Winter isn’t typically thought of as an attractive season to spend in Kraków; in fact, once the tinsel and trinkets have been packed away and the post-holiday hangover of true winter sets in, many locals tend to bolt for warmer latitudes. From the start of the new year , the temps in Kraków are typically arctic and it stands to reason that ‘Poland’ got its name for having similar atmospheric conditions to other geographic regions referred to as ‘Poles.’
Visiting Kraków in winter? Pick up a copy of our winter guidebook!

Ah, but the climes, they are a’changin,’ people. Those nostalgic for the PRL-era can legitimately argue that things were more consistent during the communist years, when Moscow controlled the weather ( just kidding? ) and the winters were simply white and frozen from December until the end of March. In today’s warming climate you never know if the falling flakes will translate to sidewalks covered in sheets of ice or a soupy slush (we prefer the former, personally). Whatever the case, fear not, frigid one. Kraków still has plenty of attractions and activities to offer this time of year, whether it’s a winter wonderland drawing you outdoors, or a sloppy sludgepool keeping you in. Here are our top suggestions:
 

What to Do in Kraków in the Winter:

1. Skate into some Culture

Bird's eye view of Jordan Park Ice Rink with its 'ice alley.'

Though some would assume winter is the worst time to visit the stark, grey socialist realism monoliths of Nowa Huta, we would argue the opposite. Winter only amplifies what makes the area interesting in the first place (its bleak severity?), and the seasonal ice rink outside the Nowa Huta Cultural Centre only makes a wintry visit more worthwhile. NCK has it all this time of year - food trucks, ice skating and the incredible imagery of Zdzisław Beksiński (we’re fans).

2. See the Szopki

Kraków's Christmas Cribs exhibit runs for three months during winter every year.

One of Kraków’s most idiosyncratic Christmas traditions is the popular creation of 'szopki' or 'Christmas cribs' as they are somewhat oddly referred to in English. Something of a strange cross between a nativity scene, gingerbread house, and dollhouse, these unique structures more resemble colourful, foil-covered castles or cathedrals than cribs, and are the bizarre result of a folk tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Each year Cracovians of all ages participate in a competition to create the most wondrous szopki, and the best are then put on display in Krzysztofory Palace from early December until late February. Visiting the szopki exhibition is an essential winter tradition for most families in Kraków, and you shouldn't miss it. If you can't fit it into your itinerary, however, you might still be lucky enough to see some of the many szopki krakowskie displayed in public spaces around the city centre; keep your eyes peeled.