The first Thursday of every December the city of Krakow hosts a uniquely Polish tradition – a showcase and competition of Christmas “cribs” – brightly colored nativities constructed from brightly colored foil and cardboard or metal – set in architectural details from around Krakow.

Krakow Crib Competition & Parade

The tradition of the cribs (szopka in Polish) dates back to the 19th century when Krakow’s woodworkers and masons would make large nativity displays with puppets depicting Christ’s birth – only set amongst Polish (primarily Krakow) landmarks. 

When Poland gained independence in 1918, the cribs were sold as an extra way to make money at Christmas – and have evolved into an amazing annual folk art tradition – and now, every year on the first thursday of December, there is a competition to find the best “crib”. Participants parade the homemade nativities, many made from cardboard and foil, some with intricate metalwork and moving parts – with participants of all ages and a ton of categories.

The first szopka competition in Krakow was held in 1937 – and has happened on the first Thursday of every December since (excluding the years during WWII.

Normally, the nativities are made at home (there are separate categories for kids and adults, for large and small cribs alike) and then displayed at the Adam Mickiewicz Monument in the middle of Krakow’s main square before being paraded to the Krakow Historical Museum where they are auctioned off or sold (to raise money for the maker or to be donated to the museum) or displayed for museum-goers.

Since we were there on a day that was quite wet (it was raining, snowing, and sleeting at various parts of the morning), the festivities were a bit paired down as most nativity makers were trying to protect their intricate, delicate creations. We still got to see a ton of cribs, however – and watching kids and adults alike “parade” their creations past makeshift paparazzi (including my friends and I, cameras in hand) and news crews was incredibly adorable.

If you go

Consider taking a tour guide along with you – Krakow’s tour guides are fantastic – most are college educated, speak numerous languages, and can help you find the best spot to see the parade of nativities

Our tour guide, Pawel, was amazing – he had just as much fun seeing the cribs as we did and helped us know when to watch the parade of people, find activities nearby, and made the whole event so much more enjoyable!

I’ve used a couple of tour guides in Poland now and seriously – Krakow has the most amazing guides. It’s helpful to have someone help you navigate through a couple landmarks a day (we had Pawel with us four hours a day for two days – which was a great way to see a couple highlights and then go off on our own and explore).

For more Tourism Information to plan your visit to Krakow, please check the Krakow City Council Website.

They provide a TON of information, trip ideas, tour guides, and more! I specifically love the “Tour Routes” section with tons of options that make it incredibly easy to plan your own tour.

Where to Stay for Krakows nativity Parade

Old Town (Stare Miasto)

The heart of Krakow, where the Christmas market is located. Staying in the Old Town puts you within walking distance of the market stalls, restaurants, and iconic landmarks like St. Mary’s Basilica and Cloth Hall.

It’s a lively and picturesque area with plenty of accommodation options ranging from luxury to budget – expect to have lots of other tourists around, but it is a safe city and largely quiet after hours. Make sure your airbnb or hotel isn’t next to a nightclub though, as they tend to be open (and loud) much later than American clubs.

Hotels in Stare Miasto:

• Hotel Saski: This GORGEOUS hotel has been entirely remodeled in a luxurious belle epoch style, and is steps to the main market, the cathedral, cloth hall, and fantastic restaurants.
• Hotel Stary: A luxurious boutique hotel just steps from the Main Market Square. It’s known for its modern elegance, stunning views, and a beautiful underground spa with a pool.
• Wyndham Grand Hotel Krakow: This boutique chain offers remodeled rooms that are close to everything in Old Town, with comfortable beds and great onsite restaurants.
• Stradom House: This Autograph Collection hotel has been gorgeously remodeled and is a perfect base for exploring the old town, with onsite restaurants, and just steps to the market, cathedral, cloth hall, and restaurants.
• Feniks Apartments: We stayed at these Old town apartments and loved how close they were to everything, the adorable decor, and that we could get a few girls in each apartment for a girls trip.

Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)

A little further from the main market but only a 10-15 minute walk away, Kazimierz is Krakow’s historic Jewish district.

It has a bohemian vibe, with plenty of trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars, and even it’s own more local Christmas market, offering a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than the bustling Old Town.

Hotel Recommendations in Kazimierz:

• Hotel Rubinstein: Located in the heart of Kazimierz, this boutique hotel blends historical charm with modern comforts. It’s a cozy and stylish option within walking distance of both Kazimierz and the Old Town.
• Puro Kazimierz: Puro is a boutique Polish chain with gorgeous remodeled rooms and great options for solo travelers – with unique touches and a great location close to all of the best restaurants and bars in the Kazimierz.

Planty Park Area

Surrounding the Old Town is Planty Park, a green belt that offers a quieter, more residential vibe while still being just a short walk from the Main Market Square and the Christmas market. This area is ideal if you prefer a slightly more peaceful setting with easy access to the festivities.

Hotel Recommendations near Planty Park:

• Bachleda Luxury Hotel: A five-star hotel offering opulent rooms and suites, just a short stroll from Planty Park and the Old Town. Its luxurious decor and top-notch service make it a great choice for those seeking comfort and elegance.
• Radisson Blu Hotel Krakow: Situated near Planty Park and Wawel Castle, this hotel is perfect for those who want a modern stay with convenient access to both the Old Town and the Christmas markets. We stayed at the Radisson Blu in the summer and booked a suite, so the kids could sleep in roll-away beds. The room was huge and we had a direct view of the castle!

Wawel Castle Area

The area near Wawel Castle offers a mix of history and beauty, being a short walk (10-15 minutes) from the Main Market Square. It’s a much quieter option with stunning views of the Vistula River and Wawel Hill, yet close enough to the Christmas market and Old Town.

Hotel Recommendations in the Wawel district:

• Sheraton Grand Krakow: A luxurious hotel with beautiful views of the Wawel Castle and the Vistula River, offering spacious rooms, a rooftop bar, and excellent amenities.
• Hotel Copernicus: A five-star boutique hotel located near Wawel Castle, known for its historic architecture and elegant interiors. It has an atmospheric, old-world feel with modern luxuries like an indoor pool.

Budget-Friendly Options

• Greg & Tom Hostel: If you’re looking for budget accommodation, this popular hostel offers clean, comfortable rooms and a social atmosphere. It’s located just a short walk from the Christmas market, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

Tours to Check out in Krakow

Krakow is one of my favorite cities to visit because there are simply so many affordable tours to check out and really unique places to visit.

From tours to Auschwitz and around Krakow’s Jewish Disctrict, to the Salt Mines, to visiting Zakopane’s thermal baths and even tours around the Eagles Nest castles – you can find SO many things to do in Krakow!

Check out some of my favorite tours below, or head to my Viatour Affiliate Page for my hand-picked selections.