At Christmas in Krakow, you will find magnificent performances, streets and squares decorated with sparkling installations, and delicious food.
Features of the celebration of Christmas in Krakow
The symbol of this holiday is the Christmas star: as the biblical legend says, it was she who illuminated the path to the Christ-child. Before the Christmas holidays, nativity scenes with figures of shepherds, the holy family, three kings, worshiping the born Jesus (“shopki”), are erected in Krakow churches. It is worth noting that a competition for the best shop is held annually, and the winner of the competition is acquired by the National Museum.
On the night before Christmas, Poles go to churches for a traditional service ("parsley"), and the Christmas table itself is not complete without baked carp, wheat kutia seasoned with nuts, honey and raisins, borscht with ears, jellied meat, zavivans with poppy seeds (rolls from yeast dough). Since local restaurants develop special festive menus during the Christmas period, it is worth stopping by Hawelka, Pod Aviolami or Wentzl at this time (be sure to try beer soup, rabbit in medicinal herbs, sand cake).
Entertainment and celebrations in Krakow
In December, Krakow invites you to take part in the celebration of the “Malopolska Taste of Christmas”: at the stalls located on the Market Square, you can taste not only local products, but also ready-made festive dishes from fish and meat, as well as sweets.
If you decide to look at the shops, pay attention to the shops in the Capuchin Church, the Bernardine Church, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul (each temple creates special scenes, including those with moving figures, and special Christmas routes are developed for tourists around the main churches in Krakow).
Since special festive events are being developed in December, travelers are recommended to visit St. Mary's Church for a Christmas carol concert, as well as for an evening walking tour of the Kazimierz quarter (being the center of Jewish and Christian cultures, an unforgettable atmosphere reigns there).
Travelers should definitely visit the event that concludes the Christmas holidays - the Procession of the Three Kings (January 6).
Christmas markets and fairs in Krakow
The main Christmas fair takes place at the end of November on the Market Square near the Cloth Rows - you should come here to purchase ceramics, home decorations, candlesticks, jewelry, calendars, hand-painted Christmas tree decorations, postcards, woolen, glass and wood products. In addition, tents are opened at this fair where you can buy hearty and tasty food (baked potatoes, pies with different fillings, gingerbread cookies, cheeses, caramelized nuts).
