Christmas Traditions of Poland
Celebrate the heartfelt holiday traditions of Poland, wandering the brilliant Christmas Markets of Krakow and Warsaw and joining a Polish family in their home for the intimate Christmas Eve feast called Wigilia, where you can sample 12 different traditional dishes. This wintry journey brings you close to the warm heart of Poland's long-standing customs.
Days 1-4: Krakow
In Krakow's UNESCO-listed medieval Market Square,
browse the Christmas Market where some of the country's finest artisans display
their hand crafted gifts. Sample regional delicacies and hot mulled wine in a
snowy mountain town lined with 19th century log buildings. Make Polish pierogi
under the guidance of your own private chef.
Take a magical torch-lit sleigh ride bundled in blankets, then warm yourself at
a bonfire, roasting kielbasa and tasting Polish vodka. Participate in a workshop
showing how old-time Polish village people made their Christmas decorations by
hand. Tour a small factory where Poland's famous hand-blown glass ornaments
are created.
Days 5-8: Warsaw
Travel by train to Warsaw and take a walking tour of
Warsaw's Royal Road, festooned during the holiday season with swags of elegant
white lights. Explore the Christmas Market, displaying hand-painted pottery,
creches and gingerbread ornaments. Visit some of the city's churches to admire
their Nativity scenes.
Gather in a Polish home for a traditional family-style Wigilia, the Christmas Eve
vigil and dinner, beginning as the first star appears in the Eastern sky. Taste each
of the 12 dishes served at a Christmas Eve dinner, as well as desserts such as the
poppy-seed pastry called makowiec.
Join the family at the midnight church service
of Christmas carols sung by the whole congregation together. This yearly service
is so much a part of Polish Christmas traditions that a participant does not have
to be a believer to enjoy the joyful ritual.
Trip Details
| Length of Trip: |
8 Days |
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| 2013 Departures: |
December 18-25, 2013 |
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| 2013 Land Tour Cost: |
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| 5-16 travelers |
$3,295 |
| Single Supplement |
$550 |
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| No Hidden Costs! |
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MIR Signature Experiences
- Take a tour of one of Krakow's small factories where Poland's famous hand-blown Christmas ornaments
- Learn how to make traditional Polish-style pierogi, Poland's national dish, with your own private chef
- Gather with a Polish family for a traditional Wigilia, the Christmas Eve vigil and dinner
Map - Click to Enlarge
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| Days 1-2: |
Krakow and day trips |
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Some images on this page courtesy Polish National Tourist Board
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