We invite you to a unique event that will take you into the amazing world of the Krakow nativity scene tradition, dating back to the Middle Ages. These colorful displays, once presented in churches, have moved to the streets of Krakow, where they continue to delight residents and tourists alike.

The current tradition of building Krakow nativity scenes began in the 19th century. The winter months were a time when craftsmen created these intricately decorated miniatures, which today symbolize Christmas in Krakow. Every year, on the first Thursday of December, Krakow’s nativity scene creators gather in the Main Market Square to showcase their works in front of the monument to Adam Mickiewicz. These colorful, detail-rich nativity scenes form a unique open-air gallery that attracts numerous visitors.

Now you can become part of this wonderful tradition and participate in an unforgettable event. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to:

• Build your own Krakow nativity scene,
• Join a tour along the Krakow nativity scene trail,
• Taste traditional Krakow delicacies during a festive food tour!

Here is the schedule for our event:

Thursday, December 5 – Competition Day
10:30 AM: Departure from Hotel Galaxy to the Main Market Square
12:00 PM: Participation in the nativity scene parade
1:00 PM: Performance of Krakow Legends
2:00 PM: Lunch break and free time
4:30 PM: Tour along the Krakow nativity scene trail

Friday, December 6
10:00 AM: Departure to the nativity scene workshop (departure from Hotel Galaxy)
10:30 AM: Meeting with a master of Krakow nativity scenes in his workshop, learning the secrets of creating nativity scenes, the history of the tradition, and its significance for the creators
11:30 AM: Workshops – Build your own nativity scene under the guidance of the master
3:00 PM: Festive food tour, where you will be able to taste traditional holiday delicacies.
6:00 PM: Free time at the Christmas market, where you can purchase unique gifts and feel the festive atmosphere.

The tradition of Kraków Nativity Scenes dates back to the Middle Ages. During Christmas, colorful performances depicting biblical scenes were held in many towns. When, in the 18th century, a ban was introduced on organizing such performances in churches, the tradition of building puppet nativity scenes emerged.

The current form of the Kraków nativity scene tradition was born in the second half of the 19th century, when winter work stoppages in construction allowed for the creation of miniature works of art. Every year, on the first Thursday of December, Kraków nativity scene makers gather in the Main Market Square, in front of the statue of Adam Mickiewicz, to present their intricate nativity scenes. Each one, richly decorated and full of colors, creates a unique open-air gallery that attracts crowds of both locals and tourists.

Terms and Conditions

Tours

• The duration of the tours is approximate.Krakow Tours by Jordan Group cannot be held liable for any delays, irregularity, strikes, loss or left of luggage and of any other personal item.
• Krakow Tours is not responsible for mechanical breakdowns, government actions, weather, acts of God, misconnections or related expenses to/from flights or other circumstances beyond its control. 
• Each Regular Tour can be arranged like Luxury Private Tour by car, on demand with some modifications of the itinerary and in your mother language on Your wish.
• Once your place an order on the tour is confirmed any cancellation or change will be subject to cancellation penalties or change fees. 

Pick up and convenient returns

• All Private tours start from your hotel and they are finished at your hotel.
• Regular Krakow Sightseeing Tours No 1 and 1a ends on the Main Market Square (Rynek Glowny) at about 1 pm
• Regular Auschwitz – Birkenau Tour No 2 ends at about 4 pm; and afterwards the bus will drop you off at hotels: Novotel /Ibis Centrum, Radisson BLU , Sheraton Krakow, Royal, Wyspianski, Holiday Inn, Andel’s Chopin and Matejki Square; also en route if possible, subject to traffic conditions and so close to your place as possible.
• Regular Salt Maine Wieliczka Tour No 3 ends in the city centre about 1 pm. 
• Other Regular Half Day Tours use to be finished in the centre of the city.

Language

• All our regular tours are operated in English. Other languages are possible on your request, please order in advance.
• Private Tour includes Private guide speaking your language – English, Flemish, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, Spanish.

Discounts

• We give you 5% discount on all online bookings on krakow-tours.pl.
• Student price is for tourists under 25 years old, holders of an international student ID card on Regular Tours No 2 and 3 only 
• Children discount of 50% on all tours is for children under 14 years old.

Luggage

Luggage is allowed during our tours. Please remember, that in some places due to internal regulations there is no luggage allowed, including women’s bags.

Cancellation and refunds

• It is possibe to refund incurred costs, without giving any reason within 14 days from the date of purchase in accordance with the Consumer Rights Act of 30 May 2014. (Journal of Laws of 2014, item 827 as amended). In case of cancellation after that period of time a refund can be made up to 24 hours before a tour departure – less 25% cancellation fee.
• Krakow Tours will not refund any money due to passengers arriving late for check-in/ Tour Pick-up. 
• Restaurants, hotels and concerts occasionally create overbooked conditions. These entities will compensate passengers affected by overbookings. Our company cannot be held responsible for these situations and will not refund moneys for such situations since they are beyond our control. Passengers need to present and resolve their compensation issues to the entity directly at the time the situation arises. 
• Claims should be submitted to Krakow Tours by Jordan Group in writing no later than 30 days after the end of the tour and must be accompanied by appropriate documentation evidencing amounts to be refunded

No shows

• Krakow Tours will not refund unused or partially used features including such items as hotel, car rental, sightseeing tours, transfers and attraction entrance fees.
• City Breaks: In case of a “no-show” an invoice will be issued only for the first night of stay unused or for the charge asked from the hotel with the reservation. 

Tips: 

Tips for services of a personal nature and to staff for services provided are not included in any of the packages and are left to your discretion.

Law: 

• Passenger contract with Krakow Tours Jordan Group is subject exclusively to Polish Law and Jurisdiction for Polish Tours and Packages and any other travel arrangements.
• It is possibility to refund incurred costs, without giving any reason within 14 days from the date of purchase in accordance with the Consumer Rights Act of 30 May 2014. (Journal of Laws of 2014, item 827 as amended).
• To guard against unforeseen circumstances, we strongly recommend you purchase optional travel insurance.
• Krakow Tours reserves the right to change these Terms of Use without notice to you. 
• Your continued use of the krakow-tours.pl constitutes your agreement to the then current Terms and Conditions.

Should you have any problems during your vacation in Poland, please do not hesitate to contact Jordan Group and we will be very happy to assist you in any way we can.

Jacek Legendziewicz Jordan Group

Gęsia 8

31-535 Kraków

NIP: 6790063497

REGON: 003897284