January 2026 in Zakopane is shaping up to be exceptionally busy and diverse. The new year beneath the Tatras begins not only with winter weather and sporting excitement, but also with a rich calendar of cultural, musical, family, and recreational events. In the coming weeks the city will come alive with concerts, performances, workshops, author meetings, and major sporting events that draw thousands of visitors to Zakopane from all over Poland each year.
Jorgos Skolias – 55 Years on Stage. Jubilee Concert in Zakopane
Zakopane will host a special jubilee concert during which Jorgos Skolias will celebrate 55 years of his presence on the music scene. The event is scheduled for January 2, 2026 at the Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz Theatre, in the intimate setting of the Witkacy Theatre Café—perfect for close contact between the artist and the audience.
For years, Skolias has remained one of the most original voices on the Polish music scene. Jazz, blues, rock, and ethnic inspirations intertwine in his work with extraordinary vocal technique and improvisation. During the concert he will perform together with his son, Antonis Skolias, presenting, among other things, songs from the album “Kolos.” The concert is set to begin at 19:15, and the event is ticketed.
An Evening at Czerwony Dwór: Carol Singing with Highland Families
On Monday, January 5, 2026 at 18:00, Willa Czerwony Dwór will invite locals and visitors under the Tatras to another Evening at Czerwony Dwór—this time dedicated to music and family tradition.
The gathering will feature communal carol singing with the Karpiel, Michalik, and Michałczak families. Their presence guarantees authentic Podhale sound and a naturalness that cannot be recreated on a big stage. We will hear the most beautiful Polish carols and pastorals, sung in a style reminiscent of old, home gatherings where music connected generations and built community.
An Evening at Czerwony Dwór is an option for those who want to slow down for a moment and immerse themselves in a warm, festive atmosphere, without haste or commercial trappings. The villa’s intimate interiors encourage focus and genuine experience of tradition, and singing together naturally brings participants closer.
Organizers: the Zakopane Cultural Center and the Center for Native Culture at Willa Czerwony Dwór invite everyone interested. Admission is free, making it an excellent idea for a calm winter evening in Zakopane. The carol singing will take place at the Center for Native Culture at 27 Kasprusie Street and will be a beautiful accent closing the holiday season under the Tatras.
Gordon Music Classes in January: Musical Sessions for the Youngest in Zakopane
From January 7 to 28, 2026 at the Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz Theatre, Gordon music classes—intimate music enrichment sessions for children and their caregivers—will take place. This is an offer aimed at families who want to introduce their children to the world of sounds, rhythm, and first musical experiences in a calm and natural way.
Gordon classes are based on the concept of Edwin Elias Gordon, which assumes that learning music progresses similarly to learning speech. During sessions, children listen to short melodies and rhythmic chants in different scales, respond with movement, improvise, and gradually begin to imitate sounds. Everything happens without pressure, at a pace adjusted to the child’s age and readiness, with a strong emphasis on attentiveness and a sense of safety.
Classes are conducted in a friendly, inspiring atmosphere where silence also plays an important role. It is precisely silence that allows children to enter the world of music on their own, babble, rhythmize, and respond at the right moment for them. Active involvement of parents means that the meetings become not only educational classes, but also valuable time spent together.
In January, Gordon classes are held on several dates and in age groups. Each meeting lasts 45 minutes and is led by Agnieszka Michalik, an actress of the Witkacy Theatre and a certified Gordon-method instructor. The cost of participating in a single session is 50 PLN and includes the child along with a caregiver.
The January schedule is as follows:
- January 7, 16:00 – music enrichment for children aged 0–2.5, based on listening to melodies, movement, and first sound responses
- January 7, 17:00 – music enrichment for children aged 2.5–5, with a greater element of rhythm and improvisation
- January 14, 16:00 – music enrichment for children aged 0–2.5, focused on natural familiarization with music
- January 14, 17:00 – music enrichment for children aged 2.5–5, developing auditory-motor coordination
- January 20, 10:00 – music enrichment for children aged 0–5 as part of the school holidays, with elements of making music together
- January 21, 16:00 – music enrichment for children aged 0–2.5, held in an intimate, calm atmosphere
- January 21, 17:00 – music enrichment for children aged 2.5–5, focused on movement activity and rhythm
- January 27, 10:00 – music enrichment for children aged 0–5 as part of the winter holidays
- January 28, 16:00 – music enrichment for children aged 0–2.5, based on listening and free expression
- January 28, 17:00 – music enrichment for children aged 2.5–5, summarizing the January cycle of meetings
Gordon classes at the Witkacy Theatre are an option for parents looking for valuable developmental activities that build a child’s musical sensitivity from the earliest years. It is also a chance, in wintery Zakopane, to find a calm, warm space that supports discovering music together.
Akademia Lotnika in Zakopane: A Sporting Event for Children and Youth
Akademia Lotnika will come to Zakopane with a spectacular and active event aimed at children and teenagers. For three days, Independence Square will turn into a space for sporty fun, learning, and first experiences with skiing in an unusual format. At the heart of the event will be a mobile ski jump, which for years has attracted young participants and sparked great interest among passersby.
This is an option for those who want to try winter activities in safe conditions, under the supervision of instructors and in a formula adapted to participants’ age. Akademia Lotnika focuses on movement, joy, and first sporting emotions—without competition and pressure for results.
The event will take place from January 9–11, 2026 on Independence Square in Zakopane. Each day has a slightly different character and schedule, making it easy to fit a visit into your stay in the city.
The program is as follows:
- January 9 from 10:00–17:00 – a day dedicated to children and youth, with sports activities and animations
- January 10 from 10:00–14:00 – the mobile ski jump available for participants who want to test their skills
- January 11 from 10:00–16:00 – another day of the mobile ski jump and sporting attractions
Akademia Lotnika in Zakopane is an open event that fits perfectly into the city’s winter atmosphere. Independence Square will become a meeting place for active leisure and great fun, especially for the youngest visitors and families looking for interesting options beyond the ski slopes.
Kornel Makuszyński’s Birthday: Family Celebration in Zakopane
Zakopane once again invites everyone to celebrate the birthday of Kornel Makuszyński—the writer whose books have accompanied children and adults for years, and who became permanently inscribed in the history of the city under Giewont. This event is aimed at families, literature lovers, and everyone who wants to learn more about the Zakopane chapter of the author’s life and feel the atmosphere of bygone times.
The celebration is planned for Saturday, January 10, 2026, and its center will be Villa Opolanka, which houses the former apartment of the Makuszyński family. It is a unique place, full of memories and literary references—ideal for family meetings and creative workshops. The program has been prepared so that everyone, regardless of age, can find something for themselves.
Throughout the day, there will be activities both for the youngest children and sessions for older participants, as well as a walk around Zakopane in the writer’s footsteps. The youngest, together with caregivers, will take part in sensory workshops; older children will immerse themselves in the adventures of Koziołek Matołek; and those interested in the city’s history will discover less obvious corners of Zakopane connected to Makuszyński.
The plan includes:
- Sensory workshops for children aged 2–4 and their caregivers at Villa Opolanka
- Walk “Makuszyński’s Zakopane,” starting at the Distinguished Cemetery at Pęksowy Brzyzek
- Workshops “Winter Adventures of Koziołek Matołek” for children aged 5–10, also at Villa Opolanka
All events feature free admission as part of the Tatra Museum’s promotion. This is a perfect opportunity to spend a Saturday in Zakopane in an atmosphere of literature, memories, and family closeness—revisiting the author’s work, who for years helped shape the city’s cultural landscape.
Zakopane Amateur Alpine Skiing Cup: Registration Opens for the 12th Edition
For the twelfth time, Zakopane invites alpine skiing enthusiasts to take part in the Zakopane Amateur Cup—one of the most important winter events in the country aimed at adult skiers. The competition has long attracted fans of sporting rivalry who want to test their skills in professional conditions, but in a format accessible to amateurs. The 2026 winter season series will also serve as a qualifier for the Polish Masters Championships and as part of the PZN Masters Polish Cup.
The idea behind the Zakopane Cup is not only sporting rivalry, but also promoting active leisure, integrating the skiing community, and promoting Zakopane as a place supportive of high-level amateur sport. The competitions are held in giant slalom and take place on renowned, well-prepared ski runs.
This year’s edition will include three stages held on different slopes in Podhale. Each has its own significance, and the final is the culmination of the entire series, selecting the best competitors in individual age categories.
Dates and venues of the 12th Zakopane Amateur Cup:
- January 10, 2026 – Harenda Ski & Recreation Center
- February 1, 2026 – Kasprowy Wierch
- March 7, 2026 – Polana Szymoszkowa, final competition
The final at Polana Szymoszkowa will not only summarize the entire series, but will also be the moment of awarding prizes to the best competitors in the overall standings of the Zakopane Cup and the PZN Masters Polish Cup.
The organizers have prepared an attractive prize pool totaling 30,000 PLN, which will be distributed during the final. Additionally, prizes are planned in age categories, as well as commemorative trophies for the best competitors of each stage.
Final prizes include:
- the main prize for the winner of the final
- cash prizes for competitors placing II–V
- prizes for competitors placing VI–X
- cups for places I–III in each stage
- commemorative medals for all participants
The competition is intended for amateurs competing in Masters Junior (18–29) and Masters Senior (30+) categories, in accordance with the regulations of the Polish Ski Association. Rivalry takes place in clearly defined age groups without the possibility of combining them, ensuring sporting fairness and comparable competition levels.
Registration is conducted electronically and closes a few days before each stage. Participation requires correct registration and payment of the entry fee. The Zakopane Amateur Cup is an option for those who want to feel real sporting excitement, take on a demanding course, and become part of one of the most recognizable amateur ski events in Poland.
FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in Zakopane
Zakopane will once again host one of the most important events of the winter sports season. World Cup competitions held at Wielka Krokiew have for years attracted the world’s top ski jumpers and thousands of fans, who create a distinctive red-and-white setting and an unforgettable atmosphere under the Tatras.
The 2025/2026 season competition is scheduled for January 10 and 11, 2026. The second weekend of January traditionally belongs to ski jumping in Zakopane, and the program includes both a team event and an individual competition—guaranteeing two days of top-level sporting emotions.
World Cup program in Zakopane:
- Saturday, January 10 – team competition in the Super Team format
- Sunday, January 11 – men’s individual World Cup competition
The World Cup in Zakopane is a brand in itself. Competitions at Wielka Krokiew have been held continuously since 2002 and are a permanent fixture in the fight for the Crystal Globe. Athletes value this stop for its demanding hill and exceptional support, and fans for the atmosphere that draws crowds under the Tatras every year.
The event is ticketed, and every attendee—regardless of age and sector—must have a named ticket. The Zakopane competitions are not only sporting rivalry, but also a major celebration for fans that makes the entire city live and breathe ski jumping for two days.
Zakopane Snow Day: Winter Fun for the Youngest
Zakopane will once again invite children and families to celebrate Zakopane Snow Day together. The event, planned for January 17, 2026, refers to the idea of World Snow Day and has long been one of the most joyful proposals in the city’s winter calendar. Although the detailed program has not yet been announced, you can expect the well-known formula combining movement, fun, and education.
Zakopane Snow Day is aimed primarily at the youngest, but entire families eagerly participate as well. It is an opportunity to promote outdoor activity and safe use of winter conditions. In previous editions, numerous games, contests, and animations were prepared, naturally encouraging children to move and play together.
Based on previous years, participants can expect, among other things:
- winter games and activities in the snow
- contests and animations for children
- educational elements related to safety
- sports demonstrations and open ice rinks
Zakopane Snow Day is an event that each year turns the city’s winter spaces into a place full of energy and children’s joy. For kids it’s an unforgettable adventure, and for parents—a great opportunity to spend the day together actively in Zakopane.
New Year’s Kyokushin Kumite Camp in Zakopane
Zakopane will host an important event for the kyokushin karate community. On January 17, 2026, the 23rd Open KUMITE Camp will take place at the Central Sports Center – Olympic Preparation Center, combined with the New Year “Kagami Biraki” training of the Lesser Poland Regional Karate Association. This is an offer aimed at athletes focused on sports development and intensive work on fighting skills.
The organizer is the Tatra Kyokushin Karate Club, and the camp will be led by Grzegorz Popiołek, Sensei 3 Dan. Training will focus on kumite and sparring fights conducted in conditions similar to tournament competition.
Classes will be divided into age groups:
- 10–11 years
- 12–13 years
- 14–15 years
- 16–17 years
- 18+
- Masters
The camp has an open format—athletes from outside Lesser Poland and from various organizations are also invited. Participants should have their own personal protective equipment. The event will take place at the Central Sports Center – Olympic Preparation Center in Zakopane.
ŻYCZlive Meetings Zakopane – Discover Calm
ŻYCZlive Meetings Zakopane is a series of live events created in an atmosphere of openness, kindness, and mindful conversation. It’s an option for people who want to pause for a moment, take care of their emotional well-being, and seek inspiration among others.
The next meeting will take place on January 18 at 17:00, and its topic will be “Discover calm – how beliefs shape emotions.” The workshop will be led by Tomasz Drożdż, a psychologist and psychotherapist with many years of experience working with emotions and personal development.
Participants will look at how thoughts and beliefs influence everyday emotions, reactions, and a sense of agency. The meeting is reflective and practical, and its goal is to build greater calm and conscious work with one’s own emotions.
The event will take place at KOMBINAT on Nowotarska Street. The organizers invite everyone who wants to spend time in a good atmosphere, meet new people, and leave with a fresh perspective.
“Swan Lake” – A Ballet Classic in the Winter Scenery of Zakopane
One of the most recognizable works of world ballet will appear in Zakopane in a special setting. On January 24, 2026 at 18:00, at the Gerlach Congress Center in the Nosalowy Dwór Resort & Spa, audiences will have the opportunity to see “Swan Lake” performed by the Royal Classical Ballet under the direction of Marcin Rolczyński.
This is a performance that has delighted audiences worldwide for years and is consistently regarded as a jewel of the classical ballet repertoire. Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s music, full of emotion and drama, leads the viewer through a moving love story of Prince Siegfried and Odette—a girl turned into a swan by the evil sorcerer Rothbart. It is a tale of a love put to the test, the struggle of good versus evil, and the power of sacrifice.
The Zakopane staging emphasizes elegance and a fairy-tale atmosphere. Classical choreography performed by the Royal Classical Ballet combines lightness, precision, and perfect form with a strong emotional message. The dancers not only present the highest technical level, but also tell the story through movement, gesture, and expression.
What also makes this performance special:
- refined, classical costumes by Marta Bartosik
- set design creating a magical, fairy-tale world of ballet
- choreography by Alessandro Bonavity, highlighting the canon of classical dance
- the unique music of Tchaikovsky, performed as an integral part of the spectacle
Sarsa Live in Zakopane – A Concert Full of Emotion and Energy
Zakopane is preparing for a special musical evening with one of the most distinctive figures on the Polish pop scene. On January 25, 2026, Sarsa—an artist known for her unique voice, stage charisma, and concerts that stay in memory for a long time—will perform at the Watra restaurant.
The audience will hear the biggest hits that brought her nationwide popularity, including “Naucz mnie,” “Zakryj,” and “Bronię się.” It will be an evening full of emotion, modern sounds, and the energy for which Sarsa has been known for years. The artist constantly changes, experiments, and surprises, and each concert is a meeting with her current musical world.
The concert will take place at Watra, in the very heart of the city. The intimate space encourages close contact with the artist and creates a unique atmosphere—perfect for a winter evening in Zakopane. Doors will open at 19:00, and it’s worth remembering that the number of places is limited and reservations do not apply—entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The performance titled “Unruly and Romantic” is shaping up as an option for those who want to spend an evening with the best Polish live music. Sarsa’s concert in Zakopane is a great opportunity to combine the city’s winter vibe with intense musical emotions and the energy of one of the most interesting artists of recent years.
What’s On at Witkacy? – An Overview of Events
At the Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz Theatre and in the Witkacy Atelier space, the coming weeks are set to be very intense. The program includes workshops, meetings, artistic events, and performances—for children, youth, and adults alike. We have already written about the Gordon music classes, so below we focus on the other offerings.
In Witkacy’s January program you will find, among others:
- Meeting of the Youth Cultural Magazine – a gathering for people interested in co-creating a youth cultural community and actively participating in the city’s artistic life
- Dance workshops – regular classes for children from age 9, combining movement, rhythm, and body work in a creative atmosphere
- English-language theatre workshops “Only in Witkacy! Let’s touch a magic of theatre!” – an offer for youth 12+, developing stage and language skills
- Promotion of the Youth Cultural Magazine combined with an opening of painting and sculpture and a showcase of unconventional fashion – an event combining various fields of art
- Creative workshops during the school holidays – puppet-making, animation, and sculpture workshops for children aged 9–12
- Photography workshops for schools – work with collage and family archives, focused on stories captured in photographs
- Intergenerational meeting “Grandma, Grandpa, tell us” – a shared space for conversation, play, and exchanging experiences
- Holiday concert “Everyone is united by the beauty of music” – an open event emphasizing the inclusive nature of Witkacy’s activities
- Performance “The Demonism of Zakopane” staged as part of the Witkacy Theatre for WOŚP initiative, with proceeds supporting the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity
- Marionette show “Pastorałka” by Adam Walny – an offer for children and adults
- Lecture “Unity in Diversity – What We Don’t Know About Witkacy” as part of the educational project “Witkacy Inspires,” aimed at high school students
Events Running Throughout January
Zakopane Christmas Market 2025
The festive village on Independence Square has, since mid-December, attracted locals and tourists with the aroma of regional dishes, handicrafts, and a winter atmosphere. The market has become one of the main walking points in the city center during the Christmas and New Year period. The market will end on January 11, 2026, officially closing the Christmas season in Zakopane.
“Pociąg do Zakopanego” – DESA Unicum Exhibition at the Witkacy Theatre
At the Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz Theatre in Zakopane, a free exhibition “Pociąg do Zakopanego” is being presented—a creative dialogue by Magdalena Berbeka and Michał Zaborowski with the city’s artistic heritage. The project shows Zakopane as an ongoing source of inspiration, combining sculpture and painting with motifs of local tradition and a contemporary interpretation of place. The exhibition is accompanied by works by Andrzej Świetlik, the last project of the outstanding photographer. The exhibition can be viewed until January 6, 2026.
“Poster Promoting the City of Zakopane” – Stacja Kultura
The exhibition presents a fresh view of Zakopane’s image by young creators, based on modern typography and bold graphic solutions. It’s an option for people interested in design and contemporary city promotion. The exhibition will remain available until January 16, 2026.
“Motherhood” – Czerwony Dwór
An intimate and moving exhibition at Czerwony Dwór portrays motherhood through glass painting and sculpture, drawing on tradition and emotion. It is one of those displays that invites reflection and a calm reception of art. The exhibition can be viewed until January 17, 2026.
“At the Bottom of the Ocean” – Willa Koliba
In Willa Koliba, Igor Omulecki creates a multi-layered story about memory and Zakopane style, combining photography, collage, and archival materials. The exhibition stands out for its atmospheric narrative and modern approach to the history of place. The exhibition will be available until March 15, 2026.
“Let’s touch a magic of theatre!” – Witkacy Theatre
English-language theatre workshops at the Witkacy Theatre develop youth acting skills in voice, movement, and stage expression. The program is cyclical and will end with a joint presentation by participants. The classes will run until May 31, 2026.
Dance Workshops for Children 9+ – Witkacy Atelier
Regular Friday dance classes combine modern jazz, street dance, and elements of acrobatics, offering children an active and creative way to spend time. The program focuses on developing self-confidence and joy of movement. The workshops will continue until May 31, 2026.
“Repetition of Memory” – Hubert Czerepok Exhibition
At the Palace Museum in Zakopane, an exhibition by Hubert Czerepok is presented, which—through film, drawings, and installations—confronts the history of the 20th century with the latest armed conflicts. Reaching for reenactment and a spiral concept of time, the artist shows that violence and evil return in almost unchanged form despite the passage of decades. The exhibition can be viewed until March 1, 2026.
“House of Memory / Transitional States” – Painting Exhibition
At the Municipal Art Gallery in Zakopane, a joint exhibition by Anastazja Burko-Dziemidziuk and Adam Molenda is presented—laureates of the nationwide painting competition “My Zakopane.” Placed side by side, the works create a dialogue between subtle, contemplative sensitivity and expression full of energy and intense color. The exhibition can be viewed until January 16, 2026.
“On the Warp of Time” – Textile and Painting by Małgorzata Kowalczyk
At the Municipal Art Gallery in Zakopane, a jubilee exhibition by Małgorzata Kowalczyk is presented—an artist associated with artistic textile for fifty years. Her works, rooted in Podhale tradition yet open to painterly form and symbolism of nature, testify to a consistent creative path. The exhibition can be viewed until January 16, 2026.
