Despite getting a bad rap as seeming, well, a little grey and humorless, Warsaw's annual tradition of lighting up its downtown over the holidays makes its centre one of the most beautiful in Central Europe. This is particularly true since the recent renovation of streets such as Krakowskie Przedmiescie - transforming the historic gem from a main artery constantly jammed with traffic to a rather calm, pedestrian and cyclist friendly road.
On December 5th at 4pm on Plac Zamkowy, as part of the "Great Illumination of Christmas in Warsaw" event, the Mayor of Warsaw, Hanna Gronkiewicz, will switch on thousands of lightbulbs illuminating the entire Old and New Town, as well as the Royal Way along Krakowskie Przedmiescie and Nowy Swiat Streets. A huge Christmas Tree on the Plac Zamkowy will also be illuminated.
The free event will also include special performances by several musical acts including artists Bracia, Monika Brodka, Marina Luczenko, Lukasz Zagrobelny as well as bands Pectus and Leszcze playing their own hits as well as Christmas classics. A group of gospel singers will also perform a set of American standards and a group of carolers will sing Polish holiday hits. All in all, December 5th is set to be a magical evening fun for the whole family.
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