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Kraków’s Christmas Tree Crowned ‘Most Iconic’ Worldwide
The historic market square in Kraków, Poland’s second-largest city, has been granted a prestigious honor by the renowned travel magazine Time Out. The centerpiece of the square, a magnificent Christmas tree, has been named the “most iconic” in the world.
Kraków Takes Top Spot in Time Out’s Ranking
In an exclusive ranking, Kraków emerged as the winner, surpassing other Christmas tree contenders such as Gubbio in Italy and Rockefeller Center in New York. Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, secured fourth place.
Time Out lauded Kraków’s ability to encapsulate the festive spirit of Christmas throughout December. They highlighted the city’s streets and architecture, often compared to postcards, especially the UNESCO-listed Old Town.
“The central square is taken over every year by a charming festive market, the crowning jewel of which is the tree which sits next to the cathedral,” Time Out wrote.
The Magnificent Christmas Tree
This year’s Christmas tree was unveiled on December 6 and will remain on the medieval market square until February 2. It is an impressive sight, adorned with 26,000 energy-saving lights and over 1,000 baubles that reflect designs from tapestries in Kraków’s historic Wawel Castle, once the seat of Polish monarchs.
A Hub of Festive Activity
The Christmas tree is just one highlight of the market square, which hosts Kraków’s famous Christmas market. This market was previously ranked as the best in Europe, reinforcing Kraków’s reputation as a prime destination for holiday lovers.
Kraków’s Attractions Beyond Christmas Trees
Kraków is more than just a holiday destination. It is Poland’s most popular tourist attraction, drawing in 12 million visitors annually. In 2023, British consumer association Which? named Kraków as Europe’s best city break destination for the fourth consecutive year.
Other Polish Cities Making a Mark
Kraków’s success in the Christmas tree ranking is part of a broader trend in Poland. Two other Polish cities, Wrocław and Poznań, also appeared among the top ten in various seasonal rankings, making Poland the only country to feature three cities in the top ten.
Kraków’s Christmas market has been named as Europe’s best in a new ranking.
Two other Polish cities, Wrocław and Poznań, also appeared in the top ten, making Poland the only country to feature three times https://t.co/RfvWknaBGi
— Notes from Poland 🇵🇱 (@notesfrompoland) November 13, 2023
Notes from Poland is run by a small editorial team and published by an independent, non-profit foundation that is funded through donations from our readers. We cannot do what we do without your support.
Main image credit: Jakub Wlodek / Agencja Wyborcza.pl
Daniel Tilles is editor-in-chief of Notes from Poland. He has written on Polish affairs for a wide range of publications, including Foreign Policy, POLITICO Europe, EUobserver, and Dziennik Gazeta Prawna.
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