If you’re reading this now then you have probably already missed it but there is a smaller Christmas market on Plac Wolnica in the heart of Kazimierz, Krakow’s Jewish Quarter.
Unlike the main Christmas market in Krakow’s Main Square, the one at Plac Wolnica only runs for a couple of weeks. This year (2024) it ran from 2nd December to 15th December.
Set in the heart of Kazimierz, the Christmas market at Plac Wolnica is a much more intimate experience with the focus on craftwork, jewellery and handmade ornaments. It places an emphasis on local artisans and traditional Polish custom ornaments but food and mulled wine is also available to buy.
For a couple of weeks, the market at Plac Wolnica features craft workshops and live music/dancing every day.
As the market is not as busy as the one in Krakow’s main square then it is also popular with locals who prefer wander and browse the stalls at their leisure without the stress of being pushed around by crowds of people.
2024 is no different as this year there is a Xmas market at Podgórski Market.
Plac Wolnica dates back over two hundred years. Today, it is only half the size it once was and in it’s day rivalled the Main Square in Krakow for scale and size.
The focal point of the square is the former town hall building of Kazimierz which was originally built in the 14th Century. It has been rebuilt several times since then.
During the Second World War it served as a Polish police station and for a period of time in the 90’s served as a primary school for Jewish children.
The other dominant feature of the square is the basilica of Corpus Christi which was built in 1405.