6 Best Things to Do in Krakow on New Year’s Eve – Your Best Time

The New Year’s Eve is coming fast every year. It is not different this time. So, it’s crucial to make every second count. Let me suggest you the best activities you can have in Kraków during New year’s Eve in 2023/2024.

New Year’s Eve in Kraków – A Romantic Evening

New Year’s Eve in Kraków Main Square

Is anything more romantic than celebrating New Year’s Eve in Krakow? I think not. Imagine taking walks around the Planty Park in winter, relaxing in quaint cafes, and admiring marvelous artworks with your partner.

During your stroll, it is worth to say, make sure to visit the Christmas Market (open until probably January 1) on the Market Square. Here, you can see unique craftwork, nibble on oscypek while sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine.

This year, the city isn’t organizing a New Year’s Eve party, but worry not! You can enjoy a special dinner at the Bottiglieria Restaurant, the only Michelin-2-starred restaurant in Krakow. This place will prepare an exclusive 13-course menu for the ocasion.

↳ Make sure to read my guide to the most amazing places to stay in Kraków:
How to Find Best Place to Stay in Krakow Old Town – Your Guide

Or consider the Karater restaurant in the Kazimierz district, another Michelin-recommended location. For a cozy warm-up spot, the Camelot cafes at the market square or the Nowa Prowincja café, known for the best hot chocolate in town, are excellent options.

Choosing where to stay? Let me say, the luxurious Saski Hotel Krakow, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is perfect for couples. Nestled next to the Main Market Square, it is perfect for romantic walks.

The hotel boasts 200-year-old interiors, adding to its charm. You can relax in one of the most beautiful swimming pools in Krakow and the hotel’s SPA. Its local restaurant serves modern Polish cuisine, making it an excellent spot for an intimate candlelit dinner.

New Year’s Eve in Kraków – Romantic Dinner

Alternatively, the Hilton Garden Inn Krakow offers a special New Year’s Eve dinner. It’s located by the Vistula River, providing stunning views of the Wawel Castle, perfect for a midnight toast. And for theatre buffs, a New Year’s Eve performance at the Stary Theatre or the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre is highly recommended.

Family Fun For New Year’s Eve in Krakow

Planning a family-friendly New Year’s Eve? You need to know how to entertain the little ones too. You can explore the Wawel Royal Castle and St. Mary’s Church with your kids. A unique opportunity will be to admire the nativity scenes creatted for the Krakow Cribs Competition in December and January. This unique tradition dates back to the nineteenth century and is under UNESCO’s patronage.

For a fun family outing, how about a visit to the Garden of Lights themed on Peter Pan? With Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinker Bell, and Captain Hook, your family can enjoy light decorations, participate in games and challenges, and watch a laser show.

New Year’s Eve in Kraków – Fireworks / Main Square

It’s located in the Stanisław Lem Garden of Experiences at Aleja Pokoju 68. Another fun activity is ice skating at the nearby Tauron Arena. And if you want to warm up after a day outdoors, the Hampton by Hilton Krakow near Tauron Arena is perfect. This pet-friendly hotel offers a delicious and free hot breakfast to fuel up for your next adventure.

New Year’s Eve Krakow’s Nearby Attractions

While staying in Kraków, you should absolutely check out the Wieliczka Salt Mine, just 11 km away. Open for over 700 years, this mine stands as a unique monument, and winter hardly causes any trouble here. They have a special family route that guarantees fun for all. I think, visiting this site should be a part of your itinerary.

Energylandia – Fun For Thrill Seekers

For those who crave a dose of thrill and fun, Energylandia is the place to be. Located in Zator, near Oświęcim, this popular amusement park offers special winter attractions like snowtubing and an ice rink in a castle environment.

After a whole day of excitement, you’d want to rest, right? You may choose these hotels near Oświęcim which are great choice. Situated just few km from Energylandia, they offers many facilities for the entire family. Usually it includes a free hot breakfast to fuel you up for another day of winter fun, and even the option to stay with your pet (for an extra charge).

Explore Oświęcim

While in Oświęcim, it would be a waste not to explore the tunnels under the Castle in Oświęcim. These 300-meter long tunnels are a tangible piece of history from the Austrian partition era. If you are there in December or January, you can learn about the history of caroling at a temporary exhibition in the castle museum.

So, how do you plan to spend this New Year’s Eve? Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family adventure, Krakow and its surroundings offer unforgettable experiences to ring in the new year. I also suggest you read this article, where you can find much more inspiration on how to spend your time in Kraków: The Best Attractions in Krakow – From Castles to Kayaking

References:

  • https://pik.krakow.pl/sylwester-w-krakowie/
  • https://www.e-sylwester.pl/sylwester_w_krakowie-oferty_sylwestrowe-4.html