Things to do in Krakow in December. While December brings shorter days, colder weather, and darker nights, Kraków comes alive with twinkling Christmas lights and special holiday events. It’s the final month of the year, so make it count by exploring these brilliant things to do in December!
1. Kraków Nativity Scenes Contest & exhibition
2. The Christmas Fair of Unique Items
3. The Smurfs – Garden of Lights
4. Christmas Fair at Wolnica Square
5. Krakow Festival of Advent and Christmas Songs
6. Kiermash x Art & Food Bazaar Christmas Edition
7. Christmas Market on Main Square
8. Zielonki Day on the Christmas Market
9. Image of the Golden Age
10. Celebrate Story – Local Designers and Artisans Fair
11. Christmas Carols of the World
12. Galeria Krakowska Ice Rink
Dates: 07.12.23, 10:00 – 13:00
Address: Main Market Square & The Krzysztofory Palace, Rynek Główny 35
Building a nativity scene is a unique cultural phenomenon dating back to the XIX century in Krakow, and this contest has been organized since 1937 to preserve this rich local tradition. The 81st annual cradle competition will take place on Kraków’s main square on December 7, with results announced on December 10. In keeping with tradition, the artworks will be presented in a parade starting from the Adam Mickiewicz monument after the noon St. Mary’s Trumpet Call. Nativity scenes will be showcased to the public from December 11, 2023, to February 25, 2024, at the post-competition exhibition in the Krzysztofory palace.
Dates: 02.12.23 – 03.12.23, 11:00 – 20:00
Address: Podgórze Market Square
The magic of Christmas requires a perfect setting, and this year, it can be found at the Christmas Fair of Unique Items on the first weekend of December. The festive assortment includes Christmas decorations, jewelry, bags, natural cosmetics, ceramics, honey, books, wood items, and many other treasures! The program is rich and includes various workshops, a wonderful concert, and more! The atmosphere is made all the more festive by an original Victorian carousel, taking riders on a magical journey to century-old Christmas fairs, and, of course, the all-important visit from Santa Claus!
Dates: 27.10.2023 – 03.03.2024.
Address: Aleja Pokoju 68
The new edition of Garden of Lights in Krakow is here! This unique outdoor event is full of attractions, which you can visit until March 3. In addition to the heroes and their village, you will admire dozens of light installations and many impressive multimedia attractions, such as a light tunnel, a multimedia tree or a field of lights consisting of almost 60,000 flashing elements! There are also photo zones, thanks to which you will be able to create many beautiful captures in this magical garden.
Date: 04.12.23 – 17.12.23,
Address: Plac Wolnica
The Christmas fair unfolds at the enchanting Wolnica Square, transforming it into a magical Christmas land surrounded by Christmas trees and festive decorations. Explore unique hand-decorated Christmas tree ornaments, ceramics, jewelry, accessories, and environmentally friendly wooden products. The stalls offer ideal Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Additionally, indulge in regional flavors and Christmas specialties in the dedicated space.
Date: 01.12.23 – 03.12.23
Address: Church of St. Katarzyny, ul. Augustiańska 7
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Christmas music at the 12th Krakow Festival of Advent and Christmas Songs. This international festival celebrates Christmas music from diverse churches around the world.Seventeen choirs from Poland, Italy, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Norway, Iceland, and Denmark will participate in this year’s edition. An International Jury will evaluate teams in five categories, awarding Golden Angels statuettes to the best performers. Come and experience the magical Christmas atmosphere. Admission is free.
Dates: 16.12.23 – 17.12.23
Address: Hala 100-lecia KS Cracovia, Al. Focha 40.
Kiermash is an independent fashion and design fair promoting the ethical and responsible #lesswaste spirit! Discover Polish brands offering not only clothes, gadgets, accessories, and cosmetics for yourself and your home but also plenty of ideas for Christmas gifts. ART & FOOD BAZAR is a recurring culinary event in Krakow where you’ll find delightful exhibitors offering delicious food, sweet desserts, warming coffee, tea, preserves, and culinary gifts. Enjoy a fantastic weekend of shopping and foodie delights!
Dates: 24.11.23 – 01.01.24
Address: Main Market Square
This year the Christmas Market in Krakow will start on November 24 and will last until January 1,2024. You’ll be able to enjoy the magical Krakow Christmas spirit to the fullest! At the market there will be a wide range of Christmas items & decorations as well as ceramic and wooden products, wool, textiles, art glass, jewelry, souvenirs, postcards, and much more! You’ll be able to taste delicious dishes from the grill, including traditional oscypek cheese roasted with cranberries, to drink hot wine and other festive delights. Last year Krakow Christmas Market was noted by the British newspaper “The Times”, which placed it in the list of 24 best Christmas Markets in Europe.
Dates: 10.12.23, 12:00 – 16:00
Address: Rynek Główny/ Main Square
For many years, the municipality of Zielonki has graced the stage of the Christmas Market on the Main Square in Krakow once a year. Dance, vocal, carol, and orchestra ensembles present the Christmas repertoire, inviting attendees to experience the charm of Zielonki village and conveying the warmest Christmas wishes from Krakow’s nearest neighbors.
Dates: 15.09.23 – 14.12.23
Address: Wawel Royal Castle, Wawel 5
Nearly 400 unique works of art from thirteen countries around the world will be on view at Wawel Royal Castle in Image of the Golden Age, an exhibition recalling the Renaissance flowering of art and culture in Poland and Lithuania under the last kings of the Jagiellonian dynasty. The Krakow exhibition will showcase notable objects from public, ecclesiastical, and private collections. It will include not only widely known and exhibited works of art, but also a number of newly discovered objects, as well as many that have never been exhibited in Poland. For three months, the former royal residence on Wawel Hill will be filled with several hundred works gathered from all over the world.
Dates: 11.12.23 – 15.11.23, 15:00 – 18:00
Address: Pawilon Wyspiańskiego, pl. Wszystkich Świętych 2
Throughout the week, from December 11 to 15, between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, local craftsmen, producers, and designers will showcase their creations at the Wyspiański Pavilion. Each day is dedicated to different sections, such as Coffee on 11/12 (Monday), Taste on 12/12 (Tuesday), Literature and Music on 13/12 (Wednesday), Lifestyle on 14/12 (Thursday), and Fashion on 15/12 (Friday). This is a perfect opportunity to explore and purchase unique gifts for yourself and your loved ones.
Date: 30.12.23, 19.00
Address: ICE Kraków Congress Centre, ul. Marii Konopnickiej 17
Christmas Carols of the World: TGD + Kasia Cerekwicka, Mateusz Ziółko / Kraków. Experience the magic of Christmas with a phenomenal choir, an instrumental band, and special guests presenting well-known and popular songs in new, unique arrangements. The concert program will showcase the most beautiful Christmas compositions from around the globe, including many from the 2022 album “Kolędy Świat 3.” Here, tradition meets modernity, east meets west, and heaven meets earth, with musical surprises for which TGD is famous. Join outstanding Polish singers on stage for an unforgettable evening.
Dates: Seasonal spot open until the end of February
Address: Pl. Jana Nowaka Jeziorańskiego
Every winter, Galeria Krakowska’s outdoor ice rink welcomes ice skating enthusiasts who gather for a delightful time with family in the heart of the city. Regardless of your grace or skill level, a visit to the ice skating rink promises a fun winter activity.They provide changing rooms and an equipment rental shop, ensuring you have everything you need for an enjoyable experience. Come and have fun with this essential winter activity! Regular ticket price: 20 PLN (no time limit, rental equipment not included) Opening hours: 9:00 – 21:30.
Photo:@krakowcityguide
Find all tips for the best THINGS TO DO IN KRAKOW.
