Even though I’ve made it my little winter tradition to visit Christmas markets in different countries each year, it somehow took me ages to visit the local ones. For as long as I can remember, I’ve seen news stories every year full of outrage over how insane the prices were at the Kraków Christmas Market – which, I’ll admit, didn’t exactly make me rush to go. But I’ll also admit I was curious to see how much truth there was to it.
Every time the markets open, there’s always a crowd ready to shout about how they’d never pay extra for mulled wine or food you can make at home. Personally, I take those with a pinch of salt. I love having a festive spot to catch up with friends or just feel a bit of joy in a world that doesn’t exactly overflow with it these days. And if that means paying a little extra for my wine (or two), so be it.
So, we finally decided to check out the Kraków Christmas Market and see for ourselves what’s on offer, how much it costs, and whether it’s actually worth the trip. And let me tell you… even for seasoned Christmas market goers like us, it was a shocker! But was it a good surprise? Let’s find out.
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How many Christmas markets are there in Kraków?
First things first… what should you expect when it comes to the number of Christmas markets in Kraków? In 2025, there are four main Christmas markets around the city:
Not all of them open at the same time, though – and one of them only runs for a single weekend each year!
There are also a few smaller festive pop-ups around the city, like the stalls and children’s rides outside Galeria Kazimierz, or Krakow Mood – the Christmas Fair of Local Creators at Stradom House, which took place on 7th December this year.
When do the Christmas markets in Kraków open?
In 2025, the main Christmas market on the Main Market Square runs from 28 November until 1 January 2026. However, the big Christmas tree was officially lit on 6 December at 5 pm. The market is open every day from 10 am to 8 pm, although the food stalls tend to stay open a bit later – usually until 10 pm.
The Little Market Square Christmas market is a brand new addition for 2025, and it’s open from 1 December until 1 January. I couldn’t find the exact opening hours anywhere, but I’d assume they’re similar to the main market’s schedule.
The Podgórze Market Square Christmas market only runs for one weekend a year. In 2025, that was 29–30 November, and it was open from 11 am to 8 pm on both days.
Lastly, the Galician Christmas market (outside Galeria Krakowska, near the main train station) opened on 29 November and wrapped up on 23 December. It was open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, and the ice skating rink next to it stays open until the end of February.
Where should you stay for the Kraków Christmas Market?
If you know me, you’ll know I’m a big advocate for staying outside the most touristy areas – unless you’re short on time and don’t want to waste it travelling back and forth.
In most big European cities, public transport works great and is super affordable. Plus, staying even slightly outside the city centre usually means better prices. But in Kraków, we broke our own rule. By the time we finally got round to booking, a lot of places had already sold out… and weirdly, it was actually cheaper to stay right on the Main Square!
We paid 728 PLN (around €172 or £150) for 2 nights at Bracka Main Square Apartments*. It was right in the centre, modern and stylish, with a shared kitchen and free lockers you could use before check-in or after check-out. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re not a light sleeper…
Why? Well, there’s a shot bar in the courtyard just below the rooms, and it stays open until 3 am on weekends. They did give us earplugs and we were fine, but if you’re a light sleeper, you might want to pick a quieter spot.
If the prices are a bit steeper for your dates, don’t worry – there are plenty of great places in other parts of the city too, like Stare Podgórze or Zabłocie.
You can check what’s available for your dates below:
Kraków Christmas Markets 2025: A full overview
Christmas market on the Main Market Square
The Christmas market on Kraków’s Main Market Square is by far the city’s most famous. It’s also the one that gets the most media attention – usually not in a good way. Year after year, it gets called out for high prices and a lack of transparency. So when CNN named it one of the best Christmas markets in the world (on par with places like Vienna, London, and Prague), I was very curious to see what it was actually like…
… and honestly? It was the most disappointing Christmas market I’ve ever visited. And I’ve been to quite a few.
Let’s start with the atmosphere. Or rather, the lack of it. Sure, the Cloth Hall looks beautiful all lit up, but there was no music playing, no festive energy, and only one sad little carousel for the kids (which, apparently, is new this year). If you’re visiting with children, I imagine they’ll get bored pretty quickly.
The market itself only takes up one side of the Main Square, so it gets packed fast – and we could barely get close to some of the stalls. If you do decide to get food or drinks, good luck finding somewhere to enjoy them. There are barely any tables, so you either end up crammed next to strangers or awkwardly standing to the side.
Now, I’m not usually one to complain about prices at Christmas markets. I expect to pay more for a bit of festive magic, and I’m okay with that – once a year, it’s worth it. But this time, the prices were so ridiculous, I actually asked if we could leave without even buying a cup of mulled wine.
What can you buy at the Christmas market on Kraków’s Main Market Square?
In 2025, there were 105 stalls selling food, Christmas decorations, and other handicrafts.
That makes it one of the smaller Christmas markets compared to other major ones in Europe – but still the biggest it’s been in Kraków so far.
When it comes to handicrafts, the selection was actually pretty solid. I especially loved the stalls with hand-painted glass baubles, ceramics, and beautifully decorated gingerbread cookies in all shapes and sizes.
There were also a couple of international vendors – two stalls offered goods from Kyiv and Lviv, like traditional scarves and shawls, which was a lovely touch. A few Polish charities also had their own stalls, where they sold festive items to raise funds for their work.
You could also find all the usual Christmas market bits – handmade jewellery, woollen accessories, candles, leather goods, ornaments, wreaths, tablecloths, engraved rolling pins, and even traditional sheepskin coats.
As for the food, you could get some pasta and other international dishes, but it was mostly the typical Polish Christmas market classics:
- soups like barszcz (beetroot soup) and żurek (sour rye soup)
- bigos (hunter’s stew)
- sausages
- sourdough bread with lard and pickles
- and pierogi, of course.
They also had maczanka krakowska – a local Kraków dish made of slow-cooked pork in a rich sauce, served in a crusty roll. I did like the selection, but overall, it made me appreciate the Gdańsk Christmas market more – they offer a much better mix of traditional and international food options.
When it comes to drinks, most stalls served Grzaniec Galicyjski, a supermarket-brand mulled wine you can usually find in different flavours (like raspberry or plum). It’s not bad by any means, but if you’re hoping for something homemade or unique, this isn’t it. You could also find hot mead, wine, and non-alcoholic punch.
What are the prices like at the Kraków Christmas market?
You can definitely tell that the Kraków Christmas market is geared towards tourists – it’s by far the most overpriced market I’ve been to in Poland. And sure, Kraków residents technically get 20% off food and 67% off rides, but what good is that when the prices are still ridiculous even after the discount?
Just to be clear – my issue is mostly with the city itself, which apparently charges extortionate amounts for stall space. That leaves sellers with no choice but to hike up their prices, and the whole thing quickly becomes unaffordable for many people.
I get that tourists often don’t have a point of reference and compare the prices to what they’d pay back home, which is why they might think it’s not that bad. Many don’t have time to shop around, or simply want a nice souvenir to remember their trip.
But as a local who knows how much these things actually cost, I honestly found it a bit appalling how much the city is taking advantage of visitors, while also making it harder for locals to enjoy what’s supposed to be a festive, community event.
Prices of drinks at the Kraków Christmas market
Mulled wine starts at 18 PLN (around €4.30 or £3.70), which is pretty standard – until you realise it’s often the same Grzaniec Galicyjski brand you can buy in any supermarket for the same price per bottle, not cup.
If you’re after something a bit different – as in, not the supermarket stuff or a flavour you haven’t tried before – expect to pay anywhere from 30 to 50 PLN. And yes, that’s up to 50 PLN (around €11.90 or £10.40) for a single drink, which feels impossible to justify. Even non-alcoholic wine was in the same price range, and hot chocolate could cost as much as 35 PLN (around €8.30 or £7.20).
All drinks came in paper cups, though there was the option to buy a souvenir mug (not returnable) if you wanted something to take home.
Prices of food at the Kraków Christmas market
Soups start at 20 PLN (€4.70 or £4.10) for the most basic options. A portion of hunter’s stew or beetroot soup will set you back 40 PLN.
As for dumplings, expect to pay 30 PLN for 6, 45 for 8, 50 for 10, or 55 for 12. It’s pricey enough as it is – but even more so once you see how tiny they are! At those prices, you’re honestly better off going to a proper restaurant that specialises in pierogi.
Last year, the most controversial dish was the sourdough, as you had to pay extra for each topping, which quickly pushed the price up. This year, the prices were displayed more clearly – ranging from 18 to 56 PLN. Still, that’s a bit much for a slice of bread you could get for much less at other markets.
And if you’re thinking of grabbing a piece of meat, always double-check whether the price is for the whole serving or just per 100 grams – you don’t want a nasty surprise at the till. Even when the price is per portion, it can go up to 85 PLN (€20.20 or £17.60) for pork knuckle, which is more than we’ve paid in highly rated restaurants where you can actually sit down and enjoy your meal.
As for the quality – I can’t personally say, because the prices alone were enough to put me off trying even a single cup of wine. I’m all for sampling different things at Christmas markets, but not when I feel like I’m being tourist trapped. However, I did come across quite a few reviews from people who did try the food, and many of them found it disappointing.
And if you’re after some entertainment, a single ride costs 15 PLN – around €3.60 or £3.10.
Podgórze Christmas Fair of Unique Items
The next Christmas market on the list is the Podgórze Christmas Fair of Unique Items – and honestly, it singlehandedly restores Kraków’s honour. It only runs for one weekend each year, but if you can plan your trip around it, I’d highly recommend going.
You’ll find it on the square in front of St. Joseph’s Church. This year, there were nearly 90 stalls, which makes it almost as big as the main market – except it feels way more authentic, and the prices are worlds apart. However, since it’s only on for two days, prepare yourself for big crowds.
You’ll find lots of local artists and makers here, selling everything from cold-pressed oils, honey, and spreads to ceramics, jewellery, and leather bags.
From what I saw – and from what my friend Jonathan (who used to live in the area) told me – the food stalls came from actual restaurants, many based in Podgórze. That made a big difference. You’re not just buying mystery food from a nameless vendor. You can look up the place, check reviews, and go back if you like it.
The prices were another pleasant surprise. They proved that you don’t have to charge a fortune to organise a decent Christmas market near the city centre.
There was one stall offering mulled wine with bean honey, which was surprisingly good! My personal favourite, though, was a local winery from the Lesser Poland region. You could get a cup of mulled wine for 20 PLN, or take home a full bottle for 60–100 PLN – basically what you’d pay for two cups at the main market. If you’re looking to get some gifts for family and friends, this is definitely the market I’d head to.
Christmas market on the Little Market Square
This market is brand new for 2025 and sits just a short walk from the Main Market Square. The idea behind it was to respond to all the criticism about the prices and lack of authenticity at the main market by offering a more traditional alternative. I still don’t get why the city couldn’t just lower prices or do quality checks at the main one if they’re so concerned about authenticity – but hey, at least it’s a step in the right direction.
Unfortunately, it opened the day after we left, so we didn’t get the chance to check it out ourselves.
According to the organisers, they modelled it on top Christmas markets across Europe. The focus here is on regional products and handicrafts, with vendors carefully selected for quality and fair pricing. You’ll find everything from Polish cheeses, cold cuts, dumplings, and traditional festive dishes to hot drinks and treats based on local recipes.
There’s also a big cultural element: concerts inspired by regional folklore, craft workshops for kids and adults, and a mix of outdoor performances.
From what I’ve seen online, food prices seem similar to those at the main market – maybe slightly cheaper – but residents get 25% off here instead of 20%.
What I love most, though, is the clear focus on local craftsmanship. Around 70% of the stalls sell handicrafts, and the iconic Kraków Nativity Scene tradition – recognised by UNESCO as part of Poland’s intangible cultural heritage – has its own dedicated space. Definitely one to visit if you’re around.
And here’s another thing you shouldn’t miss…
Every December since 1937, the Kraków Nativity Scene Competition has taken place in the city, and it’s become one of the most well-known Christmas traditions in Poland. This year, the entries were on display on the Main Market Square on 4th December between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm, before being evaluated by a special jury.
If you missed the live display (like we did!), don’t worry – you can still catch the winning entries at the Krzysztofory Palace from 8th December all the way until 1st March 2026. It’s something people from all over the country come to see, and for good reason – these nativity scenes are unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. We were really disappointed to have missed them, but hopefully we’ll get another chance!
The Galician Christmas market in front of Galeria Krakowska
The last Christmas market takes place just outside Galeria Krakowska, right by Kraków’s main train station. It hadn’t opened yet when we arrived, and we only managed a quick peek as we were leaving the morning after it did. From what I could see, it’s meant to be a place where you can try traditional, regional, and organic delicacies – although I also spotted a few international options.
There were stalls selling things like knitted bits, jewellery, and festive decorations, so if you’re looking for a gift (or just want to treat yourself), you’ll probably find something. If you’re visiting with kids, there’s an ice rink and a carousel shaped like a Christmas tree, where you can take a ride inside one of the baubles. We went on the same one in Wrocław last year and had a great time!
So, there you have it – my honest review of the Kraków Christmas markets. Don’t get me wrong, Kraków is still a fantastic place to visit, but if you’re coming specifically for the markets, I’d say Gdańsk or Wrocław do a better job overall.
It genuinely makes me sad when places fall into the tourist trap territory, because it gives visitors the wrong impression of what the country has to offer. You can get absolutely amazing food in Poland for a fraction of what you’d pay for something mediocre at the main market – so please don’t think that overpriced pierogi and supermarket-brand mulled wine is all we’ve got.
That being said, markets like the one in Podgórze really help balance things out. If you go, try to support local vendors, check prices before you buy, and shop around a bit if you can. And most importantly – I hope you have a magical time in Kraków!
