Winter in Warsaw—12 reasons to say yes!
Winter in Warsaw is a time full of light, sounds and unforgettable experiences. A walk through the illuminated Old Town, ice skating by the Palace of Culture, Christmas fairs with the aroma of gingerbread and hot chocolate—these are just some of the winter attractions. In the capital of Poland, concerts, shows and interesting events await, such as the Three Kings Parade or the Praga district’s birthday. You can warm up by sampling some dishes of Warsaw cuisine, try doughnuts by Warsaw pastry masters, and in your free time discover the rich offerings of museums. Shopping enthusiasts can take advantage of the winter sales, and lovers will find the perfect spot for a Valentine’s walk. Come to Warsaw in winter—see for yourself how warm the cold season can be!
Christmas illuminations
In December, Warsaw turns into a magical land of lights. The Old Town and the New Centre of Warsaw is bedecked with thousands of lamps that create a magical atmosphere after dark. Canopies of light hang above the cobbled alleyways, a lit-up carousel revolves on the New Town market square, and a 30-metre Christmas tree reigns over Castle Square. Stop to take a picture of it and you’ll feel the festive mood. Along the brightly illuminated Krakowskie Przedmieście runs a trail of enchanting light installations inspired by famous legends, including the Warsaw Mermaid, the Basilisk, Wars and Sawa, and the Golden Duck. Central Square and its surrounding area will also be lit up. Minimalist geometric shapes will appear there, complemented by floral motifs. As every year, the University of Warsaw Botanical Garden, home to exotic flora, is transformed into a light-filled wonderland. Among the attractions there are flamingos, fish, elephants, monkeys, and even giant carnivorous plants. Find out for yourself! Check out the Multimedia Fountain Park, where instead of water, beams of light dance to the rhythm of Christmas melodies. Winter in Warsaw really can be enchanting!
Go crazy on the rink
Winter Warsaw is the perfect place for lovers of skating! You will find ice rinks at the Palace of Culture and Science, on the Old Town Square, and in every district of the city. Many offer free admission and have equipment to hire. Whether you’re an experienced skater or just taking your first steps, having fun is what counts. Slide to the music and feel the joy of winter!
And if you prefer skiing, visit the year-round Capital Ski resort. Here you can ski whatever the weather, start your adventure under the supervision of an instructor, or hone your technique.
See for yourself that Warsaw in winter is fun, active, and full of excitement.
Christmas markets
In winter, Warsaw turns into a true Christmas shopping capital! Visit one of the festive fairs, where in wooden huts decorated with pine needles you can find handmade ornaments, local delicacies, and unique gifts. The biggest fair is held by the Palace of Culture and Science—Defilad Square turns into a festive town with a and a wide variety of attractions. Smaller fairs and bazaars can also be found in the Old Town and at famous landmarks across the city. Try mulled wine, listen to carols, and feel the magic of winter in the heart of the city. Unique, festive decorations made by local folk artists await at the Ethnographic Museum’s Christmas Fair. The ticket for this event includes the chance to take part in a workshop and create your own decoration in just 20 minutes. Let the mood carry you away—Warsaw has the scent of Christmas in December!
The festive season in Warsaw is a time of carols and pastorals telling the story of Jesus’ birth.
From classic carols to worldwide hits—in December and January, outstanding concerts take place at the National Philharmonic as well as in many churches and concert halls. You can enjoy performances by professional choirs, orchestras and famous artists, and also have chance to sing carols together. Pick your favourite style and get swept up in the festive atmosphere. You can listen to Christmas classics in the glow of thousands of candles at the Palace of Culture and Science, or enjoy jazz arrangements performed by Sławek Uniatowski at the Palladium Theatre. The Torwar Arena will host the orchestral ‘Magic Christmas Concert’ featuring the Sound ‘n’ Grace vocal ensemble, the CoOperate Symphony Orchestra, and top names from the Polish music scene, as well as ‘Jazzy Christmas’ starring Kuba Badach. Or perhaps you’d prefer traditional carols in the historic St. Hyacinth’s Church, the TGD pop-gospel choir at the ROMA Musical Theatre, or fancy crafting your own star and joining carol singers winding through the streets of the Old Town as part of the Old Town Carolling event. The vibe of these and many other concerts will bring you a warmth that thaws the cold of winter.
Christmas nativity scenes
Warsaw’s Christmas nativity scenes are an integral part of the capital’s festive landscape. Be sure to visit the Capuchin church near the Old Town to see the oldest moving nativity scene in Warsaw. On show since 1948, it operates through a system of belts, wheels and gears driven by a single electric motor. You will see the stable with the Holy Family, figures from the history of the Church and Poland, a panorama of Warsaw’s Old Town, and even running trains.
Not only children will be delighted by the year-round nativity scene at the post-Kamedulski church in Bielański Forest (Lasek Bielański), which draws its style from the folk sculptures of the Podhale region. It features more than 40 handmade figures accompanied by live animals headed by Frank, a donkey loved by young children. Christmas nativity scenes are on display in many Warsaw churches until February 2. So don’t wait, visit them as soon as possible to feel the Christmas atmosphere in Warsaw!
New Year's Eve concerts and galas
New Year’s Eve in Warsaw is a feast for music lovers! On December 31, the National Philharmonic presents a concert celebrating the beauty and energy of dance. The programme features pieces spanning a range of eras and countries, including the mazurka, tarantella, waltz, tango, foxtrot, polka, galop, and danzón, as well as music inspired by dance, such as Maurice Ravel’s famous Boléro. At the same time, the New Year’s Eve Gala takes place at the Polish National Opera, where you can enjoy the Grand Theatre’s outstanding soloists, choir, and orchestra. This year’s programme showcases masterpieces by the most celebrated English composers: Benjamin Britten, Edward Elgar and William Walton. Music lovers will also be treated to compositions by Edvard Grieg and… Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. The colourful outfits, masterful performances and spectacular music are an exceptional way to bid the old year farewell in style. Book your tickets, don your evening wear, and spend New Year’s Eve to the rhythm of music that will move your heart.
The Great Elf Factory
Visit a place where magic really exists! The Great Elf Factory is a fairytale town created for children, where little explorers help the Elves save Christmas. Together with the guide-Elf, they travel a nearly two-hour route full of colours, sounds and Christmas surprises. Along the way, they have to gather the notes for a Christmas Melody composed especially for Santa Claus, which have been scattered by Big Shot the Elf.The Elf Factory is not just fun, it’s also a story of cooperation, friendship and the magic of Christmas. Visit with your child and have a real winter adventure together!
Three Kings Parade
On January 6, Warsaw transforms into the scene of a unique spectacle—the Three Kings Parade. Thousands of participants with crowns on their heads set out in a colourful procession reminiscent of medieval pageants. An Angel leads the way, followed by a Starbearer carrying a processional star, children dressed as shepherds, and then three kings from Europe, Asia and Africa. They are accompanied by knights and angels, and devils also appear along the way, trying to prevent them from reaching the stable. During the procession, amateur actors play selected scenes from the Gospel. The climax is the Adoration of the Magi—a highly symbolic and moving gesture of recognising the Christ Child as king of the world. After the parade, the participants go carolling together. Join them and experience one of the most colourful events of a Warsaw winter!
Warsaw cuisine
In winter, when the frost bites, delicious Warsaw cuisine will warm you up. Warsaw has fewer visitors at this time, so it’s easier to get a table. Restaurants tempt people with the aroma of traditional Polish dishes. Choose one of the Old Town restaurants and sample real Polish dumplings (pierogi) or borscht (barszcz). Meatless versions of these dishes are served for the ceremonial Christmas Eve. Over the Christmas period, tables are adorned with cabbage, mushroom and fish dishes, especially herring, which Poles serve in a variety of styles. It is also worth trying traditional soups, which are extremely popular and deeply rooted in Polish culinary tradition—they make a perfect winter warmer.
Restaurants serving cuisine from the world over can be found in the renovated interiors of post-industrial and commercial premises: Hala Koszyki, Centrum Praskie Koneser, Elektrownia Powiśle, Fabryka Norblina, or Browary Warszawskie.
Those with a sweet tooth should mark the date of February 4 in their calendars—this is when Fat Thursday falls in 2027. Join Varsovians in enjoying doughnuts by the Zagoździński or Blikle patisseries on this day.
Well-known and new museums
Winter days are a great time for leisurely visits to Warsaw’s museums, which draw crowds of tourists in high season. At the renowned Warsaw Rising Museum you can explore the events of one of the most poignant episodes in the capital’s history and at the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Museum you can learn the story of Warsaw’s most famous woman, whose name is known worldwide. The Museum of Warsaw, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, invites you to discover the story of the capital through the thousands of items collected there. The new seat of the Polish Army Museum houses an exhibition entitled ‘1000 Years of Polish Military Glory’, while the Polish History Museum features another temporary exhibition. Be sure to visit the Palace of the Commonwealth and admire the treasures of the National Library for free or visit Wilanów, home to the world’s first Poster Museum, founded in 1968. On permanent display, you can admire a few hundred of the most interesting works from the past 130 years, including unique pieces from the Polish School of Posters. Did you know that many of Warsaw’s museums are open free of charge once a week? Will you take the opportunity to discover Warsaw’s cultural side?
Birthday of the Praga district
In February, on the right bank of the Vistula River, Praga—once a separate city— celebrates its birthday. The anniversary of Praga obtaining city rights is an ideal opportunity to get to know the unique ambience of a district that escaped war damage. It features pre-war tenement buildings with shrines in their courtyards, the spires of the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian the Martyr, and the domes of the Orthodox church, as well as historic Jewish buildings and post-industrial premises such as Praga Koneser Center and Soho Factory. Join Varsovians and take part in celebrations that last for days. Choose between a free guided walk, a show, a concert by local artists, or a dance at the legendary Różycki Bazaar. A delicious Praga birthday cake rounds off the celebrations. Come and see why Praga is considered one of Europe’s most authentic districts!
Valentine's Day in Warsaw
Lovers have many reasons to spend February 14 in Warsaw. A romantic atmosphere is guaranteed by a walk through the Old Town, illuminated by thousands of lights. Or maybe invite your Valentine for a candlelit dinner in one of the cosy restaurants? Or you can enjoy a breathtaking city panorama together from the highest observation deck in the EU. Highline Warsaw is located on the 53rd floor of Varso Tower, which is more than 300 metres high. Unforgettable experiences also await you if you visit one of the Valentine’s concerts or attend a special show under the stars at the Copernicus Science Centre Planetarium. Regardless of which Warsaw attraction you choose, Valentine’s Day in the capital will create lasting memories.