Whilst the Christmas market is the main event, Kraków has much more to offer over the festive period. Here’s a few of the highlights.
UPDATE 6.12.23
SANTA PROCESSION
On 6th December at 2:00 p.m., a group of 148 Santas (Mikołajów) will march in procession from Rondo Grzegórzecki to the Main Market Square.
Around 3:00 p.m. Santa Clauses will go to Plac Wszystkich Świętych, where at the Krakow City Hall, the santas will given gifts for little patients of the Hospital.Szpitala im. S. Żeromskiego in Krakow.
Then, around 3:15 p.m., the Christmas tram will take the Santa Clauses with their gifts, to the hospital to meet the children and hand over the parcels at around 4:00 p.m. The Santa Claus ride is organised by MPK SA, which celebrates its 148th anniversary this year.
source: https://szkola.izba.krakow.pl/nasi-uczniowie-znow-wystapia-na-scenie-rynku-glownego-w-krakowie/
Photos from todays Santa Parade
SANTA ON THE CHRISTMAS TRAM
The Santa tram will return to the tracks this year. Santa will be riding on the specially decorated tram, and we’ll give a small present to any children who board the tram.
The tram leaves Nowa Huta at 5.30pm, then heads into the city where it will operate on the ring road around the old town until 8pm.
The following is from the MPK website:
We invite our youngest passengers on December 6 (Wednesday) to a unique, Christmas MPK tram in which Santa Claus will travel. Every child who gets into it will be able to meet Santa Claus and receive a sweet gift from him.
Route
Santa Claus will start his journey on the MPK Christmas tram in Nowa Huta. Approx. At 5:30 p.m. you can board it at the Bardosa stop (direction to the center). From here the tram will go along ul. Ptaszyckiego, through Centralny Square, al. Pokoju, ul. Grzegórzecka and Starowiślna. After reaching the city center, the MPK Christmas tram with Santa Claus will run around the 1st Ring Road until approximately 8 p.m. The tram will stop at every stop along the route.
We warmly invite all children to travel with Santa Claus on this unique, specially decorated and lit Christmas MPK tram.
81st NATIVITY SCENE CONTEST Thur 7th Dec
Kraków’s UNESCO listed world famous nativity scene parade and contest dates back to the 19th century. People of all ages from across Poland make elaborate nativity scenes or (Szopki) cribs which are displayed on the Adam Mickiewicz monument, then at 1200 they are paraded around the Main Square to the stage, then to Krzysztofory Palace where they are judged.
The winning nativity scenes are exhibited at the Krzysztofory museum from 11th December to 25th February 2024.
7th December1000 – 1300
Rynek Główny
Kraków Cribs – Nativity Scene Contest
FB Event 10th December
1200 – 1800
HEVRE, 18 Meiselsa Street, Krakow
FB Event
PODGÓRZE CHRISTMAS FAIR OF UNIQUE THINGS
Podgórze Christmas fair, or to give it’s full title – Christmas Fair of Unique Things! (Świąteczne Targi Rzeczy Wyjątkowych w Podgórze), is the cute little brother of the main Christmas Market on the square.
The fair takes place in Rynek Podgórski with the stunning backdrop of St.Josephs church. Stalls offer a selection of more arts and craft type hand made Christmassy things, including stained glass, clay angels, natural jewellery, clothing, artwork, food, sweets and more, mostly from local residents.
Concert
Details have just been published of the main ‘accompanying concert‘. The accompanying event of the Podgórze Christmas Fair will be a concert with voice and lyre “Towards silence”. Joachim Mencel (lira horn) and Kasia Bogusz (singing) will perform.
There will also be food and drink, workshops for kids and adults, and a rare hundred-year-old Victorian carousel.
1100 – 1800
Rynek Podgórski
targi.podgorze.pl
List of exhibitors
Świąteczne Targi Rzeczy Wyjątkowych w Podgórze FB Event
SANTAS MOTORBIKE PARADE
On Sunday 3rd December, hundreds of Santas on motorbikes will take part in the traditional MotoMikołaje parade from EXPO Kraków to deliver present to the children’s hospital. Keep an eye out for Rudolph the red nosed Ducati. 😉
Route: Expo Kraków – Galicyjska – Centralna – Nowohucka – Al. Pokoju – Rondo Czyżyńskie – al. Jana Pawła II -Mogilska – Rondo Mogilskie – Rondo Grzegórzeckie – 2nd ring road – Kotlarski Bridge – Klimeckiego – 2nd ring road – Powstańców Śląskich – Wielicka – Marii Orwid – M. Jakubowskiego – entrance to the Hospital
Map of Route
You can join the campaign at the Expo Kraków hall where there will be a collection point for board games and puzzles, as well as a piggy bank, on Galicyjska Street.
Sunday 3rd December10.30am Start at Expo
MotoMikołaje krakow.pl
EXPO Kraków
MotoMikołaje
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS SWITCH ON
Once again this year, Kraków’s Christmas tree, will be decorated with 26,000 colour changing lights and 1000 baubles decorated in the style of the Wawel tapestries. The energy saving tree lights consume less power than an electric kettle.
Prior to the switch on, at 4.30pm, blues and rock band Pozytyvni.pl will perform on a stage next to the tree.
Sunday 2nd December5.15pm
Rynek Główny
Event information on krakow.pl
FB Event
GALERIA KRAKOWSKA ICE SKATING
Price list
Regular ticket – PLN 20 Regular ticket with skate rental – PLN 32
Opening hours
Monday to Saturday – from 9:00 to 21:30
Sunday from 10:00 to 21:30
There are also Ice Rinks at Tauron Arena and Nowa Huta cultural centre. More information here.
MODERN ART FAIR – CHRISTMAS EDITION
Works by over 20 artists creating the future in Krakow.
The Young Art Space invites you to our fair for the last time this year, so that you can stop for a moment and feel the warmth of contact with art. Warmth that you can take to your home or give to a loved one.
Price range: from PLN 3 for a sticker to thousands for a painting. Please bring cash.
Original graphics, sculptures, posters and photographs in various formats and sizes will also be exhibited.
+ Family friendly
+ Queer friendly
+ Pet friendly
Art is an open and friendly thing! Come and make sure! And at the same time, support artists and what they consider important and valuable. Each individual creator will be happy to talk live about their work, techniques and motivations – just ask.
FREE ENTRANCE.
1100 – 1800
HEVRE, 18 Meiselsa Street, Krakow (First floor)
FB Event
CHRISTMAS GIFTS – ART & FOOD BAZAAR
Get ready for the winter edition of Kiermash! As usual, there will be a lot going on!
Kiermash is an independent fashion and design fair, where you will find perfect gifts for yourself and all your loved ones. You can be sure that each of these things was made in an ethical and responsible way with full respect for the environment
We will meet you in the well-known Hala Cracovia! We plan not only shopping, but also great fun with good food and music. Like every year, we will take care of the festive accents and the smell of fresh Christmas trees.
#closertofashion #closertodesign
You will find not only Christmas tree decorations and Christmas delicacies, but also:
– unique, quality jackets and warm coats,
– colourful hats, scarves and gloves,
– phenomenal, handmade jewelry,
– carefully selected Polish design,
– wonderfully enveloping, natural cosmetics.
#closertofood
ART & FOOD BAZAR is a cyclical Krakow culinary event that was created out of love for Mediterranean markets and Stary Kleparz.
Once again, during the Christmas Fair, we join forces with ART & FOOD BAZAR, creating a unique zone of Christmas delicacies. You will find delicious exhibitors there – in addition to delicious food, sweet desserts, warming coffee and tea, you will also find preserves and culinary gifts that will surely win the hearts and palates of your loved ones. As always, it will be fresh, tasty and local. We promise a festive and magical weekend.
16th-17th December
1100 – 1900 (until 1800 on Sunday)
Hala Cracovia, Kraków
FB Event
KRAKÓW MOOD BOUTIQUE FAIR – CHRISTMAS EDITION
The second, Christmas edition of the KRAKOW MOOD boutique fair will take place on Saturday, December 9, 2023, in the beautiful spaces of the STRADOM HOUSE hotel at 12-14 Stradomska Street in Krakow. Handcrafted ceramics, haberdashery, jewellery, candles, and many other unique gift ideas will be waiting for event visitors.
Kraków Mood is a local, boutique fair with a workshop program. At Kraków Mood, we present people who create beautiful objects and valuable initiatives – the hotel’s closest neighbors, because most of the exhibitors have their studios, shops and boutiques in Krakow’s Kazimierz and the Old Town. At Kraków Mood you will feel the contemporary Krakow lifestyle, see what delights and inspires us, and meet interesting people.
What is Kraków Mood?
Kraków Mood is a local, boutique fair with a workshop program. At Kraków Mood, we present people who create beautiful objects and valuable initiatives – the hotel’s closest neighbors, because most of the exhibitors have their studios, shops and boutiques in Krakow’s Kazimierz and the Old Town. At Kraków Mood you will feel the contemporary Krakow lifestyle, see what delights and inspires us, and meet interesting people.
1100 – 1700
Stradom House, 12/14 Stradomska
Kraków Christmas Edition
FB Event
VINTAGE & RETRO FAIR – CHRISTMAS EDITION
We are very pleased to invite you to the next edition of the unique Vintage and Retro Kogel Mogel Fair.
On 10th December, you will be able to enrich your wardrobes with unique things that deserve to be given a second life . We will meet in Hevre – a place that is conducive to unhurried shopping and searching for the best gems at your favourite Exhibitors.
Vintage fashion is a great choice for anyone who cares about conscious choices and sustainable fashion. Let’s reach for second-hand clothes. On our special Christmas edition you will find a lot of beautiful and unique ideas for a Christmas gift . We will provide your wardrobe with old-school sweaters , warm coats, stunning New Year’s Eve creations and many other vintage rarities .
Let’s shop second-hand!
Admission to the fair is free
1200 – 1800
HEVRE, 18 Meiselsa Street, Krakow
FB Event
PLAC WOLNICA CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Christmas Market at Wolnica Square promotes local producers and artists and supports local businesses. You will find unique works, such as hand-decorated Christmas tree decorations, ceramics, jewellery and ecological wood products.
There will also be space to taste regional flavours and Christmas specialties. Fans of Polish cuisine will enjoy warm wine, bigos, pierogi, potato pancakes, red borscht and traditional cheeses reflecting the richness of local cuisine.
4th – 17th DecemberPlac Wolnica
Event information on krakow.pl
CHRISTMAS MARKET
The magic of Christmas returns to Rynek, from 24th November to 1st January 2024.
Read our article with programme, and full details.
CHRISTMAS CAROL SING ALONG
Adding to the Christmas atmosphere, a choir will perform the most popular Christmas carols, as well as a Ukrainian New Year’s song and a Spanish carol from the 15th century. The audience are encouraged to join in and sing along.
23rd December
TBC (6pm?)
Rynek Główny
Event information on krakow.pl
OTHER EVENTS
A long standing Kraków tradition continues, whereby many of the city churches will have elaborate nativity scenes. In addition to the above events, Kraków traditionally also has a decorated Christmas Tram travelling around the city, there is a popular live nativity scene, carol concerts and bonfire, at the Franciscan church. Information on these events has not been published yet. I will update the article when details are known.
If you have any news, events or other stories you think we should feature, please do get in touch.
A Scot in Kraków. The founder and editor of Kraków Expats Directory, and our sister sites Kraków TV and Kraków Stories Podcast.
David fell in love with Kraków 24 years ago, making it his home in 2011.
In 2020 he was awarded the title of Kraków’s Ambassador of Multiculturalism, by the President of Kraków, and is also a member of the GlobalScot network, representing Scottish culture and business abroad.
We’re always looking for interesting stories, events, characters or groups to feature. Likewise, if you’d like to join us, as a contributor, please get in touch.
