Let’s meet around the nativity scene!
In shop windows, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, as well as in well-illuminated, free-standing display cases – this year nearly 40 nativity scenes will be set up in Krakow’s urban space. With the help of a free walking guide map, you will be able to view them at your own pace, while organised walks will provide additional stories about selected fairy-tale structures. The nativity scenes are on display from 8 December.
The Krakow nativity scene draws inspiration from the richness of Krakow’s monuments, and its uniqueness lies in the imaginative blending of styles, mixing of themes and characters from different worlds. The latter features various ‘musicians’ – from angels playing violins and trumpets to Krakow buskers. That's why the route of the “All Around Nativity Scenes” walk this year is made up of musical motifs of Krakow and set around characteristic places and figures associated with the city. Wandering through the Old Town (according to Renaissance chronicler Martin Bielski, seen from above it recalls the shape of a lute) and its surroundings, you will come across classical music as well as street songs, poetry, jazz and rock and roll. Keep your eyes peeled and – with the help of the walking guide map available online – find the nativity scenes associated with Krakow composers, performers and street musicians.
Walking through the city full of winter energy, spending active time with family and friends, and showing guests and tourists around the festively decorated Krakow Old Town, are the perfect way to spend December in Krakow. Everyone can do so at their own pace – on a tight agenda or in a relaxed way, with stops for delicious hot chocolate or aromatic coffee. You can admire the nativity scenes however you want, but the most important thing is to enjoy the festive season together.
This year’s edition of the “Around the Nativity Scene” project also offers organised opportunities to spend time in the fairy-tale world created by Krakow’s nativity scene makers, and learn more about the curiosities associated with it.
On 14 December at 12:00 p.m., a walk with Polish Sign Language interpretation will set off from Holy Spirit Square. The walk is free of charge, registration is not required. 10 nativity scenes in large display cases bear QR codes that take you to a recording of an audio description for the visually impaired, prepared in Polish and English by Malgorzata Hordyniec.
Guided walks along the route of Krakow’s nativity scenes will be held on 17 and 26 December. The walks are subject to registration and tickets, which cost 5 PLN, can be purchased at kbfbilety.krakow.pl and in the app kbf: plus. Participation is free for children under the age of three.
On 6 January, in turn, you are traditionally invited to a walk with Michał Niezabitowski, Director of the Krakow Museum, who will lead us along the musical trail “All Around Nativity Scenes”. Admission to this event is free, and detailed information will be available at muzeumkrakowa.pl. In addition, the museum invites the public to view the post-competition exhibition of Krakow nativity scenes at the Krzysztofory Palace from 11 December.
Details of other walks offered by KBF can be found at wokolszopki.pl.