While we wrote this for the competition in 2017- the National Museum is still holding it’s annual szopki competition each year. The only difference is they now display many of the szopka for over a month before and after Christmas. Check their website each year for the updated program. 

Every year on the first Thursday of December, the Historical Museum of Krakow holds the annual Szopka Competition! This year (2017) was its 73rd Edition. Children, adults, everyone brings their handcrafted szopka to the Adam Mickiewicz statue at the heart of the Main Square. Krakowians and visitors gather together, starting around 9am, to watch the szopki be brought in. Some are as small as a thumb- while others require multiple people to carry them.

If you miss the event- don’t worry, you can visit the Ethnographic museum to see many szopki up close, as it is also the home to winners from every year.  You will also find szopki all around town, for sale as souvenirs, or as decoration in every sort of establishment from churches to restaurants to hotels! Every one is different, and while some show the traditional nativity scene, others feature Polish symbols like the Lajkonik!

Photos from the 72nd Annual (2014):

Don’t forget if you have any questions, comments, or want us to make you a custom made list or itinerary, you can always email us at emilysguidetokrakow@gmail.com