What to do in Warsaw during Christmas - 11 Things not to miss
There's no time of the year that would be more magical than Christmas. If you're going to spend these special days in Warsaw, benefit from them as much as possible and don't forget to do some things that can't be done at any other time of the year. How to find them? Nothing easier - just check out our list of 11 things to do in Warsaw during Christmas!
1. Admire Christmas Illuminations on the Royal Route
Starting from the beginning of December, Warsaw gets illuminated with thousands of lights that are installed on 123 street lamps and 63 trees along the Royal Route! Take a short walk to see the most beautiful decorations, starting from Nowy Świat, through Krakowskie Przedmieście, the Old Town and the New Town. You can see the lights every day until midnight, with an exception of two nights: December 24th and December 31st when the lights won’t be turned off at all. If you spend Christmas in Warsaw, don’t miss the opportunity to take a photo with bigger elements of decorations that you’ll find along the way: an old horse tram next to the Copernicus Monument, a charming labyrinth in front of the Bristol Hotel, or a merry-go-round with some old photos of Warsaw on the New Town Market Square. Christmas illuminations will be in Warsaw until February 5th, 2023.
2. See the Christmas tree on the Castle Square
There's nothing more typical for Christmas time than a Christmas tree! Decorating a tree is one of the most cheerful moments of the preparations for the holiday season in many Polish homes. Warsaw also has its own Christmas tree that is traditionally put in front of the Royal Castle. Our tree is 27 meters high and all its lights are energy-saving, made of LED light bulbs only! It’s really impressive so visit the Castle Square to see it with your own eyes.
3. Go shopping on the Christmas market
The Christmas experience wouldn't be complete without the Christmas market! Warsaw may not have such huge markets as German cities, for example, but we do have one worth visiting as well. You'll find it in the Old Town, in the neighborhood of the Column of Sigismund's, next to the old city walls. You can buy some handmade products there, as well as some traditional goods from Warsaw and Poland. And if you’re a foodie, you’ll certainly find some typical Christmas yummies there.
If someone asks you about a drink that is related to Christmas, my guess is that many people would give one answer: mulled wine! There are some places here in Warsaw where you can find it as well. Starting from the above-mentioned Christmas market, through a lot of bars, restaurants, or even cafés, and ending with small local stands in the Old Town Market Square. Just choose the place you like the most and enjoy this warm drink. And remember, you can always choose its non-alcoholic version as well!
5. Drink hot chocolate in Wedel
And since we're talking about drinks, don't miss the opportunity to drink hot chocolate in Wedel - the most well-known chocolate company in Poland, founded already in 1851! Not everyone knows that the founders came to Warsaw from… Berlin, and 12 years ago the company was bought by a Japanese company… But even though it may not be as Polish as it used to be, for many it's still the best thing you can try in Warsaw if you have a sweet tooth! Wedel can be found in 7 different locations, but the oldest one, the so-called Old-fashioned shop, is located at Szpitalna street. Wedel's menu is changed a bit every couple of months. And what did they prepare for Christmas of 2022? Slightly bitter almond chocolate with whipped cream, slightly bitter chocolate with coconut puree, cardamom and whipped cream, slightly bitter ginger and lemon chocolate with halva and whipped cream, milk chocolate with plum jam and whipped cream. Yummy!
All Wedel chocolate lounges are open until late hours, some until 10 PM! To find all the locations and opening hours, go to their website.
6. Go ice skating
If you are a fan of ice skating, Warsaw has a lot to offer! There are dozens of ice rinks all over the city, but there are three most popular ones:
in the Old Town Market Square where you can skate around the monument of the mermaid, a great symbol of the city. The ice rink is open from 1 PM to 3 PM, from 4 PM to 6 PM and from 7 PM to 9 PM. If you have your own skates, the entrance is totally free! You can also borrow skates on the spot for 10 PLN an hour.
in front of the Palace of Culture and Science, the most iconic and controversial building in the city. The ice rink is open every day from 12 PM until 9 PM, with short technical breaks from 2 PM to 3 PM and from 5 PM to 6 PM. The entrance is free, if you need skates, you can borrow them on the spot for free, just be ready to leave a deposit of 50 PLN.
on the other side of the river, in front of the old vodka factory on the Koneser Square. The ice rink is open from 10:15 AM to 10:00 PM. Entries take place in 75-minute rounds. If you're a customer of service points and restaurants in Koneser, the entrance is free. If you're not, it would cost you 7 PLN. Skates can be borrowed for 7 PLN.
7. Go for a walk in the Royal Łazienki Park
A walk in the Łazienki Park is always a good idea, regardless of the weather or the time of year. But if you are planning on going to Łazienki during wintertime, make sure you take a stroll down the so-called Chinese Avenue (Aleja Chińska). This route that goes from the gate at Agrykola street to the gate at Gagarina street is decorated with beautiful light illumination created by several-meter-high, luminous figures in historic costumes. Visitors can take a walk there every day until the end of February, from dusk until 8 PM.
8. See the winter show in the Multimedia Fountain Park
Multimedia Fountain Park was opened 10 years ago and since then it has been one of the top Warsaw attractions for families and those who are looking for a romantic spot. Crowds gather here every weekend during summertime to admire 'Water – Light – Sound' multimedia shows. Only few people know, however, that this place has something to offer also during winter. Every weekend, from Friday to Sunday, we can admire here a winter show during which the fountains are dancing in the rhythm of winter hits. The shows take place from 4 PM to 9 PM, on the hour.
9. Visit the Royal Garden of Light in Wilanów
A little bit further from the city center, you can visit the Wilanów Royal Palace surrounded by a huge garden of 45 hectares. During wintertime it changes into the Royal Garden of Light - an outdoor exhibition where thousands of multi-colored diodes have been shaped into artful light sculptures. It’s a great place to visit for both children and adults. After going through a long light tunnel, you’ll get to a beautiful baroque garden full of different decorations and illuminations. The Royal Garden of Light is open until February 26th, from 4 PM to 9 PM (last entrance possible at 8:30 PM). The cost of the tickets varies depending on the day: during weekdays (Monday-Thursday) it costs 20 PLN, during weekends (Friday-Sunday) - 40 PLN. Find all details here
10. Visit MagicalBotanical Garden
Who said that during Christmas we can’t learn anything new? Visit the MagicalBotanical exhibition, located in a Botanical Garden, just a few steps away from the Royal Łazienki Park! MagicalBotanical will take you into an unknown world of animals and plants, and all this in a charming atmosphere of Christmas. In the garden, you’ll find around 30 unique light sculptures inspired by the world of nature, for example a life-size mammoth or a hovering hummingbird. The exhibition is open until February 26th, from Tuesday to Sunday. The entrance costs 35 PLN (if bought online) or 40 PLN (bought at the counter). All details can be found at https://lumagica.pl/en/
11. See Christmas Nativity Scenes in Warsaw churches
Last but not least, let’s not forget that Christmas is not only a possibility to meet with family and see beautiful colorful decorations and lights, but for many it’s primarily an important religious holiday. In Poland it’s a tradition to go to church not only to pray but also to see Christmas Nativity Scenes, representation of the scene of Jesus Christ's birth. You’ll find them in all Polish churches, so don’t hesitate, go inside and take a look. But while you can visit any church, I would definitely recommend you the Church of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ at Miodowa 13 that hosts the most well-known Nativity Scene in the city. Every year, it is visited by more than 60000 people! It’s the oldest one in Warsaw, its history goes back to 1948. You can admire it from December 25th until February.
So, what are you going to do in Warsaw during Christmas? Let me know in the comments below!