Celebrating Christmas Baubles in Krakow

What's not in doubt however is that, by the end of the 19th century, these delicate glass balls had become Poland’s must-have festive decoration and, before long, the country had become the world’s leading bauble producer. Today, Vitbis, Poland’s largest manufacturer, makes around 200,000 every day at its factory in Zlotoryja.

Known as ‘bombka’ or ‘banka’, Polish baubles are made from paper-thin blown glass and, while they can be found in a huge range of shapes, sizes and patterns, the most traditional are apple-sized spheres hand-painted in glossy red, blue or gold and decorated with regular geometric patterns.

And Krakow is the place to find them. There are bauble stalls at the Christmas market and, in the Old Town district, you can find entire shops selling nothing else. Calik, tucked away in a courtyard off the Rynek, is one of the best with a vast range of blown glass baubles to choose from. And if nothing on the shelves appeals, you can commission your own. (They once designed an entire collection for Donald Trump's ex-wife Ivana.)

Our Krakow Christmas Market tour 2024 includes two full days in the city, so why not pack an extra bag and make next Christmas a bauble extravaganza. Read more about our festive programme here