On Wednesday, December 3, 2023, Warsaw’s 27‑metre city Christmas tree blinked on at Castle Square, launching a city‑wide holiday illumination that will glow daily until mid‑February.
27‑Metre Tree Lights Up Castle Square
At 6 p.m. on Wednesday, 3 December, Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, with assistants, lit the 27‑metre tree on Castle Square. The tree, crafted from modern energy‑saving materials, is covered with over 40 000 RGB LED diodes that produce changing, colorful light sequences.
Retro‑Style Decorations Span the City
Decorations throughout the city echo the 1950s‑60s era, featuring old‑fashioned Christmas lights, mushroom‑shaped baubles, paper chains, and everyday items from the Polish People’s Republic such as street saturated gauges, shop scales, rotary phones, and classic television sets. The artwork follows a retro motif on streets from Castle Square to Krakowskie Przedmieście, Nowy Świat, and further to Świętokrzyska, Chmielna, Długa, Freta, Kościołowa, Nowomiejka, Piekarska, Piwna, Podwale, Świętojańska and Zapiecko, as well as the Multimedialny Park Fontann and Old/New Town squares.
Multidekor’s EcoLED Installations and Last Contract
Designed by Multidekor, the low‑energy Eco LED+ installations were erected over several weeks by teams working overnight. This is the third—and final—season under the city’s contract with Multidekor, meaning a new lighting scheme is expected next year. Part of street‑level decorations on Nowy Świecie were funded by local businesses.
Additional Festive Features and Public Transport
Stand‑alone PRL‑style light sculptures, illuminated retro carousels, and animated “Syrena” cars and “Ryś” scooters adorn the centre. The Krakowskie Przedmieście still displays the “Wokulski Store” set from the film adaptation of “The Doll.” The city’s ice rink on Old Town Square—about 600 m²—is lit with thousands of lamps after dusk.
Guidance for Visitors
The Warsaw City Office urges tourists to use public transport to reach Castle Square and Old Town. Regular tram and bus lines, as well as holiday‑theme Warsaw Public Transport vehicles, currently serve the area, helping visitors avoid congested streets during evening hours.
