January in Warsaw: ideas and tips for making the most of your winter in 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 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.
Sleigh rides in the Kampinos National Park
The Kampinos Forest (Puszcza Kampinoska) is located right next to the northwestern border of Warsaw. Most of its area is protected within the Kampinoski National Park (Kampinoski Park Narodowy). This is very unique on a global scale – the national park borders the capital of the state! Horse-drawn sleigh rides in Kampinos are organized by a family company: website, Facebook. From spring to autumn, they invite you to rides in horse-drawn carriages and wagons, while in winter they will provide you with an unforgettable experience on a sleigh ride with torches and a fire at the end. This company has been organizing sleigh and carriage rides in the Kampinos National Park for 14 years. They use recreational clearings and horse trails following the park regulations and have all the necessary permits. How does it work? Reservations can be made by phone (+48 509 981 487), e-mail (kamil@bryczki-kampinos.pl), Facebook, in Polish or English. You arrange for a day and an hour at different places in the eastern part of the park. The ride takes approximately 45 minutes and ends with a fire in a clearing. The minimum number of people is 5. Our tips in English on hiking in the Kampinos Forest.
Photo source: www.bryczki-kampinos.pl
You can read more about other options for organizing a sleigh ride in the vicinity of 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 starting from November 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 in Ursynów there is an indoor ice rink open 24/7?
Skate rentals operate at most of the ice rinks in Warsaw, so you don’t need your equipment (there are also usually available skate supports for skaters needing extra help).
You can read more about 20+ indoor and outdoor ice rinks in different districts of Warsaw (locations, opening hours, photos) in our post: Ice skating rinks in Warsaw.
Where to go sledging in Warsaw
When it starts to snow we often are asked where is a good place to go sledding in Warsaw. Each district in Warsaw has several smaller and larger hills where you can go sledding.
Most of such spots are in Warsaw parks (eg. 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, which are used for sledding in winter, were created after the completion of street construction and renovation or remained after the construction of the metro in Warsaw (eg. Kopa Cwila and Górka Kazurka in Ursynów).
Click here to read our post with a rundown of some popular places to go sledging in Warsaw by the district.
What to do with a Christmas tree in Warsaw – replanting & recycling
Where to return Christmas trees IN POTS for replanting:
- Saturday, January 13, 9 am – 2 pm: Lasy Miejskie – Warszawa (forest management office for the Warsaw area), Korkowa 170 Street (Wawer).
- Saturday, January 20, 9 am – 2 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 that it is best to keep Christmas trees at home as short as possible – this increases the chances of later adoption of the replanted tree. Therefore, it is best to move the Christmas tree outside, e.g. to the balcony, right after Christmas.
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), Płytowa 1 Street (Białołęka). Opening hours: Monday – Friday 11 am – 7 pm; Saturday 9 am – 5 pm.
Winter illuminations & light displays in Warsaw in January 2024
Illumination and light displays available in Warsaw in January 2024:
- “The Royal Garden of Light” – illuminations festival in Wilanów Palace Garden.
- A light display in the Botanical Garden in Powsin (a few kilometers south of Warsaw), new decorations this season: “The Smurfs”.
- A light display in the Botanical Garden in the center of Warsaw: “Magical Botanical”. The Botanical Garden of Warsaw University is located next to the Łazienki Royal Park.
- Holiday illuminations, a Christmas tree on Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy), lights on Warsaw’s streets in the city center.
- Winter illuminations in Łazienki Royal Garden.
- Winter illuminations and multimedia show with music and lights at Warsaw Multimedia Fountain Park.
Multimedia Fountain Park in winter:
Photo source: www.park-fontann.pl
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.
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.
LEGO exhibition: 120 models made of LEGO bricks
Until January 30. 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.
Dumplings cooking classes in English
Location: Pierogi & More cooking school, Stawki 3 Street (city center). During this experience, you will prepare pierogi with meat and/or vegetarian fillings. At first, you will get to know how to knead the dough, then you will learn various techniques of folding the dumplings and discover hacks that make them really 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 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. Facebook page in Polish.
Automotive Icons Exhibition – 100 rare and valuable cars and motorcycles
Until February 25. Location: PGE National Stadium, entrance from al. Zieleniecka Street, gate no. 1 (Praga), online tickets. Free outdoor parking is available in front of gate no. 1 from al. Zieleniecka Street (access via Targowa, Zamoyskiego, Sokola, and Siwca streets) and a paid underground car park. Opening hours: 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.
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.
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.
An exhibition: “The Immersive Experience – Van Gogh & Friends”
Until March 3. 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 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.
Free winter attraction in Wilanów – donutting slope (no snow required;)
Until March 3. Location: Plaża
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.
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.
A winter walk in the center of Warsaw: Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Świat Streets a car-free zone
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!
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.
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). 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.
Planetarium in the Copernicus Science Center
Location: the Planetarium building next to Copernicus Science Center, Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 20 Street (Powiśle), online tickets. The Planetarium screens films for adults and kids of different ages – some for 3+ audiences, and some shows for teenagers (2D and 3D screenings). Most of the screenings can also be viewed in the English audio version with headphones (and some in Russian). Admission to the Planetarium is only for children over 3 years old. Click here to read our tips on visiting the Planetarium.
Indoor go-karting tracks in the Warsaw area
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.
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 (Elektrownia Powiśle, Hala Koszyki, Browary Warszawskie – Warsaw Breweries, Fabryka Norblina).
20+ ice skating rinks in Warsaw
Since the first weekend of December, ice rinks have already been operating in almost all districts of Warsaw. The ice rinks in Warsaw are usually open until February/March, weather permitting. You can read more about indoor and outdoor ice rinks in Warsaw (location, opening hours) in our post: Ice skating rinks in Warsaw.
The exhibition of live spiders and scorpions
Location: the Palace of Culture and Science, pl. Defilad 1, entrance from Marszałkowska Street, 10 am – 7 pm, online tickets, children up to 4 free entrance. Each weekend (every hour on the hour), the visitors can hold a spider (the most gentle tarantula) in their hand and take close photographs with the assistance of an exhibition employee. More in Polish about the Exhibition.
A winter walk among the magic lights – 6 spots in Warsaw
During the winter season, many parks in Warsaw transform after dark into a magical world of lights, allowing you to spend time outdoors, walking in winter festive scenery. Add to that a Christmas tree on Plac Zamkowy and illuminated streets in the center of Warsaw! You will find detailed information about Warsaw illuminations festivals and lights displays in our post: Light displays in Warsaw: festive illuminations, lights festivals, and decorations in Warsaw during the 2023/2024 season.
And if it snows – it’s time for a sled!
When it starts to snow in Warsaw we often are asked where is a good place to go sledging and build a snowman in Warsaw. Here is a rundown of some popular places in Warsaw by district: Sledging in Warsaw: best spots for sledding in Warsaw.
Warsaw Zoo – open every day, including all public holidays
Location: Ratuszowa 1/3 Street (Praga), opening hours in January: 9 am – 4 pm (weekends and holidays), 9 am – 3.30 pm (Monday-Friday). The last admission is one hour before the Zoo closes. Online tickets. Website in English.
Indoor mini zoo/petting zoo
Location: Mini Zoo, Kolorowa 19 lok. 156 Street, poziom/level -1 (Ursus), Monday – Friday 11 am – 7 pm, Saturday – Sunday 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.
Christmas Carols of the World – a concert
January 11. Location: Torwar, Łazienkowska 6A Street (city center), 7 pm. More in Polish and online tickets.
Christmas folk concert and dance show (“Polish Bethlehem” / “Betlejem Polskie”) by Mazowsze – the oldest and biggest Polish folk dancing and singing group
January 12, 13, 14, and 28. 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.
Exotic animals exhibition – snakes, lizards, spiders, scorpions, insects
January 12-25. Location: Atrium Promenada
Designer SALE – Fair of fashion, accessories, design
January 13-14. Location: Elektrownia
Railway Modeling Fair (Giełda Modeli Kolejowych)
January 14. Location: Warsaw
Asia Market – festival of Asian culture and fair of products of Asian countries
January 20. Location: Gocław Cultural Center (Terminal Kultury Gocław), Jana Nowaka-Jeziorańskiego 24
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.
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 to connect the old and new year. The day keeps getting longer – sunset on January 1: 3.33 pm, January 31: 4.20 pm.
Winter in Poland is cold and usually snowy. To stay cozy in the cold weather in Poland, you will need a hat, coat, scarf, gloves, and winter boots. The weather 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.
Read more about the weather and winter in Poland.
Shopping Sunday and trade ban Sundays in Poland in January 2024
In January 2024, there is one shopping Sunday in Poland: January 28. January 7, 14, 21 are trade ban Sundays in Poland. Click here to read our post about shopping Sundays in Poland in 2024.
Public holidays and dates to remember in Poland in January 2024
- January 1
New Year’s Day (Nowy Rok)
A public holiday in Poland – stores, malls, shopping centers are closed, only some smaller local convenience stores can be open (eg. Żabka). You can do basic shopping at gas stations.
- January 6
Epiphany / The Three Wise Kings (Trzech Króli)
A public holiday in Poland, stores, schools, public institutions are closed. Christian holiday commemorating the three wise kings’ visit to infant Jesus. In Warsaw and other big cities, there are street parades. There is a tradition in Poland to write with chalk brought from the church above the entrance of your home: K+M+B (or C+M+B). The letters have two meanings: they represent the initials of Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar (Kacper, Melchior, Baltazar); it’s also the abbreviation of the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat (May Christ bless this house).
- January 21 & January 22
Grandmother’s Day & Grandfather’s Day (Dzień Babci & Dzień Dziadka)
People visit or call their grandparents to honor them. In kindergartens, there are usually events for grandparents.
- January 28
Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, 32nd Grand Finale (Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy)
The biggest charity event in Poland. The 2024 winter fundraiser will be held to raise funds to purchase equipment for children’s and adults’ respiratory units (post-pandemic lungs). Many concerts, shows, and other events all over Poland. Volunteers (including many children) collect money on the streets giving away to all donors red stickers in the shape of a heart. The Foundation’s website in English.
Read more about public holidays and dates to remember in Poland in winter.
Things to do in Warsaw on 2 public holidays: January 1 and January 6 (what’s open)
Food halls in Warsaw on January 1 and January 6
Elektrownia Powiśle, Dobra 42 Street (Powiśle). January 1: 12 pm – 11 pm. January 6: 11 am – 12 am. Website in English.
Hala Koszyki, Koszykowa 63 Street (city center). January 1 and January 6: restaurants open 2 pm – 12 am (stores closed). Website in English.
Fabryka Norblina, Żelazna 51/53 Street (Wola), January 6: breakfast area open from 10 am, other restaurants open from 11 am. Website in Polish.
Click here to read our post featuring food halls in Warsaw.
- January 6
Epiphany / The Three Wise Kings (Trzech Króli)
A public holiday in Poland – stores, malls, shopping centers are closed, only some smaller local convenience stores can be open (eg. Żabka). You can do basic shopping at gas stations.
The Three Kings Parade
Location: the parade starts at 12 pm at Krakowskie Przedmieście Street (next to Nicolaus Copernicus monument), and continues down Krakowskie Przedmieście Street to Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy). Families, community members, theaters, school groups organize each year a colorful event – they dress up, sing carols. It’s a combination of a theater performance and a parade. More in English.
A concert of Christmas carols in the Old Town
Location: Katedra Św. Jana church, Świętojańska 8 Street (Old Town), 4 pm, free entrance. Facebook event in Polish.
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 31, January 1: 11 am – 9.30 pm. January 6: 11 am – 9.30 pm. Facebook page in Polish.
Multimedia Fountain Park – illuminations and shows with music & lights
Location: Multimedia Fountain Park (Multimedialny
Warsaw Zoo – open every day, including all public holidays
Location: Ratuszowa 1/3 Street (Praga), opening hours in January: 9 am – 4 pm (weekends and holidays), 9 am – 3.30 pm (Monday-Friday). The last admission is one hour before the Zoo closes. Online tickets. Website in English.
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), 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.).
An 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Planetarium in the Copernicus Science Center
Location: the Planetarium building next to Copernicus Science Center, Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 20 Street (Powiśle), online tickets. January 6: 9 am – 7 pm. The Planetarium screens films for adults and kids of different ages – some for 3+ audiences, and some shows for teenagers (2D and 3D screenings). Most of the screenings can also be viewed in the English audio version with headphones (and some in Russian). Admission to the Planetarium is only for children over 3 years old. Click here to read our tips on visiting the Planetarium.
The Copernicus Science Center
Location: Centrum Nauki Kopernik, Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 20 Street (Powiśle), January 6: 9 am – 7 pm. Our tips in English on visiting the Center.
The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews
Location: Anielewicza 6 Street (Muranów), January 6 – 10 am – 6 pm. Our tips in English on visiting the Museum. Our featured story on visiting the Museum with children.
The exhibition of live spiders and scorpions
Location: the Palace of Culture and Science, pl. Defilad 1, entrance from Marszałkowska Street, open every day, 10 am – 7 pm, online tickets, children up to 4 free entrance. January 6: 10 am – 7 pm. Each weekend (every hour on the hour), the visitors can hold a spider (the most gentle tarantula) in their hand and take close photographs with the assistance of an exhibition employee. More in Polish about the Exhibition.
A 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 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. January 6: 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.
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.
- January 1
New Year’s Day (Nowy Rok)
A public holiday in Poland – stores, malls, shopping centers are closed, and only some smaller local convenience stores can be open (eg. Żabka). You can do basic shopping at gas stations.
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 31, January 1: 11 am – 9.30 pm. January 6: 11 am – 9.30 pm. Facebook page in Polish.
Multimedia Fountain Park – illuminations and shows with music & lights
Location: Multimedia Fountain Park (Multimedialny
Warsaw Zoo – open every day, including all public holidays
Location: Ratuszowa 1/3 Street (Praga), opening hours in January: 9 am – 4 pm (weekends and holidays), 9 am – 3.30 pm (Monday-Friday). The last admission is one hour before the Zoo closes. Online tickets. Website in English.
Chopin music piano recitals
Location: Fryderyk Concert Hall, Podwale 15 Street (the old town), 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.
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.
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.
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.).
An 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. 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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