January in Warsaw: ideas and tips for making the most of your winter in Warsaw

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Sleigh and horse carriage rides in the vicinity of Warsaw

Horse-drawn sleigh rides are a unique winter attraction in Poland. Usually, they are associated with the mountains, but in the vicinity of Warsaw, we can also go for a sleigh ride! It is great fun and an opportunity to spend time with family or friends in nature. Of course, a tiny little detail – snow is needed. However, in most cases, when the weather changes and the snow melts, there is an option to ride a wheeled carriage.

In our post Sleigh and horse carriage rides near Warsaw, we present several options for organizing a sleigh ride near Warsaw – you can contact all the organizers in English.

Sleigh rides 40 km from Warsaw on the edge of the Kampinos Forest
Sleigh rides are organized in winter by a stable – Stajnia Dorado (location on Google map, website in Polish, Facebook). How does it work? Sleigh rides take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 2 pm; the dates are agreed upon individually during the week. Reservations can be made by e-mail: stajniadorado@poczta.onet.pl. The sleigh ride (the sleigh can hold a maximum of 7 people) or the carriage takes approximately 1.5 hours. With more people, two rounds are made – one group stays in the orchard by the fire, and the other group goes on a sleigh ride.

Photo source: Stajnia Dorado

You can read more about other options for organizing a sleigh ride near Warsaw in our post Sleigh and horse carriage rides near Warsaw.

Ice skating rinks in Warsaw

Warsaw has many rinks to explore. And it’s not just during Christmas that you can get your skates on, as there are plenty of rink options from November/December until February/March, weather permitting.

Our post Ice skating rinks in Warsaw includes info about 20+ rinks, including free, outdoor, and indoor, and… did you know that Ursynów has an indoor ice rink open 24/7?

Skate rentals operate at most ice rinks in Warsaw, so you don’t need your equipment (there are also usually skate supports for skaters needing extra help).

You can read more about 20+ indoor and outdoor ice rinks in different districts of Warsaw (locations, opening hours, photos) in our post: Ice skating rinks in Warsaw.

Where to go sledging in Warsaw

When it starts to snow, we are often asked where a good place to go sledding in Warsaw is. Each district in Warsaw has several smaller and larger hills where you can go sledding. 

Most of these spots are in Warsaw parks (e.g., Park Górczewska in Bemowo, Las Bielański Park/forest in Bielany, Park Morskie Oko in Mokotów, Park Szczęśliwicki in Ochota, Park Skaryszewski in Praga Południe, Park Praski in Praga Północ, Las Bródnowski in Targówek, Park Sowińskiego in Wola).

Other hills used for sledding in winter were created after the completion of street construction and renovation or remained after the metro construction in Warsaw (e.g. Kopa Cwila and Górka Kazurka in Ursynów).

Click here to read our post with a rundown of some popular places to go sledging in Warsaw by the district.

What to do with a Christmas tree in Warsaw – replanting & recycling

Where to return Christmas trees IN POTS for replanting:

• Saturday, January 11, 9 am – 3 pm: Lasy Miejskie – Warszawa (forest management office for the Warsaw area), Korkowa 170 Street (Wawer).
• Saturday, January 18, 9 am – 3 pm: Forest and Nature Education Center (Centrum Edukacji Przyrodniczo-Leśnej), Rydzowa 1 Street, Las Kabacki (Kabaty Forest).
• The collected trees will be planted in Warsaw’s forests.
• The chances of planted trees surviving depend on their condition, the condition of the roots, and how long the trees have been in a warm room. Christmas trees grown directly in pots have a good chance of adapting to forest conditions.
• Foresters recommend keeping Christmas trees at home as short as possible – this increases the chances of later adoption of the replanted tree. Therefore, moving the Christmas tree outside, e.g., to the balcony, right after Christmas is best.

Recyclable Christmas trees, two options to choose from:

• The Christmas tree – without decorations, packaging, soil, and pot – can be left in a garbage container marked “zielone” (green) or in a bulky waste collection site designated by the property administrator.
• You can take the Christmas tree to the Municipal Waste Selective Collection Point (Punkt Selektywnego Zbierania Odpadów Komunalnych), Tatarska 2/4 Street (Wola) and Kampinoska 1 Street (Bielany). Opening hours: Monday – Friday 11 am – 7 pm; Saturday 9 am – 5 pm.

Winter illuminations & light displays in Warsaw in January 2025

Illumination and light displays available in Warsaw in January 2025:

Multimedia Fountain Park in winter:

Photo source: www.park-fontann.pl  

You will find detailed information about Warsaw illuminations festivals in the 2024/2025 season in our post: Light displays in Warsaw: festive illuminations, lights festivals, and Christmas decorations in Warsaw during the 2023/2024 season.

Events & ideas for things to do in Warsaw in January

For things to do INDOOR in Warsaw, please read our post that includes the list of ideas for fun (indoor!) activities for a bad weather day in Warsaw: Indoor things to do in Warsaw.

Explore Warsaw with our list of museums and galleries in Warsaw by district – there’s one to suit every interest, and many of them are free to visit.

LEGO exhibition: 130 mock-ups, thousands of models, 10 million Lego bricks
Until March 2. Location: PGE National Stadium, al. Poniatowskiego 1 (Praga), level -1, entrance from al. Zieleniecka Street, gate no. 1 (enter the underground car park by car through gate number 6.). Open daily: 10 am – 8 pm. The exhibition is new; none of the mock-ups have been presented in Warsaw before. The exhibition includes a Fun Zone where you can create your own models. Tickets can be purchased online and on-site at the box office (children up to 95 cm tall – free admission). Next to the Lego exhibition, you can also visit the “3D Trick Gallery” – for all those who like to take crazy selfies (additional paid admission). The exhibition is adapted for people with disabilities and strollers. More in Polish.

A multimedia exhibition: “TITANIC – the Artifact Exhibition”
Until March 31. Location: Soho Art Center, Mińska 63 Street (Praga), entrance to the free parking lot from Chodakowska Street (near the gas station). Open every day: 10 am – 8 pm. The Exhibition is available in English. Tickets can be purchased online. Children up to 6 years old have free entrance. The exhibition presents the extraordinary history of the Titanic – the largest passenger ship in the world at that time. In the exhibition, covering an area of ​​1,500 m², you will find over 160 authentic exhibits recovered from the wreck of the Titanic. Audioguides are available in six languages. After entering the exhibition, viewers will be transported back to April 1912, when the ship set off on its first and last voyage. The tour will begin from the moment the visitors receive a replica of the boarding pass, putting themselves in the role of a specific passenger, and then experience the journey of a lifetime on the TITANIC – from the fascinating construction of the ship through the exploration of its full-size luxurious interiors, to the tragedy of the sinking. The Exhibition’s website in Polish. Facebook. Instagram.

An immersive multi-sensory exhibition: “Dali Cybernetics. An Immersive Journey into the Brilliant Mind of Salvador Dali”
Until March 23. Location: Fabryka Norblina, Art-Box Experience, Żelazna 51/53 Street (city center/Wola). Online tickets (children under five years old have free entrance). The exhibition is intended for all ages and is bilingual – Polish and English. The exhibition is a unique combination of the poetic world of Salvador Dalí with the latest technologies, large-format projections, artificial intelligence (AI), educational content, and an exciting VR film. More in Polish about the Exhibition.

Dumplings cooking classes in English
Location: Pierogi & More cooking school, Stawki 3 Street (city center). During this experience, you will prepare pierogi with meat and/or vegetarian fillings. At first, you will learn how to knead the dough; then, you will learn various techniques for folding the dumplings and discover hacks that make them tasty. Lastly, at the end of the culinary workshop, you will enjoy a plate full of dumplings, so make sure you come to the class hungry. More in English and online booking.

Outdoor Christmas Market in the Old Town
Until January 6. Location: Warsaw Old Town, the Warsaw Barbican area, opposite the Royal Castle. Open every day, 12 pm – 9.30 pm, free entrance. Souvenirs, gifts, local crafts, and food like pierogi, hot chocolate. Facebook page in Polish.

Automotive Icons Exhibition – 100 rare and valuable cars and motorcycles
Until February 25. Location: PGE National Stadium, entrance from al. Zieleniecka Street, gate no. 1 (Praga), online tickets. Free outdoor parking is available in front of gate no. 1 from al. Zieleniecka Street (access via Targowa, Zamoyskiego, Sokola, and Siwca streets) and a paid underground car park. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am – 7 pm, Friday 11 am – 8 pm, weekends 10 am – 7 pm. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Maserati, Bentley, Aston Martina, and other top brands models – from oldtimers to modern cars with the latest technologies. Website, Facebook, Instagram.

A new exhibition at the Museum of Asia: “Holi Colors”
Until June 1. Location: Muzeum Azji i Pacyfiku, Museum of Asia and the Pacific, Solec 24 Street (Powiśle). The exhibition presents the painting of Mithila, which is practiced by women from a region today divided between India and Nepal. More in Polish about the Exhibition.

Christmas attractions & meeting with Santa at Smart Kids Planet – an edutainment center with playing zones dedicated to children aged 0-10
Until January 12. Location: Smart Kids Planet, Fabryka Norblina, level -1, Żelazna 51/53 Street (Wola/city center). Smart Kids Planet is open daily. Additional attractions are available on weekdays, 5 pm – 7 pm, and weekends, 11 am – 5 pm. You can meet Santa on Fridays at 5 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm and 5 pm. Special Christmas attractions include new for 2024: The “Hello, Santa?” Phone Booth – a one-of-a-kind attraction where kids can talk directly to Santa himself, thanks to the magic of Christmas; Daily Christmas workshops; Festive play zones like the Gift Wrapping Station and Smart Shopping Zone; Winter delights at Smart Cafe, featuring warming teas and holiday treats. Opening hours during holiday season: December 24 & 25: closed; December 26: 11 am – 8 pm; January 1: 11 am – 8 pm; January 6: 9 am – 8 pm. It is recommended that you buy tickets online – Smart Kids Planet has entry limits per hour. Website in Polish, website in English.

The Great Elf Factory (Wielka Fabryka Elfów) – indoor Christmas playing areas for children aged 3-10
Until January 10. Location: PGE National Stadium, Ks. Jozefa Poniatowskiego 1 Street, entrance from Wybrzeże Szczecińskie Street – gate no. 5, a paid underground parking lot is available – gate no. 6 (Praga). Ten playing areas with attractions for kids (e.g., an inflatable playground) – children help elves; in the end, they meet Santa. The games and attractions take about 2 hours. Individual visitors: Monday-Friday 2.30 pm – 5.30 pm, weekends 9 am – 6 pm. Recommended age of children: 3-10 years old. Ticket prices depend on days and hours and start from 74 PLN. 1 ticket is admission for one child and one guardian. Visiting the Elf Factory for groups of children is possible in English – you must report such a request in advance (+48 583 501 651, warszawa@wielkafabrykaelfow.pl). Website in Polish. Facebook. Instagram.

Artificial ski slope in Ochota – Górka Szczęśliwicka
Location: Górka Szczęśliwicka, Park Szczęśliwicki, Drawska 22 Street (Ochota). Location on Google map. The ski slope is open every day, 10 am – 8 pm. The ski slope in Warsaw is located in the Ochota district of Warsaw and is available for skiing starting in October. The hill is called in Polish Górka Szczęśliwicka and is located in the center of the Park Szczęśliwicki. It’s the highest (152 m) hill in Warsaw. It’s an artificial ski slope. The height of the ski slope is 74.9 m, the run length is 227 m, and a plate lift and a chairlift are available. The ski season lasts from October, and the slope is artificially snowed from the first frost. A ski and snowboard equipment rental and a ski service are on site. Website and Facebook. The contact list of ski and snowboard schools working on the Górka Szczęśliwicka.

Planetarium in the Copernicus Science Center
Location: the Planetarium building next to Copernicus Science Center, Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 20 Street (Powiśle), online tickets. The Planetarium screens films for adults and kids of different ages – some for 3+ audiences and some shows for teenagers (2D and 3D screenings). Most screenings can also be viewed in the English audio version with headphones (and some in Russian). Admission to the Planetarium is only for children over 3 years old. Click here to read our tips on visiting the Planetarium.

Indoor go-karting tracks in the Warsaw area
Four indoor karting tracks are open all year round in and around Warsaw. They offer go-karts for both adults and children. Click here to read our post featuring karting tracks in the Warsaw area.

Indoor playgrounds and soft play centers in Warsaw
Are you stuck for ideas on what to do with the kids in Warsaw on a rainy day? We’ve rounded up the best indoor and soft play areas in Warsaw in our quest to discover brilliant family attractions in Warsaw. Parents have been telling us their favorite play centers in Warsaw, from slides and climbing frames to ball pools, role-play games, and trampolines. Find the perfect places to go with your kids and get out on your next adventure! More in our post: Top indoor play spaces in Warsaw.

Eating out in one of Warsaw’s indoor food halls
Are you going out for lunch with friends or family, but everyone wants something different? Sounds familiar? Food halls will settle restaurant selection fights. They offer a wide variety of ethnic cuisines and local restaurant concepts. An excellent solution for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a group – everyone orders from a different restaurant and eats at a shared table. Click here to read our post featuring food halls in Warsaw (Elektrownia Powiśle, Hala Koszyki, Browary Warszawskie – Warsaw Breweries, Fabryka Norblina).

20+ ice skating rinks in Warsaw
Since the first weekend of December, ice rinks have already been operating in almost all districts of Warsaw. The ice rinks in Warsaw are usually open until February/March, weather permitting. You can read more about indoor and outdoor ice rinks in Warsaw (location, opening hours) in our post: Ice skating rinks in Warsaw.

The exhibition of live spiders and scorpions
Location: the Palace of Culture and Science, pl. Defilad 1, entrance from Marszałkowska Street, 10 am – 8 pm, online tickets, children up to 4 free entrance. Each weekend (every hour on the hour), the visitors can hold a spider (the most gentle tarantula) in their hand and take close photographs with the assistance of an exhibition employee. More in Polish about the Exhibition.

A winter walk among the magic lights – 6 spots in Warsaw
During winter, many parks in Warsaw transform after dark into a magical world of lights, allowing you to spend time outdoors, walking in winter festive scenery. Add to that a Christmas tree on Plac Zamkowy and illuminated streets in the center of Warsaw! You will find detailed information about Warsaw illuminations festivals and lights displays in our post: Light displays in Warsaw: festive illuminations, lights festivals, and decorations in Warsaw during the 2024/2025 season.

And if it snows – it’s time for a sled!
When it starts to snow in Warsaw, we often are asked where is a good place to go sledding and build a snowman in Warsaw. Here is a rundown of some popular places in Warsaw by district: Sledging in Warsaw: best spots for sledding in Warsaw.

Warsaw Zoo – open every day, including all public holidays
Location: Ratuszowa 1/3 Street (Praga), opening hours in January: 9 am – 4 pm (weekends and holidays), 9 am – 3.30 pm (Monday-Friday). The last admission is one hour before the Zoo closes. Online tickets. Website in English.

Chopin music piano recitals
Location: Fryderyk Concert Hall, Podwale 15 Street (the old town), online tickets. The recitals feature Fryderyk Chopin’s most famous compositions. Website in English.

A winter walk in the center of Warsaw: Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Świat Streets a car-free zone 
January 4-6. Nowy Świat and Krakowskie Przedmieście streets (from rondo gen. Ch. de Gaulle’a to Miodowa Street) change into a car-free zone, accessible only to pedestrians and cyclists. It is part of the so-called Royal Route, a historic part of Warsaw, leading from Rondo de Gaulle’a (the famous traffic circle with a palm tree) to Castle Square with Sigismund’s Column and the Royal Castle. It is worth going for a walk there, especially after dark, when the Christmas illuminations are already on!

Exhibition and fair of exotic animals and plants; Exhibition of spiders
January 5. Location: Sports Center at Siennicka 40 Street (Praga), 10 am – 4 pm, online tickets. Snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, snails, insects, spiders, ants, fish, and plants from all over the world. Facebook event in Polish.

Art Fair (Targowisko Sztuki) – exhibition and sale of works by independent artists
January 11-12. Location: Centrum Praskie Koneser, Centrum Eventowe Butelkownia, Plac Konesera (Praga), Saturday 11 am – 6 pm, Sunday 11 am – 5 pm, free entrance. Paintings, graphics, illustration, photography, design, ceramics, posters. Facebook event in Polish.

Christmas folk concert and dance show by Mazowsze – the oldest and most significant Polish folk dancing and singing group
January 11, 12, 16, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26. Location: Matecznik “Mazowsze“, Świerkowa 2 Street, 05-805 Otrębusy (a village about 25 km from the center of Warsaw), online tickets. More about the Mazowsze group in English.

Railway Modeling Fair (Giełda Modeli Kolejowych)
January 12. Location: Warsaw Railway Museum (Stacja Muzeum), Towarowa 3 Street (Wola), 10 am – 2 pm (the Museum is open 9 am – 5 pm). A chance to buy model railways and trains and meet railway modeling enthusiasts. During the event reduced tickets to the Museum for everyone. The Museum website in English. Facebook event in Polish.

Exhibition and Fair: Terrariums, aquariums, botany. Hundreds of species of animals – reptiles, arachnids, insects, amphibians, fish
January 12. Location: Arena Ursynów, Pileckiego 122 Street (Ursynów), 10 am – 3.30 pm. Children up to 3 years old enter free of charge. Facebook event in Polish.

A concert of classical music at the Ballroom in the Palace on the Isle in Łazienki Royal Garden
January 12. Location: Łazienki Royal Garden, Pałac na Wyspie, Sala Balowa, Agrykola 1 Street (city center), 12 pm, tickets 15 PLN. Facebook event in Polish.

“The Nutcracker” ballet
January 17. Location: Matecznik “Mazowsze“, Świerkowa 2 Street, 05-805 Otrębusy (a village about 25 km from the center of Warsaw), more in Polish and online tickets.

Festival and fair of chocolate, sweets, and coffee; Sakura Japanese Festival; Asian food festival
January 18-19. Location: the Palace of Culture and Science, plac Defilad 1, Saturday 12 pm – 8 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm. Facebook event in Polish – Sakura Festival. Facebook event in Polish – festival of coffee & sweets. Facebook event in Polish – festival of Asian food.

A concert of classical music at the Ballroom in the Palace on the Isle in Łazienki Royal Garden
January 19. Location: Łazienki Royal Garden, Pałac na Wyspie, Sala Balowa, Agrykola 1 Street (city center), 12 pm, tickets 15 PLN. Facebook event in Polish.

Dobrostan / Wellbeing Fair: health, nature, personal development 
January 25. Location: Arena Ursynów, Pileckiego 122 Street (Ursynów), 10 am – 7 pm. Facebook event in Polish.

Top indoor play spaces in Warsaw

Are you stuck for ideas on what to do with the kids in Warsaw on a rainy day? We’ve rounded up the best indoor and soft play areas in Warsaw in our quest to discover brilliant family attractions in Warsaw.

Parents have been telling us their favorite play centers in Warsaw, from slides and climbing frames to ball pools, role-play games, and trampolines. Find the perfect places to go with your kids and get out on your next adventure!

Read more in our post: Best indoor playgrounds and soft play centers in Warsaw: family fun, birthday parties, workshops for kindergartens & schools.

Our Guide to International Education in Warsaw

Picking a good nursery, kindergarten, or school for your child is a significant decision for every parent. To help you keep tabs on educational offers in Warsaw, Kids in the City runs the Guide to International Schools in Warsaw.

What will you find there?

• Profiles of selected international and bilingual nurseries, kindergartens, primary schools, high schools in the Warsaw area (including info about tuition fees, locations, languages of instruction, campus facilities, the age range of students, admission process, curricula).
• Information about the upcoming open day events.

Check out our Guide to International Education in Warsaw: selected nurseries, kindergartens, primary schools, high schools in the Warsaw area.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

Things to do in Warsaw on 2 public holidays: January 1 and January 6 (what’s open)

Food halls in Warsaw on January 1 and January 6

Elektrownia Powiśle – Food Hall, Dobra 42 Street (Powiśle). January 1: open from 1 pm, January 6: open from 12 pm. Website in English.

Hala Koszyki, Koszykowa 63 Street (city center). January 1: 12 pm – 12 am (restaurants open, stores closed), January 6: 12 pm – 12 am (restaurants open, stores closed). Website in English.

Fabryka Norblina – Food Town, Żelazna 51/53 Street (Wola). January 1: open from 12 pm, January 6: open from 11 am. Website in Polish.

Epiphany / The Three Wise Kings (Trzech Króli)
A public holiday in Poland – stores, malls, and 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.

The Three Kings Parade 
Location: the parade starts at 12 pm at Nowy Świat 72 Street (next to Nicolaus Copernicus monument) and continues down Krakowskie Przedmieście Street to Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy). Families, community members, theaters, and school groups organize each year a colorful event – they dress up and sing carols. It’s a combination of a theater performance and a parade. Concerts of Christmas carols will continue at the Castle Square until 8 pm. More in English. More in Polish about the Warsaw 2025 event.

A concert of Christmas carols in the Old Town
Location: Katedra Św. Jana church, Świętojańska 8 Street (Old Town), 4 pm, free entrance. Facebook event in Polish.

“Wodny Park Warszawianka” – an indoor water park in Mokotów
Location: Wodny Park Warszawianka, Dominika Merliniego 4 Street, 02-511 Warszawa (location on Google map). 4 km from the city center (in the Mokotów district). January 6: 6.30 am – 10 pm. The recreational part of the Water Park includes a recreational and swimming pool with a maximum depth of 1.40 m, a paddling pool for children with an elephant-shaped slide, an artificial river, pipe-shaped slides (45 and 72 meters long) with separate landing pads, an open slide inside the swimming pool hall (15 meters long), outdoor year-round heated pool, connected to the main pool hall. The sports part of the Water Park includes a 50-meter “Olympic” swimming pool with ten lanes. Website in English. 

“The Nutcracker” ballet
Location: Scena Relax Theater, Złota 8 Street (city center), January 6: 1.30 pm, 4.30 pm, and 7.30 pm. Online tickets and more in Polish.

A new museum in Warsaw: Chocolate Factory Museum
Location: Fabryka Czekolady E.Wedel, al. Emila Wedla 5 Street (Praga), location on Google Maps. January 6: 10 am – 6 pm. This interactive museum tells the story of chocolate, where visitors can learn the secrets of chocolate production step by step. In addition to visiting the museum (individually or in groups), you can also sign up for workshops (individually or in groups) and organize a sweet birthday party there. This is a paradise for anyone who loves chocolate – not only will you be able to taste chocolate in the museum, but the tour takes place in unique chocolate aromas, which come to the museum from actual chocolate production lines that are part of the museum building! Is it worth visiting the Museum if I don’t speak Polish? Yes! The museum labels and captions are in both Polish and English. Organizing group workshops in English is possible if such a need is reported in advance when booking. Photos in Kids in the City’s post on Instagram. Website in Polish with online tickets. Facebook. Instagram.

Museum of Life under Communism 
Location: Muzeum życia w PRL, Piękna 28/34 Street, next to Plac (Square) Konstytucji (city center). January 6: 10 am – 6 pm. The Museum presents how people used to live during communist times in Poland. There are a few different sections where you can experience propaganda, lifestyle, politics or ordinary day from times. The exhibition has descriptions in Polish and English. There is also an audio guide available in English (to be downloaded on the phone). More in English about the Museum.

The Copernicus Science Center
Location: Centrum Nauki Kopernik, Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 20 Street (Powiśle), January 6: 9 am – 7 pm. Our tips in English on visiting the Center.

Dumplings cooking classes in English
Location: Pierogi & More cooking school, Stawki 3 Street (city center). January 6: 10 am, 12.30 pm, 5.30 pm. During this experience, you will prepare pierogi with meat and/or vegetarian fillings. At first, you will learn how to knead the dough; then, you will learn various techniques for folding the dumplings and discover hacks that make them tasty. Lastly, at the end of the culinary workshop, you will enjoy a plate full of dumplings, so make sure you come to the class hungry. More in English and online booking.

Chopin music piano recitals and concerts by candlelight
Location: Fryderyk Concert Hall, Podwale 15 Street (the old town), January 6: 5.30 pm, 7 pm, online tickets. The recitals feature Fryderyk Chopin’s most famous compositions. Website in English.

Indoor mini zoo/petting zoo  
Location: Mini Zoo, Kolorowa 19 lok. 156 Street, poziom/level -1 (Ursus), January 1: 1 pm – 7 pm, January 6: 10 am – 6 pm. At the Mini Zoo, you can feed and stroke the animals. The visits take place in the company of a Mini ZOO employee who will show and teach how to deal with animals. The Mini Zoo is located in the indoor heated room; tickets are available for purchase on-site, and no reservation is required. Website in Polish.

Be Happy Museum – Selfie Point 
Location: Atrium Reduta shopping center, al. Jerozolimskie 148 Street (Ochota), January 6: 11 am – 6 pm. online tickets. Dozens of scenes to take photos and rooms with the illusion (e.g., a pool with Marshmallow foams, a banana swing, and magical unicorns). More in English about the Museum.

“The Royal Garden of Light” – the illuminations festival in the Wilanów Palace Garden
Location: Wilanów Garden, Stanisława Kostki Potockiego 10/16 Street, January 1, January 6: 4 pm – 9 pm. Click here to read Kids in the City tips in English about the illuminations festival (opening hours, tickets, parking lots, etc.). 

The outdoor light display in the city center at the Botanical Garden of the Warsaw University
Location: Ogród Botaniczny Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego), Aleje Ujazdowskie 4 Street (city center), the garden on Google map. The Garden is located next to the Łazienki Royal Park (in 1818, the Botanical Garden was separated from the Łazienki). December 24 – closed. December 25 and 26: 4 pm – 9 pm. December 31 – closed. January 1: 4 pm – 9 pm, January 6: 4 pm – 9 pm. Online tickets. Find out more in our post on Warsaw’s illuminations in the 2024/2025 season.

The outdoor festive lights exhibition: “Garden of Lights”
Location: Botanical Garden in Powsin, Prawdziwka 2 Street, 02-973 Powsin (location on Google map). January 1 and 6: 4 pm – 9 pm. It’s the fourth season with an outdoor exhibition of illumination in the Botanical Garden in Powsin, a few kilometers south of Warsaw. The central theme of the fairy-tale light display in the 2024/2025 season is Alice in Wonderland. More in Polish and online tickets. Find out more in our post on Warsaw’s illuminations in the 2024/2025 season.

LEGO exhibition: 130 mock-ups, thousands of models, 10 million Lego bricks
Location: PGE National Stadium, al. Poniatowskiego 1 (Praga), level -1, entrance from al. Zieleniecka Street. January 1 – closed, January 6: 10 am – 8 pm. The exhibition is new; none of the mock-ups have been presented in Warsaw before. The exhibition includes a Fun Zone where you can create your own models. Tickets can be purchased online and on-site at the box office. More in Polish.

The exhibition of live spiders and scorpions
Location: the Palace of Culture and Science, pl. Defilad 1, entrance from Marszałkowska Street, January 6: 10 am – 8 pm, online tickets, children up to 4 free entrance. Each weekend (every hour on the hour), the visitors can hold a spider (the most gentle tarantula) in their hand and take close photographs with the assistance of an exhibition employee. More in Polish about the Exhibition.

Free outdoor ice skating rink in Wola
Location: Browary Warszawskie, Grzybowska 58 Street (Wola), Browary Warszawskie, a square next to Warzelnia (Wola), free entrance. January 6: open. Monday-Friday: 3 pm – 9 pm. Weekends: 12 pm – 10 pm. On weekends, there is a technical break in the middle of the day that lasts approximately one hour. More in Polish.

The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews 
Location: Anielewicza 6 Street (Muranów), January 6: 10 am – 6 pm. Our tips in English on visiting the Museum. Our featured story on visiting the Museum with children.

The National Museum 
Location: The National Museum in Warsaw (Muzeum Narodowe), Aleje Jerozolimskie 3 Street (city center), January 1, January 6: 12 pm – 6 pm. Website in English.

Indoor ice rink at Wilanów Sports Center
Location: Centrum Sportu Wilanów (Wilanów Sports Center), Gubinowska 28/30 Street (Wilanów). January 1: 2 pm – 9.30 pm. January 6: 2 pm – 9.30 pm. Website.

An outdoor ice skating rink in Praga
Location: Plac Konesera, Centrum Praskie Koneser (Praga). Opening hours: 10.15 am – 10 pm (75-minute sessions and 15-minute breaks, additional long 90-minute breaks 2.30 pm – 4 pm and a 30-minute break 6.45 pm – 7.15 pm). January 1: 4 pm – 10 pm, January 6: 10.15 am – 10 pm. If you show a receipt for a minimum amount of PLN 40 (for shopping and restaurants at the Koneser Center on that day), entry to the ice rink and rental is free. More in Polish and Koneser’s Facebook page.

Christmas attractions & meeting with Santa at Smart Kids Planet – an edutainment center with playing zones dedicated to children aged 0-10
Location: Smart Kids Planet, Fabryka Norblina, level -1, Żelazna 51/53 Street (Wola/city center). Smart Kids Planet is open daily. Additional attractions are available on weekdays, 5 pm – 7 pm, and weekends, 11 am – 5 pm. You can meet Santa on Fridays at 5 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm and 5 pm. Special Christmas attractions include new for 2024: The “Hello, Santa?” Phone Booth – a one-of-a-kind attraction where kids can talk directly to Santa himself, thanks to the magic of Christmas; Daily Christmas workshops; Festive play zones like the Gift Wrapping Station and Smart Shopping Zone; Winter delights at Smart Cafe, featuring warming teas and holiday treats. January 1: 11 am – 8 pm; January 6: 9 am – 8 pm. It is recommended that you buy tickets online – Smart Kids Planet has entry limits per hour. Website in Polish, website in English.

The Great Elf Factory (Wielka Fabryka Elfów) – indoor Christmas playing areas for children aged 3-10
Location: PGE National Stadium, Ks. Jozefa Poniatowskiego 1 Street, entrance from Wybrzeże Szczecińskie Street – gate no. 5, a paid underground parking lot is available – gate no. 6 (Praga). January 6: 2.30 pm 6 pm. Ten playing areas with attractions for kids (e.g., an inflatable playground) – children help elves; in the end, they meet Santa. The games and attractions take about two hours. Individual visitors: Monday-Friday 2.30 pm – 5.30 pm, weekends 9 am – 6 pm. Recommended age of children: 3-10 years old. Ticket prices depend on days and hours and start from 74 PLN. 1 ticket is admission for one child and one guardian. Visiting the Elf Factory for groups of children is possible in English – you must report such a request in advance (+48 583 501 651, warszawa@wielkafabrykaelfow.pl). Website in Polish. Facebook. Instagram.

Winter illuminations in the Łazienki Royal Garden
Location: Agrykola 1 Street (city center). The museums are closed, but the park is open every day: 6 am – 8 pm, free entrance. The festive lights in Łazienki Park are on every day from dusk until 8 pm (the gates at Agrykola Street and Gagarina Street close at 8.15 pm). Winter illuminations in Łazienki Królewskie are located in the part of the park called Aleja Chińska/Chinese Avenue (from the gate at Agrykola Street to the gate at Gagarina Street). The illumination includes several meters high, luminous figures in period costumes, located along the Aleja Chińska. Colorful lights also illuminate the gates at Agrykola Street and Gagarina Street. More about the Łazienki Park in our post.

Multimedia Fountain Park – illuminations and shows with music & lights
Until February 16. Location: Multimedia Fountain Park (Multimedialny Park Fontann), a fountain complex located in between the Old Town/New Town area and the Vistula River, location on Google map, free entrance. The illuminations in Fountain Park are switched on every day after dark, and the multimedia shows are held on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (January 1, 6 ) at 4 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm. The show lasts about 15 minutes. More in English about the fountain park.

A Christmas tree, festive illuminations, and decorations along Warsaw’s streets 
The lights are switched starting from dusk. The main attractions focus on the “The Royal Route”, from the Castle Square/Plac Zamkowy (including the Christmas tree), Krakowskie Przedmieście Street, Nowy Świat Street to the de Gaulle roundabout (Rondo de Gaulle’a). The Old Town is also decorated (including Piwna Street, Świętojańska Street, Old Town Square, Nowomiejska Street, Freta Street, New Town Square, Kościelna Street to Podzamcze). Find out more in our post on Warsaw’s illuminations in the 2024/2025 season.

An indoor ice rink in Włochy
Location: an ice rink next to the primary school (Szkoła Podstawowa nr 87), Malownicza 31 Street (Włochy). FREE entrance. Open daily, 9 am – 9 pm. Maintenance breaks: 2.30 pm – 3 pm, 6 pm – 6.30 pm. January 1: 3 pm – 9 pm, January 6: 3 pm – 9 pm. Website.

Warsaw Zoo – open every day, including all public holidays
Location: Ratuszowa 1/3 Street (Praga), opening hours in January: 9 am – 4 pm (weekends and holidays), 9 am – 3.30 pm (Monday-Friday). The last admission is one hour before the Zoo closes. Online tickets. Website in English.

Outdoor ice rink at Arkadia Shopping Center
Location: next to Arkadia shopping center, Jana Pawła II 82 Street. Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm. Ice skates and support penguins can be rented on-site. Tickets: 20 PLN per hour adults, 15 PLN children. More in Polish. For those who want to learn to skate, there are free classes with an instructor – every Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm to 2 pm. January 1: 12 pm – 9 pm, January 6: 10 am – 9 pm.

Outdoor ice rink next to the Palace of Culture and Science
Location: Świętokrzyska Street side (city center). Free entrance. January 1: 3 pm – 9 pm, January 6: 10 am – 9 pm. Website. Facebook.

Stegny outdoor ice rink in Mokotów
Location: Inspektowa 1 Street (Mokotów). Ice skates and support penguins can be rented on-site. Website, info about tickets, and Facebook. January 1: 3 pm – 8 pm, January 6: 12 pm – 8 pm.

New Year’s Day (Nowy Rok)
A public holiday in Poland – stores, malls, and 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.

A multimedia exhibition: “TITANIC – the Artifact Exhibition”
Location: Soho Art Center, Mińska 63 Street (Praga), entrance to the free parking lot from Chodakowska Street (near the gas station). January 1: 12 pm – 8 pm, January 6: 10 am – 8 pm. The Exhibition is available in English. Tickets can be purchased online. Children up to 6 years old have free entrance. The exhibition presents the extraordinary history of the Titanic – the largest passenger ship in the world at that time. In the exhibition, covering an area of ​​1,500 m², you will find over 160 authentic exhibits recovered from the wreck of the Titanic. Audioguides are available in six languages. After entering the exhibition, viewers will be transported back to April 1912, when the ship set off on its first and last voyage. The tour will begin from the moment the visitors receive a replica of the boarding pass, putting themselves in the role of a specific passenger, and then experience the journey of a lifetime on the TITANIC – from the fascinating construction of the ship through the exploration of its full-size luxurious interiors, to the tragedy of the sinking. The Exhibition’s website in Polish. Facebook. Instagram.

Automotive Icons Exhibition – 100 rare and valuable cars and motorcycles
Location: PGE National Stadium, entrance from al. Zieleniecka Street, gate no. 1 (Praga), online tickets. Free outdoor parking is available in front of gate no. 1 from al. Zieleniecka Street (access via Targowa, Zamoyskiego, Sokola, and Siwca streets) and a paid underground car park. January 1: 1 pm – 7 pm. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am – 7 pm, Friday 11 am – 8 pm, weekends 10 am – 7 pm. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Maserati, Bentley, Aston Martina, and other top brands models – from oldtimers to modern cars with the latest technologies. Website, Facebook, Instagram.

Dumplings cooking classes in English
Location: Pierogi & More cooking school, Stawki 3 Street (city center). January 1: 5.30 pm. During this experience, you will prepare pierogi with meat and/or vegetarian fillings. At first, you will learn how to knead the dough; then, you will learn various techniques for folding the dumplings and discover hacks that make them tasty. Lastly, at the end of the culinary workshop, you will enjoy a plate full of dumplings, so make sure you come to the class hungry. More in English and online booking.

“The Royal Garden of Light” – the illuminations festival in the Wilanów Palace Garden
Location: Wilanów Garden, Stanisława Kostki Potockiego 10/16 Street, January 1, January 6: 4 pm – 9 pm. Click here to read Kids in the City tips in English about the illuminations festival (opening hours, tickets, parking lots, etc.).

The outdoor light display in the city center at the Botanical Garden of the Warsaw University
Location: Ogród Botaniczny Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego), Aleje Ujazdowskie 4 Street (city center), the garden on Google map. The Garden is located next to the Łazienki Royal Park (in 1818, the Botanical Garden was separated from the Łazienki). December 24 – closed. December 25 and 26: 4 pm – 9 pm. December 31 – closed. January 1: 4 pm – 9 pm, January 6: 4 pm – 9 pm. Online tickets. Find out more in our post on Warsaw’s illuminations in the 2024/2025 season. 

The outdoor festive lights exhibition: “Garden of Lights”
Location: Botanical Garden in Powsin, Prawdziwka 2 Street, 02-973 Powsin (location on Google map). January 1 and 6: 4 pm – 9 pm. It’s the fourth season with an outdoor exhibition of illumination in the Botanical Garden in Powsin, a few kilometers south of Warsaw. The central theme of the fairy-tale light display in the 2024/2025 season is Alice in Wonderland. More in Polish and online tickets. Find out more in our post on Warsaw’s illuminations in the 2024/2025 season.

Chopin music piano recitals and concerts by candlelight
Location: Fryderyk Concert Hall, Podwale 15 Street (the old town), January 1: 5.30 pm, 7 pm, online tickets. The recitals feature Fryderyk Chopin’s most famous compositions. Website in English.

Indoor mini zoo/petting zoo  
Location: Mini Zoo, Kolorowa 19 lok. 156 Street, poziom/level -1 (Ursus), January 1: 1 pm – 7 pm, January 6: 10 am – 6 pm. At the Mini Zoo, you can feed and stroke the animals. The visits take place in the company of a Mini ZOO employee who will show and teach how to deal with animals. The Mini Zoo is located in the indoor heated room; tickets are available for purchase on-site, and no reservation is required. Website in Polish.

The National Museum 
Location: The National Museum in Warsaw (Muzeum Narodowe), Aleje Jerozolimskie 3 Street (city center), January 1, January 6: 12 pm – 6 pm. Website in English.

Indoor ice rink at Wilanów Sports Center
Location: Centrum Sportu Wilanów (Wilanów Sports Center), Gubinowska 28/30 Street (Wilanów). January 1: 2 pm – 9.30 pm. January 6: 2 pm – 9.30 pm. Website.

An indoor ice rink in Ursynów
Location: Kajakowa 12b Street (Ursynów), FREE entrance. Opening hours: 10 am – 9 pm. Technical breaks: 12.30 pm – 1 pm, 3.30 pm – 4 pm, 6.30 pm – 7 pm. January 1: 4 pm – 9 pm. ce skates and support penguins can be rented on-site. More in Polish. Facebook.

An outdoor ice skating rink in Praga
Location: Plac Konesera, Centrum Praskie Koneser (Praga). Opening hours: 10.15 am – 10 pm (75-minute sessions and 15-minute breaks, additional long 90-minute breaks 2.30 pm – 4 pm and a 30-minute break 6.45 pm – 7.15 pm). January 1: 4 pm – 10 pm, January 6: 10.15 am – 10 pm. If you show a receipt for a minimum amount of PLN 40 (for shopping and restaurants at the Koneser Center on that day), entry to the ice rink and rental is free. More in Polish and Koneser’s Facebook page.

Christmas attractions & meeting with Santa at Smart Kids Planet – an edutainment center with playing zones dedicated to children aged 0-10
Location: Smart Kids Planet, Fabryka Norblina, level -1, Żelazna 51/53 Street (Wola/city center). January 1: 11 am – 8 pm; January 6: 9 am – 8 pm. Smart Kids Planet is open daily. Additional attractions are available on weekdays, 5 pm – 7 pm, and weekends, 11 am – 5 pm. You can meet Santa on Fridays at 5 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm and 5 pm. Special Christmas attractions include a new one for 2024: “Hello, Santa?” Phone Booth – a one-of-a-kind attraction where kids can talk directly to Santa himself, thanks to the magic of Christmas; Daily Christmas workshops; Festive play zones like the Gift Wrapping Station and Smart Shopping Zone; Winter delights at Smart Cafe, featuring warming teas and holiday treats. It is recommended that you buy tickets online – Smart Kids Planet has entry limits per hour. Website in Polish, website in English.

Winter illuminations in the Łazienki Royal Garden
Location: Agrykola 1 Street (city center). The museums are closed, but the park is open every day: 6 am – 8 pm, free entrance. The festive lights in Łazienki Park are on every day from dusk until 8 pm (the gates at Agrykola Street and Gagarina Street close at 8.15 pm). Winter illuminations in Łazienki Królewskie are located in the part of the park called Aleja Chińska/Chinese Avenue (from the gate at Agrykola Street to the gate at Gagarina Street). The illumination includes several meters high, luminous figures in period costumes, located along the Aleja Chińska. Colorful lights also illuminate the gates at Agrykola Street and Gagarina Street. More about the Łazienki Park in our post.

Multimedia Fountain Park – illuminations and shows with music & lights
Location: Multimedia Fountain Park (Multimedialny Park Fontann), a fountain complex located in between the Old Town/New Town area and the Vistula River, location on Google map, free entrance. The illuminations in Fountain Park are switched on every day after dark, and the multimedia shows are held on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (January 1, 6 ) at 4 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm. The show lasts about 15 minutes. More in English about the fountain park.

A Christmas tree, festive illuminations, and decorations along Warsaw’s streets 
The lights are switched starting from dusk. The main attractions focus on the “The Royal Route”, from the Castle Square/Plac Zamkowy (including the Christmas tree), Krakowskie Przedmieście Street, Nowy Świat Street to the de Gaulle roundabout (Rondo de Gaulle’a). The Old Town is also decorated (including Piwna Street, Świętojańska Street, Old Town Square, Nowomiejska Street, Freta Street, New Town Square, Kościelna Street to Podzamcze). Find out more in our post on Warsaw’s illuminations in the 2024/2025 season.

An indoor ice rink in Włochy
Location: an ice rink next to the primary school (Szkoła Podstawowa nr 87), Malownicza 31 Street (Włochy). FREE entrance. Open daily, 9 am – 9 pm. Maintenance breaks: 2.30 pm – 3 pm, 6 pm – 6.30 pm. January 1: 3 pm – 9 pm, January 6: 3 pm – 9 pm. Website.

Warsaw Zoo – open every day, including all public holidays
Location: Ratuszowa 1/3 Street (Praga), opening hours in January: 9 am – 4 pm (weekends and holidays), 9 am – 3.30 pm (Monday-Friday). The last admission is one hour before the Zoo closes. Online tickets. Website in English.

Outdoor ice rink in the town of Konstancin
Location: the town of Konstancin, Park Zdrojowy, next to the stage (Amfiteatr). Tickets: adults 15 PLN, children 10 PLN. Opening hours: Monday – Friday 10 am – 9 pm, Saturday – Sunday 10 am – 9.30 pm (technical breaks during the day). January 1: 4 pm – 9.30 pm. More in Polish.

An outdoor ice skating rink in Targówek/Bródno
Location: Park Bródnowski (Targówek/Bródno). Opening hours Monday-Friday: 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 16:00, 17:30, 19:15, 20:45. Weekends: 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, 16:00, 17:30, 19:15, 20:45. 45 pm. Technical breaks: 14:45 – 16:00, 18:45 – 19:15. Ice skates and support penguins can be rented on-site. Website. Facebook. January 1: 4 pm – 10 pm.

Outdoor ice rink at Arkadia Shopping Center
Location: next to Arkadia shopping center, Jana Pawła II 82 Street. Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm. Ice skates and support penguins can be rented on-site. Tickets: 20 PLN per hour adults, 15 PLN children. More in Polish. For those who want to learn to skate, there are free classes with an instructor – every Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm to 2 pm. January 1: 12 pm – 9 pm, January 6: 10 am – 9 pm.

Outdoor ice rink next to the Palace of Culture and Science
Location: Świętokrzyska Street side (city center). Free entrance. January 1: 3 pm – 9 pm, January 6: 10 am – 9 pm. Website. Facebook.

Stegny outdoor ice rink in Mokotów
Location: Inspektowa 1 Street (Mokotów). Ice skates and support penguins can be rented on-site. Website, info about tickets, and Facebook. January 1: 3 pm – 8 pm, January 6: 12 pm – 8 pm.

Subscribe to Kids in the City’s weekly newsletter in English. The newsletter called What’s on in Warsaw for Kids & Families / Family Life in Warsaw is emailed every Thursday and covers things to do in Warsaw with children, family-friendly events, and all kinds of family matters – information, tips, resources in English:

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