Krakow’s Christmas market fills the Main Square around the Cloth Hall every year from the end of November until 1 January. In 2025 it opened on 28 November with 105 stalls. The city has not announced the 2026 dates yet, and we will update this guide as soon as it does. Entry is free, the best atmosphere comes after dark, and the easiest plan is to stay within walking distance of the square.
In short
- When: from the end of November to 1 January. In 2025 the market ran from 28 November to 1 January. The 2026 dates are not confirmed yet.
- Where: the Main Square (Rynek Główny), around the Cloth Hall.
- Hours: usually 10:00 to 20:00, some food stalls until 22:00.
- Entry: free.
- Prices in 2024: small mulled wine 18 PLN, oscypek cheese 17 PLN, a portion of pierogi about 50 PLN.
- Where to stay: Pałac Pod Baranami is right on the square. The Old Town View, Agnes, Barbakan Residence and Art of Serenity are 4 to 5 minutes away on foot.
When is the Krakow Christmas market in 2026?
The market usually opens at the end of November, on a Friday, and runs until 1 January. In 2025 it started on Friday 28 November. If the city keeps the same pattern, the 2026 market will open on Friday 27 November. We will confirm the dates here as soon as they are announced.
Two December events are worth planning around. In early December the city usually lights the big Christmas tree on the Main Square. On the first Thursday of December, in 2026 on 3 December, Krakow holds its famous nativity scene (szopka) contest by the Adam Mickiewicz monument, right next to the market.
What to eat and drink, and what it costs
Most stalls sell food and drink. Try grilled oscypek (smoked sheep’s cheese) with cranberry, pierogi, żurek (sour rye soup) served in a bread bowl, bigos (hunter’s stew), grilled sausage, gingerbread and grzaniec, the local mulled wine. The other stalls sell Christmas decorations and handmade crafts.
The market is not cheap. In 2024 a small mulled wine (200 ml) cost 18 PLN, an oscypek 17 PLN, a bowl of żurek 30 PLN and a portion of pierogi about 50 PLN. Expect slightly higher prices in 2026.
Our tip: “Have a mulled wine and an oscypek on the square, then go for dinner a few streets away. You will sit in the warm and pay less.”
Tips for visiting
- Come after dark. In December it gets dark around 16:00, and the lights on the square are the best part.
- Weekdays are calmer. On Friday and Saturday evenings the square is packed.
- Dress warmly. December evenings in Krakow are often around freezing.
- Keep your phone and wallet close. As in any crowd, pickpockets can be around.
- Card or cash? You can pay by card almost everywhere in Krakow, but some cash helps at the smaller stalls.
Our tip: where to stay for the Christmas market
If the market is the reason for your trip, stay close enough to walk back in the evening:
- Right on the square: Pałac Pod Baranami. Step out of the gate and you are at the market.
- Four minutes away, by the Planty park: The Old Town View on Podwale.
- Five minutes away: Agnes on Studencka Street, and Barbakan Residence and Art of Serenity on quiet Zacisze Street by the Barbican. From Zacisze you walk to the square along Floriańska Street.
- Between the market and Kazimierz: Bagel Residence on Dietla Street, 15 minutes from the square.
- With family or a bigger group: Flower Residence in Kleparz. Spacious apartments, about 15 minutes from the square on foot.
If you are planning a December weekend, book early. You get your door code on the day of arrival at 3 pm and can check in at any time after that, but not before 3 pm. If you arrive earlier, you can leave your luggage in four of our buildings: Bagel Residence, Art of Serenity, Barbakan Residence and Grace Apartments.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Krakow Christmas market open in 2026?
The city has not announced the dates yet. The market usually opens at the end of November and runs until 1 January. In 2025 it opened on 28 November.
Where is the Christmas market in Krakow?
On the Main Square (Rynek Główny), around the Cloth Hall, in the heart of the Old Town.
Is the Krakow Christmas market free?
Yes. Entry is free, you only pay for what you buy.
How much does mulled wine cost at the Krakow Christmas market?
In 2024 a small mulled wine (200 ml) cost 18 PLN. Prices in 2026 will probably be a little higher.
When is the nativity scene contest in 2026?
On the first Thursday of December, so on 3 December 2026, by the Adam Mickiewicz monument on the Main Square.
Where should I stay for the Christmas market?
In the Old Town, so you can walk back in the evening. Pałac Pod Baranami is right on the square, and The Old Town View, Agnes, Barbakan Residence and Art of Serenity are 4 to 5 minutes away.
Looking for more to do this winter? Read Krakow in winter and what is open over Christmas. Staying for New Year’s Eve too? Read our guide to New Year’s Eve in Krakow. Flying in? See how to get from Krakow Airport to the city centre. Still choosing an area? Read where to stay in Krakow.
Christmas in Krakow with Cracow Travel. Book direct and stay a few minutes from the market. With the code CT231974 you pay 50 PLN less for stays of 2 nights or more. See the apartments →
Sources: Radio Kraków (2025 market), money.pl (2024 prices), EuroPodróże (opening hours). Photo: Trudi Stevens, Unsplash. Updated: October 2026. The Cracow Travel team, hosting guests in Krakow for 15 years.