Calling all Christmas enthusiasts who find joy in wooden huts, the aroma of mulled wine, Ferris wheels with jaw-dropping city views and nostalgic tunes wafting from Venetian merry-go-rounds-this is your moment! Brace yourself for the eighth Poznań Bethlehem extravaganza, spanning an incredible 52 days until 7 January.
Head over to Wolności Square for a Christmas market featuring delights from over 60 vendors ranging from Lithuania to Italy, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Germany, to Poland. They promise a top-notch culinary and aesthetic experience with unique crafts and foods. Dive into the Family Wednesdays for kids' activities, university student Thursdays, NGO weekends, concerts, and, brand new this year, a 360-degree photo booth. Prefer the Poznań International Fair grounds? Their Christmas Market, open from 11am to 9pm until 22 December (closed on Mondays), boasts a bag full of gifts, including Santa's House, a Christmas stage, children's workshops, a 50-meter-high Ferris wheel, and over 70 stalls peddling local delicacies and crafts. Plus enjoy concerts, including winners of the "Music at the Fair" competition and performances by the Blum Theatre. Save the date for the 17th Poznań Ice Festival from 8 to 10 December, this time on ul. Św Marcin. Twenty-four sculptors from around the world will vie for the title of winter chisel master. Hope the weather cooperates allowing those ice sculptures stick around as long as they can! Check the detailed Poznań Bethlehem schedule at betlejempoznanskie.pl.
In case freezing December temperatures are not your thing, here are some suggestions to infuse the Christmas spirit without the chill.
Don't miss the Winter Land Journey concert on 2 December at 10am in the Lubrański Hall, part of Muzykoteczka, a.k.a. Baby Philharmonic, a hip recurring educational event that brings a fresh spin on early music education. Expect a cosy family vibe and a fantastic time making music together on a comfy rug surrounded by plush cushions.
Let's be real, certain tunes that will always take you back to that special moment when you are eagerly awaiting the first star to twinkle. If you are up for catching a live show of one of the most enchanting and festive pieces, come to the Adam Mickiewicz University Auditorium on 6 December at 7pm for a performance of Pyotr Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. Widely hailed as the pinnacle of ballet art, this masterpiece has been wowing audiences across the globe for over a century. This time, a team of Royal Lviv Ballet dancers will transport us into the dreamland. Trust me, their rendition of the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy is an absolute marvel! Make sure to see it for yourself. In case 6 December doesn't jive with your plans, but if seeing Tchaikovsky's work has been a long-standing item on your bucket list, you will get your second chance to see it on 22 December at 7:30pm. The Royal Classical Ballet will present its version of the beloved Nutcracker in the Artis Auditorium.
Can't escape Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" blasting on repeat on every radio station or Michael Buble's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" taking over social media, alternated with "Last Christmas" by the legendary Wham!? Fear not because Estrada Poznańska has got your back. On 8 December at 8pm, the Stage Upstairs (Scena na Piętrze) will be graced by Tony Momrelle. The Guardian has dubbed him the Stevie Wonder of the 21st century, and for a good reason. Known for original interpretations of British soul, Momrelle has made his name as the lead vocalist of the acid-jazz band Incognito, rocking stages for over 16 years. He has collaborated with such greats of the genre as Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Janet Jackson, Gloria Estefan, and Andrea Bocelli. Momrelle brings not just talent but a whole vibe. He is energetic, funny, and deeply sensitive. His gig is a perfect excuse to hit pause and take a break from the Christmas frenzy!
For a star-studded Christmas show, the Christmas Time! concert on 9 December at 4:30pm and 8pm in the Earth Hall is a must. Classic Christmas songs will be performed by Justyna Steczkowska, Beata Kozidrak, Natalia Kukulska, Michał Szpak, Andrzej Piaseczny, and Kuba Badach, accompanied by the fantastic Royal Symphony Orchestra. Don't wait too long as tickets are vanishing like melting snowflakes!
For more festive fun, keep up the season's spirit in a double event: the Magic Christmas Concert on 16 December at 5pm and 8pm, also in the Earth Hall. Its distinguished line-up includes Kasia Moś, Natalia Nykiel, Ewelina Lisowska, Staszek Plewniak, the Sound'n'Grace band and the CoOperate Orchestra conducted by Adam Domurat. Cutting-edge visuals will elevate this extraordinary musical experience to new heights.
For those yearning for classic carolling, mark your calendars for 18 December, at 8pm, when the Mazowsze National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble, one of the world's largest artistic groups that draws on a treasure trove of national dances, songs, chants, and customs, takes the stage at the University Auditorium. Its soloists, choir, and orchestra will perform traditional Polish carols and pastorals, resounding to the lively beats of mazurkas, obereks and polonaises. And that's not all - on 29 December 29 at 7pm, the Poznań Nightingales Boys' and Men's Choir of the Poznań Philharmonic, conducted by Maciej Wieloch, will perform on the same stage at Wieniawskiego Street. Joined by Marcin Gałęski on the organ and a special guest, the band Affabre Concinui, which is well known to Poznań audiences, will sing carols and classic Christmas tunes. Brace yourself for a musical feast!
As you can see, there is no shortage of ideas to make this Christmas season unforgettable, whether you prefer cosy warmth or are determined not to let the weather keep you away from outdoor attractions. Embrace the winter magic and have a truly enchanting time!
Marta Szostak
translation: Krzysztof Kotkowski
© Wydawnictwo Miejskie Posnania 2023