EXHIBITION: TATRA AUTUMN

The Podhale region boasts some of the most ravishing scenery in all Poland. Small wonder then that it is a magnet for photographers. This annual competition champions outstanding portrayals of the region, from panoramas of the mountains to more intimate depictions of natural sites.

when - Until 18th December
where - Tatra Promotional Agency, ul Tetmajera 24
more info - click here

Cabaret Evening at Restaurant Madame C

Acclaimed cabaret outfit Truten will be touching down at Madame C on Saturday 12th December. Besides a banquet of witticisms, guests can enjoy some culinary delights too, all for 65 zloty.

when - 12th December
where - Madame C, ul. Novotarska 10
more info - click here

WIGILIA - CHRISTMAS EVE

In Poland, 24th December marks the key moment in the yuletide calendar, and there are many delightful traditions. In fact, here in the countryside it's always been believed that the goodly farm animals talk in human voices on this hallowed eve... The focus of the day is an epic dinner comprising some twelve dishes. In many families, this starts when the first star is spotted in the sky. Before everyone sits down, there is the breaking of oplatek (blessed wafer). Prayers are said for absent friends and family, and even the cows are allowed a nibble on the consecrated wafer. A dash of hay is placed under the tablecloth, recalling Christ's humble birth. The Wigilia dinner itself is traditionally served without meat. Most foreigners are unlikely to drool at the prospect of carp in aspic or poppyseed pudding, but Poles love their Wigilia and they pull out all the stops. Later, locals will head out to the churches for Pasterka (Midnight Mass). It's particularly evocative here in Zakopane, where the Highlanders dress in their traditional costumes. Not to be missed.

when - 24th December
where - Various
more info - click here

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING CUP

Ladies and gents will be competing in this last competition of the year. Both qualifications and finals of both genders are crammed into the same day.

when - 30th December
where - Zakopane
more info - click here

SYLVESTER - NEW YEAR'S EVE

Christmas may be a reflective time here in Poland, but New Year's Eve is a decidedly more frisky affair. Visitors can expect some riotous partying, with raucous revelry continuing well into the wee hours. On the gastronomic front, competition for tables is liable to be fierce, and we'd advise booking well in advance if you want to bag a seat at a popular restaurant. Many venues will be laying on all-inclusive menus, usually with a glass of bubbly to kick things off. Nightclubs will also be getting in on the act. Again, you'll have to pay a cover charge (often quite hefty) to join in the fun, but we can guarantee that your fellow partiers will be making the most of the moment. Naturally, there'll be plenty of open-air merriment on the streets of Zakopane itself. Come hail or high water (or rather, come snowstorm or hordes of yetis) the locals will be out and about, cheering in the New Year with fireworks at midnight and beyond.

when - 31st December
where - Various
more info - click here