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

Our Partner of the Month: International Women’s Group of Warsaw

The International Women’s Group of Warsaw (IWG), founded in 1982, is a group of women made up of different nationalities who meet regularly to create a sense of community in Warsaw and to offer support through social and cultural events. IWG organizes coffee meetings, walks, conversation groups in several languages, tours, and trips. They welcome new members throughout the year. Visit IWG’s website to learn more and send an email (iwg.warsaw@gmail.com) to join one of the IWG meetings.

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 minor detail: snow is required. 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 are available at most ice rinks in Warsaw, so you don’t need to bring your own equipment (there are also usually skate aids 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 to go sledding in Warsaw. Each district in Warsaw has several hills, both small and large, 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 street construction and renovation, or remained after 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 district.

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

Where to return Christmas trees IN POTS for replanting:

• Saturday, January TBC, 9 am – 3 pm: Lasy Miejskie – Warszawa (forest management office for the Warsaw area), Korkowa 170 Street (Wawer).
• Saturday, January TBC, 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 to increase the likelihood 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 2026

Illumination and light displays available in Warsaw in January 2026:

You will find detailed information about Warsaw illuminations festivals in our post: Light displays in Warsaw: festive illuminations, lights festivals, and Christmas decorations.

Multimedia Fountain Park in winter:

Photo source: www.park-fontann.pl  

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.

Gingerbread Town at a new indoor attraction in Warsaw – a miniature model of Warsaw
Until February 28. Location: Kolejkowo, Warsaw Towers, Sienna 39 Street (city center). Open daily, including public holidays. The name Kolejkowo comes from the Polish word kolej, meaning rail. It’s an engaging attraction for both adults and children. Kolejkowo presents a unique small-scale model of selected places in Warsaw, featuring hundreds of models (railways, cars, buildings, bridges) and thousands of figures of people and animals. All models and figures are hand-made and mirror the originals. Christmas attraction: Warsaw’s Gingerbread Town made entirely of gingerbread, icing, and powdered sugar. Famous Warsaw buildings in gingerbread form, chocolate trains, powdered sugar snow, and fairy-tale characters created by a world cake decorating champion. Website in Polish and online tickets. Photos in Kids in the City’s post on Instagram (Kolejkowo). photos in Kids in the City’s posts on Instagram and Facebook (Gingerbread Town).

LEGO exhibition: 130 mock-ups, thousands of models, 10 million LEGO bricks
Until April 27. Location: PGE National Stadium, al. Poniatowskiego 1 (Praga), level -1, entrance from al. Zieleniecka Street. 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. More in Polish.

Festive illuminations on the observation deck on the 53rd floor of the tallest building in the European Union
Until January 30. Location: Highline Warsaw, Chmielna 69 Street, Varso Tower (city center). 360° panoramic terrace, at an altitude of 230 meters. For the Christmas season, there are festive lights, Instagram photo spots, Christmas delicacies and mulled wine, and magical decorations. Online tickets. Website in English.

An immersive multi-sensory exhibition: “Romantic Chopin“
Until January 31. Location: Fabryka Norblina, Art-Box Experience, Żelazna 51/53 Street (city center/Wola). Children under five years old have free entrance. The exhibition is bilingual – Polish and English. The exhibition combines modern technologies with classical music to take viewers on a sensory journey through Chopin’s sounds, emotions, and the artistic world he helped shape. More in Polish about the Exhibition and online tickets.

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. First, you will learn how to knead the dough; then, you will learn various techniques for folding the dumplings and discover tips 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 March 1. 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 – 8 pm. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Maserati, Bentley, Aston Martina, and other top brands’ models – from oldtimers to modern cars with the latest technologies. F1 cars, the world’s most expensive hypercars, and vehicles known from movies. 100 vehicles and additional attractions, including simulators, a remote-controlled car zone, and an interactive VR zone. Website, Facebook, Instagram.

Christmas attractions & meeting with Santa at Smart Kids Planet – an edutainment center with playing zones dedicated to children aged 0-10
Until January 11. 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 on weekends from 12 pm. You can meet Santa on Fridays at 5 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 4 pm. Special Christmas attractions: 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: open; January 1: open; January 6: open. It is recommended that you purchase tickets online, as Smart Kids Planet has hourly entry limits. Website in Polish, website in English.

An exhibition: “The Mystery of Banksy – A Genius Mind“
Until March 29. 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 bilingual – Polish and English. The exhibition presents over 150 works by the artist (reproductions of Banksy’s works), tells the story of his masterpieces, and challenges the viewer to influence the world around them through art. In line with Banksy’s credo “Copyright is for losers”, the exhibition and the works presented therein are not authorized due to the anonymous status of the artist. The Exhibition’s website in English.

Chocolate Factory Museum (guided tours in English available)
Location: Fabryka Czekolady E.Wedel, al. Emila Wedla 5 Street (Praga). 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. Website in Polish and English with online tickets.

Planetarium in Copernicus Science Center
Location: the Planetarium building next to Copernicus Science Center, Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 20 Street (Powiśle). The Warsaw Planetarium is one of the most modern planetariums in Europe (opened in 2011, renovated in 2025). It’s located in the center of Warsaw, on the Vistula River boulevard, next to the Copernicus Science Center. The Planetarium screens films for kids aged 3+, teenagers, and adults. It’s an unforgettable experience for adults and children! All screenings can be viewed with English audio and headphones (and some are also available in Ukrainian or Russian). Click here to read our tips on visiting the Planetarium.

An exhibition: “Kosmopark” – an interactive space exhibition for the whole family
Until June 14. Location: Blue City shopping center, level 2, Aleje Jerozolimskie 179 Street (Ochota). Open daily: 10 am – 8 pm. Children under three years old have free entrance. Attractions include a planetarium – a journey through the starry sky and the farthest reaches of space; VR expeditions to Mars and the Moon – extraordinary experiences in virtual reality; black holes and dark matter – discover the most mysterious phenomena of the Universe; life in space – the challenges astronauts face; workshops for children; and the history of space – great discoveries and breakthroughs in the conquest of space. On site, you can try on a space suit and take a photo as a souvenir. The exhibits are presented primarily in Polish, but many—such as the “Black Hole” installation—operate mainly through a physical and sensory experience, regardless of language. Additionally, English-speaking animators can be on-site to guide you through the exhibition and discuss its most interesting elements. It’s best to contact the exhibition organizers by email or phone so they can confirm your visit and arrange an animator fluent in English. More in Polish about the Exhibition and online tickets.

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. In winter, the area around the fountains is decorated with festive illuminations, such as a light labyrinth. During the wintertime, we can admire the multimedia winter fountain light shows (without water;) – fountains dancing to the rhythm of winter hits, sparkling with LED lights. In the 2025/2026 season, the illuminations and fountain light shows are on from December 3, 2025, until January 31, 2026, from dusk to 10 pm. Thousands of fabulously colored LED lights create a unique, magical atmosphere. It is the perfect place to take Instagram photos in beautiful Christmas scenery. A 15-minute multimedia show (music, lights) each Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays (January 1 and January 6) at 4 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm. More in English about the fountain park.

A bilingual (Polish & English) exhibition in Warsaw’s Railway Museum, dedicated to children aged 6-12, “How does the railway work?”
Location: Stacja Muzeum, Warsaw’s Wola district, Towarowa 3 Street. Regular ticket: 25 PLN, reduced ticket: 16 PLN, family ticket: 75 PLN. Free entrance every Monday and for children up to 7 years old. Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily. Thanks to multimedia devices, children can discover how steam engines, electric engines, combustion engines, and water towers work and even drive a train themselves. The museum is housed in the former railway station. In addition to the newly opened children’s exhibition hall, the Museum houses other railway exhibitions inside and outside trains and locomotives. Visiting the Museum with a guide in Polish (180 PLN), English, or Russian (250 PLN) is possible. The tour lasts about 60 minutes. In addition to the guide fee, entrance tickets to the museum are required. Booking with a 10-day notice: +48 22 620 04 80 ext. 106, kontakt@stacjamuzeum.pl. Museum’s website in English.

Visiting escape rooms in Warsaw (available in English, too!)
An escape room is a locked, themed room where teams work together to solve puzzles, find clues, and escape. Our post, “Escape Rooms in Warsaw,” lists escape rooms across different districts of Warsaw. They have rooms dedicated to adults, families, and children (from 3 years old!). All presented places offer rooms in English.

Indoor go-karting tracks in the Warsaw area
Four indoor karting tracks are open 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. Parents have been sharing their favorite play centers in Warsaw, including slides, climbing frames, 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.

Indoor climbing in Warsaw
Indoor climbing is an excellent way for people of varied genders, heights, weights, and physical abilities to be active and have fun, regardless of the weather. Warsaw has excellent facilities for beginners, children, and advanced climbers. You can try climbing and see if you have fun at any time of the year – sign up for an orientation lesson with an instructor. The benefits of climbing – for body and mind – are endless! Read more in our post: Indoor climbing facilities in Warsaw by districts.

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), visitors can hold a spider (the gentlest tarantula) in their hands and take close-up photos 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 a 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 on Warsaw’s illuminations, festivals, and light displays in our post: Light displays in Warsaw: festive illuminations, light festivals, and decorations.

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

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

Theatre performances from prestigious theatres from around the world in cinemas
Location: Multikino cinemas in Warsaw. Performances are screened in the original language with Polish subtitles. More in Polish.

Exhibition and fair of exotic animals and plants; Exhibition of spiders
January 4. 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.

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

Figure skating competition – ‘Walley Cup’
January 8-11. Location: Torwar ice rink, Łazienkowska 6A Street, free entrance for spectators. More in Polish.

Art Fair (Targowisko Sztuki) – exhibition and sale of works by independent artists
January 10-11. Location: Centrum Praskie Koneser, Centrum Eventowe Butelkownia, Plac Konesera 3 (Praga), 11 am – 6 pm, free entrance. Paintings, graphics, illustration, photography, design, ceramics, posters. More in Polish.

Christmas folk concert and dance show by Mazowsze – the oldest and most significant Polish folk dancing and singing group
January 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, and 18. 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.

Exhibition and Fair: Terrariums, aquariums, botany. Hundreds of species of animals – reptiles, arachnids, insects, amphibians, fish
January 11. Location: Arena Ursynów, Pileckiego 122 Street (Ursynów), 10 am – 3.30 pm. Children aged three and under enter free of charge. More in Polish and online tickets.

“Tween Talk” – event IN ENGLISH dedicated to children aged 9+
January 25. Location: 1 Prymasa Augusta Hlonda, myt514, Wilanów – Next to Muzeum Jana Pawła II i Prymasa Wyszyńskiego, 11 am. The event is by the Informed Perspective – a platform for creating a vibrant community where individuals can come together to explore, discuss, and learn from each other. Once a month, they organize an event (Tween Talk) dedicated to tweens aged nine and older. Perfect for children with a good command of English. More in English and online tickets.

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.

Parents have been sharing their favorite play centers in Warsaw, including slides, climbing frames, 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 Poland’s cold weather, 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 can drop to -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.

A shopping Sunday and trade ban Sundays in Poland in January 2026

In January 2026, there is one shopping Sunday in Poland: January 25. January 4, 11, and 18 are trade ban Sundays in Poland. Click here to read our post about shopping Sundays in Poland in 2026.

Public holidays and dates to remember in Poland in January 2026

New Year’s Day (Nowy Rok)
A public holiday in Poland. Stores, malls, shopping centers, public institutions, and schools are CLOSED. Only some smaller 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, malls, shopping centers, public institutions, and schools are CLOSED. A Christian holiday commemorating the three wise kings’ visit to the 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 2026 fundraiser will support the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in children. Many concerts, shows, and other events all over Poland. Volunteers (including many children) collect money on the streets and give red heart-shaped stickers to all donors. 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 two public holidays: January 1 and January 6 (what’s open)

Food halls in Warsaw on January 1 and January 6

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

Hala Koszyki, Koszykowa 63 Street (city center). January 1: 2 pm – 12 am (restaurants open, stores closed), January 6: 12 pm – 12 am (restaurants open, stores closed). Website in English.

Browary Warszawskie, Grzybowska 60 Street (Wola). January 1: open from 2 pm. Website in English.

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.

Festive illuminations on the observation deck on the 53rd floor of the tallest building in the European Union
Location: Highline Warsaw, Chmielna 69 Street, Varso Tower (city center). 360° panoramic terrace, at an altitude of 230 meters. Open during all public holidays. For the Christmas season, there are festive lights, Instagram photo spots, Christmas delicacies and mulled wine, and magical decorations. Online tickets. Website in English.

New Outdoor Christmas Market
Location: the area next to the Palace of Culture and Science, Plac Defilad (city center). 160 houses with food, handicrafts, and gifts. The largest Ferris wheel in Poland.  January 1: 12 pm – 5 pm. More on Facebook and Instagram.

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: 12 pm – 8 pm, 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.

Indoor mini zoo/petting zoo  
Location: Mini Zoo, Kolorowa 19 lok. 156 Street, poziom/level -1 (Ursus), January 1: 1 pm – 4 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 Viewing Platform of the Palace of Culture and Science
Location: Plac Defilad 1 (city center). The platform is located on the 30th floor of the Palace of Culture and Science (114 m above sea level). Online tickets. Our tips about visiting the platform. January 1: 12 pm – 8 pm, January 6: 10 am – 8 pm.

Museum of Life under Communism 
Location: Muzeum życia w PRL, Piękna 28/34 Street, next to Plac (Square) Konstytucji (city center). January 1: 12 pm – 5 pm, January 6: 10 am – 5 pm. The Museum presents how people lived during Poland’s communist era. There are several sections where you can experience propaganda, lifestyle, politics, or an ordinary day from different eras. 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.

Suntago, Europe’s largest indoor water park, 30 minutes from Warsaw
Location: Suntago, Nowy Świat 1, 96-300 Wręcza (location on Google map). January 1: 12 pm – 9 pm, January 6: 10 am – 9 pm. Website in English and online tickets. 

An exhibition: “The Mystery of Banksy – A Genius Mind“
 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 – 6 pm. The exhibition is bilingual – Polish and English. The exhibition presents over 150 works by the artist (reproductions of Banksy’s works), tells the story of his masterpieces, and challenges the viewer to influence the world around them through art. In line with Banksy’s credo “Copyright is for losers”, the exhibition and the works presented therein are not authorized due to the anonymous status of the artist. The Exhibition’s website in English.

Gingerbread Town at a new indoor attraction in Warsaw – a miniature model of Warsaw
Location: Kolejkowo, Warsaw Towers, Sienna 39 Street (city center). Open daily, including public holidays. The name Kolejkowo comes from the Polish word kolej, meaning rail. It’s an engaging attraction for both adults and children. Kolejkowo presents a unique small-scale model of selected places in Warsaw, featuring hundreds of models (railways, cars, buildings, bridges) and thousands of figures of people and animals. All models and figures are hand-made and mirror the originals. Christmas attraction: Warsaw’s Gingerbread Town made entirely of gingerbread, icing, and powdered sugar. Famous Warsaw buildings in gingerbread form, chocolate trains, powdered sugar snow, and fairy-tale characters created by a world cake decorating champion. Website in Polish and online tickets. Photos in Kids in the City’s post on Instagram (Kolejkowo). photos in Kids in the City’s posts on Instagram and Facebook (Gingerbread Town).

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. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am – 7 pm, Friday 11 am – 8 pm, weekends 10 am – 8 pm. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Maserati, Bentley, Aston Martina, and other top brands’ models – from oldtimers to modern cars with the latest technologies. F1 cars, the world’s most expensive hypercars, and vehicles known from movies. 100 vehicles and additional attractions, including simulators, a remote-controlled car zone, and an interactive VR zone. Website, Facebook, Instagram. January 1: 1 pm – 6 pm. January 6: 11 am – 6 pm.

Free 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 pm – 4 pm, 6.30 pm – 7 pm. January 1: 3 pm – 9 pm. Ice skates and support penguins can be rented on-site. More in Polish. Facebook.

Dumplings cooking classes in English
Location: Pierogi & More cooking school, Stawki 3 Street (city center). January 1: 12.30 pm. During this experience, you will prepare pierogi with meat and/or vegetarian fillings. First, you will learn how to knead the dough; then, you will learn various techniques for folding the dumplings and discover tips 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 illumination 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). January 1: 4 pm – 9 pm, January 6: 4 pm – 9 pm. Online tickets. Find out more in our post on Warsaw’s illuminations.

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: 4 pm – 9 pm, January 6: 4 pm – 9 pm. It’s the fifth 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 2025/2026 season is “Beauty and the Beast”. More in Polish and online tickets. Find out more in our post on Warsaw’s illuminations.

Chopin music piano recitals
Location: Fryderyk Concert Hall, Podwale 15 Street (the old town), January 1: 5 pm, 7 pm, 9 pm online tickets. The recitals feature Fryderyk Chopin’s most famous compositions. Website in English.

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

An outdoor ice skating rink in Praga
Location: Plac Konesera, Centrum Praskie Koneser (Praga). January 1: 4 pm – 10 pm, January 6: 10.15 am – 10 pm. 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 on weekends from 12 pm. You can meet Santa on Fridays at 5 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 4 pm. Special Christmas attractions: 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: open; January 1: open; January 6: open. It is recommended that you purchase tickets online, as Smart Kids Planet has hourly entry limits. 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 daily from 6 am – 8 pm; admission is free. 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 at Łazienki Królewskie are located along Aleja Chińska (Chinese Avenue), from the gate on Agrykola Street to the entrance on Gagarina Street. The lighting features several meters-high, luminous figures in period costumes 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 between the Old Town/New Town area and the Vistula River, location on Google map, free entrance. In winter, the area around the fountains is decorated with festive illuminations, such as a light labyrinth. During the wintertime, we can admire the multimedia winter fountain light shows (without water;) – fountains dancing to the rhythm of winter hits, sparkling with LED lights. In the 2025/2026 season, the illuminations and fountain light shows are on from December 3, 2025, until January 31, 2026, from dusk to 10 pm. Thousands of fabulously colored LED lights create a unique, magical atmosphere. It is the perfect place to take Instagram photos in beautiful Christmas scenery. A 15-minute multimedia show (music, lights) each Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays (January 1 and January 6) at 4 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm. More in English about the fountain park.

A Christmas tree, festive illuminations, and decorations along Warsaw’s streets 
The lights are switched on starting from dusk. The main attractions focus on “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.

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. 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 – 10 pm. More in Polish.

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.

“Black Cat” escape rooms (available in English, too!)
Location: Black Cat Escape Room, Warsaw, Grochowska 23/31 Street (location on Google Maps). Open on January 1 and 6. Five rooms: “Warsaw Uprising” Room for participants aged 13+, “Murderer’s House” Room for participants aged 16+, “Cursed Painting” Room for participants aged 13+, “Nazi Gold” Room for participants aged 13+, “Sex Room” for participants aged 18+. Website in Polish. Website in English. Facebook. Instagram.

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 11.45 am 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 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 Castle Square until 8 pm. More in English. More in Polish about the Warsaw 2026 event.

Festive illuminations on the observation deck on the 53rd floor of the tallest building in the European Union
Location: Highline Warsaw, Chmielna 69 Street, Varso Tower (city center). 360° panoramic terrace, at an altitude of 230 meters. Open during all public holidays. For the Christmas season, there are festive lights, Instagram photo spots, Christmas delicacies and mulled wine, and magical decorations. Online tickets. Website in English.

An immersive multi-sensory exhibition: “Romantic Chopin“
Location: Fabryka Norblina, Art-Box Experience, Żelazna 51/53 Street (city center/Wola). January 6: 9 am – 7 pm. Children under five years old have free entrance. The exhibition is bilingual – Polish and English. The exhibition combines modern technologies with classical music to take viewers on a sensory journey through Chopin’s sounds, emotions, and the artistic world he helped shape. More in Polish about the Exhibition and online tickets.

Indoor mini zoo/petting zoo  
Location: Mini Zoo, Kolorowa 19 lok. 156 Street, poziom/level -1 (Ursus), 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.

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. Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am – 7 pm, Friday 11 am – 8 pm, weekends 10 am – 8 pm. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Maserati, Bentley, Aston Martina, and other top brands’ models – from oldtimers to modern cars with the latest technologies. F1 cars, the world’s most expensive hypercars, and vehicles known from movies. 100 vehicles and additional attractions, including simulators, a remote-controlled car zone, and an interactive VR zone. Website, Facebook, Instagram. January 1: 1 pm – 6 pm. January 6: 11 am – 6 pm.

“Black Cat” escape rooms (available in English, too!)
Location: Black Cat Escape Room, Warsaw, Grochowska 23/31 Street (location on Google Maps). Open on January 1 and 6. Five rooms: “Warsaw Uprising” Room for participants aged 13+, “Murderer’s House” Room for participants aged 16+, “Cursed Painting” Room for participants aged 13+, “Nazi Gold” Room for participants aged 13+, “Sex Room” for participants aged 18+. Website in Polish. Website in English. Facebook. Instagram.

Suntago, Europe’s largest indoor water park, 30 minutes from Warsaw
Location: Suntago, Nowy Świat 1, 96-300 Wręcza (location on Google map). January 1: 12 pm – 9 pm, January 6: 10 am – 9 pm. Website in English and online tickets. 

“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: 11 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. 

A miniature educational town – learning through experience and fun. Dedicated to children aged 7-15
Location: miniciti, Centrum Praskie Koneser, Plac Konesera 8 (Praga). Location on Google Maps. Open on January 6. miniciti is a miniature of the professional market, created for children aged 7-15. The playing zones / workplaces are prepared by professionals from various industries, and children have the opportunity to work on real equipment, earn money from the town and acquire financial knowledge – they pay taxes, learn to save and shop. Website in Polish, Facebook, and Instagram. Online tickets. More indoor play centers in our post: Top indoor play spaces in Warsaw.

“Małe Wielkie Przygody” Escape Rooms in Ochota dedicated to children aged 3-8 (available in English, too!)
Location: Małe Wielkie Przygody, Warsaw, Grójecka 97 Street, “Zieleniak”, level 1 (location on Google Maps). Open on January 6. Two rooms: “Magic Forest” and “Pirate Treasure”. Languages: all rooms are available in English and Polish. Website in Polish. Facebook. Instagram.

“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.

Gingerbread Town at a new indoor attraction in Warsaw – a miniature model of Warsaw
Location: Kolejkowo, Warsaw Towers, Sienna 39 Street (city center). Open daily, including public holidays. The name Kolejkowo comes from the Polish word kolej, meaning rail. It’s an engaging attraction for both adults and children. Kolejkowo presents a unique small-scale model of selected places in Warsaw, featuring hundreds of models (railways, cars, buildings, bridges) and thousands of figures of people and animals. All models and figures are hand-made and mirror the originals. Christmas attraction: Warsaw’s Gingerbread Town made entirely of gingerbread, icing, and powdered sugar. Famous Warsaw buildings in gingerbread form, chocolate trains, powdered sugar snow, and fairy-tale characters created by a world cake decorating champion. Website in Polish and online tickets. Photos in Kids in the City’s post on Instagram (Kolejkowo). photos in Kids in the City’s posts on Instagram and Facebook (Gingerbread Town).

“Dom Zagadek” escape rooms (available in English, too!)
Location: Dom Zagadek, Warsaw, Zwrotnicza 6 Street (location on Google Maps). Open on January 6. Six rooms for children and adults, with different difficulty levels (the difficulty level of the room can be checked on the website). The rooms offer two scenarios: for kids and adults. Languages: all rooms are available in English and Polish. Website in Polish. Website in English.

An exhibition: “The Mystery of Banksy – A Genius Mind“
Location: Soho Art Center, Mińska 63 Street (Praga), entrance to the free parking lot from Chodakowska Street (near the gas station). January 6: 10 am – 6 pm. The exhibition is bilingual – Polish and English. The exhibition presents over 150 works by the artist (reproductions of Banksy’s works), tells the story of his masterpieces, and challenges the viewer to influence the world around them through art. In line with Banksy’s credo “Copyright is for losers”, the exhibition and the works presented therein are not authorized due to the anonymous status of the artist. The Exhibition’s website in English.

A new museum in Warsaw: Chocolate Factory Museum
Location: Fabryka Czekolady E.Wedel, al. Emila Wedla 5 Street (Praga). This interactive museum tells the story of chocolate, allowing visitors to learn the secrets of 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 can you taste it in the museum, but the tour also takes place amid unique chocolate aromas that come from the museum’s actual chocolate production lines! Is it worth visiting the Museum if I don’t speak Polish? Yes! The museum labels and captions are in both Polish and English. Website in Polish and English with online tickets. January 6, guided tours in Polish: 10 am – 6 pm.

Museum of Life under Communism 
Location: Muzeum życia w PRL, Piękna 28/34 Street, next to Plac (Square) Konstytucji (city center). January 1: 12 pm – 5 pm, January 6: 10 am – 5 pm. The Museum presents how people lived during communist times in Poland. There are several sections where you can experience propaganda, lifestyle, politics, or an ordinary day from different eras. 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.

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. First, you will learn how to knead the dough; then, you will learn various techniques for folding the dumplings and discover tips 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 pm, 7 pm, online tickets. The recitals feature Fryderyk Chopin’s most famous compositions. Website in English.

“The Royal Garden of Light” – the illumination 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). January 1: 4 pm – 9 pm, January 6: 4 pm – 9 pm. Online tickets. Find out more in our post on Warsaw’s illuminations.

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: 4 pm – 9 pm, January 6: 4 pm – 9 pm. It’s the fifth 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 2025/2026 season is “Beauty and the Beast”. More in Polish and online tickets. Find out more in our post on Warsaw’s illuminations.

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: 12 pm – 8 pm, 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 National Museum 
Location: The National Museum in Warsaw (Muzeum Narodowe), Aleje Jerozolimskie 3 Street (city center), January 6: 10 am – 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, January 6: 2 pm – 9.30 pm. Website.

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 on weekends from 12 pm. You can meet Santa on Fridays at 5 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 4 pm. Special Christmas attractions: 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: open; January 1: open; January 6: open. It is recommended that you purchase tickets online, as Smart Kids Planet has hourly entry limits. 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 daily from 6 am – 8 pm; admission is free. 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 at Łazienki Królewskie are located along Aleja Chińska (Chinese Avenue), from the gate on Agrykola Street to the entrance on Gagarina Street. The lighting features several meters-high, luminous figures in period costumes 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 between the Old Town/New Town area and the Vistula River, location on Google map, free entrance. In winter, the area around the fountains is decorated with festive illuminations, such as a light labyrinth. During the wintertime, we can admire the multimedia winter fountain light shows (without water;) – fountains dancing to the rhythm of winter hits, sparkling with LED lights. In the 2025/2026 season, the illuminations and fountain light shows are on from December 3, 2025, until January 31, 2026, from dusk to 10 pm. Thousands of fabulously colored LED lights create a unique, magical atmosphere. It is the perfect place to take Instagram photos in beautiful Christmas scenery. A 15-minute multimedia show (music, lights) each Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays (January 1 and January 6) at 4 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm. More in English about the fountain park.

A Christmas tree, festive illuminations, and decorations along Warsaw’s streets 
The lights are switched on starting from dusk. The main attractions focus on “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.

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. The last admission is one hour before the Zoo closes. Online tickets. Website in English.

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.

An outdoor ice skating rink in Praga
Location: Plac Konesera, Centrum Praskie Koneser (Praga). January 1: 4 pm – 10 pm, January 6: 10.15 am – 10 pm. More in Polish and Koneser’s Facebook page.

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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