Christmas Market in Kraków 2025

The 2025 Christmas market in Kraków is an enchanting experience in the historic Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) of the Old Town. The square transforms into a winter wonderland with wooden stalls adorned with fairy lights, and visitors can wander across the snow-dusted cobblestones while the aroma of hot mulled wine fills the air.

The market is renowned for its rich array of crafts and Christmas decorations. Here, you’ll find hand-painted baubles, intricate glassware, and ceramics featuring traditional Polish patterns, as well as handcrafted wooden figurines and carved nativity scenes. Many of these items come from local and regional artisans, but there are also stalls offering unique products from countries such as Lithuania, Slovakia, and Hungary. All of this makes the market a perfect place to discover personal souvenirs and Christmas gifts that reflect Poland’s crafting heritage.

Food and drink are central to the Christmas market, contributing to an authentic Polish holiday atmosphere. Visitors can savor smoked sheep’s cheese oscypek—either whole or melted on a warm sandwich—served with classic lingonberry jam. Grilled sausages, roasted chestnuts, and Polish pierogi are other popular offerings, while mulled wine (in Polish “grzaniec galicyjski”) and hot chocolate are essential for keeping warm in the winter chill. For those with a sweet tooth, marzipan, gingerbread, and candied nuts are also available.

Beyond shopping and sampling, various forms of entertainment enhance the festive mood. Traditional caroling and performances by folk music ensembles are common, and there are craft demonstrations where visitors can watch glass painting or wooden nativity scene carving. Children can look forward to writing letters to Santa Claus and perhaps taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride around the square.

Whether you’re seeking genuine Christmas gifts, authentic Polish culinary experiences, or simply wish to bask in a fairytale atmosphere within a historic setting, the 2025 Christmas market in Kraków has something for everyone. Its rich tradition, combined with outstanding craftsmanship, music, and culinary delights, makes a visit an unforgettable winter adventure.