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

Our Partner of the Month

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.

Things to do in Warsaw during Christmas – what’s open (December 24-26)

Stay tuned – we will add new places to this list in mid-December when they announce opening hours during Christmas.

Christmas mass in English in Warsaw

December 24, Christmas Eve
Special Christmas mass (pasterka) in English
Location: St. Paul’s English Speaking Catholic Parish of Warsaw, Church of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Kościół pw. Narodzenia NMP), al. Solidarności 80 Street (city center). Mass in English at noon and a Christmas Vigil Mass in ENGLISH at 10 pm. Facebook page in English. Website in English.

December 25, Christmas Day

Location: St. Paul’s English Speaking Catholic Parish of Warsaw, Church of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Kościół pw. Narodzenia NMP), al. Solidarności 80 Street (city center). Christmas Day Mass in ENGLISH at 12 pm. Facebook page in English. Website in English.

Location: Temple of Divine Providence (Świątynia Opatrzności Bożej), Prymasa Augusta Hlonda 1 Street (Wilanów). Christmas Mass in ENGLISH at 6 pm. For inquiries, you can email englishmassatwilanow@gmail.com. Facebook page in English.

Food halls in Warsaw during Christmas

Elektrownia Powiśle, Dobra 42 Street (Powiśle). December 24 – closed, December 25 – closed, December 26: 12 pm – 11 pm. December 31: open until 8 pm. January 1: 12 pm – 11 pm. January 6: 11 am – 12 am. Website in English.

Hala Koszyki, Koszykowa 63 Street (city center). December 24: restaurants open 12 pm – 3 pm (stores closed), December 25 – closed, December 26:  restaurants open 12 pm – 12 am (stores closed), December 31: restaurants open 9 am – 4 am (stores closed), January 1 and January 6: restaurants open 2 pm – 12 am (stores closed). Website in English.

Fabryka Norblina, Żelazna 51/53 Street (Wola), December 24 – closed, December 25 – closed, December 26: 1 pm – 10 pm, December 31: 9 am – 10 pm. Website in Polish. Facebook Page.

Attractions in Warsaw open/available every day on December 24-26, 2023

Outdoor Christmas Market in the Old Town
Location: Warsaw Old Town, the Warsaw Barbican area, opposite the Royal Castle. Souvenirs, gifts, local crafts and food like pierogi, hot chocolate. December 24: 11 am – 8 pm (not all stalls will be open). December 25 and 26: 11 am – 9.30 pm. December 31, January 1: 11 am – 9.30 pm. January 6: 11 am – 9.30 pm. Facebook page in Polish.

Warsaw Zoo – open every day, including all public holidays
Location: Ratuszowa 1/3 Street (Praga), opening hours in December and 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.

Indoor petting zoo  
Location: Mini Zoo, Kolorowa 19 lok. 156 Street, poziom/level -1 (Ursus), December 24: 11 am – 1 pm, December 25, 26, 31: 10 am – 6 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. Facebook page. Website in Polish.

Chopin music piano recitals
Location: Fryderyk Concert Hall, Podwale 15 Street (the old town), December 24: 7 pm, December 25, 26: 4 pm, 5.30 pm, and 7 pm, December 31: 4 pm, 5.30 pm, 7.15 pm, 9 pm, January 1: 5.45 pm and 8.30 pm, January 6: 2.30 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm, 8.45 pm, online tickets. The recitals feature Fryderyk Chopin’s most famous compositions. Facebook page in English and Polish. Website in English.

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 2023/2024 season.

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 at 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm. The show lasts about 15 minutes. More in English about the fountain park.

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.

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 – 10 pm. Technical breaks: 11.30–11.45, 13.15–13.30, 15.00–16.00, 17.30–17.45, 19.15–19.30. December 24: 10 am – 4 pm, December 25-26: 10 am – 10 pm, December 31: 10 am – 4 pm, January 1: 4 pm – 10 pm. More in Polish.

Sunday, December 24, 2023

Please note that Christmas Eve (December 24) is not a public holiday in Poland. It’s a trade ban Sunday – stores are closed.

Swimming in “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). December 24: 6.30 am – 2 pm. December 25 – closed. December 26: 2 pm – 10 pm, December 31: 6.30 am – 2 pm, January 1 – closed, 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 10 lanes. Website in English. Facebook page.

Special Christmas midnight mass (pasterka)
In every church in Poland, there is a special, ceremonial Christmas Eve mass that usually starts at midnight. You will have a chance to listen to and/or sing Christmas carols during the mass. Check out the locations of churches in Warsaw with services in Polish: Warsaw on the left bank of the Vistula (Mokotów, Ochota, Wola, Ursynów, etc.), and Warsaw on the right bank of the Vistula (Praga, Białołęka, etc.).
If you prefer a mass in English, St. Paul’s English-speaking Catholic Parish of Warsaw (al. Solidarności 80 Street) offers service in English, including a Christmas Vigil Mass in ENGLISH. (Facebook page in English).

An outdoor free ice skating rink in the Old Town
Location: Old Town Square, Rynek Starego Miasta (city center). Free entrance. December 24: 10 am – 2 pm. December 25 – closed. December 26: 10 am – 9 pm. Facebook page.

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). December 24: open until 2.30 pm, December 25 – closed, December 26: open from 10.15 am, December 31 – open until 2.30 pm, January 1: open from 4 pm, January 6: open from 10.15 am. If you show a receipt for a minimum amount of PLN 30 (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.

Stegny outdoor ice rink in Mokotów
Location: Inspektowa 1 Street (Mokotów). Monday – Friday: 7 pm – 9 pm. Saturday – Sunday: 12 pm – 2 pm, 3 pm – 5 pm, 6 pm – 8 pm. Ice skates and support penguins can be rented on-site. Website, info about tickets (to be purchased at the ice rink ticket offices), and Facebook page. December 24: 12 pm – 2 pm. December 25 – closed. December 26: 12 pm – 2 pm, 3 pm – 5 pm, 6 pm – 8 pm.

An indoor ice skating rink in Targówek
Location: Łabiszyńska 20 Street (Targówek). Opening hours: Monday-Friday 2 pm – 9 pm, Saturday-Sunday 9 am – 9 pm. Technical breaks: Monday-Friday 6.30 pm – 7 pm, Saturday-Sunday 12 pm – 12.30 pm, 3 pm – 3.30 pm, 6.30 pm – 7 pm. Ice skates and support penguins can be rented on-site. Website, Facebook. December 24: 9 am – 2 pm, December 25: closed, December 26: closed, December 31: 9 am – 2 pm. January 1: closed. Ice skates and support penguins can be rented on-site.

An outdoor ice skating rink in Targówek/Bródno
Location: Park Bródnowski (Targówek/Bródno). Opening hours Monday-Friday: 10.30 am – 3 pm, 4 pm, 5.30 pm, 7.15 pm, 8.45 pm. Weekends: 10.30 am, 12 pm, 1.30 pm, 4 pm, 5.30 pm, 7.15 pm, 8. 45 pm. Technical breaks: weekdays 3 pm – 4 pm, 6.45 pm – 7.15 pm, weekends 2.45 pm – 4 pm, 6.45 pm – 7.15 pm. Ice skates and support penguins can be rented on-site. Website. December 24: 10.30 am – 3 pm. December 25 – closed. December 26 – 10.30 am – 10 pm. December 31: 10.30 am – 3 pm. January 1: 10.30 am – 10 pm.

Artificial ski slope in Ochota – Górka Szczęśliwicka
Location: Górka Szczęśliwicka, Park Szczęśliwicki, Drawska 22 Street (Ochota). The ski slope is open every day 10 am – 8 pm. December 24: 10 am – 2 pm, December 25: closed, December 26: 10 am – 8 pm. The Górka Szczęśliwicka ski slope is located in the center of Park Szczęśliwicki – the biggest (30 ha) park in the Ochota district of Warsaw. Location on Google map. It’s the highest hill in Warsaw, a 152 m slope called in Polish Górka Szczęśliwicka. The biggest attraction of Górka Szczęśliwicka is the ski slope. The ski season lasts from October, and from the time of the first frost, the slope is artificially snowed. The height of the ski slope is 74.9 m, the length of the run is 227 m, and a plate lift and a chairlift are available. A two-hour pass costs PLN 50 (regular) and PLN 36 (reduced). There is a ski and snowboard equipment rental and a ski service on site. Website and Facebook page in Polish. The contact list of ski and snowboard schools working on the Górka Szczęśliwicka.

Indoor ice rink at Moczydło Sports Center in Wola
Location: Park Wodny Moczydło, Górczewska 69/73 Street (Wola). Opening hours: 9 am – 1 pm, 2 pm – 5 pm, 6 pm – 9 pm. December 24: 9 am – 1 pm, December 25: closed, December 26: 9 am – 9 pm. Website, info about tickets, and Facebook page.

Outdoor ice rink next to the Palace of Culture and Science
Location: Świętokrzyska Street side (city center). Free entrance. Opening hours: 10 am – 1 pm, 2 pm – 5 pm, 6 pm – 9 pm. December 24: 10 am – 2 pm, December 25: closed, December 26: 10 am – 9 pm. Website. Facebook page.

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. December 24: 10 am – 3.30 pm, December 25: closed, December 26: 4 pm – 9 pm, December 31: 10 am – 3.30 pm, January 1: 4 pm – 9 pm. Ice skates and support penguins can be rented on-site. More in Polish.

An indoor ice rink in Bemowo
Location: Obrońców Tobruku 40 Street (Bemowo). Free entrance. Ice skates can be rented on-site for free. Opening hours: 9 am – 10.30 am, 11 am – 12.30 pm, 1 pm – 2.30 pm, 4 pm – 5.30 pm, 6 pm – 7.30 pm, 8 pm – 9.30 pm. December 24: 9 am – 10.30 am, 11 am – 12.30 pm, 1 pm – 2.30 pm. December 26: 4 pm – 5.30 pm, 6 pm – 7.30 pm, 8 pm – 9.30 pm. December 25, 31, and January 1 – closed. More in Polish.

Museum of Life under Communism 
Location: Muzeum życia w PRL, Piękna 28/34 Street, next to Plac (Square) Konstytucji (city center). December 24: 10 am – 2 pm, December 25, 26 – closed, December 31: 10 am – 2 pm, January 1: 10 am – 6 pm, 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.

Monday, December 25, 2023

A bank/public holiday in Poland. Stores, malls, shopping centers, public institutions are CLOSED.

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. Our tips in English on visiting the Garden. Find out more in our post on Warsaw’s illuminations in the 2023/2024 season.

A light display in the Botanical Garden in Powsin “Smurfs”
Location: Botanical Garden in Powsin, Prawdziwka 2 Street, 02-973 Powsin (location on Google map). December 24 – closed, December 25, 26: 4 pm – 9 pm, December 31 – closed, January 1: 4 pm – 9 pm, January 6: 4 pm – 9 pm. Tickets are available online or at the ticket office. Our tips in English (opening hours, tickets, parking lots, etc.) on the illuminations festivals in Warsaw in the 2023/2024 season, including the light display in Powsin.

“The Royal Garden of Light” – the illuminations festival in the Wilanów Palace Garden
Location: Wilanów Garden, Stanisława Kostki Potockiego 10/16 Street, December 25, 26: 4 pm – 9 pm. The display is closed on December 24 and 31. January 1, 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.). 

Visit churches in the Old Town – nativity scenes
Each church builds its own unique nativity scene (szopka) for the Christmas season. Sometimes they are modern and metaphorical, sometimes with lots of details that children will love, eg. animals, angels, different figures, and ornaments. Churches in Poland are usually open during the day until the evening, with free entrance.

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

A bank/public holiday in Poland. Stores, malls, shopping centers are CLOSED.

A new exhibition: “The Immersive Experience – Van Gogh & Friends”
Location: Soho Art Center, Mińska 63 Street (Praga). The Exhibition is bilingual: Polish and English. December 24, 25 – closed, December 26: 10 am – 8 pm, December 31: 10 am – 3 pm, January 1: 12 pm – 8 pm, January 6: 10 am – 8 pm. Tickets are to be purchased online. Children up to 6 years old have free entrance. Visitors will have the opportunity to see iconic paintings by van Gogh as well as Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri Rousseau, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Paul Signac. The images will be presented on huge screens, the floor, and columns. They will be accompanied by dynamic and rich light, color, and sound. The Exhibition’s website in Polish. Facebook. Instagram. Photos in our post on Kids in the City’s Instagram.

A new exhibition: Sistine Chapel in Warsaw – multimedia exhibition
Location: tents in the area of PGE Narodowy Stadium, al. Zieleniecka Street, near Gate No. 11 (Praga). Online tickets (children under 5 years old free entrance). December 24, 25 – closed, December 26: 9 am – 9 pm, December 31: 9 am – 4.30 pm, January 1: 12 pm – 4.30 pm, January 6: 9 am – 9 pm. The exhibition is a multi-sensory experience that will allow you to learn about the history of the Sistine Chapel, as well as other works by Michelangelo. In the first room, visitors are transported to the world of the Renaissance and learn about the artists. There are, among others: reproductions of sculptures of David and Pieta. In the second room – the cinema, visitors see the Sistine Chapel from a new perspective. Visitors will see the details of the frescoes in unprecedented close-ups, gain knowledge about interesting facts, and become acquainted with the Renaissance masters who created an extraordinary work of art. All this is displayed in huge resolutions on a screen as much as 19 meters wide. The third room is the so-called immersion chapel – thanks to the latest technologies, you will find yourself inside the Sistine Chapel. You will learn about the history of many details – described by art historians working for the Vatican Museum. More in Polish about the Exhibition. Photos in the post on Kids in the City’s Instagram.

A new exhibition: immersive multi-sensory Nutcracker based on ballet by Piotr Tchaikovsky
Location: Fabryka Norblina, Art-Box Experience, Żelazna 51/53 Street (city center/Wola), level 2+. Online tickets (children under 3 years old free entrance). December 24, 25 – closed, December 26: 11 am – 6 pm, December 31: 9 am – 2 pm, January 1 – closed, January 6: 9 am – 7 pm. More in English about the Exhibition. Photos on Kids in the City’s Instagram.

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. Our tips in English on visiting the Garden. Find out more in our post on Warsaw’s illuminations in the 2023/2024 season.

Indoor ice rink at Wilanów Sports Center
Location: Centrum Sportu Wilanów (Wilanów Sports Center), Gubinowska 28/30 Street (Wilanów). December 24, 25 – closed. December 26: 2 pm – 9.30 pm. December 31: 8 am – 2 pm. January 1: 2 pm – 9.30 pm. January 6: 2 pm – 9.30 pm. Website.

Swimming in “Wodny Park Warszawianka” – 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). December 24: 6.30 am – 2 pm. December 25 – closed. December 26: 2 pm – 10 pm, December 31: 6.30 am – 2 pm, January 1 – closed, 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 50-meter “Olympic” swimming pool with 10 lanes. Website in English. Facebook page.

A light display in the Botanical Garden in Powsin “Smurfs”
Location: Botanical Garden in Powsin, Prawdziwka 2 Street, 02-973 Powsin (location on Google map). December 24 – closed, December 25, 26: 4 pm – 9 pm, December 31 – closed, January 1: 4 pm – 9 pm, January 6: 4 pm – 9 pm. Tickets are available online or at the ticket office. Our tips in English (opening hours, tickets, parking lots, etc.) on the illuminations festivals in Warsaw in the 2023/2024 season, including the light display in Powsin.

The Warsaw Royal Castle
Location: Zamek Królewski, Plac Zamkowy 4 / Castle Square 4, December 24, 25, 31, January 1, 6 – closed. December 26: 10 am – 5 pm. Our tips in English on visiting the Castle.

The National Museum 
Location: The National Museum in Warsaw (Muzeum Narodowe), Aleje Jerozolimskie 3 Street (city center), December 24, 25, 31 – closed. December 26: 12 pm – 6 pm. January 1: 12 pm – 6 pm, January 6: 10 am – 6 pm. Our tips in English about visiting the National Museum.

“The Royal Garden of Light” – the illuminations festival in the Wilanów Palace Garden
Location: Wilanów Garden, Stanisława Kostki Potockiego 10/16 Street, December 25, 26: 4 pm – 9 pm. The display is closed on December 24 and 31. January 1, 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 Viewing Platform of the Palace of Culture and Science
Location: Plac Defilad 1 (city center). The platform is located on the 30th floor (114 m high) of the Palace of Culture and Science. Opening hours in December: 10 am – 8 pm. Online tickets. Our tips about visiting the platform. The Platform is closed on December 24 and 25. Opening hours on December 26: 12 pm – 8 pm, December 31: 10 am – 5 pm, January 1: 12 pm – 8 pm, January 6: 10 am – 8 pm.

Be Happy Museum – Selfie Point 
Location: Atrium Reduta shopping center, al. Jerozolimskie 148 Street (Ochota), December 24, 25 – closed. December 26: 1 pm – 7 pm, December 31: closed, January 1: closed, January 6: 10 am – 9 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.

Visit churches in the Old Town – nativity scenes
Each church builds its own unique nativity scene (szopka) for the Christmas season. Sometimes they are modern and metaphorical, sometimes with lots of details that children will love, eg. animals, angels, different figures, and ornaments. Churches in Poland are usually open during the day until the evening, with free entrance.

An outdoor free ice skating rink in the Old Town
Location: Old Town Square, Rynek Starego Miasta (city center). Free entrance. December 24: 10 am – 2 pm. December 25 – closed. December 26: 10 am – 9 pm. Facebook page.

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). December 24: open until 2.30 pm, December 25 – closed, December 26: open from 10.15 am, December 31 – open until 2.30 pm, January 1: open from 4 pm, January 6: open from 10.15 am. If you show a receipt for a minimum amount of PLN 30 (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.

Stegny outdoor ice rink in Mokotów
Location: Inspektowa 1 Street (Mokotów). Monday – Friday: 7 pm – 9 pm. Saturday – Sunday: 12 pm – 2 pm, 3 pm – 5 pm, 6 pm – 8 pm. Ice skates and support penguins can be rented on-site. Website, info about tickets (to be purchased at the ice rink ticket offices), and Facebook page. December 24: 12 pm – 2 pm. December 25 – closed. December 26: 12 pm – 2 pm, 3 pm – 5 pm, 6 pm – 8 pm.

An outdoor ice skating rink in Targówek/Bródno
Location: Park Bródnowski (Targówek/Bródno). Opening hours Monday-Friday: 10.30 am – 3 pm, 4 pm, 5.30 pm, 7.15 pm, 8.45 pm. Weekends: 10.30 am, 12 pm, 1.30 pm, 4 pm, 5.30 pm, 7.15 pm, 8. 45 pm. Technical breaks: weekdays 3 pm – 4 pm, 6.45 pm – 7.15 pm, weekends 2.45 pm – 4 pm, 6.45 pm – 7.15 pm. Ice skates and support penguins can be rented on-site. Website. December 24: 10.30 am – 3 pm. December 25 – closed. December 26 – 10.30 am – 10 pm. December 31: 10.30 am – 3 pm. January 1: 10.30 am – 10 pm.

A multimedia exhibition of dinosaurs: Jurassic Adventure
Location: Muzeum Nowa Praga, Jagiellońska 82A Street (Praga), location on Google map. Open every day 9 am – 8 pm. December 26: 9 am – 8 pm, December 31: 9 am – 2 pm. Tickets are to be purchased on-site or online. Children up to 2 years old have free entrance. The Exhibition’s website in Polish. Facebook. Instagram. You can park your car in the free parking lot next to the exhibition. The exhibition is accessible to people in wheelchairs. Attractions include over 50 life-size animated dinosaurs; the “excavation zone” where children can play paleontologists and dig up dinosaur bones hidden in the sand; the VR zone; a playing zone for kids. Photos in our post on Kids in the City’s Instagram.

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). December 24, 25 – closed. December 26: 12 pm – 8 pm. December 31: 9 am – 5 pm, January 1: 12 pm – 8 pm, January 6: 9 am – 8 pm. It is recommended to buy tickets online – to avoid crowds, Smart Kids Planet has entry limits per hour. When you buy a ticket online, you can be sure that you will enter at the selected time. Workshops, birthday parties, trips for schools and kindergartens, cheerful and smart fun in 9 innovative and interactive zones for smart play. All in Polish and English. We are excited to be the media partner of this amazing place. Website in Polish, website in English, Facebook, Instagram.

The Museum “World of Illusion”
Location: Świat Iluzji, Rynek Starego Miasta 21 (the Old Town Market Square), December 24, 25 – closed. December 26: 12 pm – 8 pm, December 31: 10 am – 4 pm. online tickets. More in English about the Museum.

Artificial ski slope in Ochota – Górka Szczęśliwicka
Location: Górka Szczęśliwicka, Park Szczęśliwicki, Drawska 22 Street (Ochota). The ski slope is open every day 10 am – 8 pm. December 24: 10 am – 2 pm, December 25: closed, December 26: 10 am – 8 pm. The Górka Szczęśliwicka ski slope is located in the center of Park Szczęśliwicki – the biggest (30 ha) park in the Ochota district of Warsaw. Location on Google map. It’s the highest hill in Warsaw, a 152 m slope called in Polish Górka Szczęśliwicka. The biggest attraction of Górka Szczęśliwicka is the ski slope. The ski season lasts from October, and from the time of the first frost, the slope is artificially snowed. The height of the ski slope is 74.9 m, the length of the run is 227 m, and a plate lift and a chairlift are available. A two-hour pass costs PLN 50 (regular) and PLN 36 (reduced). There is a ski and snowboard equipment rental and a ski service on site. Website and Facebook page in Polish. The contact list of ski and snowboard schools working on the Górka Szczęśliwicka.

Indoor ice rink at Moczydło Sports Center in Wola
Location: Park Wodny Moczydło, Górczewska 69/73 Street (Wola). Opening hours: 9 am – 1 pm, 2 pm – 5 pm, 6 pm – 9 pm. December 24: 9 am – 1 pm, December 25: closed, December 26: 9 am – 9 pm. Website, info about tickets, and Facebook page.

Outdoor ice rink next to the Palace of Culture and Science
Location: Świętokrzyska Street side (city center). Free entrance. Opening hours: 10 am – 1 pm, 2 pm – 5 pm, 6 pm – 9 pm. December 24: 10 am – 2 pm, December 25: closed, December 26: 10 am – 9 pm. Website. Facebook page.

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. December 24: 10 am – 3.30 pm, December 25: closed, December 26: 4 pm – 9 pm, December 31: 10 am – 3.30 pm, January 1: 4 pm – 9 pm. Ice skates and support penguins can be rented on-site. More in Polish.

An indoor ice rink in Bemowo
Location: Obrońców Tobruku 40 Street (Bemowo). Free entrance. Ice skates can be rented on-site for free. Opening hours: 9 am – 10.30 am, 11 am – 12.30 pm, 1 pm – 2.30 pm, 4 pm – 5.30 pm, 6 pm – 7.30 pm, 8 pm – 9.30 pm. December 24: 9 am – 10.30 am, 11 am – 12.30 pm, 1 pm – 2.30 pm. December 26: 4 pm – 5.30 pm, 6 pm – 7.30 pm, 8 pm – 9.30 pm. December 25, 31, and January 1 – closed. More in Polish.

Christmas markets and gift fairs in Warsaw

Festive illuminations, a Christmas tree, lights on Warsaw's streets in 2023/2024

New illuminations in the Old Town in the 2023/2024 season! Retro-style illuminations refer to the 1950s and 1960s in Poland.

Traditionally, Christmas illuminations on the streets of Warsaw and a huge Christmas tree on Plac Zamkowy are lit in the first week of December and are on until mid-February (the exact date is announced usually on December 1).

The largest Christmas tree in Warsaw is lit on Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy) in Warsaw's Old Town.

In 2023, the illuminations in the Old Town will be launched on December 6 at 3.30 pm, and the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Castle Square in the Old Town will be on December 7, 2023 at 6 pm.

27-meter Christmas tree, the largest in Warsaw (and in Poland), is lit on Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy) in Warsaw’s Old Town. The main attractions on Warsaw streets are focused 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).

This year, there are three illuminations outdoor displays in Warsaw (with paid entrance). "Magical Botanical" in the center of Warsaw. Location: Botanical Garden of the Warsaw University (Ogród Botaniczny Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego), Aleje Ujazdowskie 4 Street (city center), the garden on Google Maps. "Smurfs" in Powsin. Location: Botanical Garden in Powsin, Prawdziwka 2 Street, 02-973 Powsin (location on Google map). "The Royal Garden of Light" in Wilanów. Location: the garden of the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace (Muzeum Pałacu Króla Jana III w Wilanowie), Stanisława Kostki Potockiego 10/16 Street, location on Google map. 

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

The photos below show Christmas illuminations in Warsaw in previous seasons:

Photo source: Urząd Miasta Warszawa

Ideas for things to do in Warsaw in December

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.

The Great Elf Factory (Wielka Fabryka Elfów) – indoor Christmas playing areas for children aged 3-10
Until January 13. Location: PGE National Stadium, Ks. Jozefa Poniatowskiego 1 Street, entrance - gate no. 5 (Praga). Ten playing areas with attractions for kids (eg. inflatable playground) – children help elves and 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 65 PLN. 1 ticket is admission for one child and one guardian. The ticket for the additional guardian is bought on the spot and costs half the ticket price for the child. Visiting the Elf Factory for groups of children is possible in English - you need to report such a request in advance (+48 583 501 638, warszawa@wielkafabrykaelfow.pl). Website in Polish. Facebook. Instagram.

LEGO exhibition: 120 models made of LEGO bricks
Until January 25. Location: Akradia shopping center, al. Jana Pawła II 82 Street (city center), level +1, entrance next to Costa Coffee on level 0. Models include a 7,5 meter Titanic made of 200,000+ bricks, a space shuttle made of 19,000 bricks, 2-meter-long Boeing 747 plane. The exhibition includes also a playing zone for children. Model descriptions are also available in English. Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10 am - 10 pm, Sunday 10 am - 8 pm (including trade ban Sundays). Website in Polish. Online tickets. Children up to 95 cm tall have free admission. Photos in a post on Kids in the City's Instagram.

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

A new exhibition: Sistine Chapel in Warsaw - multimedia exhibition
Until February 10. Location: tents in the area of PGE Narodowy Stadium, al. Zieleniecka Street, near Gate No. 11 (Praga). Online tickets (children under 5 years old free entrance). The exhibition is a multi-sensory experience that will allow you to learn about the history of the Sistine Chapel, as well as other works by Michelangelo. In the first room, visitors are transported to the world of the Renaissance and learn about the artists. There are, among others: reproductions of sculptures of David and Pieta. In the second room - the cinema, visitors see the Sistine Chapel from a new perspective. Visitors will see the details of the frescoes in unprecedented close-ups, gain knowledge about interesting facts, and become acquainted with the Renaissance masters who created an extraordinary work of art. All this is displayed in huge resolutions on a screen as much as 19 meters wide. The third room is the so-called immersion chapel – thanks to the latest technologies, you will find yourself inside the Sistine Chapel. You will learn about the history of many details - described by art historians working for the Vatican Museum. More in Polish about the Exhibition. Photos in the post on Kids in the City's Instagram.

Artificial ski slope in Ochota - Górka Szczęśliwicka
Location: Górka Szczęśliwicka, Park Szczęśliwicki, Drawska 22 Street (Ochota). The ski slope is open every day 10 am - 8 pm. The Górka Szczęśliwicka ski slope is located in the center of Park Szczęśliwicki – the biggest (30 ha) park in the Ochota district of Warsaw. Location on Google map. It’s the highest hill in Warsaw, a 152 m slope called in Polish Górka Szczęśliwicka. The biggest attraction of Górka Szczęśliwicka is the ski slope. The ski season lasts from October, and from the time of the first frost, the slope is artificially snowed. The height of the ski slope is 74.9 m, the length of the run is 227 m, and a plate lift and a chairlift are available. A two-hour pass costs PLN 50 (regular) and PLN 36 (reduced). There is a ski and snowboard equipment rental and a ski service on site. Website and Facebook page in Polish. The contact list of ski and snowboard schools working on the Górka Szczęśliwicka.

Santa Claus House - 50 minute-drive from Warsaw
Until December 17. Location: Odnaleziony Dom Świętego Mikołaja, Rezydencja Miętowe Wzgórza - Mansion House, Trębki Nowe 90, 05-170 Zakroczym. Location on Google Maps. Santa Clause House (Polish name of this attraction: Odnaleziony Dom Świętego Mikołaja) is located northwest of Warsaw. Attractions include visiting the House of Santa Claus, Christmas scenery for taking magical photos, a visit to the Elves' workshop (here you will be able to write your letters to Santa Claus and decorate them with Christmas decorations), Santa's maze and slide, Santa Phone: Christmas phone booth, and alpacas. Entrance ticket for one person - PLN 49, entry ticket for children up to 3 years old - PLN 39. Food zone: pizza, traditional Christmas dishes, bonfire with sausages or marshmallows, mulled wine, warming tea and hot chocolate. Individual visitors: Saturdays and Sundays, 12 pm - 6 pm. Kindergartens and schools: Monday-Thursday, booking required. Due to the large number of visitors, it is advised to contact the House of Santa Claus by phone or e-mail so that they can recommend the best time to visit and avoid long queues. Contact info: +48 781 200 400, info@mietowewzgorza.pl. Facebook, Instagram, website. Photos in our post on Kids in the City's Instagram.

Automotive Icons Exhibition - 100 rare and valuable cars and motorcycles
From December 15 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: Thursday 11 am - 7 pm, Friday 11 am - 8 pm, Saturday 10 am - 8 pm, Sunday 10 am - 7 pm. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Maserati, Bentley, Aston Martina and other top brands models - from oldtimers to modern cars equipped with the latest technologies. Website, Facebook, Instagram.

A new exhibition: immersive multi-sensory Nutcracker based on ballet by Piotr Tchaikovsky
Location: Fabryka Norblina, Art-Box Experience, Żelazna 51/53 Street (city center/Wola), level 2+. Online tickets (children under 3 years old free entrance). More in English about the Exhibition. Photos on Kids in the City's Instagram.

A new exhibition: "The Immersive Experience - Van Gogh & Friends"
Until January 14. Location: Soho Art Center, Mińska 63 Street (Praga). The Exhibition is bilingual: Polish and English. Open every day 10 am - 8 pm. Tickets are to be purchased online. Children up to 6 years old have free entrance. Visitors will have the opportunity to see iconic paintings by van Gogh as well as Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri Rousseau, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Paul Signac. The images will be presented on huge screens, the floor, and columns. They will be accompanied by dynamic and rich light, color, and sound. The Exhibition's website in Polish. Facebook. Instagram. Photos in our post on Kids in the City’s Instagram.

A new multimedia exhibition of dinosaurs: Jurassic Adventure
Location: Muzeum Nowa Praga, Jagiellońska 82A Street (Praga), location on Google map. Open every day 9 am - 8 pm. Tickets are to be purchased on-site or online. Children up to 2 years old have free entrance. The Exhibition's website in Polish. Facebook. Instagram. You can park your car in the free parking lot next to the exhibition. The exhibition is accessible to people in wheelchairs. Attractions include over 50 life-size animated dinosaurs; the "excavation zone" where children can play paleontologists and dig up dinosaur bones hidden in the sand; the VR zone; a playing zone for kids. Photos in our post on Kids in the City’s 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. It is recommended to buy tickets online – to avoid crowds, Smart Kids Planet has entry limits per hour. Website in Polish, website in English. Facebook event in Polish.

Outdoor Christmas Market in the Old Town
Until January 7. Location: Warsaw Old Town, the Warsaw Barbican area, opposite the Royal Castle. Souvenirs, gifts, local crafts and food like pierogi, hot chocolate. Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 am – 8 pm, Friday & Saturday 11 am – 9.30 pm, December 25 and 26: 11 am – 9.30 pm. Facebook page in Polish.

Flavors of Polish Christmas - dumplings cooking class in English and dinner
Location: Pierogi & More cooking school, Stawki 3 Street (city center). During this 4 course Christmas dumplings cooking class and dinner you will taste the most popular Christmas food. Moreover, you will learn how to make the famous Polish dumplings. Taste beetroot soup with mushroom-stuffed dumplings, MAKE pierogi with sauerkraut and last but not least, indulge yourself in the festive poppy seed dessert. Facebook page in English. More in English.

Gingerbread cookies baking and decorating class for all ages - cooking class in English
Location: Pierogi & More cooking school, Stawki 3 Street (city center). Book the gingerbread cookies baking class to learn how to bake, decorate and store „pierniczki”. Then, you will learn how to make your own gingerbread spice mix. Last, but not least, you will find out how to turn gingerbread cookies into beautiful Christmas tree decorations or unforgettable presents for your loved ones. Facebook page in English. More in English.

Eating out in one of Warsaw's indoor food halls
Are you going out for lunch with a group of 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. A great solution for breakfast, lunch or dinner in a group – everyone orders from a different restaurant and eats at a common table. Click here to read our post featuring food halls in Warsaw.

A winter walk among the magic lights 
During the winter season, many parks in Warsaw transform after dark into a magical world of lights, giving you the opportunity 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 2023/2024 season.

A winter walk in the center of Warsaw: Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Świat Streets a car-free zone 
December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, December 23 - January 1, and January 6-7. 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!

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.

Indoor go-karting tracks in the Warsaw area
There are 4 indoor karting tracks in and around Warsaw - open all year round. 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
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. From slides and climbing frames to ball pools, role-play games, and trampolines, parents have been telling us their favorite play centers in Warsaw. 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.

Indoor ice skating on the "Torwar" ice rink 
Location: Torwar, Łazienkowska 6A Street (city center). Opening hours: Tuesday 8 pm - 9.30 pm, Thursday 8 pm - 9.30 pm, Saturday 6.30 pm - 8 pm, Sunday 11 am - 12.30 pm (including a separate area for kids) and 6.30 pm - 8 pm. During each slot, there is a rental and a sharpening room available. Learning supports are available to rent. Website, info about tickets, and Facebook. The Torwar ice rink is open until mid-May.

Chopin music piano recitals
Location: Fryderyk Concert Hall, Podwale 15 Street (the old town), every day at 5.30 pm and 7 pm, online tickets. The recitals feature Fryderyk Chopin’s most famous compositions. Facebook page in English and Polish. Website in English.

23rd International Film Festival - WATCH DOCS - Human Rights in Film
December 1-10. Location: Kino Muranów, Kinoteka. Read more in English. Facebook event in Polish and English.

Guided tour IN ENGLISH at The Children's Museum (located in the Ethnographic Museum)
December 2. Location: Państwowe Muzeum Etnograficzne, The Ethnographic Museum, Kredytowa 1 Street (city center), 12 pm, online tickets. The tour of a new exhibition for children "Polish Flower". Facebook event in English and Polish.

Guided tour IN ENGLISH at The Museum of Modern Art
December 2. Location: “Museum on the Vistula” Pavilion (Muzeum nad Wisłą), Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 22 Street (on the Vistula bank), 2 pm. The tour is included in the ticket price (5/10 PLN). Facebook event in English. More about the exhibition in English (‘Refugees Welcome. Artists for refugees’).

Exhibition and fair of exotic animals and plants  
December 3. 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.

Guided tour IN ENGLISH at The Museum of Modern Art
December 9. Location: “Museum on the Vistula” Pavilion (Muzeum nad Wisłą), Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 22 Street (on the Vistula bank), 2 pm. The tour is included in the ticket price (5/10 PLN). Facebook event in English. More about the exhibition in English (‘Refugees Welcome. Artists for refugees’).

Christmas folk concert and dance show ("Polish Bethlehem" / "Betlejem Polskie") by Mazowsze - the oldest and biggest Polish folk dancing and singing group
December 9, 10, 12, 13. Location: Matecznik "Mazowsze", Świerkowa 2 Street, 05-805 Otrębusy (a village about 25 km from the center of Warsaw), online tickets. Facebook page in Polish. More about the Mazowsze group in English.

Railway Modeling Fair (Giełda Modeli Kolejowych)
December 10. Location: Warsaw Railway Museum (Stacja Muzeum), Towarowa 3 Street (Wola), 10 am – 2 pm (the Museum is open 10 am – 6 pm). A chance to buy model railways and trains and meet railway modeling enthusiasts. During the event reduced tickets for everyone (7 PLN, children up to 7 free entrance). The Museum website in English. Facebook event in Polish.

Visiting the snow plow train interior
December 17. Location: Warsaw Railway Museum (Stacja Muzeum), Towarowa 3 Street (Wola), 9 am – 5 pm. Visiting the interior of this train is only allowed a few times a year. The Museum website in English. Facebook event in Polish.

Sunday Yoga in Łazienki Royal Garden
December 17. Location: Łazienki Royal Garden, 10 am, click here to check the meeting point (the area next to the Palace on the Isle). Families with children are welcome. There is no need to sign up. Facebook event in Polish and English.

Where to buy a Christmas tree in Warsaw (including options to order online & home delivery) & tips for picking the right Christmas tree

In December, you can buy a Christmas tree in Warsaw on a street corner - pop-up tree lots appear overnight on street corners or in front of shops. There's no standard pricing so if you like you can bargain a bit about the price;)

Major supermarkets and home improvement stores in Warsaw typically set up their live Christmas trees either in the garden section or in the parking lot. You can also buy a tree from your local garden center.

They will cut the stem of the tree you pick, net it and help you secure it to the top of your car if needed. You can buy a cut tree, a potted tree (grown in a field, dug up, and placed in a pot) or if you know that the Christmas tree will later go to your garden, you can buy a "rooted" tree (choinka ukorzeniona) - a pot grown tree (which has been planted in a container as a seedling).

A glossary of terms useful when buying a Christmas tree: choinka - a Christmas tree, w doniczce - potted, obsadzanie - putting a real Christmas tree in the stand, stojak - stand, lampki - lights, bombki - Christmas baubles, utylizacja - the service of picking up the Christmas tree after holidays.

Stores offering home delivery of Christmas trees in the Warsaw area

In addition to delivering the Christmas tree to your home, stores offer additional paid services: the service of putting a Christmas tree in a stand (obsadzanie) - this service covers adjusting the trunk of the tree to the stand as well as adjusting the tree properly (stable and straight) in the tree stand. Another service covers the utilization - after the end of the holidays, the store will take the Christmas tree from your home and take it to the appropriate point, where it will be converted into biomass.

The most popular real Christmas trees you can buy in Poland include: the Norway Spruce (świerk pospolity), the Blue Spruce or Colorado Spruce (świerk srebrny or świerk kłujący), the Caucasian Fir or Nordmann Fir (jodła kaukaska).

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 in nature - with family or friends. 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 in the vicinity of Warsaw - you can contact all the organizers in English.

Top indoor play spaces in Warsaw

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.

From slides and climbing frames to ball pools, role-play games, and trampolines, parents have been telling us their favorite play centers in Warsaw. 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 very important decision for every parent. To help you keep tabs on educational offers in Warsaw, Kids in the City runs the Directory of 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 December

In 2023, astronomical winter begins on December 22 with the winter solstice – it’s the day with the fewest hours of sunlight in Poland in the whole year. On a positive note – starting from December 22, the days in Poland get longer and the nights shorter. The length of the day goes from 7 hours 42 min. on December 22 to 10 hours 50 min. at the end of February.

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 lowest temperature is recorded in eastern and southern Poland. Remember that the temperature in the wintertime in Poland drops significantly at night!

The weather during the winter in Poland differs. Usually, the temperature is around freezing or a few degrees below, but it happens that the temperature drops below -20 °C (-4 °F). Recent years have seen an increase in average winter temperatures compared to previous years. Trends also indicate that we can start getting used to relatively warmer December in Poland and winter shifting for the period from January to March.

Because of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, December is a favorite month for many people in Poland. The name of the month – grudzień – comes from the Polish word gruda, meaning frozen ground. The average temperature in December in Poland drops below zero: -0,16°C / 32°F. The average rainfall level in December in Poland is 38 mm (similar level to March and April). Sunset on December 1: 3.27 pm, December 31: 3.32 pm.

Read more about the weather in Poland in winter (December, January & February).

Shopping Sundays in Poland in December 2023

Change in December 2023 shopping Sundays introduced in November 2023:

• Shopping Sunday on December 10 (this will replace a shopping Sunday which would normally fall on December 24 but December 24 is a widely celebrated holiday in Poland – Christmas Eve so the government decided to reschedule).
• Shopping Sunday on December 17.

Click here to read our post about shopping Sundays in Poland. Read our post with the list of online stores in Poland delivering groceries to your home.

Public holidays and dates to remember in Poland in December 2023

St. Nicholas’ Day (Mikołajki)
The name Mikołajki comes from Mikołaj (Polish for Nicholas), meaning little Nicholas. On the night of December 5-6, small gifts are secretly given to children while they are sleeping (little treats – toys but most of all sweets). One of the traditions is to hide treats in shoes. Children should clean them the night before and the next morning (on Mikołajki day) they would find inside their shoes a small surprise. Chocolate Santas are most often such a gift - they can be bought in Polish stores already at the end of November. In Polish schools on December 6, there is a custom of exchanging small gifts between students. Children decide in advance the amount for which they will buy a gift and draw a person from the class to be given a gift.

The beginning of astronomical winter
The shortest day of the year. Click here to learn about the weather in Poland in the wintertime (December, January, and February).

Christmas Eve (Wigilia)
Christmas Eve is not a public holiday in Poland. However, most shops and businesses are closed (it's a Sunday this year) or open no longer than 2 pm. Christmas Eve Dinner – kolacja wigilijna – is the most important Christmas celebration in Poland. Click here to learn more about Christmas traditions and celebrations in Poland. The Christmas Eve traditions include waiting for a first star, the Christmas wafer (opłatek), 12 meat-free courses, an extra seat for an unexpected guest, hay under the tablecloth, a special midnight mass (pasterka).

Christmas Day (Boże Narodzenie)
A public holiday in Poland. Stores, malls, shopping centers, public institutions, schools are CLOSED. People in Poland usually visit family and friends to celebrate together, they go to church, sing carols (kolędy), and spend long hours at the table.

Second Day of Christmas (Drugi Dzień Świąt Bożego Narodzenia)
A public holiday in Poland. Stores, malls, shopping centers, public institutions, schools are CLOSED.

New Year's Eve / St. Silvestre's Day (Sylwester) 
Start of the carnival season in Poland. People usually go out to parties and balls. At midnight or even before, fireworks shows start, arranged by the city authorities but also outside of apartments, in parks, playgrounds, etc. Stores are usually open no longer than 4-5-6 pm.

Read more about public holidays and dates to remember in Poland in the wintertime.

Grocery ONLINE shopping: stores offering home delivery in the Warsaw area

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