Christmas Kraków – Feel the Atmosphere
In recent posts we talked about food and drink. Today we stay in a similar theme, though not only that. Today we immerse ourselves in Kraków’s festive atmosphere. For those who claim they don’t like Christmas or don’t celebrate it for ideological reasons, let me remind you that we are celebrating the winter solstice. Festivals around the longest night of the year have been known since time immemorial: the Slavs celebrated Szczodre Gody, Jews celebrate Hanukkah, Vikings Jul, Celts Yule, etc. The meaning is similar everywhere: we celebrate the victory of day over night, the days grow longer, after darkness comes light, and hope for spring begins. Let’s also remember that Jesus of Nazareth certainly was not born on December 25. That day was the Roman festival of Sol Invictus, with the same meaning as the traditions mentioned above, and it was wisely adopted as the feast of the new religion.
Kraków Nativity Scenes (cribs) – UNESCO Heritage
Why visit Kraków in December? There are several reasons. One is the unique tradition of Kraków’s nativity scenes (szopki). This tradition is so fascinating and important that for several years Kraków’s nativity scenes have been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Characteristic features of these nativity scenes are their vivid colors and obligatory inspiration from Kraków’s monuments (see: walk through Kraków’s Old Town). You’ll see elements inspired by the towers of St. Mary’s Basilica, Wawel Cathedral, the Barbican, Florian Gate, and other landmarks. But they cannot be direct copies—each nativity scene is unique and one of a kind. Since 1937, on the first Thursday of December, a competition for the most beautiful nativity scenes has been held at the Main Market Square, by the Mickiewicz monument. After the contest, throughout December and January, they are displayed at the main seat of the Kraków Museum in the Krzysztofory Palace. In addition to Kraków’s nativity scenes, you can also admire mechanical ones at the Capuchin Church on Loretańska Street or a live nativity scene at the Franciscan Church on Franciszkańska Street.
Christmas Market at Kraków’s Main Square
For years we cannot imagine the holiday season without stalls offering mulled wine, sausages, slices of bread with lard, as well as baubles, decorations, and handicrafts. And so it is in Kraków. I decided to visit the market, which opened in late November, and share my impressions. Crowds of people, steam rising from cauldrons of bigos and soups, ladles pouring aromatic mulled wine, stalls decorated with fir and spruce branches and ornaments, lights everywhere, mingling scents, languages of locals and tourists. In a word: festive.
What Can You Buy at the Christmas Market?
The answer: many delicious traditional dishes and also handicrafts. Just a few examples:
Grilled oscypek (smoked cheese) plain or with bacon from 8 PLN
A huge slice of bread with lard for 18 PLN (more expensive in deluxe versions)
Pierogi: small portion for 30 PLN, large 12-piece portion for 55 PLN Plus traditional soups, cold cuts—like Lithuanian kindziuk sausages and other specialties that nearly made me drool. There are also numerous stalls with handmade baubles, Christmas wreaths, blacksmith’s crafts, and much more. It’s truly worth experiencing this atmosphere and visiting Kraków in December! The whole city is decorated with Christmas trees, overhead hang ornaments inspired by Kraków’s tapestries—it’s truly beautiful.
Interested? Let me know. I’d be happy to show you our beautiful city.
