The centuries-old power of Kraków's fairs

Kraków's fairs have an extremely rich and also centuries-old pedigree. Of course, they have always been associated with the exchange of goods and services, but they have also been a meeting place for cultures and the intermingling of customs and traditions. In and around the impressive Main Square, one could meet not only Poles, Jews, Armenians, Germans, Austrians, Czechs, and Slovaks, but also newcomers from more distant lands – French, Italians, Spaniards.... Over the years, virtually nothing has changed, except the fact that visitors from the Middle and Far East are increasingly being welcomed to the Main Square.  

When was the first fair held here? The earliest mention of Kraków's fairs dates back to 1310! These 700 years of fairs and markets mean that Kraków, with its Christmas Fair, can proudly compete with New York, Singapore, Prague and Vienna. A visit to the Main Square was encouraged by 'The Times', CNN... Only Kraków has something that everyone must discover for themselves. Will you give in to the temptation?

The Christmas Fair in Kraków is, of course, as we have already mentioned, the pervasive aromas of rich spices, numerous stands with beautiful handicrafts, demonstrations by craftspeople, performances by artists on the Christmas stage, the power of folklore, colours, new flavours, fragrances, and an atmosphere that cannot be compared with any other event! Here, you will taste regional dishes prepared for you by exhibitors from all over Małopolska as well as by guests from Lithuania, Ukraine, Hungary and Slovakia. There will also be roast chestnuts, Christmas sweets, and the characteristic sizzle of the barbecue. As is typical at fairs, the air will vibrate with bustling conversations, laughter, and commercial banter. 

All this is bathed in the picturesque glow of Christmas lights and decorations inspired by the wonderfully beautiful tapestries from the Wawel Royal Castle collection. All this is in the city's heart – where its pulse can be felt most strongly. We can't wait, and we bet you can't, either! What else will you find here? All the best and nothing but the best!

Małopolska Christmas Fairs

Kraków's Christmas markets and its spectacular illuminations tempt. people all across Małopolska as far and wide as the eye can see It is also a unique opportunity to do some Christmas shopping ... and take an unforgettable evening stroll among the glowing lights in a unique atmosphere. Delicious food is available for the thirsty, and mulled wine, hot tea, and coffee are always available for people eager to warm up. Where and when will you be able to take a stroll through the Christmas Fairs this year?

Kraków – barrel organ melodies in the Podgórze District

The more than 100-year-old Victorian carousel is the annual 'star' of the Podgórze Fair of Unique Things in Kraków. Found by accident and painstakingly restored for five years, it now pleases people of all ages at Christmas events. The Podgórze Market will host the event on 30 November and 1 December. This is when the craftspeople, among others, will turn up. There will be almost a hundred stalls, and the works of the artists deserve full admiration and recognition. The key to success is the heart put into jewellery, ceramics, sculpture, home decorations and baked goods. The Unique Things Fair is indeed unique!

Nowy Sącz – a town within a town

The Nowy Sącz Market Square will host the Christmas Fair from 13 to 15 December. There will be no shortage of Christmas decorations, Christmas Eve delicacies and the singing of carols. A town within a town, the Galician Town, also holds a fair on its market square. The intimate atmosphere of the fair here only lasts a few fleeting hours! However, the programme is rich, because in addition to beautiful and delicious things, you can participate in workshops or sing carols with the performing groups.

Zakopane – unique fair under the Mt Giewont

A Christmas fair is also being prepared in the Tatras. It will start on 7 December 2024 and end on 6 January 2025. There will be no shortage of regional products and delicacies, delicious highland food, and the singing of traditional Christmas carols.

Wadowice – Christmas fair jubilee

From 19 to 23 December, the 10th Wadowice Christmas Fair will take place on the Wadowice Market Square. It will be an opportunity to buy Christmas decorations, souvenirs and handicrafts. However, it is worth remembering that Christmas and regional baked goods, dishes, and decorated gingerbread will reign supreme at most stalls. There will also always be an opportunity to taste some samples. On 22 December at 1pm, there will be a Christmas Eve at the Wojtyła.

Gorlice – the fair that has attracted crowds for a decade

It is already the 10th Gorlice Christmas Fair. It will take place on the Market Square and will run from 21 to 22 December. Festive delicacies, unusual products, and the temptations of spicy aromas and piquant fragrances await you here.

Świątniki Górne – how about going to a town?

Świątniki Górne is a small town, picturesquely elevated above the surrounding valleys, with a beautiful view of Kraków and the Tatra Mountains. This year, its authorities are organising the 5th Świątnicki Christmas Fair. During the event, visitors can enjoy Christmas shopping, delicious food and extraordinary artistic performances.

Zator – Winter Kingdom at Energylandia

In winter, Energylandia turns into a wonderful Winter Kingdom.... Numerous winter attractions are then available in the park, e.g., snow tubing, gingerbread-making workshops, an ice rink, and the Christmas shows, which are organised on a grand scale, make a huge impression. Among the attractions is, of course, the colourful Christmas Fair. During this time, you can buy Christmas decorations and Christmas Eve delicacies.

Wieliczka Salt Market

The Wieliczka Christmas Market will begin on 8 December and end on 14 December. The town famous for salt invites you to the 'Salt City' Education and Leisure Centre. It should be mentioned that on 8 December there will be artistic performances by children from schools and kindergartens, as well as workshops for creating Christmas decorations. The fair will conclude with a special Christmas Eve for residents, featuring live cooking and a family Christmas decoration workshop.

Krynica-Zdrój – a new fair in Małopolska!

In 2024, the Christmas Fair will come to Krynica-Zdrój for the first time. Its hosts invite you – on 14 and 15 December – to the area around the Krynica Amphitheatre.

Niepołomice – Fair at the Cottages at the Castle

The Christmas Fair in Niepołomice will take place over 2 weekends in December: 7–8 December and 14–15 December (12pm–8pm). For the first time ever, guests will be invited to Cottages at the Castle. Unique handicrafts and traditional delicacies will be waiting for them, along with workshops for families, animations for children, and artistic performances.

► Where else can you do your Christmas shopping?

• Brzesko Fair – 14–15 December on the Market Square
• Nowy Targ Fair– 16–23 December on the Market Square
• Krzeszowice Fair – 14–15 December at the Culture and Sports Centre
• Lisia Góra Fair – 15 December
• Wygiełzów Fair – 15 December at the Museum of Western Małopolska

You can't miss out on the Małopolska fair!