Warsaw Christmas market 

​If you’re searching for a place that combines winter charm, festive atmosphere, and a touch of elegance, look no further than Warsaw. Poland’s capital transforms into a glowing wonderland each December, offering everything from magical light displays to heartwarming traditions that make Christmas here truly special.

When winter arrives, Warsaw’s Old Town becomes the heart of the celebration. Historic streets are wrapped in twinkling lights, and the scent of roasted almonds, mulled wine, and gingerbread fills the air. From the Royal Route to Castle Square, thousands of lights illuminate the facades of centuries-old buildings, creating one of the most romantic settings in Europe.

Christmas is one of the most meaningful times of year in Poland — a celebration rich in faith, family, and tradition. More than 90% of Poles identify as Catholic, and the season carries deep spiritual significance. The festivities begin with Advent, four weeks of reflection and anticipation leading up to Christmas Eve.

On 6th December, St. Nicholas’ Day (Mikołajki) marks the unofficial start of the holidays. Children wake to find sweets and gifts tucked into their shoes — or twigs if they’ve misbehaved! But it’s on Christmas Eve (Wigilia) that the real magic happens.

At dusk, families gather for a 12-course feast, symbolizing the twelve apostles. The meal begins once the first star appears in the evening sky and includes traditional dishes like red borscht, carp, pierogi, and poppy seed cake. For visitors, it’s a beautiful time to explore Warsaw’s quiet streets and feel the stillness that descends over the city.

The highlight of the season is the Warsaw Christmas Market at Castle Square, beneath the glowing lights of the Royal Castle and one of the tallest Christmas trees in Europe. The market runs from late November until early January, offering dozens of stalls selling handcrafted gifts, wooden toys, wool scarves, and festive decorations.

Food lovers can warm up with grilled oscypek cheese, traditional Polish sausages, or sweet waffles paired with hot wine. Entry is free, and the atmosphere — a mix of cheerful music, sparkling lights, and friendly locals — is unforgettable.

Don’t miss the ice rink in the Old Town Market Square, open daily through early February. Skating among the pastel-coloured townhouses, with Christmas lights overhead, is one of Warsaw’s most magical winter experiences.

Beyond the markets, Warsaw is a fantastic city for Christmas shopping. The modern Złote Tarasy mall near the Palace of Culture and Science offers everything from global brands to Polish designers. Arkadia and Galeria Mokotów are great for gifts and last-minute finds, while Vitkac, near Nowy Świat, is home to luxury names like Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

For something more authentic, explore Mokotowska Street for local boutiques, jewellery, and perfumes — perfect for unique Polish-made presents. Even Chopin Airport has an impressive selection of Polish delicacies and crafts for travellers heading home.

The celebration doesn’t stop at Christmas. Warsaw’s New Year’s Eve (Sylwester) is legendary, with open-air concerts, fireworks, and lively parties across the city. And on 6th January, the Three Kings Parade fills the streets with colour, music, and traditional costumes, marking the end of the festive season.

By early February, the last Christmas lights fade — but the memory of winter in Warsaw lingers long after.

Tip: Dress warmly, take a slow evening stroll through the Old Town, and let yourself get lost among the lights, laughter, and scents of the season. Few European capitals capture the spirit of Christmas quite like Warsaw.