Energylandia is mainly associated with summer water attractions and hot days full of queues, but for several years the park has also offered a winter edition — Winter Kingdom. This is not just a "summer park in a coat" — the organizers prepare special zones, light installations and events that make a visit in the colder season equally attractive, although different from summer. If you like a festive atmosphere, large light installations and family attractions with seasonal extras, it's worth considering a trip in winter.
In winter you can expect a unique atmosphere: millions of lights in a special Garden of Lights, a Christmas market with hot food and drinks, ice rinks, snowtubing and festive shows and parades — great ideas for an afternoon and evening, especially if you want striking photos and to feel the holiday spirit outside big cities.
In the park's winter offer pay attention to a few highlights that define this version of Energylandia: the Garden of Lights (a huge light installation, perfect after dark), an ice rink with skate rental, snowtubing lanes, Christmas workshops (e.g. gingerbread decorating), meetings with Santa and themed shows and parades. Many of these attractions are available only in the winter season and provide a completely different experience than the typical spring-summer visit.
Keep in mind that some classic rides and areas (especially the water park and certain family attractions) may be closed outside the summer season. That means the winter program is a mix of available coasters and dedicated seasonal events — so check the current opening calendar before you go.
Not all attractions run year-round — in winter water zones and some family rides are often limited. At the same time, during Winter Kingdom the park opens dedicated entertainment zones and shows. If you care about specific roller coasters or a particular zone, check in advance which attractions will be available on the days you plan to visit.
A good idea is to plan part of your visit for late afternoon and evening — this is the best time to walk through the Garden of Lights and watch the Christmas illuminations and performances after dark. Children usually enjoy the gingerbread workshops and meetings with Santa the most, while teens and adults often choose to ride a few of the bigger coasters that — if operating — add extra thrills to a winter trip.
Zator, where Energylandia is located, is roughly 45-55 km from central Krakow — usually about 50-60 minutes by car in good conditions. The most convenient route is via the A4 motorway and then onto local roads leading to Zator.
The park has visitor parking; in winter, especially on weekend evenings and during holiday events, allow extra time for walking from the car park and possible parking fees. If comfort matters, consider staying overnight near the park (for example at resorts or camps that cooperate with Energylandia) — this helps avoid rushing and makes it easier to enjoy evening attractions.
Buy tickets online and check the opening calendar — many winter events run on set dates, and attraction availability may vary by day of the week. Booking in advance often helps avoid queues at the entrance and guarantees participation in workshops or shows that have limited spaces.
If you plan to visit during the Christmas period or a weekend, arrive earlier than you think — this will make touring easier and allow you to reserve a spot on the ice rink or in workshop areas. Also consider tickets with timed entry or seasonal promotions if the park offers them.
In winter the key is layering: several thin layers often work better than one very heavy coat. Also wear shoes with good grip — paths and queues can be slippery. A hat and gloves are essential, and tuck your scarf under your coat so it doesn't get in the way during rides.
Useful items: a powerbank (cold drains phones faster), tissues, a thermos with hot tea (if allowed) or small change/card for purchases. Make sure loose clothing items are secured — the park recommends that hats and scarves fit snugly and are fastened to avoid losing them on rides.
Energylandia itself offers an extensive food area with dozens of outlets, where you can find both quick snacks and hot meals — convenient for a full-day visit. Nearby the park there are also lodging options that cooperate with the park; one practical solution for families is to stay at resorts or camps close to the park, which makes returning after dark easier.
If you plan to stay in Krakow before or after your visit, choose well-reviewed places near the city centre — a good base to combine a trip to Energylandia with a short tour of Krakow. Check reviews and book ahead for holiday weekends.
Energylandia in winter is not just a reduced version of the summer park — the organizers prepare dedicated installations you won't see in summer, like large light illuminations and special themed shows. The photogenic light installations are great for evening photos, so plan to stay until dusk.
Some extreme roller coasters operate in winter — many visitors are surprised that several of the biggest coasters run despite low temperatures. That gives you a chance to ride them in a completely different atmosphere (and often with shorter queues than during peak season).
Assuming everything in the park will be open — this is the most common mistake. Always check the current opening calendar and the list of attractions available on your chosen day.
Not being prepared for changing weather: winter can be unpredictable — dress in layers and have a plan B in case of precipitation or very low temperatures.
Arriving at the "last minute" for evening events — if you want to see the illuminations or a parade, arrive earlier to secure a good spot and comfortably see the park before the main show.
Is it worth going with small children? Yes — the park prepares family-friendly winter attractions and workshops, but check in advance which rides for the youngest are open on your date.
When is the best time to come if I want to see the Garden of Lights? The best experience is after dark, so plan to be in the park one to two hours before the scheduled light show.
Do the extreme attractions operate in winter? Some of them do — not all, so check the list of operating coasters on the park's website for the day of your visit.
Buy tickets online and check the opening calendar; plan your arrival to see the illuminations; dress in layers and secure loose clothing; bring a powerbank and payment methods; consider overnighting near the park if you plan to stay for the evening shows.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends — maybe someone is planning a winter trip near Krakow. If you prefer, you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — find details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
If you're travelling from Krakow, allow extra time for traffic near the A4 exits and around the resort during popular dates. Consider combining the trip with a short visit to nearby Oświęcim or countryside walks if you have an extra day.
If you’ll be taking photos, a compact tripod or a small stabilizer helps with evening shots of the lights. Keep your camera battery warm in a pocket — cold reduces battery life.
