December wraps Poland in something genuinely festive. The Christmas markets here - particularly Kraków’s Rynek Główny market and Warsaw’s Old Town incarnation - are far less commercialised than their German counterparts, and the historic architecture that surrounds them gives the whole thing more weight. Yes, it’s cold. Yes, the days are short. But mulled wine (grzaniec) in hand, standing in front of an illuminated medieval church in -2°C, is a particular kind of pleasure.
Freezing Nights, Possible Snow, and Just 7.5 Hours of Daylight
| City | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Rain/Snow Days | Daylight Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 3°C | -2°C | 10 | ~7.5 hrs |
| Kraków | 3°C | -2°C | 9 | ~7.5 hrs |
| Gdańsk | 4°C | 0°C | 11 | ~7.5 hrs |
| Wrocław | 4°C | -1°C | 9 | ~7.5 hrs |
| Zakopane | -1°C | -6°C | 12 | ~7.5 hrs |
Snow in December is possible in all cities but not guaranteed in Warsaw or Gdańsk. Kraków and the southern cities get more reliable snowfall. Zakopane reliably has snow from December, making it viable for early skiing. Temperatures below freezing are normal overnight throughout the country.
Christmas Markets on Kraków’s Rynek Główny, Saint Nicholas Day, and Wigilia Supper
Christmas Markets (December 1-24) Poland’s Christmas markets are among Central Europe’s finest:
- Kraków - Rynek Główny: The most atmospheric market in Poland, set on the largest medieval market square in Europe. Wooden stalls sell amber jewellery, hand-painted ornaments, kiełbasa (sausage), grzaniec (mulled wine), and traditional pierniki (spiced biscuits). Open daily approximately 10am–9pm through December 24.
- Warsaw - Plac Zamkowy and surroundings: The Castle Square market beneath the Royal Castle is picturesque and well-stocked. Additional market stalls extend along Krakowskie Przedmieście.
- Wrocław - Plac Solny and Rynek: Wrocław’s Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Poland, dating from 1991 in its modern form. The market occupies both the main market square and the adjacent Flower Market square.
- Poznań - Stary Rynek: A well-regarded market with a strong crafts focus and local food producers.
Mikołajki - Saint Nicholas Day (December 6) Poland celebrates Saint Nicholas Day on December 6, with gifts given to children. Shops, bakeries, and public spaces observe the occasion with Mikołaj (Saint Nicholas) figures and activities.
Wigilia and Christmas (December 24-26) Wigilia (Christmas Eve) is the family holiday in Poland. The 12-course meatless Wigilia supper begins with the sharing of the opłatek (Christmas wafer) and proceeds through barszcz, carp, pierogi, and kutia. December 25 and 26 are public holidays - many restaurants, shops, and transport services operate on reduced schedules. Plan accordingly if travelling between cities.
New Year’s Eve (December 31) Warsaw holds a large public New Year’s celebration with concerts and fireworks near Pl. Defilad and the Palace of Culture. Kraków’s celebration centres on Rynek Główny. Both are free, both are crowded, and both are cold - dress accordingly.
Kraków’s Market and Wieliczka, Warsaw’s Illuminated Royal Route, and Zakopane for Early Skiing
Kraków - The Christmas market on Rynek Główny is the centrepiece of a December visit. Pair it with evening concerts at the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (free Advent concerts most December evenings), daytime exploration of Wawel without summer crowds, and a winter tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Guided Kraków tours in December often combine the Christmas market with a Kazimierz walking tour and salt mine excursion - a solid full-day option. Book accommodation 6-8 weeks ahead for December - particularly the week before Christmas.
Warsaw - Warsaw’s December energy is stronger than its reputation suggests. The Old Town illuminations are well done, the Rising Museum is quiet and reflective (a good December visit given the seasonal contemplative mood), and the restaurant scene operates fully. Nowy Świat and Krakowskie Przedmieście are excellent December walking streets. Warsaw guided tours that cover the Royal Route and Christmas market stalls are a good way to orientate on a first day.
Zakopane - For those wanting a white-Christmas experience and early skiing, Zakopane opens its main lifts in early December when snow allows. The Krupówki street is decorated and bustling; the mountain views with snow cover are genuinely beautiful. Pre-Christmas December (Dec 1-20) is quieter and cheaper than Christmas week.
December Hotels: Kraków Rynek Boutiques for the Christmas Market, Zakopane for Early Skiing
Kraków - Hotel Pugetów A small boutique hotel in a 15th-century building near Wawel. Rooms from approximately PLN 450 per night as of 2026. Excellent December location, walking distance to Rynek.
Warsaw - Marriott Warsaw Central tower hotel above the Warszawa Centralna rail station - ideal if arriving by train. Rooms from approximately PLN 480 per night as of 2026. December pricing is higher than November but lower than summer.
Zakopane - Hotel Sabała Traditional wooden highland hotel on Krupówki. Rooms from approximately PLN 380 per night as of 2026 in early December; Christmas week prices significantly higher.
Search hotels in Poland on Booking.com
Full Winter Kit: Thermals, Insulated Boots, Hat and Gloves are Non-Negotiable
- Heavy winter coat (non-negotiable)
- Thermal base layers - top and bottom
- Warm insulating layer
- Waterproof, insulated boots with grip soles
- Hat, gloves, scarf
- Hand warmers for long outdoor periods at markets
- Lip balm
Midweek Market Visits, Wigilia Transport Disruption, and Booking Restaurants for Christmas Eve
Markets are busiest at weekends and the week before Christmas. Visit midweek for a better experience. Tuesday–Thursday before December 20 offers the full market atmosphere without weekend crowds.
Wigilia means December 24 transport is disrupted. Trains run reduced services from mid-afternoon on December 24. Plan travel around this - arrive at your destination by noon on Wigilia day.
Grzaniec vs grzane wino. Polish mulled wine (grzaniec or grzane wino) is made with red wine, honey, spices, and often fruit. It’s considerably better than the packet version sold at German markets. Approximately PLN 12-18 per cup at good stalls as of 2026.
Restaurants open on Christmas Eve for Wigilia dinners. Many Warsaw and Kraków restaurants offer a full 12-course Wigilia menu for visitors. Expect to pay approximately PLN 120-200 per person as of 2026. Book at least two weeks ahead.
December City Focus: Kraków’s Christmas Market, Warsaw’s Festive Royal Route, Zakopane for Snow
- Kraków City Guide - Poland’s finest Christmas market and gas-lit Old Town at its most atmospheric
- Warsaw City Guide - Wigilia dinners, ice rinks, and festive lights along the Royal Route
- Wrocław City Guide - Christmas markets on the Market Square and Cathedral Island in December
- Zakopane City Guide - ski season opens in December; New Year in the Tatras is popular
- Gdańsk City Guide - Baltic Christmas market and the historic Old Town in winter light
Plan Your Trip
Kraków’s Christmas Market on the Rynek Główny runs from late November through December 24 - visit midweek before December 20 for the full atmosphere without weekend crushing. Book Warsaw and Kraków restaurants for Wigilia (December 24) dinner by early December; 12-course menus fill quickly. Train services run reduced from mid-afternoon on December 24 - plan to be at your destination before noon on Wigilia.
- Book your flights to Poland
- Get travel insurance
- Stay connected with an eSIM
- Rent a car - useful for Zakopane in December; ski season typically opens mid-month