In this guide
💡 The Short Version: The main Christmas Market (Jarmark Bożonarodzeniowy) on Plac Defilad (outside the Palace of Culture) runs from 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, with over 200 exhibitors, a Venetian carousel and an observation tower ride (go2warsaw.pl). A smaller market lines the Barbican walls in the Old Town. The Royal Route illuminations, over 20 km long, are switched on in early December (warszawa.pl), and there is open-air skating on the Old Town Market Square. Or book a tour: Warsaw: Polish Christmas Tour with Food and Drinksad (from 125 PLN, 3.7 stars from 8 reviews) is a guided Old Town walk in the festive season, tasting holiday treats and drinks.
⚠️ Holiday commercial closures: Supermarkets, shops and malls are closed on 24 December (from 14:00), 25 and 26 December, 1 January and 6 January. Major museums close on 24 and 25 December. Market food stalls, restaurants and the ice rinks stay open.
The two main Christmas markets: locations and dates
| Market | Location | Dates | Hours | What is there |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plac Defilad Christmas Market | Foot of the Palace of Culture and Science (PKiN) | 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027 (go2warsaw.pl) | Daily 11:00 to 21:30 (to 22:30 on Friday and Saturday) | Over 200 exhibitors, Venetian carousel, observation tower, Santa’s house, regional crafts |
| Old Town Barbican Market | Along the brick walls from the Barbican to Podwale | Over the Christmas season | Sunday to Thursday 11:00 to 20:00; Friday and Saturday 11:00 to 21:30 | Knitted woollens, Baltic amber jewellery, ceramics, grilled meats |
Entry to both markets is free. Most chalets take cards; bring some złoty for the small handmade-ornament stalls.
Christmas tree on Castle Square. Photo: Cybularny, Wikimedia Commons, CC0.
The Royal Castle with winter projections. Photo: Ivonna Nowicka, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Tours and winter holiday experiences
Darkness falls around 16:00 in December, when the Royal Route lights come on. Evening tours pair the lights with food and drink tastings.
Warsaw: Polish Christmas Tour with Food and Drinks
From 125 PLN · 3.7 stars from 8 reviews · 3 hours · food and drink tastings
Warsaw: Polish Christmas Tour with Food and Drinksad: a guided walk through the Old Town in the festive season, tasting holiday treats and drinks.
Warsaw: Christmas River Cruise with mulled wine
From 130 PLN · 4.5 stars from 8 reviews · 1 hour · mulled wine on board
Warsaw: Christmas River Cruise with mulled winead: a boat on the Vistula decorated with festive lights, with seasonal music, mulled wine and views of the illuminated city.
Warsaw: Traditional Galar Cruise on the Vistula River
From 68 PLN · 4.5 stars from 2,151 reviews · 54 minutes · replica Galar boat on the Vistula
Warsaw: Traditional Galar Cruise on the Vistula Riverad: a cruise on the Vistula in a replica of the traditional Galar boat.
What to eat and drink
- Mulled wine (grzaniec): Spiced with cloves, cinnamon, orange peel and honey.
- Grilled oscypek with cranberry jam: A smoked sheep’s-milk cheese from the Podhale mountains, grilled over charcoal.
- Fried pierogi: Filled with sauerkraut and forest mushrooms, or spiced pork.
- Skating: Skate hire is on site and takes photo ID as a refundable deposit.
- With a guide: The Christmas food tour is from 125 PLN for 3 hours, and the Christmas river cruise is from 130 PLN with mulled wine, both listed above.
Festive fairy light canopy and illuminated installations along Krakowskie Przedmieście. Photo: Qkiel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
The Royal Route illuminations
The lights run for over 20 km from Castle Square to Belweder, with more in Praga (warszawa.pl):
- Castle Square (Plac Zamkowy): A large Christmas tree stands in front of Sigismund’s Column.
- Krakowskie Przedmieście: Canopies of lights overhead and photo installations: illuminated 19th-century horse-drawn carriages, glowing trams and gift-box archways.
- Old Town Market Square: Lantern garlands around the circular ice rink, with the Mermaid statue lit at the centre.
- Nowy Świat and Plac Trzech Krzyży: Plainer, modern light installations and decorated shop windows.
Outdoor ice skating rinks in Warsaw
- Old Town Market Square: A 14-metre circular ice track around the Mermaid fountain, with wooden kiosks selling hot waffles and spiced tea. Open daily 10:00 to 21:00, with breaks to resurface the ice.
- Plac Defilad: In front of the main entrance of the Palace of Culture and Science. The rink covers over 700 square metres and plays holiday music. Open daily 10:00 to 21:00.
Holiday museum hours and schedule
Opening hours over Christmas and New Year:
| Sight / Venue | 24 December (Christmas Eve) | 25 December (Christmas Day) | 26 December (Boxing Day) | 31 December (New Year’s Eve) | 1 January (New Year’s Day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palace of Culture Terrace | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED | Open 10:00 – 15:00 | CLOSED |
| Royal Castle in Warsaw | CLOSED | CLOSED | Open 10:00 – 17:00 | Open 10:00 – 15:00 | CLOSED |
| POLIN Museum | CLOSED | CLOSED | Open 10:00 – 18:00 | CLOSED | CLOSED |
| Warsaw Uprising Museum | CLOSED | CLOSED | Open 10:00 – 18:00 | Open 08:00 – 14:00 | CLOSED |
| National Museum (MNW) | CLOSED | CLOSED | Open 10:00 – 18:00 | Open 10:00 – 15:00 | CLOSED |
| Plac Defilad Christmas Market | 11:00 – 15:00 | 12:00 – 21:30 | 11:00 – 21:30 | 11:00 – 01:00 | 12:00 – 21:30 |
Sunday trading before Christmas
Shops are closed on most Sundays, but three December Sundays in 2026 are trading Sundays (niedziele handlowe): 6, 13 and 20 December. On those days department stores, malls (Złote Tarasy, Westfield Arkadia, Galeria Mokotów) and supermarkets open as normal. Other Sunday rules are in money in Warsaw.
What to see next
- Best Time to Visit Warsaw: Weather averages, seasons, and monthly event guides.
- Warsaw Old Town and Barbican: Self-guided walking route taking in the Christmas illuminations and ice rink.
- Palace of Culture and Science: The 30th-floor viewing terrace overlooking the Plac Defilad market.
- Where to Eat in Warsaw: Warm winter dining from classic milk bars to contemporary food halls.
- Where to stay in Warsaw: Hotels close to the Christmas markets and Royal Route lights.
- Warsaw travel guide: Sights, transport, food and seasonal advice.
Common questions
When and where is the Warsaw Christmas Market held in 2026?
The main Warsaw Christmas Market takes place on Plac Defilad (at the base of the Palace of Culture and Science) from 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027 (go2warsaw.pl). A smaller artisanal market runs along the red-brick Barbican walls in the Old Town over the same season.
Where can I go ice skating outdoors in Warsaw?
There are open-air rinks on the Old Town Market Square, in a ring around the Warsaw Mermaid statue, and on Plac Defilad outside the Palace of Culture. Skates can be hired at each rink.
Where are the Christmas lights in Warsaw?
The illuminations run for over 20 kilometres along the Royal Route, from Castle Square along Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Świat to Plac Trzech Krzyży and Belweder, with more in Praga (warszawa.pl).
What sights close over the Christmas holidays?
The Palace of Culture viewing terrace is closed on 24, 25, and 26 December (closing early at 15:00 on 31 December). The POLIN Museum, National Museum, and Royal Castle are closed on 24 and 25 December. Public transport runs on holiday weekend schedules.
