Exploring the Krakow Christmas Market in Krakow Poland – where to stay, what to eat, what to do to take in Krakow’s gorgeous Christmas Market!

I’ve visited Krakow’s markets a few times, and every time I fall more in love with the Polish city. Krakow is great all year long – but should be at the top of everyone’s Christmas lists! It is beautiful, affordable, family friendly, and safe – with tons of shopping, history, and great foods to enjoy.

Visiting Krakow’s Christmas Markets

I thought I loved Krakow until I visited their Christmas market – and then I knew I REALLY REALLY loved Krakow.

Every year, from the end of November until a couple days before Christmas (for the Advent period), Krakow’s old town center is transformed into a glittery, chilly, winter wonderland full of amazing smells, fabulous finds, and tons of Christmas cheer.

There is something about Christmas markets that makes my soul happy and feeds me with a glowing feeling – people coming together, browsing beautiful goods made carefully to celebrations, sipping warm drinks and huddling over delicious regional foods – all while the snow swirls and you hear the sounds of Christmas music and carolers rejoicing in the Advent season.

Christmas markets feel so whimsical and fun – I felt like a little kid marching through the stands filled to the brims with beautiful handmade gingerbreads, chocolates (including some that looked like rusty tools!!), wooden toys, candy, grilled sausages and bread, mulled wine – all under the Cloth Hall tower and Saint Mary’s Basilica.

Krakow’s Christmas Market isn’t the largest in Poland, but it is lively and gorgeous.

It is a must-see for anyone with a Christmas market wish list – and one of my favorite travel memories to date!

I am hoping I can make visiting Poland’s Christmas Markets an annual tradition – and hope to be able to bring my kids to one soon!

What to Eat at Krakow Christmas Market

Krakows Christmas markets offer delicious easy to grab and go foods you can eat around the tables in the market with your family or friends – they focus on traditional Polish foods, and most of my favorite dishes of all time! Poland doesn’t get enough credit for their food – which is hearty, warm, comforting, and full of flavor.

Zurek: On a cold Winter’s night there is nothing more comforting than a delicious, hearty soup. Be sure to try Zurek – Poland’s famous Sour Rye Soup (which tastes a bit like chicken noodle soup, but with sourdough and lots of sausage inside.)

Oscypek: Oscypek is a smoked sheep’s milk cheese from the Tatra Mountains, often grilled and served with cranberry sauce – my absolute FAVORITE thing to eat in Poland and Slovakia. Polish smoked meat and cheese, from Poland’s mountainous Zakopane region (click here to see my previous visit to Zakopane), are in my opinion the absolute best – they grill them on on small charcoal grills around the square and served with cranberry sauce (my favorite) or bacon and dates. It’s a unique, salty, smoky delicacy that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cranberry sauce. A true taste of the Polish mountains!

Pierogi: Traditional Polish dumplings filled with various ingredients like potato and cheese (ruskie), mushrooms and cabbage, meat, or sweet fillings like fruit. Pierogi are a staple of Polish cuisine, and the Christmas Market often features both savory and sweet versions, making them perfect for a snack or dessert! I love pierogi with bacon, but the sweet kind with blueberry jam is amazing for dessert.

Kielbasa (Polish Sausage): Grilled Polish sausage, typically served hot with bread and mustard or ketchup. The smoky, savory flavor of kielbasa is the ultimate winter market food, perfect for keeping warm as you explore the stalls.

Barszcz (Beetroot Soup): A warm, tangy beetroot soup, often served with a small pastry called uszka (tiny dumplings filled with mushrooms). Barszcz is especially popular during the Christmas season and offers a comforting, warming option on cold market days.

Grzaniec (Mulled Wine): Spiced, hot mulled wine, often flavored with cinnamon, cloves, orange, and other winter spices. Mulled wine is a European Christmas market classic, and in Krakow, it’s often served in festive mugs that you can keep as a souvenir.

Placki Ziemniaczane (Potato Pancakes): Crispy, fried potato pancakes, sometimes served with sour cream, applesauce, or goulash. These golden, crispy pancakes are delicious on their own or as a side dish, providing a hearty, savory snack at the market.

Bigos (Hunter’s Stew): A rich, hearty stew made from sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, and a mix of meats like pork, beef, and sausage. Bigos is a beloved Polish comfort food, perfect for warming up on a cold day while you explore the Christmas market.

Makowiec (Poppy Seed Cake): A sweet rolled cake filled with a dense poppy seed paste and sometimes mixed with nuts and dried fruit. Makowiec is a traditional Polish dessert, especially popular around Christmas, offering a sweet treat to balance out the savory foods.

Smalcem (Bread with Lard): Fresh bread spread with smalec, a traditional Polish spread made from rendered pork fat, often flavored with onions, garlic, and spices. While it might sound unusual, this rich and flavorful snack is popular in Poland and pairs well with pickles or cold cuts.

Golonka (Pork Knuckle): A slow-cooked, often roasted or braised pork knuckle, typically served with sauerkraut or potatoes. This tender and flavorful dish is hearty and filling, a great choice if you want to try a traditional Polish main course.

Gofry (Polish Waffles): Crispy waffles topped with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, fresh fruits, or sprinkles. Gofry are a popular street food in Poland, and at the Christmas market, they’re served with festive toppings that make for a fun dessert.

Piernik (Gingerbread): Traditional Polish gingerbread, often spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and honey, sometimes decorated or shaped into festive designs. Piernik is a classic Christmas treat, and you’ll find both soft and crispy versions at the market, perfect for snacking or gifting.

What to Buy At Krakow Christmas Markets

Krakow has really unique market stalls, loaded with furs, hats, embroidery, pottery, and wooden goods – compared to other European markets, Poland has far less items made in China and sold – they tend to have more offerings from Poland, Lithuania, and Eastern Europe.

• Ornaments: Small, beautiful glass ornaments are everywhere in Krakow’s Christmas market – and worth taking home! There are tons of lovely designs you can grab for less than $1 (thanks to a strong Pound, Euro, and Dollar).
• Polish Pottery: Poland’s famous pottery (which all comes from a few factories but is sold all over Poland) is a special find at the Krakow Christmas market – as they often sell patterns and styles you can’t find anywhere else. I could have bought the entire booth if I could take it home with me safely — and thanks to an amazingly strong dollar to zloty ratio, you can buy a lot more pottery and bring it home for a fraction of the price you can find Polish pottery on sale in the United States or the UK.
• Krakow Crib: The Krakow Crib, a uniquely Polish tradition, is a nativity made from cardboard and brightly colored foil featuring Polish architecture. It is a lovely and quirky Polish tradition (check out my visits to the Krakow Nativity Parade), and taking a small one home is a souvenir you won’t want to miss!
• Gingerbread: Polish gingerbread is famous – and with good reason. There are a few booths selling gorgeous decorated cookies, Christmas trees of gingerbread, large displays, and gingerbread houses. Some will customize them on the spot for you, and some offer boutique-level decorations!

Where to Stay for Krakows Christmas Markets

Old Town (Stare Miasto)

The heart of Krakow, where the Christmas market is located. Staying in the Old Town puts you within walking distance of the market stalls, restaurants, and iconic landmarks like St. Mary’s Basilica and Cloth Hall.

It’s a lively and picturesque area with plenty of accommodation options ranging from luxury to budget – expect to have lots of other tourists around, but it is a safe city and largely quiet after hours. Make sure your airbnb or hotel isn’t next to a nightclub though, as they tend to be open (and loud) much later than American clubs.

Hotels in Stare Miasto:

• Hotel Saski: This GORGEOUS hotel has been entirely remodeled in a luxurious belle epoch style, and is steps to the main market, the cathedral, cloth hall, and fantastic restaurants.
• Hotel Stary: A luxurious boutique hotel just steps from the Main Market Square. It’s known for its modern elegance, stunning views, and a beautiful underground spa with a pool.
• Wyndham Grand Hotel Krakow: This boutique chain offers remodeled rooms that are close to everything in Old Town, with comfortable beds and great onsite restaurants.
• Stradom House: This Autograph Collection hotel has been gorgeously remodeled and is a perfect base for exploring the old town, with onsite restaurants, and just steps to the market, cathedral, cloth hall, and restaurants.
• Feniks Apartments: We stayed at these Old town apartments and loved how close they were to everything, the adorable decor, and that we could get a few girls in each apartment for a girls trip.

Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)

A little further from the main market but only a 10-15 minute walk away, Kazimierz is Krakow’s historic Jewish district.

It has a bohemian vibe, with plenty of trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars, and even it’s own more local Christmas market, offering a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than the bustling Old Town.

Hotel Recommendations in Kazimierz:

• Hotel Rubinstein: Located in the heart of Kazimierz, this boutique hotel blends historical charm with modern comforts. It’s a cozy and stylish option within walking distance of both Kazimierz and the Old Town.
• Puro Kazimierz: Puro is a boutique Polish chain with gorgeous remodeled rooms and great options for solo travelers – with unique touches and a great location close to all of the best restaurants and bars in the Kazimierz.

Planty Park Area

Surrounding the Old Town is Planty Park, a green belt that offers a quieter, more residential vibe while still being just a short walk from the Main Market Square and the Christmas market. This area is ideal if you prefer a slightly more peaceful setting with easy access to the festivities.

Hotel Recommendations near Planty Park:

• Bachleda Luxury Hotel: A five-star hotel offering opulent rooms and suites, just a short stroll from Planty Park and the Old Town. Its luxurious decor and top-notch service make it a great choice for those seeking comfort and elegance.
• Radisson Blu Hotel Krakow: Situated near Planty Park and Wawel Castle, this hotel is perfect for those who want a modern stay with convenient access to both the Old Town and the Christmas markets. We stayed at the Radisson Blu in the summer and booked a suite, so the kids could sleep in roll-away beds. The room was huge and we had a direct view of the castle!

Wawel Castle Area

The area near Wawel Castle offers a mix of history and beauty, being a short walk (10-15 minutes) from the Main Market Square. It’s a much quieter option with stunning views of the Vistula River and Wawel Hill, yet close enough to the Christmas market and Old Town.

Hotel Recommendations in the Wawel district:

• Sheraton Grand Krakow: A luxurious hotel with beautiful views of the Wawel Castle and the Vistula River, offering spacious rooms, a rooftop bar, and excellent amenities.
• Hotel Copernicus: A five-star boutique hotel located near Wawel Castle, known for its historic architecture and elegant interiors. It has an atmospheric, old-world feel with modern luxuries like an indoor pool.

Budget-Friendly Options

• Greg & Tom Hostel: If you’re looking for budget accommodation, this popular hostel offers clean, comfortable rooms and a social atmosphere. It’s located just a short walk from the Christmas market, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

Tours to Check out in Krakow

Krakow is one of my favorite cities to visit because there are simply so many affordable tours to check out and really unique places to visit.

From tours to Auschwitz and around Krakow’s Jewish Disctrict, to the Salt Mines, to visiting Zakopane’s thermal baths and even tours around the Eagles Nest castles – you can find SO many things to do in Krakow!

Check out some of my favorite tours below, or head to my Viatour Affiliate Page for my hand-picked selections.