Wondering what to do in Krakow during winter? This is the perfect time to discover its magical side, full of lights, flavors, and winter attractions. Krakow in winter delights both children and adults. Streets lit by thousands of lights, the aroma of gingerbread and mulled wine rising above the Market Square, and numerous attractions that turn even the coldest day into an adventure. Check out our guide to places worth visiting when the temperature drops and the city shines with a thousand lights. Krakow is a city that doesn't slow down in winter – on the contrary: it shines like never before.
Here are the best winter attractions in Krakow that will make your stay unforgettable.
There is no winter in Krakow without the Christmas Market at the Main Square. Wooden stalls full of decorations, crafts, and festive treats create an atmosphere that is hard to describe. You just have to feel it. It’s one of those places you simply have to visit.
Between the Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Tower, the smell of mulled wine, pierogi, holiday cakes, and roasted sausages fills the air. At every step, you can try something special, from oscypek cheese with cranberries, through traditional bigos stew, to Christmas gingerbread and poppy seed rolls. It’s a true feast for the senses and a perfect opportunity to experience the taste of winter in Krakow. For tourists from abroad, it’s an ideal chance to try traditional Polish dishes.
It’s also a space for shared emotions. The market is accompanied by various events and parties, you can listen to live carols, watch concerts and artistic performances regularly held on the market stage (check the event schedule on the organizer’s website).
Children will be delighted with the Christmas decorations, twinkling lights, and colorful ornaments that illuminate the Main Square. Adults, on the other hand, will appreciate the warmth of gatherings, the aroma of spices, and the magic of celebrating together.
At the market, everyone will find something for themselves – from culinary delicacies and regional products to unique crafts and holiday inspirations.
The Krakow Christmas Market is not only an attraction but a true symbol of winter in the city. It’s worth coming even just to immerse yourself for a moment in its extraordinary atmosphere.
Kraków in winter is a great time to put on skates and hit the ice! Ice rinks in Kraków are not only a way to stay active, but also a great idea for a winter date, a family outing with children, or an active meeting with friends in a unique setting. In Kraków, you will find several atmospheric places that turn into real skating kingdoms during the winter months.
The ice rink in Jordan Park is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric ice rinks in Kraków. Surrounded by trees and illuminated alleys, it creates a truly fairytale scenery, perfect for both a romantic ice skating stroll and a family afternoon full of laughter and fun.
The ice rink in Jordan Park consists of three zones: a large sheet of ice covering 1200 m², an ice alley 360 meters long, and a smaller zone for children (400 m²). This is a place where everyone, regardless of age or skill, can find something for themselves. In the evening, when the lights are turned on, the entire space acquires a magical glow, and skating on the illuminated ice becomes pure pleasure. On site, there is a skate rental and a cloakroom, so all you need is a warm scarf and a good mood to feel how special Kraków can be in winter, and after skating, you can enjoy the available gastronomic zone.
The ice rink at Forum is a newly established place on Kraków's map. With a view of Wawel and the Vistula River, it’s hard to find a more picturesque spot for winter skating in Kraków. It's a great option for a romantic date, a family outing, or a winter meeting with friends. For the youngest, penguins are provided to help learn skating, and right next to the rink there is a gastronomic zone. In the evening, under the lamps' light and music, Forum turns into a lively space that shows how magical Kraków can be in winter.
Cracovia Ice Rink If you prefer indoor skating, choose the Adam "Roch" Kowalski Ice Rink – commonly called Cracovia Ice Rink. This is a facility with history, as it was opened in 1961, and since 1976 it has operated as an indoor hall. Public skating sessions are available, so just check the current schedule on the venue's website and hit the ice regardless of the weather.
This is an excellent alternative for colder days and one of the oldest winter attractions in Kraków.
Ice rinks in Kraków are an offer for everyone, whether you want to spend an active day or simply look for a way to feel the winter atmosphere of the city. Just a warm hat, a pair of skates (and you don't even need your own, as you can always rent them!) and a good mood are enough. Just check the hours and you can hit the ice no matter the weather.
The Garden of Lights in Krakow is one of the most extraordinary winter attractions in the city. Every winter, the Garden transforms into a fairy-tale space full of colors, lights, and music. This year, the theme is Pinocchio, a well-known and beloved story that comes to life in a completely new way thanks to thousands of lights and sounds.
Although the attraction is mainly aimed at children, it can also enchant adults. It is an experience that transports you into a world of imagination and allows you to forget about everyday life, even if just for a moment. A walk among glowing installations, light tunnels, and fairy-tale sculptures makes a tremendous impression, especially after dark, when the entire garden bursts into a thousand colors.
This is a place where art meets technology, creating a space where light and sound together tell a story. It is worth visiting here with the whole family; children will be delighted, and adults will find a bit of childlike joy within themselves.
The Garden of Lights in Krakow is a must-visit winter destination. Regardless of age, it is hard not to smile when looking at this magical world full of sparkle and fantasy.
There is no other city like Kraków where nativity scenes have become a symbol of local pride and creativity. Every year, from the beginning of December, you can admire the works of creators in the urban space – both monumental, two-meter constructions and small, intricately decorated works of art.
This year's exhibition “Around the Nativity Scene – A Walk through Kraków” invites you to discover these extraordinary miniatures on the city streets. It is worth equipping yourself with a walking guide with a location map and setting off on the route. It's great fun for the whole family. The nativity scenes captivate with detail, colors, and inventiveness; traditional characters mingle with contemporary heroes, and each work has its own story.
Winter in Krakow is a great opportunity not only to admire the city in its festive form but also to discover the local flavors offered by the capital of Lesser Poland. While walking through Krakow's streets, it's worth stopping at one of the many atmospheric restaurants or cafes to try traditional Polish and Krakow dishes.
In winter, warming soups like beetroot borscht with dumplings or sauerkraut soup reign supreme, perfect for cold days. Pierogi in various versions with meat, cabbage and mushrooms, as well as Russian pierogi, are classics of Polish cuisine that you cannot miss, but it's also worth opening up to more unusual flavors. For dessert, it's worth reaching for gingerbread, apple pie with warm crumble, or a piece of homemade cheesecake.
Winter walks also call for hot chocolate with whipped cream or a pinch of chili, which warms you even on the coldest days, and mulled wine in various forms is a must on Krakow's culinary map during the holiday season.
Walking through the streets of the Old Town, Kazimierz, or Podgórze, you can enjoy not only exceptional food but also Christmas decorations and magically lit streets, adding even more charm to Krakow. So, it's worth combining discovering the winter city with culinary delights and checking out what Krakow's restaurants and cafes have to offer during this magical period.
Winter in Krakow is a great opportunity to feel like a child again. The sledding hills are one of the coolest winter attractions that combine nostalgia with the joy of play. When the snow covers the city and the frosty air encourages outdoor activities, it's worth grabbing a sled and recalling carefree childhood moments.
Sledding is something that brings a smile to the face, regardless of age. It's fun not only for children but also for adults. It only takes a moment to awaken the inner child and feel like in the old days. It's worth going to one of the sledding hills in Krakow and enjoying winter in its purest form.
Thanks to the map prepared by the Municipal Greenery Board, you can easily find places ideal for outdoor fun. Choose a hill in your area, grab your sled, and head out for a winter adventure.
Remember safety – make sure the weather conditions are appropriate and always ensure warm clothing for children. The sledding hills in Krakow are an excellent way to fully experience the magical atmosphere of winter and enjoy fun with family or friends.
Winter Krakow is a true winter wonderland that enchants both tourists and residents. The city streets become magical thanks to light decorations, and the air is filled with the scent of holiday spices. Krakow in winter offers a wide variety of attractions – from romantic walks through the picturesque Old Town, through family fun, to active recreation on ice rinks. Families with children, couples, as well as solo travelers will find something in Krakow in winter that provides unforgettable experiences. The city is full of charming cafes, local restaurants, and winter attractions that make every moment spent in Krakow special.
If you are planning a trip to Krakow, check out our Tyzenhauz apartments – located in the very heart of the city, right next to its main attractions. Each apartment has its unique character, combining hotel-standard comfort with a homely atmosphere and privacy. Thanks to the excellent location, you can reach the Market Square, Kazimierz, or Wawel on foot, and after a day full of experiences, relax in a cozy interior with a cup of hot tea.
