Szopka Competition

Kraków’s Dazzling and Imaginative Christmas Tradition

2026/12/02

Every December, Kraków’s Main Square becomes the stage for the Szopka Contest, where local artisans and families display their lavish, handmade Christmas crèches (szopka). This beloved winter tradition celebrates the beauty and creativity of Kraków’s ornate nativity scenes, with folk art and playful imagination on full display. Craft lovers and tourists alike are enchanted by these miniature palaces, inspired by Kraków’s historic architecture and the Nativity story. Each meticulously crafted piece, bursting with color and detail, offers one of Poland’s most magical Christmas experiences for both children and adults.

The cold air is filled with the aroma of hot wine and roasted chestnuts, while hundreds of szopka glitter across the square. Carolers sing, and lanterns and Christmas lights bathe the city in a fairy-tale glow.

Main Attractions

Szopka Parade and Judging

The biggest highlight is the parade on the first Thursday of December, when artisans and families gather in front of the Adam Mickiewicz Monument to show off their szopka. Towers, domes, stained glass, and scenes from Kraków’s history and the Nativity are recreated with cardboard, foil, and colored paper. Judges from the Kraków Historical Museum carefully evaluate each creation, and the best works are displayed in a special winter exhibition.

Workshops and Family Experiences

Before the contest, workshops are held where children and adults can try their hand at making their own szopka. Families and friends gather around tables with paper, glitter, and glue, creating original works and sharing smiles across generations.

Costumes and Decorations

Some participants wear Kraków’s folk costumes-embroidered vests, flower crowns, woolen capes. Santa hats and Christmas scarves are also common, and the square is decorated with trees, lanterns, and garlands. The szopka themselves are adorned with tiny lights, gold foil, and sparkling tinsel, creating a kaleidoscope of color and texture.

Traditional Food & Festive Flavors

Stalls serve hot pierogi, grilled sausages, gingerbread, and mulled wine (grzaniec). The scent of cinnamon, cloves, and roasted chestnuts mixes with the winter air, letting you savor the Christmas spirit with every bite.

Cultural and Historical Background

The szopka (pronounced “shop-ka”) is a traditional Christmas nativity scene that originated in 19th-century Kraków. It began when stonemasons and craftsmen, whose work slowed in winter, started making elaborate crèches modeled after Kraków’s churches, castles, and historic buildings to earn a living. These szopka, centered on the Holy Family, grew to include towers, domes, stained glass, and local landmarks, blending religious stories with urban pride and playful folk art.

In 1937, the city of Kraków and its Historical Museum officially launched the Szopka Contest to preserve and promote this tradition. Since then, the contest has taken place every year on the first Thursday of December in the Main Square, with artisans, families, and children competing in this major winter event. Szopka are passed down through generations, with each family preserving its own techniques, stories, and designs-a living cultural heritage.

In 2018, the tradition was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, recognized worldwide for its artistry and local character. For Kraków’s people, the szopka is more than a Christmas decoration: it symbolizes family history, pride, winter joy, and community bonds. New generations continue to learn the craft, lighting up the winter city with their sparkling creations.

Participant Voices

"I've entered the Szopka Contest every year since I was a child. My grandfather taught me how to make the little towers and windows. It’s a precious time for our family to celebrate Christmas and share Kraków’s stories."

"I visited Kraków in December and stumbled upon the szopka parade by chance. The colors, creativity, and music were pure magic. I even joined a workshop and tried making my own szopka."

"For me, the szopka is a symbol of hope. Even in the dark winter, these little palaces shine with light and imagination. It’s a tradition that connects people and makes the city feel like home."

Fun Facts

Over 150 szopka are entered each year, ranging from tiny models to massive multi-meter creations.
Many szopka are inspired by Kraków landmarks such as St. Mary’s Basilica, Wawel Castle, and the Cloth Hall.
This tradition is recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Some szopka feature moving parts, music boxes, or electric lights.
Winning entries are displayed at the Kraków Historical Museum throughout the winter.

Festival Dates

The Szopka Contest is held every year on the first Thursday of December in Kraków’s Main Square. Bundle up, join the crowds, and experience the sparkling magic of this winter tradition.