Unfortunately- many of our videos for this were created in 2017 using Vine (RIP) so that is why they do not play properly…. 

Follow us the next twelve days as we take you all over the city of Krakow to show you what Christmas in Krakow is really like!  Each day we will post a new video and pictures as a countdown to Christmas. Below is a sneak-peek at what we have in store… And remember everyday on this post and all our social accounts you will see a new photo and video everyday until Christmas. Are you ready to sing??

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

 …an ice rink for the city.

Every Christmas, the town sets up an ice skating rink just outside Galeria Krakowska. Spend a few hours skating to great music, stop by the close-by market for hot drinks and snacks, and finish the day off by doing your Christmas shopping in the mall or the nearby old town. Remember this skating rink is in the center of the Galeria’s Christmas market, but there is still the larger Christmas Market in the Main Square.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

Two Decked-Out Malls 

Both Galeria Krakowska and Galeria Kazimierz are always decorated for the holidays. With strings of lights all over and a true Winterfest of light installations it offers a wonderful addition to stressful holiday shopping. The malls are beautiful inside and out, so make sure to stop by and see them even if you don’t need to buy anything.

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

Three Lit-Up Streets

Not only are the malls decorated for the season, but you will find that the streets of Krakow are decorated with lights and decorations as well. Florianski and Grodzka are the most famous. It’s definitely worth a walk down each of them, whether during the night or day, to see the lights and garlands strung from the buildings.

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

Four Steaming Mugs

It isn’t a trip to the Christmas market without a cup of some hot wine! And don’t stop there, this is the season for hot beer, hot cider, and hot mead so find a cozy bar to snuggle up and enjoy a hot beverage. After the holidays are over we will have some recipes so you can enjoy these drinks at home too!

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

Five Szopki Scenes

We’ve already shown you the Szopki competition in town, but did you know they display them at shops and churches around Krakow as well? Check out the ones we found! And be sure to pick up a guide at one of the InfoKrakow Points for where you can see all of this year’s szopki in person.

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

Six Market Stalls

 

The Main Square of Krakow is filled with market stalls for the whole month of December, selling anything from Christmas decorations like ornaments, mistle-toe, and nativity scenes. And if you’re more in the mood for some food there are tons of treats! From waffles with whipped cream, chocolate covered bananas, to Polish specialties and lots of meat!  Check out our list of the 12 Things you Have to Buy at the Christmas Market in Krakow.

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

Seven Swans on Wisła

The Vistula River, or Wisła in Polish, Runs through the center of Krakow. You can find beautiful swans just like this, swimming there all year round.

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

Eight Trees a-Sparkling

A list of Christmas things wouldn’t be complete without Christmas trees! The old town main square is home to some of the biggest, but you can find beautifully decorated trees throughout all of Krakow.

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

Nine Treats from Market

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without chocolate and cookies. Some of our favorite Christmas treats and snacks can be found at the Christmas Market, but there’s also some great chocolate shops and bakeries in town for those with a sweet tooth. Go here to see our video at the market!

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

Ten Main Square Pigeons

Krakow is famous for its pigeons. The main square is full of them. They are one of the legends of the town and it is said that they used to be the army of King Henryk turned into pigeons by an evil sorceress. You can’t miss them.

Eleven Christmas Baubles

Unique and beautiful Christmas ornaments can be found all over town. They’ve got some really beautiful ones in the Christmas market. These are some of our favorites.

Twelve Wigilia Plates

Wigilia, Polish for Christmas Eve, is traditionally celebrated with twelve meatless dishes. These include things such as pierogi, mushroom soup, and carp. Check back for our video on the event and pictures from the final day of our Christmas countdown.