Gardens of Lights Brighten Winter in Poland
Winter is a time when parks and gardens throughout Poland transform into charming spaces full of lights and unique decorations. Magical winter lights, illuminated tunnels and whimsical installations turn everyday life into an unforgettable journey into a wonderland. Explore the most beautiful gardens of lights in Poland and let yourself be captivated by an atmosphere filled with brightness and joy!
Castle Magic in Książ
Gardens of Light at Książ Castle in Wałbrzych provide a great way to spend an autumn or winter evening. When darkness falls, the historic terraces come alive with a dazzling spectacle that amazes every visitor. This is a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of the castle’s 18th-century gardens in a completely new version. The outdoor tour is a journey among thousands of lights and decorations that tell the story of the castle and its remarkable history. Walking between them, you will discover an interactive map of Wałbrzych, illuminations on the castle fountains, glowing cats in the palace grounds, as well as a spectacular duel of knights. For children, there’s a magical carousel to make them feel like they’re in a fairy tale and giant instruments that play melodies reminiscent of a castle ball. Adults can find the perfect photo spots, such as the lit-up carriage of the legendary Golden Train or a sparkling automobile.
The Gardens of Light are not just the terraces of the castle. Another part of this unusual route is located in the nearby Palm House in Wałbrzych. A walk through its illuminated gardens allows you to meet luminous turtles, fish, crocodiles and even an impressive four-metre giraffe. Meanwhile in the exotic interior of the Palm House, parrots, rainbow-colour butterflies and exotic birds come to life in the form of light decorations.
The Land of Light in Gubałówka – the highest illumination park in Poland
Gubałówka has once again turned into an extraordinary Land of Light, which lights up winter evenings and creates a magical mood. This year’s installation is even more impressive – it consists of nearly 2 million LED, eco-friendly lights and as many as 9 new light decorations. The magical aura of this unique attraction can be seen from every corner of Zakopane! The journey to the Land of Light begins at the base station of the cable car and the restaurant Gwarno. Here, guests are greeted by unusual illuminations, such as Santa’s sleigh, a giant pint of beer or Alpine climbers scaling the façade of the building. But that’s just a taste of what awaits at the top of Gubałówka. The main part of the Land of Light, located on the pedestrian street of the top station, offers a spectacular light show that transports you to the world of fairy tales and winter magic. Decorations are available every day from 4 PM until the end of the cable car operation hours, and the entire installation will run until 16 March.
Place: Gubałówka (the bottom station of the funicular to Gubałówka in ul. Na Gubałówkę 4 in Zakopane)
Lumina Park: A Glittering Journey Through Polish Cities
If you’re looking for magical illuminations and a fairytale atmosphere, don’t miss a visit to Lumina Parks. This year Wrocław, Poznań, Bydgoszcz, Pruszcz Gdański and Lublin invite you to discover their light displays, full of magic, interactive attractions and unforgettable experiences. This is a great opportunity to spend time with loved ones surrounded by spectacular light decorations.
Lower Silesia will shine in the rhythm of magic thanks to Lumina Park in Wrocław, where Mr. Kleks himself invites visitors to his amazing Academy. With as many as 200 light installations, it is the largest illumination park in the region.
In this fairytale land, every path hides secrets that can be discovered during an interactive game. Highlights include an interactive quiz game, available in two difficulty levels, where visitors can test their knowledge and observational skills. To join the game, simply scan the QR code found in the park.
Every day at Kleks Academy is a new adventure – an ideal opportunity to spend time with your family, explore, play and admire the fabulous illuminations that light up the magical pathways.
In Lublin, the University Botanical Garden becomes the “Laboratory of Light”, divided into 12 themed zones offering a completely new illumination each. In total, more than 150 light installations will take visitors into a world of fantasy and discovery. “The Laboratory of Light” is a place which offers a combination of education, entertainment and aesthetics that will delight not only children, but also adults looking for extraordinary experiences.
“Magical Animals” Light Up the Łódź ZOO Orientarium
This year’s edition of the Park of a Million Lights at the Łódź ZOO Orientarium will take visitors to the world of magical creatures and fairy tales. The new exhibition, called “Magical Animals”, combining light, colour and sound, is perfect for both children and adults seeking a unique winter evening experience. Once the lights are lit, the Orientarium will turn into a magical space, where every step leads to a new, fantastic world. Take a dip in the underwater kingdom of coral reefs, traverse the dark corners of the jungle inhabited by exotic creatures, and feel the warmth of a savannah full of glowing animals. Interactive technologies make each of these places incredibly realistic, engaging guests in a fascinating adventure.
In addition to the stunning light displays, interactive attractions delight children. The colourful chameleon Lumiki, who guides them through the exhibit. Kids can also enjoy magical carousels, interactive installations like illuminated tic-tac-toe or snake games, and themed vehicles like pick-ups, helicopters, and submarines. For the youngest there are also magical carousels and fun zones.
Place: Orientarium, ul. Ul. Konstantynowska 8/10 in Łódź
Royal Amusement: the Royal Garden of Light in Wilanów
For the 13th year, the Royal Garden of Lights at the Wilanów Palace in Warsaw has opened its gates to visitors. This year’s edition of the capital’s popular autumn and winter attraction brings completely new installations. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a 75-metre-long illuminated tunnel, accompanied by classical music, setting the tone for an evening full of unforgettable experiences.
The exhibition combines tradition with modernity – elements known from previous editions, such as the garden gate or musical and light installations on the lower terrace, return in a refreshed version. While walking, you can immerse yourself in a fabulously illuminated landscape, admiring the artful shapes and discovering the stories hidden in light compositions.
Interactive surprises await as well! In the Gallery of Paintings, placed before the entrance to the main exhibition, you can admire reproductions of selected works from the Wilanów collection. Look closely, though – a mischievous otter is hiding in the paintings and will accompany you later in the evening.
In the courtyard of the palace, you will enter the world of royal emotions – love, war, diplomacy and coronation – captured in light compositions. It is also a perfect spot for souvenir photos in 17th-century costumes, which will take you back to the times of King Jan III Sobieski. The Northern Garden offers a glowing vine-covered alley leading to a game of tag with the playful otter (something the youngest visitors will surely enjoy), while the Southern Garden near the Orangery features a labyrinth full of mythical creatures and riddles.
The upper terrace hosts the Observatory, bringing visitors closer to the stars, while the Musical Garden of Dreams on the lower terrace enchants with melodies and colours.
The journey concludes in the Rose Garden, adorned with illuminated roses and an elegant photo frame, perfect for capturing memories of this extraordinary adventure. On selected evenings, the façade of the Wilanów Palace will come alive thanks to spectacular mapping shows, in which light and sound combined create a breathtaking history, making the palace unrecognisable. The Royal Garden of Light welcomes visitors until February 28.
Place: Museum of the King Jan III’s Palace in Wilanów, ul. Stanisława Kostki Potockiego 10/16
Winter Kingdom in Energylandia: Winter Magic Awaits
Energylandia again invites you to experience an unforgettable winter adventure. The amusement park in Zator turns into Winter Kingdom – a magical land full of festive atmosphere, amazing illuminations and attractions that will please everyone, regardless of age. But Winter Kingdom is not only about decorations – it is a real paradise for fans of winter fun. From roller coasters in a fairytale setting to Christmas workshops, Energylandia offers over 100 winter attractions. Every corner of the park is illuminated by millions of lights, and roller coaster rides provide spectacular views of the winter wonderland below.
Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy snow tubing, perfect for visitors young and old, as well as an ice-skating rink.
This year’s new feature at Energylandia, Sweet Valley, will showcase its winter charm for the first time. This colourful land, which won the hearts of children in the summer, now turns into a magical, snowy kingdom. Fairytale decorations and winter accents in this zone create a festive storybook ambiance.
One of the most anticipated elements of Winter Kingdom, however, is Poland’s largest Garden of Lights. Millions of lights will illuminate the pathways, attractions and corners of the park, creating a unique atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy spectacular Christmas shows, a winter parade, and a Christmas market that embodies the spirit of the season.
Place: Energylandia, al. 3 Maja 2 in Zator
A light exhibition inspired by the world of plants and animals – Magical Botanical
Another enchanting illuminated destination in Warsaw is the University Botanical Garden, located near the Royal Łazienki Park. Its “Magical Botanical” exhibition, inspired by the Four Elements, offers a sensory feast until 16 February. It’s also a great opportunity to spend winter evenings in an atmosphere full of fairy tale charm and reflection on the world of nature.
The exhibition opens with a completely new, fairy tale gate that leads visitors directly to the world of light, nature and fantasy. From the very beginning we are greeted by Flora, the goddess of blooming nature, and other characters narrating the story of the Four Elements. Highlights include a nearly three-metre-long fish in the underwater realm, a glowing campfire in the fire zone, and bats in the air zone, while adorable bear cubs evoke pleasant childhood memories on the ground.
The new elements of this edition have been incorporated into favourite installations from previous years, creating a walk consisting of almost 40 illuminated stops. Walking through the lights, guests can discover the diversity and beauty of nature in a completely new, magical light.
“Magical Botanical” is not only about light and spectacular installations. The exhibition is also intended to remind us of the deep bond that connects people with nature. This message is particularly pronounced in autumn, when many plants and animals prepare for winter sleep, and gardens often become places of silence and anticipation for spring. “Magical Botanical” reminds us that we are part of nature and its stewardship for future generations is our duty.
The exhibition also offers a family treasure hunt, transforming the garden into a giant game board full of puzzles and surprises. Following Flora’s clues, guests can explore the magical world of the Four Elements, turning an ordinary stroll into an unforgettable adventure.
Place: Botanical Garden of the University of Warsaw, Aleje Ujazdowskie 4
