Celebrating Christmas in Warsaw: Travel Guide and What to Expect During the Holiday Season

Almost everything closes in Warsaw December 24-26 for Polish Christmas holidays, restaurants, shops, museums, cafes, and attractions shut down completely on December 25 (Christmas Day), with only hotel restaurants and churches remaining open. Critical survival tips: shop for groceries at Lidl/supermarkets BEFORE December 24 (stock up for 3 days), book hotel restaurant dining in advance, plan outdoor activities for December 25 (Vistula Boulevards riverside walks, Łazienki Park, church nativity scenes), and visit major attractions December 22-24 before closures, expect limited public transport and food delivery options during holidays.

Planning to visit Warsaw during the Christmas season? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about celebrating the holidays in Poland's vibrant capital, from what to expect during closures to where to find meals and the best festive attractions.

Understanding Polish Christmas Holidays

Poland takes Christmas seriously, with specific holidays and closures that differ from many other countries:

• December 24-26: Major public holidays (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day)
• December 25 (Christmas Day): Almost everything is closed—restaurants, shops, museums, cafes, and many attractions
• Expect limited services: Public transportation may run on a reduced schedule; most businesses outside the hotel sector close entirely

If your visit spans December 24-26, plan accordingly. This is not a typical shopping or dining destination period—it's a time when Warsaw's residents are with family, and the city operates in a very different mode.

What's Open and What's Closed on Christmas Day

Almost Everything Closes (December 24-26)

• Restaurants and cafes: Typically closed December 24-26, except hotel restaurants
• Grocery stores: Lidl, supermarkets, and food stores are closed during Christmas holidays
• Museums: Closed or operating on severely limited hours
• Shopping centers: Closed December 24-26
• Bars and nightlife venues: Most are closed
• Parks and public spaces: Open but attractions within them may be closed

What Might Be Open

• Hotel restaurants: Most hotels keep restaurants open for guests
• Church services: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day masses are held
• Outdoor spaces: Streets, parks, and riverside walks are accessible
• Food delivery services: Some Uber Eats or Bolt Food options may be available

Critical Tip: Shop Before December 24

On your arrival day (or the day before Christmas Eve), stock up on essentials:

• Groceries and snacks from Lidl or supermarkets
• Drinks and any needed supplies
• Non-perishable foods for December 24-26
• Any pharmacy items or emergency supplies

This single step will prevent disappointment and stress when everything closes. Many travelers make the mistake of assuming they can grab food casually during the holidays—don't be one of them.

Dining Options During Christmas

December 24-26 Dining Reality

Traditional restaurants: Closed. No walk-in dining available.

Hotel restaurants: Your most reliable option. If staying at a hotel, confirm with reception about dining availability. Most upscale hotels offer Christmas Day menus for guests.

Food delivery services: Limited options. Some restaurants may offer delivery via Uber Eats or Bolt Food, but don't count on extensive selection.

Picnic approach: Many visitors purchase groceries beforehand and enjoy holiday meals in their accommodations or pack picnics for outdoor activities.

Post-December 26 Dining Recommendations

Once December 26 passes, restaurants reopen. Try these local favorites:

• Zapiecek: Traditional Polish pierogi restaurant, popular and reliable
• Bar Mleczny: Milk bars offering cheap, authentic Polish food (żurek, golabki, kotlety)
• Warszawa Wschodnia: Modern Polish cuisine with excellent reviews
• Local recommendations: Ask hotel staff for neighborhood-specific suggestions based on your location

Must-See Attractions for Christmas Period

December 22-24 (Before Closures)

• Palace of Culture and Science (Pałac Kultury i Nauki): Impressive landmark, especially stunning at sunset. Visit early in your trip to avoid closure conflicts.
• Old Town and New Town streets: Festive decorations, Christmas markets (if operating), and atmospheric walking
• City Zoological Garden: Open for walking, though indoor attractions may be limited
• Museums: Visit before December 24 to avoid closures

December 25 (Christmas Day) Activities

Since most attractions are closed, plan outdoor activities:

• Riverside walks: Vistula Boulevards offer beautiful scenic walking with minimal closures
• Park exploration: Łazienki Park and other green spaces are accessible for long walks. While individual attractions within parks (like palaces) may be closed, the grounds themselves are open.
• Neighborhood exploration: Walk through residential areas like Praga, Powiśle, or Wawer to experience authentic Warsaw
• Church visits: Explore Warsaw's churches and see their nativity scenes. Some are cringy, some beautiful, some thought-provoking—a unique cultural experience
• Photography walks: Capture the city's quieter, festive mood without crowds

Post-December 26 Activities

Once museums and attractions reopen, make the most of your remaining days with museum visits and cultural experiences.

Transportation: Modlin Airport Access

Getting to Warsaw from Modlin Airport

One ticket covers both transport: Purchase a single ticket at KM ticket machines (yellow and green) at Modlin Airport that covers both the shuttle bus to Modlin Mazowiecki train station AND the train to Warsaw Centralna.

Cost: Approximately 12-15 PLN

Purchase location: Ticket machines at Modlin Airport

Return trip: Buy your ticket at a KM ticket machine at Warsaw Centralna or Modlińska station before departure on December 27. You can also purchase online at mazowieckie.com.pl in advance for convenience.

Cash vs. Card in Warsaw

• General rule: Most places accept cards (VISA, Mastercard, contactless)
• Keep some cash for: Small food stalls, public toilets (2-3 PLN), occasional market vendors, and tips
• ATMs: Widely available throughout the city
• Cash-only establishments: Some bars and small venues are cash-only, but these are increasingly rare

Day Trips: Gdańsk and Beyond

Gdańsk Day Trip

If you're planning a day trip to Gdańsk (as mentioned in your itinerary), the journey is worthwhile:

• Travel time: Approximately 3 hours by PKP Intercity train
• Booking: Reserve in advance via the PKP Intercity app or website
• Return: Allow time to return to Warsaw the same day
• Cost: Varies, but typically 50-80 PLN for a one-way ticket

Note: December 23 is a good day for a Gdańsk trip—most attractions are still open, and you return before Christmas closures begin.

Other Nearby Options (1-2 hour train rides)

• Radom: Quieter town with nature and modernization blend
• Łódź: Industrial heritage city with museums and galleries
• Kastle ruins (Chęciny, Ogrodzieniec): Further afield but spectacular for scenic day trips

Polish Christmas Traditions and Experiences

Nativity Scenes in Churches

A uniquely Polish Christmas experience is viewing nativity scenes (szopki) in churches throughout Warsaw. They range from simple to elaborate, some traditional, some hilariously modern. Walking through Old Town's churches on December 25 provides authentic cultural insights.

Christmas Markets (Early December)

If visiting early in December (before your trip), Warsaw hosts Christmas markets in the Old Town and other locations. These are festive, family-friendly, and feature traditional Polish food, crafts, and holiday decorations.

Packing Tips for Christmas in Warsaw

• Warm clothing: December in Warsaw is cold (typically 0-5°C). Pack heavy coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and warm shoes
• Layers: Hotels and indoor spaces are well-heated; layer so you can adjust
• Waterproof footwear: Rain and occasional slush are common
• Sunglasses: Winter sun can reflect off snow, causing glare
• Portable charger: Short daylight hours mean you'll need bright lighting for photography

Practical Advice for December Visits

Plan Your Itinerary Flexibly

With major attractions closed December 24-26, design an itinerary that prioritizes:

• December 22-24: Major museums, Palace of Culture and Science, popular attractions
• December 25: Outdoor walks, parks, neighborhoods, churches
• December 26 onward: Return to museums and attractions as they reopen

Book Hotel Restaurant Dining in Advance

If your hotel has a restaurant, contact them before arrival to discuss Christmas Day dining availability. Confirm reservations and discuss any dietary requirements.

Stay Flexible with Dining

Have a backup plan. If restaurant options fall through, your pre-purchased groceries ensure you won't go hungry.

Health and Safety Considerations

• Pharmacies: Some pharmacies have extended hours; note locations near your hotel
• Hospitals: Emergency services operate 24/7
• Weather: Cold temperatures can cause slips on ice. Wear appropriate footwear.
• Crowds: December 22-23 may see larger crowds before closures; December 25 is noticeably quiet

Final Thoughts

Visiting Warsaw during Christmas is a unique experience that differs dramatically from typical tourism season. While closures and limited dining options require planning, the quieter city atmosphere, festive decorations, outdoor activities, and authentic cultural experiences (like nativity scene viewing) create memorable moments. The key to a successful December visit is preparation: book hotel dining in advance, shop for essentials early, design an outdoor-focused itinerary for December 25, and embrace the unique rhythm of a Polish Christmas.

Related Warsaw Resources

• Warsaw City Guide - Complete overview
• Restaurants & Dining - Post-holiday options
• Attractions & Museums
• More Travel Guides