Cracow Christmas Market

The Christmas market in the main square or Rynek Glowny in Cracow is an attractive sight on a cold winter's night.

There are stalls selling traditional Polish Christmas decorations, flower stalls with arrangements, mistletoe and greenery, iced gingerbread, sweets, cakes and other seasonal goodies.

The scent of hot sausage stalls encourages shoppers to indulge. Warm mulled wine is sold from barrel shaped huts like the one in the photograph to warm both the hands and stomach.

The trees in the square are adorned with bright lights that twinkle in the darkness.

You might hear street musicians playing carols, or just watch revellers staggering home after a good night out.

Things to see in Cracow

There's always something on in Rynek Glowny in Cracow, irrespective of the time of year.

Always street performers of one kind or another, music to listen to.

The Sukiennica or central cloth market is open selling its traditional Polish goods throughout the year; Polish amber and silver products, attractive wooden marquetry or carved boxes, light catchers, tiffany lamps, Polish national costumes, tablecloths and table linen, wooden toys and a variety of other crafts.

Although tables and chairs aren't outside the cafes as they are in summer, go inside to enjoy some of the best hot chocolate on earth, served with lashings of whipped cream and small biscuits.

A competition for the best nativity scene is held in Cracow every year. This involves elaborate constructions all vying for 1st position and is open to the public.

A large stage is erected in the main square for Christmas and New Year. At New Year famous Polish performers entertain the crowds waiting to see the New Year in. Amazing atmosphere.

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