Christmas Markets in Poland

Krakow - Warsaw

Christmas Markets in Poland open at the end of November and end with the celebration of Epiphany on January 6th. It is a time full of joy and beautiful colorful lights that delightfully brighten both Krakow and Warsaw.  The two cities are very different, and they complement each other, offering you an unforgettable experience.

While in Krakow, you cannot miss the Nativity Scene tradition with a Christmas cribs contest as its highlight. The works are presented at the Market Square on first Thursday of December and later on in the Krakow Museum. The tradition is in the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Warsaw is a great shopping destination either for local good and souvenirs or at one of the many shopping malls. The main attractions are the Old Town market where you can find stalls full of souvenirs, art crafts perfect for Christmas gifts and delicious local goodies. But the highlight of Christmas season is a marvelous Garden of Light in Wilanow Gardens.

Day 1, Krakow
  • Arrival in Krakow Balice Airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in
  • Time at leisure
  • Overnight in Krakow

Day 2, Krakow
  • Morning: half-day walking tour of Krakow, including Wawel Hill with the Cathedral, and the old town area with the Market Square, the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Church and Krakow Museum for Christmas Cribs story
  • Rest of the day, time to discover the city at your own pace
  • Optional the sightseeing tour continues to Jewish District Kazimierz, where we visit Old and Remuh Synagogues, Jewish Cemetery and Pod Orlem Pharmacy.
  • Overnight in Krakow

Day 3, Krakow
  • Morning: visit to the factory of Christmas tree ornaments; try your skills and create your own ornament – a Christmas bauble with a unique personal dedication is an ideal souvenir
  • Enjoy full of lights and colors Christmas Market at the Main Market Square, where hunting for Christmas is a pleasure as never before or take an optional tour to Wieliczka Salt Mine
  • Overnight in Krakow

Day 4, Krakow – Warsaw
  • Morning: transfer to the railway station for train to Warsaw; upon arrival, transfer to your hotel
  • Afternoon: up to 3-hour walking tour of Warsaw Old Town, featuring Barbican, Market Square, Cathedral and Zamkowy Square; next we walk along Krakowskie Przedmiescie Street lined with beautiful and historic palaces, houses and churches
  • The highlight of the day is cooking class that introduces you to dishes served for a traditional Christmas Eve supper in Poland
  • Overnight in Warsaw

Day 5, Warsaw
  • Morning: time to explore city on your own
  • Afternoon: visit to Wilanow Palace - the most splendid royal residence in Warsaw. Built in late 17th century it served as a summer seat of king Jan III Sobieski. Over next centuries it was reshaped and expanded, turning into the beautiful palace surrounded by a picturesque garden and landscaped park.
  • The tour continues through the Royal Garden of Lights; the spectacular light decoration set in the main part of the Wilanow Gardens is a must-see outdoor exhibition of thousands colorful lights arranged in fantastic shapes and scenes
  • On the way back to the hotel we drive through the city to admire Christmas decoration; photo stops at the most beautiful arrangements included
  • Overnight in Warsaw

Day 6, Warsaw - departure