When it comes to Christmas markets and fairs, Kraków has more to offer than just the famous one in its Main Market Square. In other words… If you are looking for some winter holiday vibes in December, keep in mind that there are less famous places, where you can find the best local delicacies, handicrafts and ornaments.
Marek Mikos
Kraków Culture
Agnieszka Radziszowska SMK, cooperation
The Oldest and Largest One
Some claim that the first Christmas fair in Poland took place in the 16th century, hosted in the Main Market Square in Kraków. There are others, who claim that Wrocław was first; however, we stand by the first version of the events. This is made all the more probable by the famous Cloth Hall – a perfect location for hosting a fair in even the most inclement weather – whose history dates back all the way to the mid-13th century. When Kraków was chartered in 1257, Duke Bolesław the Chaste decreed that stone cloth stalls would be built in the city’s market square. And thus, they were built in two rows with an aisle separating them in the middle – you can see the contemporary Christmas and Easter fairs hearkening back to the traditions of old. The only difference is that these days there are many more aisles – every holiday season, an entire town is built in the Market Square and remains there for a couple of weeks.
The Cloth Hall with its regular stalls, restaurants, cafés and even a branch of the National Museum in Krakow with a painting gallery is hardly the only place where you can feel the Christmas shopping rush and experience the traditional hustle and bustle. The Christmas Market revolves around the city’s Main Market Square with house-shaped stalls, a large Christmas stage and an enormous Christmas tree.
The Christmas Market, ranked by many as the best holiday fair in Poland and one of the best such events in Europe, offers virtually everything you might need to celebrate and feel the holiday atmosphere. You can also grab a bite, drink a warming beverage and follow the events on stage. Among the vendors, you will encounter many representatives of Kraków’s municipalities, who offer local delicacies such as Lisiecka sausage, traditional baked goods, honey, pierogi and hand-crafted ornaments.
Among them, one of the highlights of the Christmas Market is the Municipality of Zielonki, which even has its own day – this year, we will celebrate it on the 10th of December. The municipality of Wielka Wieś brings a representation of its famous Market at the Galeria Bronowice shopping mall – you can find them there throughout December.
More than Kraków and its Market Square
When it comes to Christmas fairs and markets, the Main Market Square is hardly the only place where you can find them in Kraków (see list below)… And if you venture beyond the city limits, you will find them in various other towns. Each of them has some local features and flavour, often linked to unique regional products, local producers, artisans and exhibitors, as well as the ingenuity of their organisers and hosts. There are several events which already managed to make a name for themselves, such as the Wielka Wieś Fair, with multiple instalments throughout the year – an opportunity for artistic events, conferences and meetings. However, there are many more cosy, intimate and sometimes very special meetings, such as the Christmas Tree Fair in Zacisze (Zabierzów Municipality).
A visit to Mogilany might be a great shopping opportunity for adults… All while their children take part in Christmas workshops. The Mogilany Christmas Fair, held on the 9th of December, was aptly named Christmas Flavour in Mogilany Manor. Visitors can also enjoy the unusual local attraction – a historic park with the unique Hornbeam Avenue, where the manor house is located.
Michałowice also have something in store for the youngest participants. During the Christmas Fair planned just a day after the Mogilany one, the organisers offer Christmas film screening for children at Za Rogiem Cinema. The organisers hope to lure visitors with an opportunity to buy homemade cakes, food and preserves, vegetables and fruits, honey from local apiaries, as well as beautiful Christmas toys.
They have strong competitors – both Wieliczka and Kocmyrzów-Luborzyca also host their unique attractions on the 10th of December. In addition to the standard elements and features, the Second Christmas Fair in Kocmyrzów-Luborzyca offers Christmas songs and carols, as well as special contests. Insider sources told me that the fair – hosted in the parking lot next to the Luborzyca Town Hall – will feature the Snow Queen, snowflakes and Santa Claus.
If you have to skip these fairs for any reason or do not want to spoil the fun two weeks before Christmas Eve, you will have more opportunities, starting on Friday, 15 December. That day will mark the start of the Świątniki Christmas Market, which will run for three days. They somehow managed to convince Santa Claus to show up with some state-of-the-art equipment – including a VR sleigh simulator. The hosts and organisers also want to lure visitors with Christmas performances by children and theatre groups.
Wielka Wieś Market in Szyce is a very elaborate project, which takes place over the course of the entire year. The Christmas instalment on Saturday, the 16th of December, will be a treat for fans of special things: “You will be able to choose from a wide range of items made of ceramics or wood. #buylocal” – that’s what the organisers have to say.
Seven days before Christmas Eve, the organisers of the Fair and Santa Claus’ Home in the Skawina Market Square will make it clear that Christmas is coming. Of course, you will have the opportunity to meet Santa himself, accompanied by reindeer and elves. Other than that, you will also enjoy a frosty cave with games for children, a winter film screening, light shows and… a nativity scene with live animals!
And then, after all these events, we will be able to enjoy the long-awaited and – hopefully joyful and peaceful – Christmas.
Christmas fairs and markets in Kraków
Detailed information about specific events can be found in the Metropolitan Area tab https://karnet.krakowculture.pl/en/wydarzenia/metropolitan-area The names of municipalities comprising the Kraków Metropolitan Area are listed in bold, with town names in parentheses, if they are different from municipality names.
2023 Christmas Fair, Kraków, Main Market Square, 24.11–1.01.2024 https://karnet.krakowculture.pl/en/45728-krakow-jarmark-bozonarodzeniowy-2023
Wielka Wieś at Galeria Bronowice, Wielka Wieś (Kraków, Galeria Bronowice), 27.11–23.12.2023 https://karnet.krakowculture.pl/en/51339-krakow-wielka-wies-w-galerii-bronowice
Christmas Tree Fair in Zacisze, Zabierzów (Brzoskwinia), 2–23.12.2023 https://karnet.krakowculture.pl/en/45728-krakow-jarmark-bozonarodzeniowy-2023
Christmas Fair in Wolnica Square, Kraków, Wolnica Square, 4–17.12.2023 https://karnet.krakowculture.pl/en/51440-krakow-christmas-fair-on-wolnica-square
Świątniki Christmas Fair, Świątniki Górne, 15–17.12.2023 https://karnet.krakowculture.pl/en/51114-krakow-swiatnicki-christmas-fair
Kiermash – Gifts x Art & Food Bazaar, Kraków, Cracovia Hall, 16.12.2023 https://karnet.krakowculture.pl/en/51181-krakow-kiermash-x-art-food-bazaar
Wielka Wieś Market, Wielka Wieś (Szyce), 16.12.2023 https://karnet.krakowculture.pl/en/51338-krakow-wielkowiejski-targ
