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Travel

20th Nov 2024

This Christmas market in Europe should be on everyone’s bucket list

Jody Coffey

I’ve been to Kraków, and I fully understand the hype

As we get deeper into the Christmas season, we may already be sick of the weather conditions and contemplating a trip somewhere warmer or more tropical.

Before you book your trip to a place with sunny beaches, there is one place that might make you reevaluate how you feel about cold weather.

TikTok users have been raving about one European Christmas market in the heart of Poland in Kraków that is 100% worth the teeth-chattering weather, with over 3 million people on the app agreeing.

Users have been documenting their wholesome visits to Kraków during Christmas, highlighting how truly beautiful a city it is and what an incredible day of shopping can be done in the markets.

Kraków Christmas Market is a festive throve located on the Rynek Glowny, a 13th-century square in the centre of the old town.

@krakowcityguide Save the dates!✨ Stroll through festive stalls, pick up unique gifts, and enjoy the magic of the season at these top Kraków’s Christmas Markets: 🎄Main Square Christmas Market – 📆29.11.24 – 01.01.25 🎄Podgórze Christmas Fair of Unique Items – 📆30.11.24 – 01.12.24 🎄Wolnica Square Christmas Market – 📆02.12.24– 15.12.24 Holiday treats and cozy vibes await!🎉🎉🎉 Haven’t set your dates yet? Plan your trip to experience all three in one visit. Who’s joining the festivities this season? 🎄 #krakowcityguide #krakowchristmasmarket #krakowchristmasmarkets #krakowjarmark #christmasmarkets #christmasmarket #europechristmasmarkets #europechristmas #krakowpoland #krakowswieta #jarmarkbozonarodzeniowy #krakowwinter #krakowsights #krakowtips #krakowtrip #krakowmustsee ♬ original sound – KRAKÓW CITY GUIDE

The winter wonderland is decorated with rows upon rows of pop-up stalls lit up by fairy lights, with Christmas warmers such as mulled wines and spices to get you fully in the mood for the holidays.

Merchants in timber huts at the markets sell a variety of the perfect gifts for loved ones, with everything from ornate crystal decoration to seasonal wares, as well as a section of Polish foods to help you immerse yourself in the culture.

If you require further reasons to put this city on your bucket list, here they come.

Credit: Getty

Kraków is less than three hours from Ireland, and it’s one of the most affordable cities you can visit in Europe, meaning your well-earned cash goes a lot further in a city like this.

This year, the market will set up shop on November 24th and run until January 1st, 2025.

The average temperature in Kraków during November is around 3 degrees, while December can see temperatures drop as low as -1.

So while there may be cold cheeks, there will be warm bellies and memories.

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