
Discover Kraków Culture
From Advent to Carnival, from Divine Comedy in December to Opera Rara and Materia Prima festivals in February – spectacles of traditional and avantgarde theatre, opera and theatre of form set out the framework of the winter cultural season in Kraków.

All the Colours of Winter
The stories they tell are an accurate and important commentary on the world around us.
And let’s not forget our city’s unique tradition of nativity scenes, originating from a custom of performing nativity plays, so a form of theatre in themselves.
The heritage is maintained by local families, handing the skill down the generations, and celebrated with an annual competition and exhibition at the Museum of Krakow. The tradition has been added to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Heritage – let’s keep that in mind as we follow this year’s trail All Around Nativity Scenes.
And while you’re out and about, make sure you visit Kraków’s many fairs, starting with the Christmas Market at the Main Market Square. The colourful stalls feature brand-new décor, and the traders are increasingly selling hand-made wares and traditional Christmas decorations and toys.
Selected events
02.12
05.03
The first exhibition of works by the most important representative of contemporary Romani art following her great success at the…
05.12
05.02
Presenting nativity scenes in Kraków’s public space is a joint initiative of the Museum of Krakow and KBF, held annually…
07.12
16.12
The Divine Comedy festival isn’t just a celebration of Polish theatre – it’s an important voice speaking up on issues…
10.12
11.12
The unique event, intertwining the cultural, sports and tourist aspects of mountains, once again brings lovers of mountaineering stories to…
18.01
18.05
On the initiative of the Starmach Gallery, the Sejm of the Republic of Poland hailed 2023 as Year of Jerzy…
16.02
26.02
The unique festival presents original premieres of operas from all periods, from the genre’s emergence to the present day. This…
17.02
28.02
Held every other year and organised by the Groteska Theatre, during the festival dramatic arts meet circus and dance, all…
opening: Feb/Mar
The Museum of Engineering and Technology launches its modernised headquarters at the former tram depot at Św. Wawrzyńca Street: the…
Kraków’s long, rich history makes the entire city into a museum, but it is also constantly changing and evolving in response to the latest needs and challenges. The very concept of cultural heritage – which shapes Kraków’s identity – is fluid, since it means using the past to reach contemporary goals.