Christmas tree in Castle Square, Old Town, Warsaw, Poland

© Panther Media GmbH/Alam

Santa's Polish rest stop. Castle Square, Old Town, Warsaw, Poland

During the early days of December, the streets and squares of Warsaw, Poland, get dressed for the festive season. The city is adorned with Christmas decorations and comes alive in the evenings with thousands of sparkling lights. The display continues down the Royal Route, which extends from the Royal Castle at Castle Square to the end of the Old Town of the Polish capital, culminating at the nearly 9-metre-tall Christmas tree in Castle Square. Bundled patrons wander through Warsaw's Christmas Market at the Square, while browsing through seasonal souvenirs and savoring a warm beverage. The Royal Castle and surrounding Old Town have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1980.