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While some brave the cold and snow and venture to Krakow in December just to experience the beautiful Christmas Market, those looking for a different type of party would be wise to stick around for the New Year. In Krakow, New Year's Eve is a big deal, with its epicentre being the Market Square. On the evening of December 31st, thousands of Cracovians and visitors brave the cold (or put on a thick alcohol blanket to keep warm) and venture to the Market Square, where the evening begins with a series of free rock concerts by some of the biggest Polish stars. Right before midnight, the countdown begins, and at the sound of the bells from St. Mary's Cathedral a procession of fireworks lights up the night sky.
Those preferring a more elegant and warmer night out should make a reservation at their favourite restaurant or bar as soon as possible, as tickets go fast, especially to the more opulent affairs. Generally, a reservation entails a dinner or snacks, drinks, and of course the obligatory midnight glass of champagne. Reservations range from a couple hundred zlotys to the thousands, depending on whether you prefer black tie or black and tans. But more important than where you spend your New Year's Eve is who you spend it with, so be sure to practice your Polish pick-up lines before you're stuck by yourself for the midnight kiss!
Not sure where you'll stay for New Year's? You'll want a nice warm and comfortable place to hide from the cold in (not to mention to recover in the morning after New Year's), and there's nothing better than your very own apartment. The folks at Krakow Apartments can set you up right away, so be sure to book before you head to Krakow for all the holiday revelries! 
New Year's Eve 2008
While there are many choices of New Year's parties, from the black tie to the black Converse variety, we've tried to narrow down the selection to the best parties below.
I Love Tokyo
Krakow was once ringed by a chain of forts, and this New Year, DJs and partiers will be commandeering one of those caverns for some round-the-clock madness. Set to be the biggest party of the year, "I Love Tokyo" boasts big-name DJs, state of the art visuals and a host of surprises. Check their website for more info. Tickets on sale at Baroque bar, ul. Sw. Jana 16.
Where: Forty Kleparskie, ul. Kamienna 2-4
New Year's Eve at Rotunda
This year's New Year's Eve the party at the legendary Rotunda Student Club is not just for students! Each ticket to the party guarantees a seat and includes a special Rotunda New Year's drink, a mug of beer, a glass of champagne at midnight, a warm serving of barszcz for dinner, and of course two levels of fun and great music.
Where: Rotunda, ul. Oleandry 1
New Year's Eve at Masada
The New Year is a time to start fresh and explore new possibilities - what better way to do so than to explore a hidden gem in Krakow's nightlife scene, Masada? The recently-opened club has yet to garner much attention, which is a shame because its vast space, including a sizeable dance floor and a mezzanine with plenty of comfortable seating, its superior acoustics and sound system and general hip but unpretentious interiors make it one of the best clubs in Kazimierz, if not the whole city. Luckily, Masada is attepting to break onto the scene with a massive New Year's Eve party. The event will feature the artistic duo dj Phreneticus & vj Kabzel. Phreneticus will spin the best hits of the 80s, 90s, funk, soul, hip-hop, acid-jazz, house, 2step, d'n'b and whatever else is requested, while Kabzel's visuals will accompany the sounds and keep the party atmosphere going all night. Tickets are priced at 190 zloty, which includes two drinks or two beers, champaign, starters and a late dinner, and can be purchased at the bar.
Where: Klub Masada, ul. Skawinska 2
New Year’s Eve at Restaurant Szara Kazimierz
This New Year's Eve, spend your evening at Restaurant Szara Kazimierz. For this special occasion the restaurant has prepared a unique New Year's Eve menu, consisting of two choices. Make sure you reserve your place as soon as possible by calling +48 (12) 4291219, as seats will go fast!
Where: Szara na Kazimierzu, ul. Szeroka 39
Hotel Stary New Year
One of the most elegant New Year's celebrations can be found in the city's most elegant hotel. Expect a rooftop view of the Market Square fireworks.
Where: Hotel Stary, ul. Szczepanska 5
New Year's Eve at the Radisson
This New Year's Eve in Krakow, the Radisson SAS Hotel invites you to their "Chicago Night" New Year's party. The atmosphere of the Golden 20s will be the setting of this year's celebration, with the interior decor, music, and attire reflecting back to the times when bands had a horn section and gangsters were still glamorous. The party starts at 8 pm, and it's best to reserve your tickets as early in the month as possible to ensure you get a seat. You can do so by calling +48 (12) 6188700.
Where: Radisson, ul. Straszewskiego 17
Other parties:
Sylwester 2007/2008
Where: Hotel Chopin, ul. Przy Rondzie 2
Holidays and New Year's 2007/2008
Where: Hotel Francuski, ul. Pijarska 13
Hotel Saski Sylwester 2007/2008
Where: Hotel Saski, ul. Slawkowska 3
New Year's Ball
Where: Hotel Express by Holiday Inn, ul. Opolska 14
New Year's Ball
Where: Hotel Kazimierz (ul. Miodowa 16) and Hotel Kazimierz II (ul. Starowislna 60)
New Year's Ball
Where: Hotel Apis, al. 29 Listopada 137
New Year's Ball
Where: Hotel Villa Pacoldi, Paczoltowice 328 Krzeszowice 3
New Year's Ball
Where: Hotel Poleski, ul. Sandomierska 6 | | | |