Advent weekend in Kraków – looking for local tips

Hi everyone,
I'm visiting Kraków in December with my girlfriend for an Advent weekend that I gave her as a birthday gift. She absolutely loves Christmas time and I've heard the Christmas market in Kraków is really special.

We're both in our mid-30s and love good food and cozy places - from street food and grandma's pierogi to craft beer, wine bars and traditional taverns (and sometimes, when we treat ourselves, fine dining too). We usually skip museums and just explore the city by walking, eating and discovering hidden gems.

My girlfriend is into design, architecture, vintage fashion (1920s-1960s), and second-hand shops. She's open-minded, creative, a bit of a Christmas nerd and very passionate about food, culture and social projects.

I'd love some local recommendations for:
·charming neighborhoods with small cafés, bars or design shops,
·Christmassy places and activities (besides the main market),
·small jazz clubs or cozy evening spots,
·and maybe creative or social initiatives, or repurposed old buildings turned into cultural or food spaces.

Thanks a lot for your ideas and insider tips - can't wait to explore your city!
Kili

If I was in Kraków over the Xmas period I would go out of my way to see Szopki Krakowskie. These are miniature nativity scenes of historical places in Kraków such as Wawel castle. If your girlfriend is into architecture this way well appeal to her. I only wish I could go to see them as they look absolutely amazing!

On the first Thursday of December the szopki are brought to the main square where judging takes place. The winner is announced 3 days later and the szopki are displayed in the Museum of History (Krzysztofory Palace), also in the main square, until the end of February. You would probably have to book tickets to see them.

Here are a couple of links explaining more about them:

culture.pl/en/article/the-marvellous-christmas-tradition-of-polands-szopki

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krak%C3%B3w_szopka

Thank you for the suggestion. That really makes me curious. :)