Kraków, the second largest city in Poland, is known for its rich history and cultural traditions, especially during the holiday season. Christmas is an especially important time in Kraków, with a number of unique traditions that have been passed down for generations. Lets find out Krakow Christmas traditions.
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A guide to Christmas in Kraków: markets, carols, and holiday events
One of the most popular Christmas traditions in Kraków is the city’s Christmas market, which takes place in the Main Market Square.
The market features stalls selling traditional Polish Christmas decorations, such as ornaments and Nativity scenes, as well as handicrafts and locally produced food and drink. The market is also home to a large Christmas tree, which is lit up each evening during the holiday season.
Another popular Christmas tradition in Kraków is the singing of kolędy, traditional Polish Christmas carols. These carols are typically sung in churches or in homes, and are an important part of Christmas celebrations in Poland.
In addition to these traditional Christmas activities, Kraków is also home to a number of other holiday events and attractions.
The city’s museums and galleries often host special exhibits and performances during the holiday season, and there are also a number of festive concerts and performances held in the city’s churches and concert halls.
Overall, Christmas in Kraków is a time of celebration and tradition, with a number of unique and memorable events and activities for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Whether you’re visiting the Christmas market, singing carols, or enjoying one of the city’s many other holiday attractions, Kraków is a wonderful place to celebrate the holiday season.
Krakow Christmas traditions list:
Christmas markets
Kraków’s Christmas market is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, featuring stalls selling traditional Christmas decorations and locally produced food and drink.
Kolędy
Kolędy are traditional Polish Christmas carols, and are an important part of Christmas celebrations in Kraków. These carols are typically sung in churches or in homes.
Nativity scenes
Nativity scenes, known as szopki in Polish, are a popular Christmas tradition in Kraków.
These elaborate displays depict the birth of Jesus and are often displayed in homes and churches during the holiday season.
Christmas lights
Kraków’s streets and buildings are adorned with Christmas lights during the holiday season, creating a festive atmosphere in the city.
Christmas tree lighting
A large Christmas tree is lit up in the Main Market Square each evening during the holiday season, adding to the festive atmosphere in the city.
Special exhibits and performances
Kraków’s museums and galleries often host special exhibits and performances during the holiday season, offering visitors a chance to learn more about the city’s history and culture.
Festive concerts and performances
There are a number of festive concerts and performances held in Kraków’s churches and concert halls during the holiday season, including traditional Christmas music and other festive performances.
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Christmas Eve dinner
Christmas Eve dinner, known as Wigilia, is an important tradition in Kraków.
This special meal is typically held on December 24th and includes traditional Polish dishes such as pierogi and carp.
Gifting
Gifting is a popular tradition in Kraków during the holiday season, with many people exchanging gifts with friends and loved ones on Christmas Day.
Krakow Christmas traditions – 24th December – Wigilia
On 24th December, known as Christmas Eve in Poland, Kraków is abuzz with holiday cheer and celebration. This special day is an important part of Christmas traditions in the city, with a number of special events and activities taking place.
One of the most important traditions on Christmas Eve in Kraków is the Wigilia dinner, a special meal that is typically held in the evening.
Wigilia is a traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinner that includes a variety of dishes, such as pierogi (dumplings filled with various fillings), carp, and other traditional foods. The dinner is usually attended by friends and family, and is often accompanied by carol singing and other festive activities.
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- Take a Sobering Tour of Auschwitz. Arrange a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum to pay tribute and learn about this significant historical site.
Due to high demand, it’s recommended to book your tickets and accomodation well in advance to secure your preferred date and time!
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- Looking for ideas? Check out our KrakowTOP.org recommended itineraries for must-see attractions like Wawel Castle and St. Mary’s Basilica.
In addition to Wigilia, Christmas Eve in Kraków is also marked by a number of other traditions and events. Many people attend Christmas Eve Mass at one of the city’s churches, and carolers can often be heard singing traditional Christmas carols throughout the city.
The Main Market Square is also a popular destination on Christmas Eve, with the city’s Christmas tree lit up in the evening and a festive atmosphere in the air.
Overall, Christmas Eve in Kraków is a time of celebration and tradition, with a number of unique and memorable events and activities for locals and visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re attending Wigilia with friends and family, singing carols, or enjoying the festive atmosphere in the city, Christmas Eve in Kraków is a truly special time.
