The Coolest Events in Krakow in 2025

We have got a lot of fantastic events, running competitions, concerts, and markets to look forward to in Krakow in 2025. In this article, we try to line up some of the biggest highlights so that you can visit the city exactly when what you are interested in will happen. If you are lucky, you might even be able to combine several events.

The ultimate place to look is at our “What’s going on in Krakow” page, but here you can find a summary mentioning some of the most important and coolest upcoming events in Krakow in 2025.


The highlights in Krakow in 2025.

Billie Eilish Takes Over Tauron Arena

Alright, music fans, get ready as Billie Eilish is coming to Krakow to do two concerts with her “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour! She’ll be lighting up Tauron Arena on June 3rd and 4th with her moody beats and awesome stage presence. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just vibing to “Bad Guy,” these shows are gonna be electric. Tickets are already a hot commodity, so don’t sleep on this one!


Easter Market: Springtime Magic

Spring in Krakow means the Easter Market, and it’s the coziest way to kick off the season. Usually popping up in late March or early April around the Main Square, this market’s all about colorful stalls, handmade crafts, and some seriously tasty Polish treats like pierogi and smoked cheese. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the festive vibes, grab some unique souvenirs, and maybe even catch a folk performance or two.


Christmas Market: Winter Wonderland Vibes

Fast forward to December, and Krakow’s Christmas Market turns the Main Square into a legit fairy tale. Think twinkling lights, wooden stalls packed with ornaments, and the smell of mulled wine and gingerbread in the air. It’s the ultimate spot to get into the holiday spirit, snag some last-minute gifts, and warm up with a hot oscypek (that’s grilled sheep cheese, and it’s unreal). Bundle up and enjoy—Krakow does Christmas like nowhere else.

Christmas markets in Krakow
Visit the Christmas markets in Krakow – By Velishchuk Yevhen / Shutterstock

Rod Stewart Rocks the House

Sir Rod Stewart’s bringing his raspy voice and timeless hits to Krakow in 2025! This Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s got a one-night gig planned on May 8th, and you can bet it’ll be a party. “Maggie May,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?”—all the classics are coming your way. If you love a good singalong, this is your night.


Krakow Film Festival

Movie buffs, mark your calendars for late May to early June, because the Krakow Film Festival is back for its 65th year. This isn’t just any film fest—it’s one of Poland’s oldest, showcasing docs, shorts, and animations from around the world. You’ll get to catch screenings at cool venues across the city, plus Q&As with filmmakers. It’s artsy, it’s inspiring, and it’s a total vibe.


Scorpions: 60 Years of Rocking

Rock legends Scorpions are celebrating their 60th anniversary with a stop in Krakow on June 18th. These guys have been headbanging since the ‘60s, and they’re bringing all that nostalgia to Tauron Arena. Expect “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and some serious guitar riffs—perfect for anyone who loves a night of pure, unfiltered rock energy.


Bryan Adams Rolls into Town

Get ready to belt out “Summer of ’69” because Bryan Adams is hitting Krakow on July 31st at Tauron Arena. His “Roll With the Punches” tour is all about those timeless hits and that gravelly voice we can’t get enough of. It’s gonna be a summer night to remember—grab your crew and get ready to sing your heart out.


Robbie Williams: Pop Showmanship at Its Best

Robbie Williams is swinging into Krakow on September 9th, and this guy knows how to put on a show. Expect all the hits—“Angels,” “Let Me Entertain You”—plus his signature charm and some epic crowd moments. It’s pop perfection with a side of swagger, and it’s gonna be a blast.


Katy Perry’s Pop Extravaganza

Katy Perry’s lighting up Krakow on October 28th, and you know she’s bringing the fireworks (literal and figurative). Tauron Arena’s gonna be popping with her colorful energy, killer vocals, and tracks like “Roar” and “Firework.” If you’re into big, bold pop shows, this one’s a must-see.


Sting Brings the Classics

Sting’s “3.0” tour rolls into Krakow on October 20th, and it’s gonna be a night of pure class. From Police bangers like “Roxanne” to his solo gems, this legend’s got a setlist that’ll hit you right in the feels. Tauron Arena’s the spot—don’t miss this chance to see a master at work.


Krakow Marathon & Running Competitions

For the active crowd, the Krakow Marathon is a big deal, usually happening in April (the 22nd edition’s on deck for 2025 and will be held on April 6). It’s a scenic run through the city’s historic streets—think cobblestones, castles, and cheering locals. Plus, there are other running comps throughout the year, like half-marathons and fun runs, so lace up those sneakers and join the action!


Bonus: Poland-Wide Adventures

If you’re up for a little road trip, Poland’s got more in store! Imagine Dragons is rocking Warsaw with two shows on July 18th and 19th at PGE Narodowy—pure stadium energy. Iron Maiden’s bringing their “Run For Your Lives” tour to Warsaw on August 2nd, also at PGE Narodowy, for some heavy metal madness. Over in Wroclaw, Ed Sheeran’s “+ – = ÷ x” tour hits Tarczyński Arena on August 15th and 16th—perfect for “Shape of You” singalongs. And don’t sleep on Andrea Bocelli’s stop in Wroclaw on January 25th at Atlas Arena—his voice is unreal. Poland’s a treasure trove of events in 2025, so why not make it a full-on adventure?

castle area in krakow

Four all-year around activities in Krakow

Are you coming to Krakow without any special event in mind? Here you have four amazing programs that you should test and enjoy, waiting for you in Krakow no matter what time of the year you are coming.


A Trip to Auschwitz

If you’re up for a deep, reflective experience, a trip to Auschwitz is a must. Just an hour’s drive from Krakow, this former concentration camp turned memorial is a powerful look into history. Guided tours run daily, and they’ll walk you through the haunting grounds of Auschwitz I and the sprawling Birkenau site. It’s heavy, no doubt, but it’s a chance to pay respects and understand a pivotal piece of the past. Book ahead—spots fill up fast.


Guided Tour of the Old Town: History Meets Vibes

Krakow’s Old Town is a UNESCO gem, and a guided tour here is the way to go if you want the full scoop. You’ll wander through cobblestone streets, hit up the massive Main Square, and check out St. Mary’s Basilica with its jaw-dropping wooden altarpiece. Guides spill all the juicy details—like how the Cloth Hall’s been a trading hub for centuries. It’s chill, it’s scenic, and you’ll leave with a solid feel for Krakow’s soul.


Horse Carriage Trip Around the Old Town

Want to level up the Old Town experience? Hop in a horse-drawn carriage and clip-clop your way through the streets. It’s a laid-back ride that takes you past Wawel Castle, the funky Kazimierz district, and all the pretty squares. The drivers often toss in some fun local stories, and it’s a perfect way to soak in the sights—especially at dusk when the city starts to glow. Pro tip: bring a blanket if it’s chilly!


Wieliczka Salt Mines: An Underground Wonder

Just a quick 20-minute trip from Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mines are straight-up mind-blowing. This UNESCO site’s been around since the 13th century, and you’ll head 135 meters underground to explore insane salt-carved chambers, chapels, and even a massive cathedral—yep, all made of salt! The guided tours are super engaging, and the salty air’s supposed to be good for you too. It’s a mix of history, art, and pure wow-factor—don’t skip it.


Krakow’s 2025 lineup is stacked, and whether you’re into music, markets, movies, or marathons, there’s something here to get you hyped. Start planning now—this year’s gonna be one for the books!

Pictures from the Christmas fair in Krakow

The annual Christmas market at the Main Market Square in Krakow has opened and it is more beautiful than ever. You can read more about what to buy at the Christmas market in Krakow, how to get there, what to eat at the Christmas market, find hotel recommendations nearby and so much more in our article about the Christmas market in Krakow right here.

But, to fully comprehend how beautiful the Christmas market is, you need to come to Krakow and see it yourself. But, a second best option is to take a look at this pictures made by Jan Graczyski, which were published at the Facebook-page of Krakow.pl.

As you can see, it is magical, and you have a lot of things to look forward to if you visit the Christmas market. Not only will you find people from Poland selling products there, but there are also visitors from the Czech Republic, Hungary, and several other countries present at the Christmas market. This is a great chance to eat and drink delicious products, and to buy everything you need for Christmas in one and the same place.

Christmas market 2025

One of the most popular happenings in Krakow is the annual Christmas market at the main square (Rynek Glowny). This event normally opens in the end of November and remains open until January 1. If you come to Krakow during this period, it is impossible to miss out on the Christmas market at the main square. But, it is also a fact that many people travel to Krakow in this period because of the Christmas market.

Get ready to visit Krakow before Christmas and to enjoy the annual Christmas markets. In this article you will find all the information you need to make the most of your trip and days in Krakow.

The famous Christmas market at the main square in Krakow is a fantastic event. Here you can eat and drink all sorts of local food and drinks. Besides this, you can enjoy programs from a stage at the square. You can watch folklore performances and listen to local Polish music from the area.

Would you like to buy someone a nice souvenir from Krakow? Or maybe you would like to buy some Christmas presents? You can, of course, do that at the Christmas market in Krakow. Do not forget that the square is fantastic, so you can easily enjoy the Christmas market, visit the restaurants at the square, walk through the Sukiennice (clothes hall), and then eat some Polish sausage and taste local vodka.

The dates for the Krakow Christmas market in 2025.

November 29, 2025 – January 1, 2026 (these are the dates on which the Christmas market in Krakow will be open in 2025, most likely).

Dates for the Christmas market in Krakow in earlier years.

  • 2024: November 29 – January 1.
  • 2023: November 24 – January 1.
  • 2022: November 25 – December 26.
  • 2019: November 29 – December 26.
  • 2018: November 30 – December 26.
  • 2017: November 24 – December 26.
  • 2016: November 25 – December 26.
  • 2015: November 27 – December 26.

If you come after December 26th, there will still be a market at the square, but it is a smaller version of the Christmas market only. In other words, to get the whole experience, visit Krakow in the period mentioned above.

Where to live near the Christmas market in Krakow?

It is always an advantage to live near the Old Town of Krakow and close to the Christmas Market. It saves you a lot of time, and it is also positive that hotels and apartments in this area aren’t extremely expensive, even though they have a great location. If you are looking for a hotel with excellent location and less than 300-400 meters from the Christmas markets at the main square in Krakow, we suggest one of the following:

The map below shows you the location of the Christmas market in the center, and then you can pick and choose from the hotels and apartments surrounding the area. You will also see price estimations making it easier to find accommodation based on how much you want to pay for your room.

 

All the hotels and apartments you see on the map above have a good location in Krakow. This makes them ideal for sightseeing, and of course, shopping at the Christmas market.

What to eat at the Christmas market in Krakow?

Are you finally coming to Krakow to take a closer look at the popular Christmas market at the city’s main square? What should you buy once you are there?

There are many similarities between Christmas markets worldwide. The most common similarity is warm wine. Wherever you visit a Christmas market, you should taste the local version of warm wine or glühwein (Grzaniec). Some places serve you warm w,ine and that’s it. In general, however, this combines warm wine with Christmas spices such as cinnamon, sugar, cloves, and some other spices.

Polish christmas

Poland is well-known for its drinks, especially Vodka. This is extremely popular at the Christmas markets, especially as the temperatures go below 0 Celsius (which they frequently do).

If you drink lots of wine and Vodka, you should probably eat something as well. If you want to taste local food, start with a giant sausage. There are sausages of all sorts at the Christmas market in Krakow. These are spiced up and served with mustard and ketchup.

Would you rather eat something else? Eat a sandwich (Pajda) with delicious meat, garlic butter, salad, sausage, onion, and other snacks on top. These are gigantic, and you will not need more food for hours if you eat such a sandwich.

Polish people like to eat pig dishes, and so should you. The crispy pork knuckle is a delicious dish at the Christmas market in Krakow. The knuckle is the upper part of the leg, and it is really juicy, especially the way it is prepared in Krakow. This dish is best enjoyed combined with a side dish of your wish.

There are many other fantastic things to eat and drink at the Christmas market in Krakow. Do not forget about the legendary Polish cheese, of which the most famous is the sheep’s cheese. You will also find cheese from goats at the Christmas market. These cheeses are fantastic for eating directly or bringing home as a souvenir. You can also buy them in a grilled version, which feels even better on a cold December day in Krakow.

What to buy at the Christmas market in Krakow?

When you have tasted local gastronomy, it is time for shopping. What should you buy?

Honestly, many people consider the objects for sale at different Christmas markets as junk. That might be true, but there are gems for sale at the Christmas market in Krakow. What should you look out for?

what to buy at the christmas markets in krakow

A great way to remember your stay in Krakow is to buy decorations for the Christmas tree. There are lots of handmade decorations for sale at the Christmas market in Krakow, and they will beautifully decorate your Christmas tree as your return home. They will also bring forth the sweet memories from your Krakow trip whenever you add them to your Christmas tree, year after year.

Another great thing to bring home from Krakow is cheese, sweets, and chocolate. You will find these in all shapes and sizes at the Christmas market at Rynek Glowny in Krakow. Whether you eat it all yourself or give them to someone else as a present is entirely your decision.

Christmas Market Krakow

It can get extremely cold in Krakow in December. In 2022, there were temperatures around -15 Celsius at times. What can you do to resist the cold? Buy some woolen clothes at the Christmas market. You can find jackets, gloves, and hats made out of wool and more at the Christmas market in Krakow. These objects might not be extremely cheap, but they will warm your body and soul at once!

Are you looking for something else? Do you have too much money that you want to spend? You might not need it, but there are many Matryoshka dolls (stacking dolls) at the Christmas markets in Krakow. These are available in all shapes and might make a great present to someone you love or hate (depending on the motive).

More pictures from the Christmas market in Krakow

Five Cool Stats About the Christmas Markets in Krakow

The Christmas markets in Krakow are among the most atmospheric in Europe, drawing crowds from near and far. Here are five cool statistics that highlight just how special they are.

1. Millions of visitors each year
Krakow’s Christmas market is one of the most visited winter attractions in Poland. Estimates suggest that well over a million people pass through the market on the Main Square between late November and early January, making it not just a local tradition but a major international draw.

2. Dozens of stalls filled with tradition
The market usually features around 80–100 wooden stalls, all beautifully decorated. These booths sell everything from handcrafted ornaments and wooden toys to wool scarves, gingerbread, and hot mulled wine. The variety ensures there’s something for every taste and budget.

3. A tradition dating back centuries
Krakow’s Rynek Główny (Main Market Square) has been a trading hub since the 13th century, and while the modern Christmas market format is relatively new, festive winter trading has deep roots here. The current market setup has been going strong since the early 1990s, making it over 30 years of modern tradition.

4. International reach
It’s not just Poles who love Krakow’s Christmas market. Surveys show that more than half of the visitors are international tourists, with travelers from the UK, Germany, France, and even the US and Asia flocking to experience the city’s festive magic.

5. Food and drink in the spotlight
Polish food is a huge part of the experience. Each year, thousands of liters of grzaniec (mulled wine) are sold, along with countless pierogi, oscypek (smoked cheese from the mountains), and hearty sausages. Some stalls sell more than 500 portions a day during peak season, showing just how central food and drink are to the market’s atmosphere.

The Krakow Christmas markets combine history, tradition, and festive cheer in a way that feels truly unique. Whether you go for the crafts, the food, or the atmosphere, these numbers show just how significant and beloved the markets have become.