Poland in January: tips for making the most of your winter in Poland
When the temperature drops below zero, you can start planning your ski adventure in Poland. And the best part is that you don’t need to drive for hours south of Poland, to the mountains! You can enjoy many small ski slopes throughout Poland, including big cities. Our post covers the area of Zakopane, Poznań, Warsaw, Wrocław, Katowice, Łódź, Kraków, Tri-City: Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot. In our post about skiing in Poland, you will find information about local small ski resorts within a relatively short distance from the biggest cities in Poland. They are perfect for children and adults who want to learn skiing or if you want to have a weekend ski break in Poland. The post also covers some of the most popular ski resorts in Poland for those who plan their winter holidays in Poland or are looking for more advanced ski runs. A zoo with kangaroos and camels? Kids entertainers available 365 days a year? Big sandbox and mud kitchen inside the hotel building? Beach or ski slope within walking distance from the hotel? Such attractions can be found in selected hotels in Poland. We have asked our readers for their insights, and in our guide, you will discover the best family hotels in Poland as recommended by Kids in the City community. These hotels have all the basics covered and a whole lot more! Zalesie Mazury Active Spa – hotel by the lake, kids entertainers 365 days a year The hotel is located by the lake, in a spruce and pine forest, in the Masuria (Mazury) region – called the Polish land of lakes. The hotel provides kids club entertainers 7 days a week, 365 days a year! Photo source: Zalesie Mazury Active Spa Hotel Bania – hotel in the mountains The hotel is located in the mountains in the south of Poland. What distinguishes Hotel Bania? The hotel is situated next to the ski slopes and large thermal pools. In summer, children can enjoy the large playground with numerous attractions. The hotel also has an interesting offer for families who like cycling. Photo source: Hotel Bania
Skiing in Poland: the most popular ski resorts in Poland and small local ski slopes
Read more about skiing in Poland in our post: Where to learn to ski in Poland and where to spend winter holidays in Poland.
The best family-friendly hotels in Poland
Read more in our post: The best family hotels in Poland as recommended by Kids in the City readers.
Read more (locations, amenities, and activities for children, photos, contact info) about other child-friendly hotels in Poland recommended by parents – Kids in the City readers: Child-friendly hotels in Poland: family-friendly hotels where children are positively welcomed, and parents can relax.
Exploring Warsaw in winter: ideas for things to do
For those who plan to visit Warsaw in the wintertime. Here, everyone will find something for themselves – something for those who love festive illuminations, for those interested in history, and certainly for gourmets – regardless of whether you want to try Polish traditional cuisine, are looking for vegan options or cuisine from around the world – Warsaw will not disappoint you!
Our post Winter in Warsaw includes:
- Ice skating rinks in Warsaw
- Sleigh and horse carriage rides in the vicinity of Warsaw
- Where to go sledding in Warsaw
- Festive illuminations, a Christmas tree, light displays in Warsaw
- Ideas for indoor things to do in winter in Warsaw
- Skiing in Warsaw – yes, it’s possible!
- Ideas for those who want to enjoy the Christmas and holiday atmosphere in Warsaw
Click here to read our post on things to do in Warsaw in the wintertime
Best indoor playgrounds and soft play centers in Poland
There are times of the year in Poland when many families head indoors for some shelter, and somewhere the children can burn off some of their endless energy:) Our Readers list top soft spots in Poland where adults can chill out while children have fun and tire themselves out.
Read more in our post: Indoor play spaces for children in Poland recommended by our readers.
Weather in Poland in January
January is the coldest month in Poland. The average temperature in January in Poland is -1,5°C / 30,2°F. The average rainfall level in Poland in January is 37 mm. The Polish name for January – styczeń – comes from the word stykać, meaning connecting the old and new year. The day keeps getting longer – sunset on January 1: 3.33 pm, January 31: 4.20 pm.
Winter in Poland is cold and usually snowy. To stay cozy in the cold weather in Poland, you will need a hat, coat, scarf, gloves, and winter boots. The weather in Poland differs during the winter. Usually, the temperature is around freezing or a few degrees below, but it happens that the temperature drops below -20 °C (-4 °F). In recent years, there has been an increase in average winter temperatures compared to previous years.
Read more about the weather and winter in Poland.
Shopping Sunday and trade ban Sundays in Poland in January 2025
In January 2025, there is one shopping Sunday in Poland: January 26. January 5, 12, and 19 are trade ban Sundays in Poland. Click here to read our post about shopping Sundays in Poland in 2025.
Public holidays and dates to remember in Poland in January 2025
- January 1
New Year’s Day (Nowy Rok)
A public holiday in Poland – stores, malls, shopping centers are closed, and only some smaller local convenience stores can be open (e.g. Żabka). You can do essential shopping at gas stations.
- January 6
Epiphany / The Three Wise Kings (Trzech Króli)
A public holiday in Poland, stores, schools, public institutions are closed. Christian holiday commemorating the three wise kings’ visit to infant Jesus. In Warsaw and other big cities, there are street parades. There is a tradition in Poland to write with chalk from the church above the entrance of your home: K+M+B (or C+M+B). The letters have two meanings: they represent the initials of Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar (Kacper, Melchior, Baltazar); it’s also the abbreviation of the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat (May Christ bless this house).
- January 21 & January 22
Grandmother’s Day & Grandfather’s Day (Dzień Babci & Dzień Dziadka)
People visit or call their grandparents to honor them. In kindergartens, there are usually events for grandparents.
- January 26
Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, 33rd Grand Finale (Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy)
The most significant charity event in Poland. The 2025 winter fundraiser will be held for children’s oncology and hematology. Many concerts, shows, and other events all over Poland. Volunteers (including many children) collect money on the streets and give away to all donors red stickers in the shape of a heart. The Foundation’s website in English.
Read more about public holidays and dates to remember in Poland in winter.
Winter school break in Poland
The school year in Poland is divided into two terms: the first/winter term (pierwszy semestr) and the second/summer term (drugi semestr). While the first and last days of school are set the same for all of Poland, the winter break (ferie zimowe) times differ for each Polish province/voivodship each year.
- January 20 – February 2, 2025
The following voivodships: kujawsko-pomorskie (Kuyavian-Pomeranian – Toruń & Bydgoszcz), lubuskie (Lubusz – Gorzów Wielkopolski & Zielona Góra), małopolskie (Lesser Poland – Kraków), świętokrzyskie (Holy Cross – Kielce), wielkopolskie (Greater Poland – Poznań).
- January 27 – February 9, 2025
The following voivodships: podlaskie (Białystok), warmińsko-mazurskie (Warmian-Masurian – Olsztyn).
- February 3 – 16, 2025
The following voivodships: dolnośląskie (Lower Silesian – Wrocław), mazowieckie (Masovian – Warsaw), opolskie (Opole), zachodniopomorskie (West Pomeranian – Szczecin).
- February 17 – March 2, 2025
The following voivodships: lubelskie (Lublin), łódzkie (Łódź), podkarpackie (Subcarpathian – Rzeszów), pomorskie (Pomeranian – Gdańsk), śląskie (Silesian – Katowice).
Winter illuminations in Poland: beautiful light displays in selected cities in Poland
During the wintertime season (including January), many parks in Poland transform after dark into a magical world of lights, allowing you to spend time outdoors, walking in winter festive scenery. We take you through 18 magical places across Poland where you can cut yourself off from everyday matters and enjoy winter in Poland.
You will find detailed information about 18 illuminations festivals in Poland in the 2023/2024 season in our post: Festivals of lights, illuminations, and Christmas displays across Poland.
KRAKÓW: Garden of Lights – “Small World” – world-famous buildings
The Garden of Lights features this season’s “Small World” – world-famous buildings like the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, or Big Ben (a new theme this year; in previous seasons, it featured The Smurfs, Peter Pan, and Snow White). In addition to almost 30 light installations, all the light figures are surrounded by multimedia illuminations – a combination of sound, image, and music. Other attractions include a multimedia light tunnel, Christmas tree light shows, mappings, and a light maze. All attractions are spread over 6 hectares!
- Location on Google map.
- Address: Ogród Doświadczeń im. Stanisława Lema, Al. Pokoju 68, 31-580 Kraków. The only entrance to the Garden is from Aleja Pokoju Street.
- October 25, 2024 – March 2, 2025.
- Website in Polish, Facebook. Instagram.
- Our tips on visiting Kraków.
Photo source: Ogród Świateł w Krakowie
WARSAW: illuminated winter garden “Magiczny Botaniczny” / “Magical Botanical”
The visitors can enjoy light structures prepared especially for the Garden (incl. light sculptures of flowers, shrubs, birds, and forest animals), referring to the most exciting plants in the Garden’s collection, the relationship between nature and man, and fairy tales and legends related to nature.
- Location: Botanical Garden of the Warsaw University (Ogród Botaniczny Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego), Aleje Ujazdowskie 4 Street (city center), the garden on Google Maps. The Garden is located next to the Łazienki Royal Park (in 1818, the Botanical Garden was separated from the Łazienki).
- November 9, 2024 – February 16, 2025.
- Website in Polish. Facebook. Instagram.
- More about winter illuminations in other locations in Warsaw.
Photo source: Lumagica Warszawa
- In our post, you will find detailed information about 18 illumination festivals in Poland: Festivals of lights, illuminations, and Christmas displays across Poland.
Things you can’t miss in Poland in January
Treat yourself with angel wings – you can buy them in Poland only during the carnival!
Warm up with winter tea – a natural way to stay healthy during frosts
Poles love tea! As many as 80 percent of Poles drink tea every day or several times a day. The most popular types of tea in Poland are black tea, Earl Gray, and green tea. In Poland, when we arrange a meeting, it is often said, “I invite you for coffee” (Zapraszam cię na kawę), and the meeting ends with tea…;)
Before 1989, under communism in Poland, tea with sugar was often drunk. The tea was served in a unique glass in a wicker or metal basket with a handle so as not to burn yourself.
Now, habits are changing – tea, if anything, is more and more often sweetened with honey, not sugar. Teas from all over the world are available in stores in Poland. The classic tea in Poland is still black tea with a lemon slice.
In winter, it is worth trying warming tea – it is complemented by ingredients that can be added according to your preferences. There are as many variants of winter tea as there are drinkers! The base is always tea infusion – most often, it is black tea, but not only. The classic is tea with ginger and honey. Many people also cannot imagine it without cloves, lemon, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or raspberry juice. You can also add a little ground chili, anise, and rosehip. Smacznego!:)
Take a walk along the streets of the nearest city, magically illuminated with winter lights
Most Polish cities install thousands of lights on the streets in winter, usually in the city center / the old town. The illuminations (with the Christmas tree) are turned on at the beginning of December and typically remain until the end of January or mid-February. Don’t miss this magic and walk in the city’s streets after dark. The illuminated streets look fabulous regardless of the weather! The photos below present the festive winter illuminations in selected Polish cities.
Subscribe to our monthly English newsletters to explore Poland and learn about it. Once a month, you will receive a Newsletter: ‘Explore Poland with Kids‘. You will find there family-friendly destinations in Poland – beautiful places in Poland worth visiting with children – from city break destinations to hiking in the mountains (lots of practical tips!); things you can’t miss in Poland in a given month; dates to remember, holidays, observances in Poland in a given month so you can mark your calendars accordingly:
Click on the photos below to read other posts:
