Krakow Pub Crawl

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Embracing the Markets (Finally)

Alright, so this is the third blog of our December drinking series, and I know the order’s been a bit off. If you missed the early action, check out [Mikołajki (St. Nicholas Day) & Early December Delights | Let’s Kick This Off]. That’s where I basically said “forget the intro” and jumped right into one of this month’s first excuses to raise a glass. And if you’re curious why we started the series that way, swing by [The December Drinking Scene in Kraków | The Intro You Didn’t Get Before] to see how I finally got around to explaining myself.

Now that you’ve got a sense of how December rolls around here, it’s time to hit the heart of Kraków’s holiday season: the Christmas Markets. While I might’ve kicked things off with a hangover and half a plan, the Markets have been here all along, waiting to show you what holiday drinking in this city is really about.

The Heart of Kraków’s Holiday Atmosphere

The Main Square’s Christmas Market isn’t some hidden gem—it’s right there in the Rynek Główny, ready to smack you with holiday cheer the second you step inside. Wooden huts, Christmas lights, grilled cheeses (oscypek, if you want to sound like you know your stuff), and enough gingerbread smells to make you hungry even after a full meal. Tourists, locals, expats—they’re all in the same boat, wandering from stall to stall, sipping, snacking, and getting a feel for December’s character.

Mulled Wine: Your Go-To Warm Up

If there’s one drink that screams “Drink me now, it’s cold as hell!” it’s mulled wine (grzaniec). Hot, spiced, and perfect for warming your hands while your feet slowly freeze to the cobblestone. I don’t care if you’re a beer guy the rest of the year—this stuff hits right after a long day of gift shopping or dodging crowds. One cup, two cups... suddenly that cold night doesn’t feel so bad.

And if you’re not into mulled wine, no big deal. Try honey mead (miód pitny) or hot beer—yeah, hot beer, don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. Every stall has a twist, something unique, something that might just become your new December go-to.

Eating While You’re Drinking (Because You’re Not Stupid)

Now, remember what I said about not drinking on an empty stomach back in [Mikołajki (St. Nicholas Day) & Early December Delights | Let’s Kick This Off]? It still applies. Pierogi, oscypek with cranberry jam, sausages—these aren’t just snacks; they’re what keeps you from keeling over after a few hot beverages. Plus, it’s the stuff that makes the Market more than just a place to grab a drink. It’s a whole experience, and eating is part of the deal.

The People Make It Interesting

Let’s not forget that it’s the people who bring this all together. The market is a magnet for all sorts—some folks calm and cozy, others a little more rowdy. After a couple of mulled wines, it’s easier to strike up a conversation with a stranger. Before you know it, you’re comparing notes on which stall sells the best gingerbread or which bar to hit afterward.

We touched on this sense of community in [The December Drinking Scene in Kraków | The Intro You Didn’t Get Before], and it still stands. December in Kraków is as much about who you meet as what you drink.

Next Stop: The Krakow Party Animals Pub Crawl

Look, the Market’s great, but it’s not a place you’ll stay all night. Eventually, you’ll want music, warmth, maybe a few stronger drinks at better prices. That’s when the Krakow Animals pub crawl comes into play. After the Market warms your heart (and liver) with mulled wine, the Pub Crawl shows you what’s next—bars, clubs, and a crowd ready to keep the night rolling.

Think of it like a progression:

1. Start with a holiday scene at the Market (mulled wine, snacks, and a good feeling).

2. Move on to the Pub Crawl when you’re ready to test your night-owl skills.

3. Wake up with stories you won’t get anywhere else.

Embrace the Flaws

I’m not going to sell you some perfect postcard moment. The Market gets crowded, the weather can suck, and sometimes the mulled wine is better at one stall than another. It’s all part of the experience. If you’ve read the previous posts, you know by now December here is about rolling with what comes your way. Embrace it: the imperfections, the last-minute changes, the idea that your “plan” might just blow up once you have that first drink in hand.

Wrapping It Up

So there it is: The Christmas Markets, a core part of Kraków’s December drinking scene is part of how December works around here.