A Christmas Adventure in the Heart of Old Cracow: a family city game full of joy and magic
Case study: A Christmas adventure in the Heart of Old Cracow: a family city game full of joy and magic
Number of participants: multiple teams
Game length: 1,5- hour long city game
Język: Polish and English
A CHALLENGE FOR THE ESCAPECITY TEAM:
Christmas in Poland captures a special kind of magic—the warmth of family gatherings, the aroma of spiced treats filling the air, and the joy of presents beneath the Christmas tree. We wanted to extend this enchantment beyond the home and bring it to visitors exploring Kraków’s historic Old Town. We aimed to combine the AR enhanced city games with the magical atmosphere of Cracow’s Main Square, Christmas Market and a good time among your loved ones.
Our mission was to create an experience that would:
- deliver unique and unforgettable sensations,
- showcase Kraków as the heart of the adventure,
- provide entertainment for the entire family.
DESIGNING THE CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE –
LOGISTICS:
Drawing on our deep knowledge of Kraków and its rich history, we crafted a Christmas-themed city game that guided participants through the most captivating winter attractions. The carefully planned 2.5 km route revealed the beauty of Małopolska capital in its festive glory. During this 90-minute adventure, players discovered over 20 historical sites, including ancient tenements and other landmarks of Kraków. By blending tradition with technology through augmented reality (AR), we created a dynamic experience full of delightful surprises.
SCRIPT AND RIDDLES:
Christmas, with its inherent magic and symbolism, provided the perfect foundation for our game scenario. With so many seasonal themes available, we chose to focus on a beloved holiday storyline—a quest to save Christmas—often featured in popular holiday films.
Every puzzle and element were deeply rooted in Christmas traditions, with the game kits enhanced by festive details. Subtle decorations, winter color schemes, and references to holiday customs added a special charm that immersed participants in a genuinely festive atmosphere.
Throughout the game, participants discovered Małopolska’s Christmas traditions, including the famous Kraków nativity scenes—recognized on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List in 2018. They learned about regional gift-bearers beyond Santa Claus and uncovered secrets hidden along the winter streets. Each challenge along the route was designed not only to entertain but also to enrich players’ knowledge of Kraków’s traditions and history, transforming the game into both an exciting adventure and an educational journey through Christmas-time Kraków. For participants’ comfort, we provided an “Elf Support Kit,” which assisted in their mission while offering a warm, festive beverage perfect for chilly winter days.
THE RESULTS: A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE
“The Christmas Adventures and the Magic Potion” proved to be an exceptional opportunity to combine holiday fun with urban exploration. Teams worked together to help Santa Claus overcome a unique challenge.
As participants navigated the picturesque streets, solving numerous puzzles and challenges, the combination of Augmented Reality technology with traditional scavenger hunt elements created an immersive and captivating experience. Walking through Kraków’s most beautiful locations adorned in holiday splendor, players discovered local traditions and fascinating stories connected to each site..
The game requires cooperation, logical thinking, and creativity, making it an ideal attraction for families, friends, and corporate groups. Solving puzzles collaboratively created countless memorable moments and instilled a genuinely festive spirit in everyone involved.
This Christmas Adventure offers more than just active entertainment—it creates lasting memories. Without a doubt, this is an experience that will remain in participants’ hearts long after the holiday season ends.
