As anywhere else on Earth, Christmas in Krakow is the most celebrated time of the year. During this festive period, the city suggests lots of Christmas attractions for its inhabitants and visitors alike.
Christmas Market
In the run-up to the holiday itself, the Main Square provides a Christmas market, where you can see lots of traditional local crafts and Polish cuisine like kaszanka and bigos, as well as a wide range of grilled meat, baked potatoes and other meal. There are also stalls suggesting mulled wine – grzaniec for warming you up and keeping in a good mood.
SzopkiKrakowskie
There is a special local tradition of producing tiny models of famous historical buildings in Krakow. They also introduce small figurines presenting the nativity scene, legends and history of Krakow. These magic, colorful models called SzopkiKrakowskie can be seen on the Main Square on the first Thursday in December. Then, szopki are represented in PalacKrzystofory on RynekGlowny 35. You can see them there till February.
Christmas cribs
Traditional Christmascrib is represented on the Main Square as well as in all the Krakow’s churches.
Christmas traditions in Poland
If you visit Poland you should know that the most celebrated part of Christmas is Wigilia or Christmas Eve, when the whole family meets at the traditional dinner. It’s time to sing Christmas songs and give Christmas presents. Traditional Christmas Eve dinner usually includes 12 various dishes, but these days there are usually not so many of them.
NewYear’sEve
When the Christmas time is over everyone waits for the New Year’s Eve Party! The New Year’s Eve in Krakow is celebrated every year on the Main Square. It’s a part of the city’s landscape, drawing lots of participants every year. On this last night of the year, the citizens of Krakow, as well as its visitors from Poland and other countries, meet at the center of the Old Town for celebrating together. The celebrations are accompanied by fireworks display and live concerts.
Separately from the Main Square you can celebrate the New Year’s Eve in Krakow’s clubs and hotels. Nevertheless, if you want to have a winter break from the city and wish to welcome the New Year amidst awesome, snowy landscape, you can go to Zakopane, the most famous Polish mountain resort which is in 100 km south from Krakow.
If you plan a trip to Krakow use one of these tips we give you. First of all, book your accommodation in advance, especially in the high season. The best hotels fill out fast, with apartments a better bet for last second breaks. Backpackers should check out Internet pages for Krakow hostels.
Poles are known for their passion about food. Throw away your preconceptions about poor Eastern stews, and be ready to taste something really great. Don’t miss your chance to get fond of Polish cuisine.
And one more secret! Poland has adopted some unique confusing symbols for differentiating public WC for guys and girls. Keep in mind, that you may well have to pay. And by the way, the circle means it’s a toilet for ladies, and the triangle is for men.