Christmas Illuminations 2020

This year's illuminations are supposed to be somewhat more modest due to the special circumstances we are all facing in 2020. I can't really tell, perhaps they are... at the same time, though, there are some new elements introduced.

In spite of the lockdown* the afternoon Royal Route was overflowing with people. I imagine there are fewer tourists, because of the travelling restrictions, and more locals in their place. I was really amazed at the number of people – but isn't it obvious. Normally the crowd would be distributed also in culture venues, bars and restaurants. Everyone must be tired of strolls in their own residential areas (like I am!) – and the illuminations are tempting to go out and feel the festive time approaching. This at least!

A walk along Nowy Świat Street.

 We happened to see a kind of dance/theatre performance taking place in the windows of Nowy Świat Muzyki.

A horse tram in front of the Staszic Palace.

Hotel Bristol on the right; Hotel Europejski on the left.

In front of the Royal Castle.

This year no Christmas market on the Old Town Square; no ice rink either.

The New Town square.

 To take you back in time to the Christmas views in Warsaw as seen by me: last year and two years ago.

*The Polish government is allergic to the word „lockdown” - they are introducing random measures which basically amount to an actual lockdown (not as strict as in most European countries this autumn/winter).