Christmas is undoubtedly one of Poles' favourite holidays. We start our preparations long ('long' meaning up to two months) before the main festivities and when December finally comes, all we can think about are presents, Santa and Christmas Trees.
That's why Poland prides itself in organising many wonderful Christmas-related events that fully demostrate our love and engagement in this holiday, as well as add an essential amount of magical atmosphere to the festivities.
The first thing worth mentioning is Krakow's Christmas Market, held annually on the Main Square of the city. It opens on November 25th and lasts until December 26th. What can be bought there? Literally everything that is connected with the Christmas spirit and even more. First of all, you will find all kinds of Christmas tree ornaments: glass balls, angels and Santa Claus figurines, Christmas chains and a multitude of other things that could be hung on a Christmas tree. Then, you can switch to choosing presents for your family and friends from a wide range of products, both traditional and modern ones. Finally, you can reward yourself for spending the whole day on shopping by tasting the traditional foods and drinks, such as mulled wine (in Polish called Grzaniec Galicyjski), hot sausages and the unique grilled oscypek cheese (smoked cheese made of sheep milk).
Warsaw also organises a Christmas Market this year (November 26th – January 8th) and, even though it's not as popular and valued as the Krakow one, it's still worth checking out. The Market takes place on the beautiful Old Town Square.
There's one more event that is bound to draw your attention. It's Krakow Nativity Scene Contest which will be held this year for the 69th time. The name really speaks for itself: it will be an exposition of the traditional Nativity Cribs. But they're not just simple cribs made from a bit of wood and a handful of hay. Those presented in Krakow are handmade, beautifully decorated and perfect down to the last detail. They usually don't show the nativity scene in its classic interpretation, they are rather inspired by the Krakow's unique architecture, such as Florianska Gate or St. Mary's Basilica. The contest, however, is not dedicated solely to professionals. Everyone can make their own crib and take part in the competition. All the Nativity Scenes can be seen from around half of December until the end of February on the town's Main Square.
All in all, Poland is a great place to choose for Christmas. It's a time when the notion of hospitality and kindness spreads all over the nation and the magical atmosphere enters every corner of the country. After all – that's what Christmas is all about.
