From late December through early January, Warsaw’s Royal Route and New World Streets will become a holiday pedestrian promenade, complete with colorful decorations and special traffic adjustments.
Streets Covered in Holiday Lights
In early December, a string of lights illuminated the Christmas tree on Zamkowe Square, while decorative displays also lit up Krakowskie Przedmieście, Świętokrzyska, the Old and New Town streets, and the Multimedia Fountain Park. The illumination evokes Warsaw’s 1950s and 1960s atmosphere, featuring neon telephone crystals, street saturators, weighing scales, and a Belweder television set. Classic Warsaw city cars, the Syrena, and the Ryś motorbike reappeared, marking the last year with this motif as new decorations are planned for next year.
Glorious Caricature Vehicles and Private Sponsorship
Not only street lights, but also classic VW vehicles graced the sidewalks, and some decorations on Nowy Świat were financed by local business owners.
Nighttime Pedestrian Promenade and Public Transport
During evenings, the illuminated New World and Krakowskie Przedmieście sidewalks will transform into a comfortable, safe walkway open to pedestrians and cyclists. This weekend closure excludes vehicle access, providing a car‑free stroll complete with festive public‑transport rides available for visitors.
Road Closures and Pedestrian Zones
The stretch from De Gaulle roundabout to Zamkowe Square is closed to traffic on Saturday and Sunday, 20–21 December, during the Christmas holidays (24–28 December), and from 1–6 January until the Three‑Kings Day. On 22–23 December and 29–31 December, a shorter segment between Świętokrzyska and Miodowa will be reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, with barriers at all entrances. Drivers will bypass the Świętokrzyska intersection via New World. Two‑way traffic and no‑stopping rules will apply on Bednarska.
Bus Route Adjustments During the Walk
While the Royal Route is a pedestrian zone, routes for buses 106, 111, 116, 128, 175, 178, 180, 503, and N44 will change. When the longer segment is closed, lines 106 and 178 will reroute via Małachowski Square, Mazowiecka, and Świętokrzyska. Line 111 will also pass through Małachowski Square, Mazowiecka, Świętokrzyska, Kopernika, and Tamka, then across Świętokrzyski Bridge to the Szczeciński Waterfront and Poniatowski Avenue. Lines 116, 180, and 503 will run along Senatorska, Wierzbową, Piłsudskiego Square, Królewska, Marszałkowska, the Dmowski roundabout, and the Jerozolimskie, Bracka, and Trzech Krzyży squares. Lines 128 and 175 will also cross Marszałkowska and Królewska. Night bus N44 will use the same detour. Between 22–23 and 29–31 December, lines 106, 111, 116, 178, 180, and 503 will continue through Piłsudskiego Square, Królewska, Małachowski Square, Mazowiecka, and Świętokrzyska to New World, before following their normal routes. Lines 128, 175, and N44 will reach the intersection with Marszałkowska and turn left onto Królewska.