Happy New Year, fellow Warsaw parents! The first weekend of 2026 is here, and while the post-holiday lull might tempt us to stay in, there are definitely some cool things happening. We've spotted a massive inflatable festival—Endorfinowy Festiwal Dmuchańców—perfect for burning off that Christmas cake, and some genuinely free winter light displays to check out. Let's dive into what's on for Jan 3rd & 4th!
Quick Picks
Zimowa Iluminacja w Multimedialnym Parku Fontann
Multimedialny Park Fontann
Enjoy the spectacular winter light and fountain show that's completely free to watch.
Endorfinowy Festiwal Dmuchańców
Miejska Hala Sportowa w Prabutach
Bounce away the winter chill at this huge indoor inflatable festival, great for tiring out the kids.
Świąteczna iluminacja Warszawy
Various city locations
A magical walk through the city centre to see the gorgeous post-holiday lights (best enjoyed before they are taken down).
Endorfinowy Festiwal Dmuchańców
If the kids are bouncing off the walls from holiday excitement, this is your solution! It's a massive indoor festival filled with bouncy castles and inflatables. Note: The location seems to be outside of central Warsaw, so check travel time!
Why we picked it: A massive, high-energy indoor activity perfect for a winter Saturday.
Koncert Kolęd
Catch a beautiful Christmas Carol concert as the festive season winds down. It’s a lovely way to ease back into the routine while still enjoying the seasonal atmosphere before Epiphany ends.
Why we picked it: A last chance to soak up the Polish post-Christmas musical tradition.
Zimowa Iluminacja w Multimedialnym Parku Fontann
The famous fountains might be off, but the winter light show is on! It's a stunning, completely free display that’s perfect for a cold evening stroll. Great for photos and a bit of awe.
Why we picked it: A spectacular, genuinely free outdoor attraction that runs throughout the colder months.
Spacer po Starych Powązkach: Niezwykłe historie miłosne
A themed guided walk through one of Europe's oldest cemeteries, focusing on love stories and famous residents. A bit morbid but fascinating history lesson for older kids.
Why we picked it: A unique, history-focused local tour theme you won't find in every guide.
Miasto z Piernika (Kolejkowo)
The world’s only exhibition made entirely of gingerbread! It’s a miniature city display, great for mesmerising toddlers and sparking creativity in older kids.
Why we picked it: The temporary gingerbread exhibition element makes this a unique, highly sensory experience.
Family Open Activities at POLIN Museum
While entry costs money, POLIN often runs drop-in family activities (like magnet making or alphabet practice) included in the ticket price. It's a great interactive way to explore the history museum.
Why we picked it: Often has free, drop-in family workshops included with admission, making it better value than a standard museum visit.
Świąteczna iluminacja Warszawy
Take a walk down the Royal Route to see the gorgeous Christmas lights before they get packed away. It’s a low-key way to enjoy the city sparkle on a Sunday evening.
Why we picked it: The last weekend to enjoy the major city lights before they are dismantled.
Spacer po Dworcu Centralnym: Perełka Modernizmu
A guided tour focusing on the 'Pearl of Modernism' - our very own Central Station! If your teen loves architecture or you're tired of the usual sights, this offers a surprising look at a brutalist icon.
Why we picked it: A deep dive into a key piece of Warsaw's post-war architectural history.
Wystawy czasowe (General Museum Listings)
While we skip the generic museum trip, check what special temporary exhibitions are running this Sunday. This is a good fallback if the weather turns bad and you want something structured indoors.
Why we picked it: Sunday is often a good day for museums, and checking the temporary exhibitions offers a 'last chance' or 'new opening' feel.
Warsztaty z programowania (Ferie prep)
Many tech/science centers offer single-day preview workshops before the official Winter Break camps start in mid-January. Look for 'Mały Inżynier' or similar for a taster session in coding/robotics.
Why we picked it: A perfect early peek into potential Winter Break activities for school-age kids.
Outdoor Ice Skating (Wypożyczalnia łyżew)
If there is a solid freeze, finding an open outdoor rink for a Sunday skate is classic winter fun. Check local listings for the best condition rinks—it's a great workout!
Why we picked it: Classic winter fun that depends entirely on the actual weather this specific weekend.
NYE Niedziela na Smolnej
If you have older teens who prefer music over crafts, check out this late-Sunday event. Smolna 38 often hosts live music/DJ sets that can be a good alternative to standard Saturday nightlife.
Why we picked it: A late Sunday option for older teens looking for an atmospheric spot.
Ursynoteka: Czarno-biały rysunek workshop
These creative workshops on adult coloring books are usually for older teens/adults, but sometimes they have family slots. It's a very 'local gem' vibe, focusing on relaxation and analog creativity.
Why we picked it: A quirky, non-standard workshop focused on creative decompression (check age limits carefully!).
Teatr Kamienica - Spektakl dla dzieci
Check the Kamienica repertoire for any early afternoon shows aimed at younger audiences, like 'Supermoce Tosi' (Tosia's Superpowers). Booking ahead is essential for weekend slots.
Why we picked it: A classic, reliable theatre outing, often featuring good quality children's productions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Warsaw this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 3-4), the best genuinely free activity is enjoying the Zimowa Iluminacja w Multimedialnym Parku Fontann (Event ID: warsaw-3) on Saturday evening and taking a festive walk to see the Świąteczna iluminacja Warszawy (Event ID: warsaw-4) on Sunday. Check waw4free for any spontaneous, smaller free events that might pop up!
Is there anything exciting for teens or older kids?
For older kids/teens, consider the historical themed walk like the Spacer po Starych Powązkach (Event ID: warsaw-5) on Saturday or checking out the 50 Years of Dworzec Centralny tour Perełka Modernizmu (Event ID: warsaw-6) on Sunday. If they're into tech, look for a taster coding workshop (Event ID: warsaw-9).
What if the weather is terrible on Sunday?
If it's pouring, the best indoor bet is the Endorfinowy Festiwal Dmuchańców (Event ID: warsaw-1) on Saturday, but for Sunday, check for afternoon shows at Teatr Kamienica (Event ID: warsaw-14) or head to the fascinating Miasto z Piernika (Event ID: warsaw-7) for some indoor wonder.