays.
Payments: while many stalls accept cards, some vendors still work cash-only – it’s useful to carry some złoty. Before ordering food, check whether you pay extra for the cup/container (sometimes a deposit is charged).
Crowds and queues: don’t buy at the first stall you see, especially for food – compare prices and portion sizes. Allow time for possible queues, particularly at popular mulled-wine and oscypek stalls.
Clothing and logistics: winters in Krakow can be slippery and wet – comfortable waterproof shoes and layered clothing are essential. A small backpack, a thermos and a powerbank for your phone come in handy.
Safety: as at any busy urban event, watch your documents and personal items; keep your phone and wallet in front pockets or an inside jacket pocket.
If you want to sit down near the Square, choose places with consistently good reviews and traditional cuisine – historical and well-regarded restaurants that serve regional dishes are especially recommended. Checking a few reviews before you go helps avoid disappointment.
For quick snacks and coffee: consider cosy cafés around the Square where you can warm up and rest for a while. During the holiday season some places have limited seating – arrive earlier or reserve if you’re with a larger group.
If you want a more authentic, local meal after your walk, look for restaurants serving Lesser Poland cuisine and traditional Polish dishes – it’s a nice way to move from market street food to a more comfortable sit-down meal. Examples of well-known historic or classic venues around the Main Square include Wierzynek, Café Noworolski and smaller independent cafés and bistros; many visitors enjoy these spots for atmosphere and local flavour.
Is the market open every day? - Christmas markets usually run from late November to early January, but exact dates change year to year and depend on the organiser - check current information before you arrive.
Is it worth bringing children? - Yes, the market is a big attraction for little ones; remember warm clothes and agree a meeting point in case someone gets separated.
Are there toilets? - Public toilets can be limited; it’s often easier to use facilities in a nearby café or restaurant (sometimes paid).
How do I get there? - The Main Square is well connected by trams and buses; if you travel by car, expect limited and paid parking in the city centre.
You’ll find both traditional and international stalls at the market — traders sometimes come from Lithuania, Ukraine, Slovakia or Hungary with regional specialties and handicrafts.
The wooden nativity scene and craft demonstrations highlight local traditions; pay attention to authentic techniques and hand-finished details often visible in ornaments.
In recent editions there have been smaller, alternative markets in intimate spots (for example Mały Rynek) that emphasise locality and sometimes lower food prices — combining visits to several markets is a great way to see different sides of Krakow’s holiday season.
If you’re planning to visit Krakow during the holidays - allow yourself time for a walk, to taste a few treats and to step into several craft stalls. The best thing about the market is how many ways there are to experience it: a quick coffee stop, a romantic evening walk or a full day of gift shopping.
Share this guide with friends or on social media if you find it useful. If you’d like a more personal exploration of Krakow with a local guide and to discover the market’s objects, flavours and hidden corners, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz through the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Enjoy a magical walk through Krakow’s Christmas markets!
