Christmas in Krakow

Krakow Christmas Market

The Krakow Christmas Market kicks off at the beginning of December. Head to Main Market Square to participate in the festivities, purchase Polish Christmas souvenirs, and warm yourself with hot mulled wine and seasonal treats.

Krakow Christmas Creche Competition

The first Thursday of December, the Krakow Christmas Creche, or Nativity Scene, Competition gets underway in Main Market Square. In Poland, a Christmas creche is called a szopka.The making of Christmas creches is a special Krakow tradition, and the competition is an annual event. Krakovian Christmas creches are elaborate works of art that pull elements from Krakow's architecture, distinguishing them from other creches made for the holiday season elsewhere.

Christmas Eve and Christmas in Poland

December 24 is Wigilia in Poland, which is centered around special holiday foods and traditions. December 25 is Christmas day and is usually spent with close family members. December 26th is also considered a holiday in Poland, so travelers might have difficulty finding open shops until the Christmas celebrations have completely ended.

New Year's Eve in Krakow

New Year's Eve celebrants head to Main Market Square to enjoy the fireworks display there. If you aren't interested in the chaos of New Year's Eve crowds, choose a vantage point away from the square to watch the fireworks and ring in the New Year.