Krakow Christmas Market
Continental Christmas markets are becoming more and more popular but there is nothing better than an authentic experience and the Krakow Christmas Market is now starting to challenge German and Belgian markets in terms of popularity.
Here are five great reasons why you should consider visiting the Krakow Christmas Market
1. Flights to Krakow from the UK are only a couple of hours !
Krakow is only a 2 hrs – 2.5 hrs flight away from UK airports and the city is well serviced by a good number of low cost airlines. Throw in a vast choice of accommodation once you arrive in Krakow and there is really something to suit everybody’s budget but a weekend break in winter can be easily found for under £ 200.
2. A Krakow Christmas usually means snow !
Poland is well known for it’s cold winters and heavy snowfall is common at this time of the year. There’s something reassuringly Christmas-sey about cold, snowy weather and the chance to enjoy this on a weekend break can really help you get into the Christmas spirit.
3. Krakow Christmas markets are held in the middle of one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.
Krakow Christmas Market is located bang in the centre of the beautiful Main Square making your time here a real assault on the senses as you struggle to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the market stalls not to mention the beautiful buildings that surround the square. There are also plenty of excellent bars and restaurants surrounding the Main Square so if ever you want to get out of the cold then you will be spoiled for choice.
The Main Square is only part of Krakow’s appeal. The Old Town is achingly beautiful and easy to navigate by foot. There is an impressive castle and cathedral overlooking the river and the old Jewish district of Kazimierz is not too far from the centre.
There are also day trips to the Wieliczka Salt Mines and Auschwitz.
4. Krakow (and Poles) hold Christmas as the most important time of the year-join them in celebrating !
Krakow has hosted a Christmas market for centuries and it’s traditional for Christmas carols to be sung in the square during the market season. Krakow also has a long standing tradition of holding a Christmas crib competition (known in Polish as “szopki”) and this is something that you cannot fail to miss.
5. Krakow Christmas market is perfect for foodies !
If you love exploring new flavours then Krakow is a great place to visit at this time of year. Sizzling sausages on an open fire, hunter’s stew, fresh cheese from the Polish mountains and don’t forget a bewildering array of beer, vodka and very tasty flavoured spirits.
A visit to the Christmas market in Krakow is a great introduction to this fascinating country but if you have already visited Krakow before then it’s still worth visiting again when the city is dressed in all it’s Christmas finery.
Most of the photographs on this page were taken by the very talented Polish photographer, Tom Rollauer. You can contact him on his Facebook page here.
