Christmas is around the corner and Kraków is definitely a place where you can feel its magic. Even though the temperature in December is too low for many and it snows very often, there is plenty of activities to keep you warm and entertained. What should we do in Krakow over Christmas?
The Christmas market
In Poland, Christmas Eve is the biggest family holiday, therefore most shops and malls close earlier on that day, so that everybody can spend time with their closest relatives. However, the biggest attraction is never closed – the city itself is charming at that time of the year, so taking a stroll is a must, especially around the Old Town and its gorgeous (Christmas) Market Square. It’s impossible not to see all those stalls where merchants try to sell decorations, toys and variety of foods and sweets. If you decide to go there, you will definitely smell the aroma of “grzaniec”. It’s a name of mulled wine, one of the most popular cold-weather drinks in Europe, which many people highly recommend. You’ll also have the possibility of trying some unusual but delicious food, such as roasted chestnuts, “oscypek” cheese, Italian cheese and meat, French pancakes or Spanish churros. The Christmas market isn’t about purchasing goods though, the most crucial thing here is the atmosphere. Have you ever noticed those ubiquitous buskers, who never leave this place? It seems like they finally left it because they are now replaced by carolling kids wearing costumes. There are also loads of local artisans who present their crafts (pottery, metalwork etc.) which can be bought. The Christmas Market ends on December 26th, so remember to visit this place before it’s too late and do that during evening hours – the huge, beautifully illuminated Christmas tree will leave you speechless!
Kraków Christmas Music Concert
There are some concerts which take place during Christmas. For example, Royal Chamber Orchestra Hall hosts Christmas Music Concert very often in December. You’ll be able to hear some of the most popular Christmas hits and carols including: Jingle Bell Rock, Let it Snow, O Holy Night, Silent Night and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. If you’re a fan of Christmas songs or just enjoy going to concerts, this music event will be perfect for you. Did I mention that they also serve wine there?
http://krakow.naszemiasto.pl/imprezy/krakow-christmas-music-concert-60294729.html
Christmas crèches exhibition
Another Christmas tradition is creating “szopka”, which was introduced to Poland by Franciscan monks of the thirteenth century. It’s an exhibition of art objects representing the birth of Jesus and also resembling Cracow architecture, because typical crèche doesn’t look like a stable, but rather like a palace with pointed towers. Every year, crèche makers swarm to Kraków’s Market Square on the first Thursday of December in order to participate in a competition. There are different sizes of crèches by which they are categorised. There is a jury that selects the best crèche, which is not easy at all, as there are hundreds of them to choose from. All of the Cracovian crèches can be seen later in Celestat (a division of Historical Museum of Kraków). You can go there everyday after December 11th until February 25th. Keep in mind that the museum is closed on Christmas Eve and the 1st day of Christmas.
http://www.mhk.pl/exhibitions/296
Live Nativity at St. Francis’ Basilica
There’s a live nativity scene behind the church where you can watch actors recreate the birth of Jesus and that is a type of thing which is definitely worth seeing at least once in a lifetime. There are lots of people acting, children carolling and even live animals. Additionally, there will be free food and drink served, but there is a big possibility that you’ll be already full by that time. The nativity scene will take place on Dec 24th at 22:00 and Dec 25th&26th at 12:00.
https://www.facebook.com/zywaszopka/
Midnight Mass (Catholic version)
Poland is a religious country and Kraków citizens can be proud of its heritage. Midnight Mass is a Christmas Eve liturgical tradition in Poland. It’s an act of worship – people gather in churches in order to pray together. It takes place at midnight which is very uncommon but not on Christmas Eve. Instead of sleeping, lots of people attend it, which is why it can be overcrowded sometimes.
Midnight Mass (Partying version)
If you’re fed up with the traditional Polish Christmas celebrations, there’s something for you. Lots of young people find spending Midnight Mass in church dull and use it as an excuse to leave home late at night. But their intention is not praying but partying in clubs. There are some clubs that host “Pasterka parties” to choose from: RIN Music Club, Pergamin, Amnesia Club, Lastriko and Schizofrenia Cafe. If you can’t attend them at that time – don’t worry – young Polish people are known for partying even on the first and the second day of Christmas.
Ice skating
How about a combination of entertainment, sport and art? There are some places where you can enjoy ice skating in Kraków, for example in front of the Galeria Krakowska. You can also visit Comarch Cracovia arena not far from the Old Town, where you can also see a game of Polish Hockey League there. You can also visit Wolnica ice rink, where DJs take the decks on Friday and Saturday nights. Other planned events include pro ice skating shows. Why don’t you drop in and have some fun at the rink?
Cinema
Cinema is one of the first thing that comes to mind when you’re bored and looking for something to do. Why not go and see some X-mas themed (or not) movies? Currently there are some new tiltes worth seeing, for instance Star Wars: The Last Jedi or Listy do M 3 (It’s a Polish movie but can be also watched with English subtitles). Check out the latest releases that are now playing in theaters at http://www.kina.krakow.pl/en
Sleigh Ride
You can feel like Santa not only by giving presents to the ones you love but also thanks to a sleigh ride! Unfortunately, raindeers do not live in Poland but horses are a great substitute for them. Most sleigh rides include a bonfire and a meal. The only problem is that you will have to travel around 20 kilometres because the centre of Kraków is not the best place for sleigh rides but there are some places on the outskirts which are perfect for this activity. Don’t hestitate and search for sleigh rides near Kraków on the Internet.
Christmas Eve
Since you are reading this, you probably plan to spend Christmas Eve in Poland, so why don’t you do this just like every Polish person does? That means celebrating many Catholic traditions such as decorating Christmas trees with sweets and different kinds of ornaments, singing carols and praying with families or close friends. “Wigilia” is the name of the day before Christmas day, which is equally important. The tradition says that it’s essential to place some hay under a white tablecloth to symbolize the fact that Jesus was born in a manger, and also prepare one extra chair for an unexpected guest. Afterwards the feast begins and you will unfortunately gain some weight because the traditional Polish Chrismas meal consists of twelve dishes. Don’t forget about the presents for those you love!
Those are just a little part of all the activities you can do in Kraków on Christmas, and to be honest – these are the most obvious ones. If you plan to stay in Kraków over that time, you’ll definitely discover more fun things that you can do there. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!