Poland, Europe

Krakow in December

Christmas market on the Main Square and the szopka nativity crib contest. Festive and good value.

GoodCold, highs near 36F (2C), short days

The Cloth Hall on the Main Market Square, Krakow — KrakowPhoto: Igor123121, CC BY 4.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Krakow. Christmas market on the Main Square and the szopka nativity crib contest. Festive and good value.

Weather: Cold, highs near 36F (2C), short days
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What December is like in Krakow

December is cold, with highs near 36F (2C) and short days, but Krakow feels festive. The Christmas market fills the Main Square with wooden stalls, and on the first Thursday of the month, the szopka nativity crib contest shows off glittering cribs modeled on city landmarks. Crowds rise but prices stay good value. Auschwitz-Birkenau closes on December 25.

It suits families and couples who love holiday markets and winter atmosphere. Pack warm layers and good boots. If you want calm and cheap, January is quieter. For comfortable weather, wait for May or September.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Krakow this month.

Szopka nativity crib contest

On the first Thursday of December, elaborate cribs modeled on Krakow landmarks go on display around the Mickiewicz statue.

Christmas market

Mulled wine, Polish food, and crafts fill the Main Square through December.

Festive Old Town

Lights and snow make the Old Town and Wawel look their best in winter.

What to pack for December

A warm winter coat
Warm, waterproof boots
Hat, gloves, and scarf
Hand warmers for evenings at the market

Our timing tip

Plan your trip around the first Thursday of December to see the szopka cribs, and book Auschwitz-Birkenau for any day except December 25.

Book Krakow for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Krakow
Opens a hotel search for Krakow in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Krakow
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Krakow
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Krakow for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Szopka nativity crib contest

The first Thursday of December

Elaborate glittering cribs modeled on Krakow landmarks are displayed around the Mickiewicz statue on the Main Square. UNESCO-listed.

Christmas market

Late November through December, sometimes into early January

Wooden stalls, mulled wine, and Polish food on the Main Market Square.

Things to do in Krakow

Full guide

Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral

Timed tickets for the state rooms and the treasury. Arrive at opening in summer; some exhibits have reduced hours on Mondays.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Main Market Square and St. Mary's Basilica

The trumpet call (hejnal) plays from the tower every hour. See Veit Stoss's carved altarpiece inside.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

Entry is free but must be reserved online, often weeks ahead in season. Educator-guided visits are required during peak hours.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Underground chapels carved from salt, about 30 minutes from the city. Book a timed tour in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Schindler's Factory and the Rynek Underground

Two branches of the city history museum, both with timed entry that sells out in summer.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

National Museum in Krakow

The Czartoryski Museum branch holds Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Book Auschwitz-Birkenau entry and Wieliczka tickets online as soon as your dates are set in summer. Walk-ups are often turned away.
Visit the Main Square and St. Mary's early in the morning before tour groups arrive.
Stay in Kazimierz or Podgorze for a quieter base with better food than the Old Town tourist strip.
Avoid Friday and Saturday nights in the Old Town in summer if you want calm; the bar crowds peak then.

Know before you go

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial closes on January 1, December 25, and Easter Sunday.
Poland restricts Sunday trading, so most shops close on most Sundays. Restaurants and museums stay open.
Some museums, including branches of the city history museum, have free or reduced hours on specific weekdays and close on others. Check each museum's schedule.
Major holidays like Easter, All Saints' Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day close many shops and some sights.