When I Think Of Warsaw, I Think Of Christmas.

When you think of Christmas markets, what country do you think of?

I’m sure the most common answer is Germany. It’s a country world-famous for its Christmas Markets.

However, I want to draw your attention to somewhere else to get into the festive spirit. Have you thought about visiting Poland, and in particular Warsaw?

Experiencing the Christmas festivities in Warsaw is both magical and surprising, as the city comes alive with festive decorations, Christmas markets, and a joyful atmosphere.

However, before we start with the Christmassy stuff, I’d like to talk a little bit first about the history of Warsaw.

From rubble and ruins to triumph and celebrations

Names really are important, eh? That’s why Warsaw seems to have got the short end of the stick. Collectively, ‘war’ and ‘saw’ makes it sound more like the title of a horror movie, rather than the surprisingly beautiful place it is.

Warsaw hasn’t had it easy, I think everyone knows that. To take the meaning out of it name again, this city has been through its share of wars.

However, after a heavy make-over that finished in the early 90s, Warsaw wants nothing more than to show off it festive decor. With its big, glittery balls and low-slung lights topped off with a stunning big tree – Warsaw is the new face of Christmas celebrations.

That’s not to say Warsaw isn’t a lovely place throughout the year. Rynek Starego Miasta, the city’s main square, is one of the most beautiful in Europe any time of the year. 

Rebuilding of the Old Town

Despite its name, the Old Town is actually very young after being completely rebuilt from rubble, and what a successful rebuild it was. Apparently the older citizens of Warsaw say the restoration is an improvement of what the city looked like pre-war.  This triumph is down to the builders and architects who chose to work from Baroque-era drawings by the famed Italian landscape artist, Bellotto, rather than using pre-war photographs.

However, this does pose the question of authenticity…. something I’ll leave you to think about.

Since I was unaware of the restoration’s success, I was completely taken aback by the city’s splendour. After seeing Krakow, I was convinced that no city could be as conventionally attractive, but Warsaw is not far behind at all.

What’s more, Warsaw is the ultimate place to celebrate Christmas. You should head to the Old Town when the Christmas Market opens end of November to early January for a wonderland of seasonal festivities.

The fragrance of cinnamon and orange fills the air, mulled wine sits on the taste buds, melted chocolate wrapped in pancakes are irresistible for all passing by, and a very unconvincing Santa does his rounds to see the little kids… and big kids like me.

See what I mean? Nothing like Santa! I bet if you pull down that fake beard, he’d barely even be old enough to grow a real one, hah!

The Tradition of Polish Wigilia

If you ever get a chance, you should experience a traditional Polish Wigilia, the Christmas Eve feast.
While this most typically takes place at home, many restaurants and hotels offer also special Wigilia dinners.

Wigilia consists of 12 dishes to represent the 12 apostles and they feature classic dishes like borscht, pierogi, and carp.

Exploring Warsaw Christmas Market at night

Visitors are treated with stunning holograms that dance and shimmer across the Old Town buildings.

To be honest, I’m not usually bothered about Christmas, but the amount of festive cheer is infectious. It’s a bit like being child all over again.

Although, maybe all the cheer also had something to do with a large consumption of mulled wine. Hah!

Just look at the scale of this Christmas tree in Warsaw’s Main Square! What a beauty.

How long should you stay in Warsaw?

My visit to Warsaw was very brief, too brief. I visited for the day from Łódź, a journey that takes just under two hours by train. If you want to see train times or purchase tickets, you can via Trainline. 

While a day-trip is better than nothing, Warsaw definitely requires at least three days to unearth the best of what this fascinating capital has to offer. I suggest looking at hotels in Warsaw via Booking.com. 

Though like me, if you find yourself there for only a day, then the Old Town which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a good place to start!

Are you thinking of visiting Warsaw at Christmas?