12th Krakow Advent & Christmas Choir Festival

Join choirs from all over the world and celebrate Advent as you participate in the

12th Krakow Advent & Christmas Choir Festival

Date: 01 December to 03 December 2023

 

 
 

Festival highlights include:

  • Seeing the winter wonderland of Krakow sparkle at Christmas
  • Performing in the biggest Advent Festival in Poland
  • Listen to magnificent choral performances from choirs around the world 
  • Attend the glistening Krakow Christmas Markets.
 
About The Krakow Advent & Christmas Choir Festival.
The Krakow Advent and Christmas Choir festival is open to all amateur choirs. Here choirs from round the world come together to present their repertoire of advent, christmas and sacred choir music and perform in the most prestigious churches in Krakow, including the Peter and Paul Church and famous Mariacki Church. The festival offer both competitive and non-competitive categories to choirs. Choirs also have the opportunity to take part in additional concerts in Krakow with plenty of free time to see the city and enjoy the sights of Krakow. Attend the Krakow Advent Festival and listen to magnificent choral performances and meet with other choirs from around the world.
 

Festival Categories

  • Mixed Choirs Adults: singers above 18 years (minimum 20 singers)
  • Equal Voices Choirs Adults – Male & Female Choirs: singers above 18 years (minimum 16 singers)
  • Youth Choirs: singers 13-19 years (minimum 20 singers)
  • Children Choirs: singers under 15 years (minimum 20 singers)
  • Chamber Choirs: no age limits (12-24 singers)
  • S. Senior Choirs: minimum 16 singers (60% of singers must be older than 60 years)
  • Non-competitive: choirs takes part in 1-2 additional concerts and gala concert
Please note that choirs can participate in more than one category.
 
 
Krakow
Discover the wealth of the medieval fairy tale city of Krakow on this enthralling journey and enjoy the warm-hearted hospitality of the Polish people. Krakow is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. Discover the charms of Krakow’s Old Town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. The city’s extensive cultural heritage includes Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture and includes the Wawel Cathedral and the Royal Castle on the banks of the Vistula River and Saints Peter and Paul Church.  Discover the main Square of the Old Town, largest medieval market square in Europe, visit St. Mary’s Basilica and marvel at one of the largest Gothic altars in Europe. Kraków is also home to Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest universities in the world.
 

Prizes

 
 
All choirs receive  a diploma of participation.  Furthermore, the Jury may award ex aequo prizes in all categories. Statuettes are handmade in Poland and are beautiful works of art.
 

Itinerary

 
DAY 1 
Choirs arrive in Poland. Those arriving by plane are met by their local assistant who will assist with transfer to your hotel in Krakow. Groups can arrange to have a welcome dinner in their hotel or local restaurant in the evening restaurant. In the evening, the Light and Singing Concert takes place.
 
DAY 2
Enjoy breakfast in your hotel before starting the day. Groups can enjoy a city tour of Krakow with their local guide. Perform your festival concert and take the the opportunity to hear others perform. This is especially useful for those participating in the non-competitive category who might be considering a future competitive performance. After the days’ activities, groups can relax and mingle at an evening dinner in their hotel.
 
DAY 3
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Today, the Gala concert and prize-giving award ceremony takes place.
 
DAY 4
Depart Krakow.
 
This sample itinerary is for information purposes only. All final itineraries are tailored to individual choirs requirements.
 
Choirs can choose to participate in the non-competitive Festival Category or to compete in the relevant Competition Category.
 

Your festival ground arrangements include the following:

• Three-nights in a 3* or 4* Hotel with breakfast
• Dinner each evening (optional extra)
• Festival participation fee
• Concert performance of 15-minute duration
• Participate in the Gala concert (1-song per choir)
• Return airport transfers from airport with guide assistance on arrival
• One free place for choir conductor on the ground
 

A full programme of sightseeing tours is also offered to choirs including:

  • Visit and choral performance (15 minutes of sacred music) in the Wieliczka Salt Mine
  • Visiting the Auschwitz Concentration Camp
  • Guided City Tour of Krakow including Jewish district
  • Excursion to Czestochowa (Black Madonna Sanctuary)
 

Meals throughout your stay 

•Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
•Dinner each night in your hotel (optional extra)
 

Tour Manager

• A CCI Tour Manager will be assigned to you for the duration of your booking, to assist in the pre-departure preparations and to assist with any issues during your stay. The tour manager does not travel with the group.
 

Transportation while in Krakow

Choirs usually make their way around the city with the local guide via public transport. However, we can arrange coach transportation for your group as
required. 
 

Price does not include Flights

Once you enquire with CCI you will be given your own dedicated festival planner, and this planner will also assist you with the booking of flights for your group. Choir Contact experienced travel consultants are able to advise you on the most appropriate flight options and will advise best fares at time of booking. We use the most up-to-date modern technology for searching best fares including low cost carriers, allowing us to book you the best flights at the best fares for a fully co-ordinated service. We use both low-cost internet fares and our long-standing relationships with other carries to ensure that we can secure the best travel option for your choir. We will advise you on luggage allowance and all details relating to your flight booking. Travel Insurance CCI recommend that all travellers take out travel insurance at the time of booking.
 
Contact us 01 888 7830 or email reservation@choircontactireland.ie for more information and to request quotation for your group