Thinking of spending Christmas in Krakow? This town of Gothic church spires and atmospheric squares is a winter wonderland in December and as festive as they come.
Krakow is a magical destination at Christmas. We’d say – and, yea, we are totally bias here, it’s among the most festive towns in the whole of Europe.
Don’t just take our word for it. The place has all the right ingredients: Snow-doused streets and parks, squares dotted with decorations and festive lights, charming markets, and cosy bars that issue the scents of mulled wine onto the streets.
From the twinkling decorations of the Old Town to the aromas of mulled wine at the Christmas Market, Krakow offers the perfect mix of history, culture, and Christmas cheer, not to mention some lux hotels where you can escape to for spa facilities and crackling log fires.
It’s very common to get a white Christmas in these parts (though not nearly as common as it used to be). And if there’s no snow in the city itself, you can always make the trip south to Zakopane, which is where you’ll find some of the best ski resorts in Poland, along with steaming hot thermal baths surrounded by the mountains.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Christmas trip to Krakow.
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This is just one part of our complete guide to things to do in and around Krakow
What’s in this guide to Christmas in Krakow
How is Christmas celebrated in Krakow?
Christmas in Krakow is a time of religious celebration. Along with Easter, it’s the most important religious date in the year, coming deeply rooted in Polish traditions and Catholic customs.
Here are just some of the things you can expect from a trip to Krakow during the Christmas period…
Catholic Masses
Religion plays a big role in Krakow’s Christmas celebrations, with Christmas Eve (Wigilia) marking the most important night. Many locals attend Pasterka (midnight mass) at churches like St. Mary’s Basilica or the Wawel Cathedral. The masses are filled with candlelight, beautiful choirs, and a deep sense of spirituality. It’s a moving experience, and visitors are welcome, though it’s a good idea to arrive early as churches can get packed.
Decorations around the City
Krakow transforms into a festive fairy tale starting in late November, with its mediwval streets decked out in Christmas lights, and a towering Christmas tree setup on the Main Market Square (usually in front of St Mary’s Basilica).
Traditional nativity scenes (szopki) are displayed in churches and homes, with Krakow hosting a famous competition for the best, most elaborately crafted szopki—some even taking the shape of local landmarks.
Christmas Market
The Christmas Market, located in the Main Market Square, is the heart of the festivities. It’s such an important aspect of the city’s Christmas festivities that we’ll go into waaay more detail below (and we even have a full separate guide). For now, we’ll just say this: It’s a must-see if you travel to Krakow at Christmas, offering everything from gingerbread stalls to knick-knack shopping.
The Krakow Christmas Market
The Krakow Christmas Market is one of the most magical and atmospheric in Europe. Yea, take that Germany!
The Christmas Market usually starts in late November and continues until the end of December, often extending into the first week of January.
The market offers a wide variety of local crafts and souvenirs. You’ll find everything from hand-painted ornaments to wooden toys to woolen clothes and handmade jewellery. You can also buy miniature szopki, a nativity scene thingy that’s unique to Krakow..
The christmas market is a foodie’s dream too. Try pierogi (dumplings filled with mushrooms, cabbage, or meat), grilled kielbasa (Polish sausage), and bigos (a hearty stew made with cabbage and meat). For dessert, you can savor makowiec (poppy seed cake). To warm up, grab a cup of grzaniec (mulled wine) or spiced mead.
Our all-time fav is the smoked sheep’s cheese that’s served off the grill with a side of cranberry, though. YUMMMM
What’s the weather like in Krakow during Christmas?
Krakow in December can sometimes feel like stepping into a snowy Christmas postcard, with frosty mornings and twinkling lights illuminating the cold nights.
While there’s a good chance of light snow, particularly later in December, Krakow can sometimes miss out on a thick blanket of snow. It’s possible to get huge snowfall here but we’ll say that it seems a lot less common these days than it used to be – every Xmas was white when I was growing up, and sometimes we had five-10 feet of snow.
December temperatures in Krakow typically range from -5°C to 3°C (23°F to 37°F), so it’s chilly. It can also be A LOT colder than that some years – I remember one Christmas day that was 25 C under! You’ll need to pack thermal wear, good gloves and boots, plus extra coats.
What to eat in Krakow at Christmas?
Polish Christmas cuisine is a key part of the holiday celebration, with certain dishes served only during this special time.
It’s not that they won’t be available outside of Christmas periods. It’s just that the locals tend to eat these things more when Christmas swings around.
Top tip: You should be able to sample most – if not all – of these in the Christmas market on the Main Square.
- Barszcz with uszka – A delicious beetroot soup served with small mushroom-filled dumplings. It’s a proper winter warmer. You’re supposed to dip the dumplings into the soup but we don’t bother.
- Carp – A staple of Polish Christmas, often fried or baked andserved on Christmas Eve with the whole family. You probably won’t find this one at the Christmas market as it’s a full-on meal. That said, you could travel up to Ojcow National Park, where there are a few taverns that serve traditional Polish freshwater fish. It’s a great daytrip from the city and fantastic in the winter.
- Pierogi – The classic. Popular dumplings filled with cabbage and mushrooms, or sweet versions with fruit fillings. Pierogi are almost always made at Christmas, as they are at Easter. They’re served at many stalls in the Christmas Market for 12-20 PLN/plate. Veggies…ask for onions on top, not pork scratchings.
- Makowiec – A poppy seed roll that’s a festive favourite.
- Kutia – A sweet dish made with wheat berries, poppy seeds, honey, and dried fruits, often served as a dessert on Christmas Eve..
Cosiest Christmas hotels in Krakow
Krakow is full of cozy hotels that offer warmth and comfort during the Christmas season. Here are four top picks for those looking to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere:
- Hotel Stary – A luxurious hotel just off the Main Market Square, blending modern elegance with historic charm. Its underground pool and spa are perfect for warming up after a chilly day exploring the city.
- Hotel Copernicus – Set in a 14th-century building, Hotel Copernicus offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere with Gothic interiors and a beautiful lounge with a fireplace.
- Balthazar Design Hotel – This boutique hotel combines stylish decor with a welcoming ambiance, offering plush rooms that make it feel like a home away from home.
- STRADONIA Serviced Apartments – Seriously nice self-catering apartments in the perfect location for walking to Old Town and the Wawel Castle. Some units have fireplaces in the bedrooms which I think are ridiculously cosy.
Day trips from Krakow during Christmas
Krakow’s location makes it a fantastic base for exploring the stunning winter landscapes of southern Poland.
For me, the winter days mean one thing is on the menu: Skiing.
The area about an hour’s drive south of Krakow is prime ski territory. Go two hours and you can be in the famous Winter Capital of Poland that is Zakopane.
To be honest, many people will PREFER Zakopane for Christmas. It’s got the feel of an alpine ski resort, with jagged mountains on one side and charming highland cabins warmed by fires to stay in. There are also some amazing hot springs to visit, so don’t discount traveling down there if you want something more chilled and romantic.
If you don’t want to opt for a whole Christmas down in Zako then you can also do a day trip. And it’s just one of many daytrip options that make a lot of sense in the colder weather…
- Skiing in Bialka Tatrzanska – Located about an hour from Krakow, Bialka Tatrzanska is a family-friendly ski resort perfect for both beginners and more advanced skiers. It’s actually the largest resort in Poland, boasting modern facilities, including ski lifts and equipment rentals. Go for the Hotel Bania that’s right at the base of the slopes if you can.
- Thermal Baths in Bukowina Tatrzanska – After a chilly day exploring Krakow or skiing in the nearby mountains, head to Terma Bukovina for a relaxing soak in the thermal pools. Located about 90 minutes from Krakow, this thermal bath complex offers both indoor and outdoor pools filled with natural geothermal water.
- Day trip to Zakopane – Just under two hours from Krakow, Zakopane is the winter capital of Poland, known for its highlander culture and stunning mountain scenery. In winter, Zakopane transforms into a snowy paradise, with plenty of winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. Be sure to stroll along Krupowki Street, where you’ll find local crafts and tons of ski shops.Try the sheep’s cheese if you come here!
