Krakow Advent & Christmas Choir Festival
Amateur choirs from around the world gather in Krakow to perform advent, Christmas, and sacred choral music. The festival features performances across multiple categories including adult, youth, children's, and chamber choirs, as well as non-competitive ensembles. Visitors can attend competition auditions, church service performances, and a culminating Gala Concert.
What to Expect
International amateur choirs perform advent and Christmas music in Krakow churches.
Event Details
Duration
Each choir’s competition performance is 15 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
MELODY
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Fans of choral and sacred music
Vibe
Festive and reverent
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: €200 registration fee per category; €90 per participant for choirs that do not purchase accommodation from the organizer. No general-admission price is stated. – Get tickets
Tips & Advice
- Come on Saturday, December 5 to hear the competition, when choirs sing in categories all day before the evening concerts.
- Go to Sunday Mass in Krakow on December 6, because festival choirs sing during the services before the afternoon gala.
- Stay for the Sunday Gala Concert, because every choir sings one song there, whatever its result, before the Golden Angels are awarded.
- Choirs should bring any instruments other than piano, because only an electronic piano is provided and no extra set-up time is given.
- Choirs should also prepare about 15 minutes of sacred music for the church concerts held on the Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Special Events & Promotions
- Competition day on Saturday, December 5, with choirs singing in categories through the day.
- Extra choir concerts in Krakow churches on the Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Choirs sing during Mass services on Sunday, December 6.
- Gala Concert and prize-giving on Sunday, December 6, where every choir sings one song.
- Non-competitive choirs sing at the gala concert and give extra performances.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which choirs can take part?
Any amateur choir from Poland or abroad. The categories are adult mixed choirs, adult male and female choirs, youth choirs, children's choirs and chamber choirs, plus a non-competitive category.
What do the choirs sing?
Each choir sings a 15-minute program of four Advent or Christmas songs, and at least one must be a cappella. Voices are never amplified. A high-quality electronic piano is provided in the church.
Are there performances besides the competition?
Yes. Choirs sing at extra concerts, mostly in Krakow churches, on the Friday and Saturday evenings. On Sunday they also sing during Mass.
What happens at the Gala Concert?
It's the prize-giving, and every choir sings one song whatever its result. The top choir in each category with a Golden Diploma wins a Golden Angel statuette, handmade in Poland.
Who judges the choirs?
A jury of five international members, at least three of them from outside Poland. They score intonation, voice production, interpretation, diction and overall artistic effect.
More Christmas Events Near Krakow
More Christmas Events near Krakow
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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