Zakopane in December is a magical time when the mountains adorn themselves in a festive look, and the city pulsates with life full of unique charm. It’s now that Zakopane becomes a place where tradition meets modernity, and the wintry atmosphere envelops everything around. Let’s explore what this beautiful place has to offer during the December days.
“URZECZENI” Traditional Tatra Landscape
“URZECZENI” is an extraordinary exhibition showcasing the traditional Tatra landscape at the Art Gallery in Villa Oksza. From the mid-19th to the 21st century, artists paid tribute to the mountain landscapes, exploring their grandeur, the changing weather, and moods. Jan Nepomucen Głowacki, the first Tatra landscape artist, popularized motifs such as Giewont or Morskie Oko, creating a canon that inspired successive generations of artists, including Wojciech Weiss and Stanisław Gałek. Despite the popularity of Tatra motifs, there was a certain stagnation after World War II, except for the work of artists like Andrzej Wróblewski and Zenon Pokrywczyński, among others. Today, the Tatras still captivate, as evidenced by the presence of the youngest artist, Bartek Leszczyna, showcasing his works at this exhibition.
How long will the exhibition last?
The exhibition, running from December 1, 2023, to May 5, 2024, is not arranged chronologically but rather takes visitors through diverse motifs and painting themes, capturing the extraordinary beauty, picturesque quality, and simultaneously the danger of the Tatras. Curated by Zofia Radwańska, it invites you on a journey through works from the collections of the Tatra Museum and private collections, unveiling both fleeting moods and lasting impressions of the mountain landscape. The Art Gallery at Villa Oksza, ul. Zamoyskiego 25, is a place where you can immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Tatra landscape art for almost half a year.
Tatra Yeti Temporary Exhibition
Visit the new and extraordinary “Tatra Yeti” exhibition at the Tatra Museum, opening on December 6 during the vernissage. Legendary creatures inhabiting the Carpathians, inspiring tales and legends, constitute the mystery of dense forest areas. Some of them survived only in stories, but traces of their existence – bones, tracks, or prepared animals – remain. Although most of these “legendary” creatures remain unseen by most people, the Tatra Museum offers an opportunity to encounter them all in one place.
What’s on the Tatra Yeti program?
The vernissage program includes unique attractions: at 11:00, there’s the “Tatra Yeti” – a Santa Claus-guided tour for children, and at 17:00, the official opening of the exhibition begins. The event is open to all interested, and admission is free as part of the Tatra Museum’s promotion. Don’t miss the chance to discover the mystery of these extraordinary creatures!
Zakopane’s Santa Claus Day 2023
Join us for Zakopane’s Santa Claus Day, a family festival at the Marshal Józef Piłsudski City Park on December 9 at 11:00. It’s not just a meeting with Santa Claus but also artistic performances by children, delicious food markets, performances by tightrope walkers, and activity booths. Let this day be full of warm atmosphere and joyful laughter of children, and meeting Santa Claus – an unforgettable experience for everyone. Cordially invited by the City of Zakopane.
“Library for Everyone” Project
Mayor of Zakopane Leszek Dorula and the Stefan Żeromski Municipal Public Library in Zakopane warmly invite children to December activities as part of the “Library for Everyone. Different. Equal. Important.” project. These unique meetings will take place at the Mediateka – Culture Station Zakopane, at ul. Chramcówki 35A. Join us on a fascinating journey through the world of literature and culture, specially created for you!
- Key days to choose from December 7 “My Interests” – activities with elements of fairytale therapy
- December 13 “Winter Mood” – activities with elements of art therapy
- December 21 “Nativity Scene” – art workshops
- December 28 “History of the Christmas Tree and Bauble” – activities with Photon robot
Opening of the Nativity Scene
Mayor of Zakopane, Leszek Dorula, cordially invites you to the grand opening of the Nativity Scene, taking place on December 20, 2023, at 16:00 in front of the City Hall of Zakopane. This special event presents a Nativity Scene created by students of the A. Kenar School of Fine Arts, enjoying immense popularity for years. Join us in admiring this Christmas masterpiece in front of the Zakopane City Hall.
Hanna Zbyryt’s Concert “Świąteczne Jabłko”
We cordially invite you to the extraordinary concert “Christmas Apple” by Hanna Zbyryt and talented musicians on December 26 at 19:00 at Szymaszkowa 1 in Zakopane. It’s a unique journey through the magical sounds of the holidays, presenting the symbolism of the apple as nourishment, home, and family during Christmas. Prepare for an evening full of warmth and emotions with the most beautiful carols and Polish and international songs.
Where to buy tickets for the Christmas Apple concert?
Tickets are already available: free entry for children 0-6 years old, tickets for children 6-12 years old at 75 PLN, and for others at 125 PLN. Reservations can be made at the phone number +48 795 540 278 or on the website www.kupbilecik.pl. Don’t miss the chance for this exceptional concert at the RZT Szymaszkowa Entertainment Theater! More information can be found on the website www.facebook.com/rztszymaszkowa.
VIVA LA MUSICA, VIVA L’AMORE New Year’s Concert!
The traditional New Year’s Concert in Zakopane’s Sokół Cinema will take place on December 31. This year’s 20th jubilee performance of the Tatra Climate Orchestra under the direction of Agnieszka Kreiner will focus on the theme of love under the slogan “VIVA LA MUSICA, VIVA L’AMORE!”. The stars of the evening will be Mariola Siepak (soprano), Tomasz Świerczek (tenor), and soloists: Karolina Szymbara and Janusz Miryński. The event is also for children and will be ticketed. The organizer is the City Hall of Zakopane. Starting time: from 18:00 to 20:00.
Dream New Year’s Eve 2023 in Zakopane
Join us for another edition of the unforgettable Dream New Year’s Eve 2023, which will once again take place in Zakopane! The event has been organized by Polish Television since 2016 and is the largest outdoor New Year’s event in Poland. In 2022, nearly 65,000 people celebrated on the Upper Krupowa Glade, and over 8 million watched the broadcast on TV.
Tickets for Dream New Year’s Eve 2023
The most important information for all interested – admission to this event is completely free; there’s no need to buy tickets or reserve seats. However, the biggest expenses related to participating in Dream New Year’s Eve are rather the costs of accommodation in Zakopane’s hotels and guesthouses. It’s the last call to book your accommodation in Zakopane and the surrounding area. The whole event promises an incredible night full of stars and a wonderful atmosphere that will resonate in the hearts of all participants!
Reminder of ongoing interesting events:
“PRAYER. SACRUM IN THE WORKS OF WŁADYSŁAW JAROCKI” at the Jan Kasprowicz Museum
We remind you of the ongoing exhibition at the Jan Kasprowicz Museum in Harenda, presenting works by Władysław Jarocki, showcasing the deep connections between the faith of Highlanders and Hutsuls with religious representations. You can visit it until December 31, 2023.
Zakopane Artists 2023 at the Municipal Art Gallery
An interesting exhibition at the Municipal Art Gallery named after Count Władysław, “Zakopane Artists 2023“, presenting the artistic diversity of Zakopane creators. The exhibition will be available until December 30, 2023, providing an opportunity to discover the fascinating world of art in magical Zakopane.
Magical Land of Light at Gubałówka Market and on Gubałówka
A magical installation has been launched on Gubałówka, comprising nearly 2 million ecological LED lights, creating an unforgettable play of lights and a delightful atmosphere. The Land of Light is now open every day from 16:00 until March 18, 2024, inviting you to a magnificent journey filled with fascinating illuminations on top of Gubałówka.
