Winter in Warsaw—15 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 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. A trail of fairy-tale decorations runs along the illuminated Krakowskie Przedmieście—will you see communist-era design motifs from the 1950s and 60s that many Poles still decorate their tree with? 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!
Garden lights
When night falls, several Warsaw gardens transform into realms of light and magic. And the parklands around Wilanów Palace become the Royal Garden of Light. You enter through a tunnel of light leading to the King’s Winter Garden. The light decorations recall the era of Jan III Sobieski and the themes of love, war and diplomacy. If you want to travel back to the times of the palace’s first occupant, visit at the weekend and watch the three-dimensional shows projected onto the façade. Spectacular installations also light up Warsaw’s botanical gardens: of the University of Warsaw, and of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Powsin. The first will enchant you with scenes of flowery meadows, forest paths clouds and subaquatic depths, the second with the ambience of a story of extraordinary love: ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Stroll through the fairytale gardens and maybe you will rediscover your inner child.
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, 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—Defilad Square turns into a festive town with a Ferris wheel, carousel, and concert stage. Smaller fairs and bazaars can also be found in the Old Town and at other locations. Try mulled wine, listen to carols, and feel the magic of winter in the heart of the city. 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. During the Warsaw Caroling Festival, Polish stars perform along with a guest from abroad. Polish Christmas carols and international Christmas hits will be performed at St. Jacek’s church by an operatic entertainment duo with piano accompaniment, while Golec uOrkiestra will bring Warsaw residents a highland atmosphere. 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 invites you to a concert featuring operatic choruses and overtures that will put you in the New Year’s mood. At the same time, the National Opera hosts the New Year’s Eve Gala with the greatest hits from stages around the world. You will hear the Grand Theatre’s outstanding soloists, choir, and orchestra. 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 10 interactive tasks involving logic, movement and music, and finally—a meeting with Santa! 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 12 in their calendars—this is when Fat Thursday falls in 2026. Join Varsovians in enjoying doughnuts by the Zagoździński or Blikle patisseries on this day.
Winter breaks in Warsaw
Winter Warsaw is the perfect place for a family holiday! Children will be delighted by the Copernicus Science Centre, a realm of hands-on experimentation and discovery. At the Warsaw Railway Museum (Stacja Muzeum), huge locomotives await them, and at the Polish Army Museum—armour, weaponry and real tanks. At Smart Kids Planet or Minicity, little ones can play at their dream occupations. And the E.Wedel Chocolate Factory invites you for a sweet adventure. During your visit, you will not only taste the treat, but also learn how it is made. Trampolines, playrooms and interactive exhibitions make winter breaks in Warsaw unforgettable. Come and see how much fun is in store for the whole family!
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, at the Fryderyk Chopin Museum you can immerse yourself in the world of an outstanding artist’s musical sensitivity, 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 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. 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?
Winter sales
After Christmas, Warsaw turns into a paradise for shopping enthusiasts! In shopping centres and boutiques, including on Mokotowska, Mysia and Szpitalna streets, there are winter sales offering discounts of 30–50%. In time they will reach as high as 70%—some promotions last until the end of February. It’s a great chance to hunt down something special—from top-brand clothing to originals by Polish designers. Luxury stores can be found around Three Crosses Square (Plac Trzech Krzyży) and in the Vitkac retail complex. You can also visit outlet centres offering end-of-line collections from global brands—where prices are lower every day. Come shopping in Warsaw and feel the thrill of real sale madness!
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.