Editor's Note: These are courtesy translations of local news provided by the U.S. Army Garrison Poland Public Affairs team for the benefit the military community stationed here. Views or opinions are not endorsed by USAG Poland or the U.S. Army.
Toruń Christmas Market opens Nov. 21
The Toruń Christmas Market will begin on November 21st. This unique event will last until December 21st. Toruń will once again be transformed into a true Christmas wonderland – scented with cinnamon, illuminated by thousands of lights, and filled with extraordinary stories hidden in the wooden houses of the exhibitors.
This year's Toruń Christmas Market 2025 will gather over 100 exhibitors from Poland and Europe, who will bring with them everything that is most beautiful about the holidays - tradition, taste and the warmth of human hands.
Visitors will be greeted by the warming aromas of mulled wine, freshly baked cakes, pancakes, and oscypek cheese, as well as sweet cinnamon rolls, poppy seed rolls, and crumbled cookies that will envelop the entire Old Town. Among the stalls, you'll also find handicrafts, jewelry, candles, bags, hats, honey, teas from around the world, and Toruń souvenirs—all created with passion and heart to usher you into the most beautiful time of the year.
This year's fair will open its doors on Saturday, November 22nd. The day before, at 6:00 PM, the vocal group "Rozgłos" from the Youth Cultural Center will perform on stage, and an hour later, students will take over the fair.
The gates will officially open on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. At 4:30 p.m., the opening parade will depart from New Town Square, and about half an hour later, the official opening of the fair and the lighting of the Christmas tree will take place, with the participation of city officials.
Santa in the Sky brings holiday magic to Toruń
From December 5th to 7th, we invite you to Santa in the Sky - a unique event that will take the magic of Christmas high above the ground.
This extraordinary winter edition of the global Dinner in the Sky project will be making its debut at the Toruń Christmas Market. Guests will be seated at an elegant table floating several dozen meters above the Old Town Square, offering a stunning view of the illuminated city and the market. During the 40-minute flight through the clouds, participants will be able to savor a festive menu prepared in collaboration with the Chleb i Wino Toruń restaurant.
The offer includes, among other things, a Christmas cake, aromatic coffee, or warming tea. This is a unique opportunity to experience a magical evening full of emotion, flavor, and unforgettable views. This is a limited edition – Santa in the Sky will last only three days, and space is limited.
Bolesławiec ceramics mark 10 years of international promotion
Bolesławiec ceramics is today one of the most recognizable Polish brands in the world in the category of design and applied art.
The extraordinary popularity of Bolesławiec products is primarily due to the designers and manufacturers, but also the result of intensive, multi-faceted promotion, implemented for years according to a long-term strategy. Ten years ago, at the initiative of the Mayor of Bolesławiec, the Mayor of Nowogrodziec, and the Mayor of the Bolesławiec Commune, the Association of Ceramic Communes of the Republic of Poland (SGCRP) was established, bringing together local governments and institutions whose activities are inextricably linked to ceramics. Currently, the association comprises the City of Bolesławiec, the City and Commune of Nowogrodziec, the Commune of Bolesławiec, and the Commune of Warta Bolesławiec, and its activities are supported by the Ceramics Museum in Bolesławiec. In its activities, the association draws inspiration from international organizations of ceramic cities, particularly the Italian AiCC, the French AfCC, and the Spanish AeCC, which since 2014 have co-founded the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation "Cities of Ceramics." The association, founded in Bolesławiec, successfully represents local ceramics within the structures of the European Ceramics Route – one of the prestigious cultural routes of the Council of Europe, connecting centres with a unique ceramic heritage, which Bolesławiec joined in 2021.
Intensive international cooperation allows not only for the effective promotion of Bolesławiec ceramics in a European context, but also for participation in international research, exhibition, and educational projects. One of the first initiatives was the organization of the international exhibition "From Bolesławiec Clay," presenting contemporary Bolesławiec design in ceramic centers in Italy. Featuring hundreds of products from Bolesławiec factories, the exhibition showcased Polish design. It was accompanied by a trilingual catalog, which remains an important document of the region's artistic potential. After its inaugural appearance in Bolesławiec in 2016, the exhibition traveled from 2016 to 2017 to Vietri sul Mare, Rome, Ancona, and Faenza. Further ambitious plans were thwarted by the coronavirus pandemic, but after several years, the project was revived in an updated form, as a series of exhibitions showcasing the latest offerings from Bolesławiec factories in other European centers: Porsgrunn, Norway (2023), Vienna, Austria (2023), and Nogent-sur-Marne, France (2025). The close cooperation between the Polish association and the European Ceramics Route also allows for the regular presentation of Bolesławiec products at the Argillà Festival, the most important industry event in Europe, held alternately in Faenza, Italy, and Aubagne, France. Bolesławiec ceramics were showcased there in 2022, 2024, and 2025. Representatives of ceramic factories participated in many of these events.
The Association also actively participates in international projects financed from external funds. Through participation in the CERASMUS+ and CERDEE programs, local students and craftspeople have gained experience in contemporary ceramic technologies and the promotion of artistic crafts. Particularly significant projects were "Poland and Norway on the European Ceramics Route" and "Centers of Old Crafts on the Via Fabrilis Trail," which led to the creation of modern facilities in the city promoting Bolesławiec ceramics: the "Center of Old Pottery Techniques" at Kutuzowa Street 14 and the new home of the Ceramics Museum in the restored Pückler Palace at Zgorzelecka Street 28/29. Both buildings feature comprehensive presentations of products from all the ceramic workshops operating in the region.
An important element of the association's activities is the promotion of the achievements of Bolesławiec ceramics in the form of catalogues, folders, leaflets, calendars, articles published on the Internet (e.g. the series Stempel i pędzlem malarzem) or in the European media, and even in the prestigious Japanese magazine "Fujingaho".
Recently, the association has also undertaken efforts to obtain geographical indication protection for Bolesławiec pottery in the European Union and to include it on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. These efforts aim not only to protect tradition but also to ensure a respectable position for its creators in the international market. These efforts are crucial because a recognizable, protected brand increases the chances of stable exports and the region's investment attractiveness.
The association's operations are based on membership dues of PLN 0.25 per resident of each member commune. No one receives remuneration for their work in the association. Between 2016 and 2025, the association allocated just over PLN 85,000 for its statutory activities. The association's activities were also supported by partners, diplomatic missions, and Polish diaspora associations. Ceramic companies participate in the project by donating their products to cultural institutions.
Thanks to the work of the SGCRP, a platform for cooperation between local governments, cultural institutions, and producers, Bolesławiec ceramics have strengthened their position as a symbol of Polish design. Exhibitions, educational projects, international contacts, and presence at prestigious cultural events enable not only their protection but also active promotion. Thanks to this extensive cooperation, Bolesławiec ceramics are perceived as an important element of European heritage. It is also worth emphasizing that thanks to the cooperation of cities and municipalities in our district, we can jointly shape the future of Bolesławiec ceramics, and further innovative initiatives are planned.
Forum Cinema to celebrate European Arthouse Cinema Day
On Sunday, November 23rd, hundreds of arthouse cinemas from across Europe will unite to celebrate European Arthouse Cinema Day. Forum Cinema was among them.
European Arthouse Cinema Day is a day celebrating European values and all the ideas that bring people together. Kino Forum will present two excellent films:
4:00 PM THE SOUNDS OF LOVE (Spain 2025, drama, 99 min.) winner of the Audience Award and the International Association of Art Cinemas (CICAE) Award at the Berlinale, among others. Nominated for the prestigious LUX European Audience Film Award – preview screening!
Ángela and Héctor are a loving couple who face an avalanche of emotions and numerous difficulties day by day. She has always existed in a world of silence, while he only learns to navigate it with her. When their daughter is born, they must wait several months to find out if she can hear. This period becomes a test not only of their relationship, but also of how much love can carry – even when words fail.
6:00 PM CINEMA PARADISO (France, Italy, drama, 123 min.) remains the most beautiful "love letter to cinema" ever committed to film, winning an Oscar® for Best Foreign Language Film (1990). This timeless story of friendship, dreams, growing up, and a profound fascination with cinema has captured the hearts of audiences around the world.
Acclaimed film director Salvatore Di Vita (Jacques Perrin) receives a phone call one night. The message he hears will trigger an avalanche of nostalgic memories, all connected by cinema. It was there, after World War II, that young Totò (Salvatore Cascio) fell head over heels in love with the magic of "moving pictures." The boy desires only one thing: to befriend projectionist Alfredo (Philippe Noiret). However, this task will be difficult. The titular "Cinema Paradiso"—its incredible and equally unique audience and extensive repertoire—will become the backdrop for the unforgettable adventures of the protagonist growing up in the Sicilian countryside, his first "great love," until he leaves his hometown.
Bolesławiec ceramics featured at Nobu Hotel Warsaw anniversary
Ceramics from Bolesławiec have found their way to Robert De Niro and Nobu! The Bolesławiec Ceramic Works promote Polish tradition on the global design scene.
Bolesławiec ceramics are back in the spotlight! This time, thanks to a unique collaboration between the Bolesławiec Ceramic Works and the luxurious Nobu Hotel Warsaw. To celebrate the Warsaw hotel's 5th anniversary, brand co-founders Robert De Niro, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and Meir Teper received personalized plates crafted by artists from the Bolesławiec Ceramic Works .
As reported by representatives of the Bolesławiec company:
To celebrate the 5th anniversary of Nobu Hotel Warsaw, we've prepared something truly special! Personalized plates for the hotel's co-founders: Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper. Each plate was handcrafted in Bolesławiec and designed especially for this evening. Just as Nobu combines cuisine and hospitality, we've combined elegance with the Polish tradition of ceramics. The sight of Nobu's founders holding our ceramics? I think we've redefined the word "satisfaction."
This event not only promotes Bolesławiec and its ceramic heritage but also confirms the growing position of the "Bolesławiec" brand on the international stage.
– This cooperation shows how our company’s marketing strategy has changed over the last few months – emphasizes Arkadiusz Grzesikowski, President of the Management Board:
" By recruiting two young and committed individuals to our marketing team, we've achieved our desired effect of dramatically increasing the recognition of our products, " says Management Board member Wojciech Huczyński.
Both managers unanimously pointed to the key role of Justyna Żyżak and Michał Mazikiewicz, who are responsible for the modern image of Bolesławiec ceramics in the media and promotional campaigns.
According to Business Insider Polska , the Nobu Hotel Warsaw's anniversary celebrations attracted global media attention. For the first time, all three founders of the chain visited Poland. Robert De Niro recalled his visit over 30 years ago and emphasized how much Warsaw has changed. Guests were welcomed in the traditional Polish manner—with bread with herring and a shot of vodka. Each founder received a personalized plate from Bolesławiec.
Chef Nobu revealed that he is often inspired by local products in his culinary travels.
The collaboration with Nobu is further proof that Bolesławiec ceramics have become a global symbol of Polish design, quality, and tradition. Products with distinctive cobalt patterns now reach customers worldwide—from Europe to Asia and the United States. In this way, the Bolesławiec Ceramic Works not only promote their products but also strengthen Bolesławiec's position as the capital of Polish artistic ceramics.
Poland implements CHARLIE alert level after railway sabotage
As of midnight 19 Nov 2025, alert level CHARLIE has been in effect on certain railway lines in Poland. This decision was made after two weekend acts of sabotage on the railways. What is CHARLIE?
Prime Minister Donald Tusk signed an order introducing the third alert level, CHARLIE, on railway lines managed by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe SA and PKP Linia Hutnicza Szerokotorowa Sp. z o.o. It will be in effect until February 28, 2026.
The decision to raise the alert level came after two Ukrainian citizens collaborating with Russian services blew up a section of track on the Warsaw-Dorohusk railway line in Mika, Masovia (Garwolin County), on Saturday. Elsewhere, on Sunday, around 9:30 p.m., two more incidents were confirmed near Puławy. One involved damage to approximately 60 meters of power lines on the same railway line. A metal clamp installed on the tracks was found several hundred meters away.
On Monday, the National Prosecutor's Office announced the opening of an investigation into "acts of sabotage of a terrorist nature directed against railway infrastructure" committed for the benefit of foreign intelligence.
Alert levels in Poland
Alert levels primarily serve as a signal to public services and administration to remain particularly vigilant. In the event of a terrorist incident or threat of such an incident, one of four alert levels can be implemented: ALFA, BRAVO, CHARLIE, or DELTA. In the event of an incident affecting the IT systems of public administration bodies or IT systems that are part of critical infrastructure, one of four CRP alert levels can be implemented (ALFA CRP, BRAVO CRP, CHARLIE CRP, or DELTA CRP).
Alert level CHARLIE - what does it mean?
The CHARLIE alert level is the third on a four-level scale and is the highest level introduced in Poland to date. The CHARLIE alert level means:
- introducing 24-hour on-call services in selected public administration offices
- introducing shifts of people responsible for implementing procedures in the event of terrorist incidents
- checking the availability of facilities designated as temporary replacement places in the event of evacuation of the population and inspecting these facilities
- issuing weapons, ammunition and personal protective equipment to authorized persons
- introducing additional 24-hour supervision over places that require it and have not been covered by supervision so far
The third alert level was already being introduced for cyberspace (CHARLIE-CRP). It was first announced in February 2022 in connection with the situation in Ukraine and activities observed in Polish cyberspace. It was in effect until February 29, 2024. Currently, the BRAVO and BRAVO-CRP alert levels are in effect nationwide until November 30, 2025. The BRAVO level also applies to Polish energy infrastructure located abroad.
The first alert level under the 2016 Anti-Terrorism Act was introduced during the 2016 NATO Summit in Warsaw, only in the capital city. This was the first alert level, ALFA. Subsequent alert levels were introduced nationwide or locally for events such as World Youth Day in Krakow, the Middle East conference in Warsaw, parliamentary, European, and presidential elections, the 80th commemoration of the outbreak of World War II, and the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
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