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Whilst those of us from Albion might pride ourselves on our fine fish and chips, our real ale and our increasingly promising cricket team, there's no doubt that when it comes to Christmas, the Central Europeans have the upper hand. Of course, access to vast quantities of snow gives our Slavonic cousins something of an advantage here, but it's not just the white stuff that gives them the edge. Take a look at the architecture for example. Our fine Western cities may be grand and elegant, but Slavonic fantasy lends that crucial ingredient when it comes to Christmas - magic.
In this light, winter wayfarers will be pleased to hear that Cracow is already preparing for her Christmas shenanigans. As always, one of the key attractions will be the Christmas Market itself, which takes up the better part of the Rynek (known in English as the Market Square).
The Market traditionally opens in the beginning of December and lasts even a little into January, though undoubtedly it's at its most festive in the week or so before Christmas. For this year's exact dates, check at the bottom of the page...
Amongst the best-loved features of the market are the giant wooden barrels (you feel that Obelix would have enjoyed throwing these at red-faced Roman legionaries). Inside these intriguing objects you can buy yourself a delicious mulled wine (Grzaniec Galicyjski). With the temperatures decidedly chilly to say the least, you could hardly find a more congenial potion to ward off the cold. Stalls selling sausages and the distinctive fried oscypek cheese (a tasty highland variety that's well worth investigating) provide other inviting gastronomic distractions.
But enough about food and drink. As indeed, the main point is to be looking for presents for nearest and dearest (or at least that's everyone's excuse for consuming heinous quantities of mulled wine). Amongst the wooden stalls you'll find all kinds of trinkets, from woolen slippers from the Highlands to amber jewellery from the Baltic. There's a fair amount of tacky stuff, but it would be a little unnerving if every last jot was an authentic Hansel and Gretel confection.
Another famous Cracovian Christmas tradition is Szopki, or Christmas Cribs. These are not actually cribs, but large iridescent constructions of card and coloured foil. They look like something out of a Slavonic fairy tale. Traditionally, the szopki are placed under the Mickiewicz statue (he of the anniversary) on the morning of the first Thursday of December.
Krakow Christmas Markets 2009
We now have word the Christmas Market will open Friday, 27 November, and remain open through 27 December.
If you're keen to experience the magic of a Polish Christmas then step right up for some very special rates for apartments for Christmas or Sylwester. What could be more romantic than your very own cosy apartment in the snow-covered Old Town? Our friends at Krakow Apartments have some good deals this time of year and you'll certainly have plenty of Polish zloty left over for shopping in the Christmas Market!
If however apartments aren't your thing then you can find here a good choice of top-rated Krakow hotels, plus Krakow Tours will also be offering sleigh rides during the festive season!
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 | | "Thanks for your compliment, Ann. As for the opening hours, it's more or less all day from about 0900/1000 until about 2200/2300. The best time to have all shops open is usually from 1100 to about 2100. As for whether it will be open on Christmas, we can say there's a certain tradition in Poland of not getting too specific too soon. So the short official answer is maybe. However, it's very likely it will be open most of the day Christmas Eve, but some stalls may close up early and reopen late on Christmas Day. As of last year, there are officially two days of Christmas holiday in Poland. Stock up and have fun." | editor
Poland
Dec.16.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "I love all the information- but had a question as to the hours of the Christmas Market and will it be open Christmas eve (Dec 24th) or Christmas day (Dec 25th)????" | Ann Rudoff
United States
Dec.14.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "If someone want to visit other markets in Krakow I can reccomend Stary Kleparz and Nowy Kleparz (not expensive food and always fresh! You can find there lovely Christmas trees aswell) There is aswell a lot around Kazimierz /Jewish Quarter/ Is not just Main Market, but this one is for sure most spectacular!
Marry Christmas to ALL!" | Magda
Poland
Dec.07.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "The dates finally have been announced. The market will open this Friday (27 November) and remain open until 27 December. Cheers." | editor
Poland
Nov.24.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Farkaś, you need to contact the organizers in advance. I think it's too late for this year, but try here for info (all in Polish, though). www.kiermasze.com.pl" | editor
Poland
Nov.24.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Could someone please tell me when the Christmas markets close this year (2009)? It says 'after the holiday' but not sure what that means? Thinking of being there after Christmas (up to new years eve) and am hoping they will be open. Can someone please advise? Thanks so much" | Lisa
United Kingdom
Nov.17.2009
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "I'm a potter from Hungary.I'd like to know how could I sell my goods in this market?Thanks" | Farkas Gábor
Hungary
Nov.04.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Can anyone tell me when the Krakow Christmas markets finish this year?? I am planning on going with my girlfriend after Christmas (and before New Year) - some websites say it finishes 23/24 Dec, but others are saying it will go on until 31 Dec or even into early January. V confused! Thanks in advance for your advice!" | Bryan
United Kingdom
Oct.10.2009
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "As always, the 2009 Christmas market in Krakow should be up and running by Tuesday 1st December. It's quite likely that it will already be open for business on Saturday, 28th November, but on December 1st for sure. " | Cracker
United Kingdom
Oct.01.2009
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "What a wonderful city . My 5th time there and still wont be the last . cant wait to go again In Jan 09 THe hotels are great , the food is fab , night life is good . We think Krakow is just Fab . A wee bit of snow .. Perfect " | Ron Ballantyne
United Kingdom
Dec.12.2008
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Still no snow, but the market looks great!" | Peter W
United Kingdom
Dec.11.2008
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "If you are planning a visit make sure you visit the traditional market where the locals go (near the house under the globe), very very cheap." | Tracy
United Kingdom
Dec.03.2008
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Just arrived back home from Krakow. What a beautiful place. Xmas market was great. Very cheap for food and drinks in the city. Visited Jewish Ghetto and found it very sad so never went to Aushwitz. Stayed at Rubenstein Apartments near Jewish Quarter, wonderful apartment." | Tracy
United Kingdom
Dec.03.2008
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Poland here we come arrive Friday Lunchtime
" | deena
United Kingdom
Dec.03.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Not much sign of snow. But in Poland you never know!" | Jan
Poland
Dec.02.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Is there snow in Krakow now? " | Toto
Norway
Dec.01.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "The last post is a little misleading. Therre are lots of good shops, galleries, cafess etc. in the Jewish quarter, but no Christmas Markets as such! And yes, the market in the Old Town proper is fully open now. Opened on Thursday 27th this time. " | jan
Poland
Dec.01.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "there are smaller markets in the jewish quarter, its called Kazimierz" | glenn
Australia
Nov.28.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Just seen webcam and it looks like the christmas market is now OPEN!!!!! So excited here coz we arrive tomorrow afternoon. Can't wait." | Tracy
United Kingdom
Nov.28.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Can anybody tell me are there any more markets in Krakow apart from main market square." | jane
United Kingdom
Nov.24.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Check out the mulled wine stalls on the webcam,they are open!!!
Can,t wait for next Thursday." | jane
United Kingdom
Nov.24.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hehehehehe the Christmas Tree is up in the Square. View it on live webcam
http://www.krakow.pl/kamera/rynek2/index_ruchomy.php?port=4640" | Tracy
United Kingdom
Nov.24.2008
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Go into google and type webcam krakow and go to the polish speaking site." | Tracy
United Kingdom
Nov.23.2008
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "hey guys, where can i look at the square via webcam??" | shennabob
Ireland
Nov.23.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Just had the webcam up on the computer in Market Square and it's snowing again. Stalls for the Xmas market are in place. Can't wait to get there next Saturday." | Tracy
United Kingdom
Nov.23.2008
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "hey everyone its -3 in krakow, the christmas market is going up and its SNOWING!! woohoo im so excited to go" | shennabob
Ireland
Nov.22.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "stayed in Krakow in November last year,loved it so much wer'e back again 1st Dec for xmas markets.Train from airport cost 6plz last year,not worth taking taxis as it drops you off at central train station.Snow is predicted from mid Nov. onwards so wrap up and enjoy!" | sue tomlinson
United Kingdom
Nov.20.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Does anyone know the exact date the Xmas Market is starting. I can see on the webcam they are putting the stalls up. We will be there on 29th Nov and hope we wont miss it" | CarrigGirl
Ireland
Nov.18.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "i have seen on some websites the Christmas Markets dont start until sunday 30th November, is this correct? I hope not as i go home that day" | sian
United Kingdom
Nov.18.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Stayed at the Royal Hotel in March of this year. Had a nice stay, basic hotel, but clean and tidy. Excellent location." | James
United States
Nov.17.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Just a quick note to keep travellers posted....! The Christmas market started to go up today, and a lot of the wooden stalls are already in place. That said, it's unlikely that they'll open for business for at least a week. More likely c. 28th. However, if it does open a tad earlier we'll let you know!" | Cracow Life
Poland
Nov.17.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "i'm going to krakow from the 28th of nov to the 1st of dec.... will the christmas market be open??" | shennabob
Ireland
Nov.15.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "The weather forecast changes everyday on www.ilovepoland.co.uk. What are the chances we will get snow 29th Nov to 2 Dec." | Tracy
United Kingdom
Nov.14.2008
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Taxi costs 15 - 25euro, but you can take train from airport and it cost you 2 euro." | Anna
Poland
Nov.12.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Taxi from airport to Krakow town - how much?
Going 28th Nov for the xmas markets" | Tracie
United Kingdom
Nov.12.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "We have never been to Cracow. We are staying at Hotel Royal. Has anyone stayed there?" | Maggie
United States
Nov.11.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I am going on 29th Nov with my hubby and we have booked an attic apartment, very very cheap. I will let you know how we get on." | Tracy
United Kingdom
Nov.11.2008
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Brett,
The hostel Delta is really affordable and you can walk to the market square from there, it's only 1 km. I stayed at Hostel Delta and it's close to the mall and the train station." | Brenda
Canada
Nov.10.2008
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Thinking of going to this market this year(2008) - never been to Poland! Do we know if it will open AFTER CHRISTMAS? (26DEC to 1st JAN?!) I'm also unsure where to stay or if public transport is well supplied? Any info on this will be highly appreciated! " | Brett
South Africa
Oct.13.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "The Christmas time is not the best time to travel to Poland. Most of the restaurants and bars are closed on the 24th and 25th Dec and the life starts just after tose two days. " | em
United Kingdom
Jun.30.2008
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi. We are travelling to Krakow on December 24th but now hear that most of the restaurants will be closed that evening? Can anybody recommend where there may be some life over the Christmas period in the city. We like to eat and drink over Christmas! Many thanks. " | David
United Kingdom
Dec.12.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "TOO much happening in the square in the summer......I only wish we had visited in December. Cracow is amazing, we loved it" | Scott
United States
Dec.12.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "My husband and I were awfully disappointed last year, when we came to Crakow on Dec.27th, and did not find the christmas-market anymore, no hot wine at Diogenes barrel! The first Christmas we came here, the market lasted all during the vaccation, at least until Jan.5th, although there was the rock concert on new year´s eve. It was a marvellous feeling to cross the market everyday and to finisch all events with hot wine from "Diogenes"" | Christa Exner
Austria
Dec.09.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "To Nod
The novotel centrum is in the same building as the ibis centrum[ibis is cheaper]and is close to the castle 5-10 mins by foot and the main square is a 15min wander.took gramps and he`s aged 75 and had no probs.hope this helps.ps your just by the river." | mr xmas
United Kingdom
Dec.07.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Hi was at the market 4th to 6th dec 2007.Krakow is fantastic and i`m looking forward to my next visit which will be the fourth.Pity the market was a little disapointing just didnt do it for me.You could walk it in minutes and things were pricey.But hey its krakow and the place and people more than make up for it.More happening in the square in the summer.Dont listen to me just go and find out for yourself and enjoy.
" | joe
United Kingdom
Dec.07.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Is there anyone that can give me the exact date when the xmas market finishes. There seems to be so many different dates knocking around. Thank-you." | Andy
United Kingdom
Nov.30.2007
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Thankyou very much, Ania. Your information is appreciated.
" | Nod
United Kingdom
Nov.30.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "The market is definitely up and running, I went shopping there myself yesterday. This year, it's on the other side of the Rynek from where it normally is. Now it's on the same side as the statue of Adam and Empik." | Ania
Poland
Nov.30.2007
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "The market is being set up now, I v heard about it on the radio. I think this webpage shows my beloved Poland in bad light. Cracow is a city of culture not of cheap bars and strippers. " | Nicole
Poland
Nov.29.2007
rates this page 1/5 |
| | "I thought the Christmas market was in the main square, and have been watching the webcam of Rynek Glowny...which shows no stalls at all ! Since I hope to visit next week, exactly where is the Christmas market???" | Nod
United Kingdom
Nov.29.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Krakow's Christmas Market is now open for business.The stalls opened yesterday - 28th November 2007. Yohoho!" | Father Christmas
United Kingdom
Nov.29.2007
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Has anyone stayed in the ascot hotel krakow would like to know any comments" | Celia
Ireland
Nov.26.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "cracows xmas market is fantastic, to do lots of food , who would think you would eat outside in -10 but you will.loads of things to buy,and the big kegs of hot wine and the smells around the square you will always remember got say again it is fantastic...... " | dave
United Kingdom
Nov.25.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Am planning on a trip to Cracow for xmas market and was going to stay at Novotel Krakow Centrum, anyone know if its within reasonable walking distance of the market square?" | Kevin
United Kingdom
Nov.20.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "I read that the xmas market starts on 23rd November is this correct??" | janet
United Kingdom
Nov.16.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Just read Rita's question re the weather, just to let you know that according to the BBC it will be snowing in Krakow all week next week. Ive been looking at the webcam of Rynek Glowny every day so I will be checking out for snow. Having said that we were there last year about now and it had snowed before we arrived and got milder when we were there! So fingers crossed as I love the snow although as long as i can walk in it !!" | Andie
United Kingdom
Nov.10.2007
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "This will be the 3rd time Ive been to Krakow and it is such an amazing place. We arrive on 28th November. I have never been to the xmas market before but we found everything so cheap even when visiting the main tourist attractions so you will have lots of choice re buying for xmas. Im hoping the market is the same but if not we will go to the Mall again where I bought some amazing jewellery for great prices. Hope you have a nice time! Andrea :)" | Andie
United Kingdom
Nov.10.2007
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Hi! I am going to Krakow on 30th Nov. Could anybody tell me what items are best value at the christmas market? I am hoping to get all my christmas presents while there. Thanks" | WENDY
United Kingdom
Nov.06.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "We went to Krakow last year for the market primarily on the weekend of 5th Dec and the weather was decidedly warm. We had our lunch outside in the market just wearing jumpers, we had to take our warm jackets off it was so warm. We had looked forward to some crisp cold weather, it was not to be. A brilliant weekend that aside. Recommend it. I'm going back again" | Lost
United Kingdom
Oct.28.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Is there anyone we can contact. Like Bjorn, I've booked to go on the weekend of the 24/25 to coincide with my 1st Wedding Anniversary thinking the market was on (christmasmarkets.com!!!!) so I'm going to be a bit disappointed if is isn't" | Craig
United Kingdom
Oct.24.2007
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "A question please. We are visiting Krakow in mid December and looking forward to the Christmas market in the market square. Would you know if I can buy beads (for necklace/earing making)
either at the markets or at traditional shops? Many Thanks" | Teresa Rose
United Kingdom
Oct.20.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "Hi Bjorn. Well the word right from the organisers' mouth was 28th November, but we wouldn't be surprised if they open tomorrow... anything is possible in Krakow! Hopefully for your sake the 23rd is accurate, but only time will tell. You can call the Artim company on +48 (12) 4216712 and they should have the latest developments. Wesolych Swiat! " | Cracow Life team
Poland
Oct.12.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "yeah, cold." | D
United Kingdom
Oct.12.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "Could you tell me what the temperature would be in Krakow in the first week of December." | JULIE
United States
Oct.10.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "So what about this information: http://www.christmasmarkets.com/enhanced.asp?ID=99
A special sight for Christmas markets say that the Krakow one starts on the 23 of November. I hope that this is the right information as I arrive on the 23..." | Björn
Sweden
Oct.10.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "My husband and I are visiting Krakow on 7th.December 2007 can anyone tell us what weather to expect and if we are likely to get snow.We are looking forwaqrd to visiting the Christmas market can anyone give us an idea of what to expect" | Rita
United Kingdom
Sep.18.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "going on the 1st as the site say that it starts then, i hope so will be disappointed if not ~~ also hope it snows too :)" | l jones
United Kingdom
Sep.15.2007
rates this page 3/5 |
| | "we are arriving in Krakow on 2 december for a 4 day visit and really hoping the market will be starting the" |
United Kingdom
Sep.08.2007
rates this page 3/5
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| | "We've previously been around the 7th of December for 2 years running. The Christmas Markets are fantastic, but be warned about how cold it can get!! Make sure you try to hot grilled cheese that is sold there in combination with the mulled wine!! " | Vanessa
United Kingdom
Aug.19.2007
rates this page 5/5 |
| | "Please advise for 2007 the christmas market starts on the 1st of december which is a saturday
is it worth coming over for this weekend , would all the stands be present then , or should one wait till the next weekend" | Eileen
United Kingdom
Jul.20.2007
rates this page 4/5 |
| | "The official start date of the market is extremely important to know, particularly for travelers who have limited time. I am told this may not be announced until November. That may be too late for people who travel from other countries and would need to make their plans in advance." | Eileen Smith
United States
Jun.05.2007
rates this page 2/5 |
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