Christmas in Poland: What Will Be Open

Christmas in Poland in 2025 will be marked by an important change — December 24th will officially become a non-working day for the first time. According to surveys, 74% of the country’s residents support this idea, which reflects the significance of Christmas Eve in Polish culture.

The operation of shops in Poland during December will be organized with the holiday period in mind. Throughout the month, there will be three trading Sundays — December 7, 14, and 21 — while December 28 will remain a non-working day. Also, note that shops will be officially closed on December 24, 25, and 26. On December 31, most retail outlets will operate on a shortened schedule, usually until 6:00 PM.

If you plan to shop or visit various establishments during the Christmas holidays, it is important to know in advance what will be open. Some large stores and public enterprises extend the holiday break to December 26, creating a longer festive period. This article details the operating hours of different venues during Christmas and helps you plan your time properly.

Christmas in Poland: Traditions and Dates

Catholic Christmas is one of the most important holidays in Poland, combining deep religious traditions with family values. Unlike the Orthodox world, Polish Christmas has its own unique customs that have been preserved despite the modern commercialization of the holiday.

When Is Christmas in Poland and How Is It Celebrated?

Christmas in Poland, as in other Catholic countries, is celebrated on December 25. However, the main day of festivities is Christmas Eve — Wigilia — which falls on December 24. On this evening, the whole family gathers around the festive table, traditionally set after the appearance of the first star in the sky — the symbol of the Bethlehem star.

The traditional Christmas dinner consists of 12 meatless dishes — one for each apostle. The table always includes beetroot soup with dumplings, fish dishes, pierogi, meatless cabbage rolls, and sweet poppy seed desserts. A special Christmas ritual is the breaking of the opłatek (thin rectangular unleavened wafers) with wishes for goodness and prosperity. Interestingly, one seat at the table is always left empty — for a stranger or unexpected guest.

After the festive dinner, a solemn midnight mass called Pasterka begins. The following two days (December 25 and 26) are also holidays and days off.

What Gifts Are Given at Christmas in Poland and When?

In Poland, gifts are traditionally given on Christmas Eve. Children are told that gifts are brought by Saint Nicholas (Święty Mikołaj), although different regions have their own gift-bringers:

• In Western Poland (Greater Poland Voivodeship, Kashubia), gifts are brought by Gwiazdor — the “Star Man” with a staff topped by a star.
• In the Silesian Voivodeship, people believe in Aniołek (the Angel) or Dzieciątko (the Infant Jesus).
• In the eastern part of the country, especially among the Orthodox population, Dziadek Mróz (Grandfather Frost) is known.

Unlike in Western countries, it is not customary in Poland to sign gifts with the giver’s name, preserving the magic of the holiday for children.

When Do Carolers Sing in Poland?

Caroling in Poland begins on the second day of Christmas — December 26, the feast of Saint Stephen the First Martyr. Traditionally, people go from house to house singing carols and collecting small donations, sometimes for charity. Ethnographers note that in the past, carolers often wore animal masks — of a bull, goat, or horse — symbolizing strength and prosperity.

Poland officially has about one and a half thousand Christmas carols. They start being sung on Christmas Eve and continue until February 2, creating a special festive atmosphere.

What Will Be Closed at Christmas

As the Christmas holidays approach, it is important to know which establishments will suspend their operations. In 2025, residents and visitors to Poland will face changes in the traditional operating hours of retail outlets.

Closure of Large Stores and Shopping Centers

December 2025 will bring three consecutive days without access to large stores. Shopping centers and most shops will be closed on December 24, 25, and 26. This three-day break in retail trade is a traditional practice in Poland related to Christmas celebrations. Therefore, it is necessary to stock up on all necessary products and goods in advance. If you plan to shop during the holiday period, remember that on December 31, shops will operate on a shortened schedule — usually until 6:00 PM.

Restrictions on Work on December 24

Christmas Eve 2025 will be an official day off in Poland for the first time. The National Labor Inspectorate (PIP) emphasizes that December 24 is a “day free from any work duties, including work in retail outlets.” The ban on work applies to employees of retail outlets regardless of their form of employment.

However, there are exceptions provided by law. The following will continue to operate:

• Gas stations and pharmacies
• Post offices and hotels with restaurants
• Shops at train stations and airports
• Retail outlets personally operated by their owners

Penalties for Violating the Ban

The ban on trading on holidays is regulated by a law adopted in January 2018. Violating this ban entails serious financial consequences for entrepreneurs. An employer who forces an employee to work on Christmas Eve commits an administrative offense.

Fines for violating the trade ban on holidays are substantial. For illegal involvement of employees on December 24, an entrepreneur may be fined from 1,000 to 30,000 PLN. If the violation concerns the trade ban itself, penalties can reach up to 100,000 PLN. The same sanctions apply for violations of the trade ban on Christmas Day and the second day of the holiday.

What Will Be Open at Christmas

Despite holiday restrictions, many important infrastructure facilities will continue to operate during Christmas. Knowing what will be open allows you to plan your rest properly and handle urgent matters even during the holidays.

Gas Stations, Pharmacies, and Emergency Services

During the Christmas holidays, gas stations will continue to operate as usual. Major chains such as Orlen, Shell, and BP will be open 24/7. Pharmacies and emergency medical points will also not interrupt their work during the holidays. Additionally, all emergency services will continue functioning, ensuring safety and assistance if needed.

Small Shops with Owners Present

The law restricting trade does not apply to small private shops where the owner is behind the counter. Franchise outlets such as Żabka and Carrefour Express also remain available to customers. Additionally, the following will operate:

• Shops at airports and railway stations
• Flower shops and bakeries
• Confectioneries and food service points

Many gas stations also have shops where you can buy basic food and essential goods.

Restaurants, Hotels, and Transport

Most restaurants and cafes are closed on December 25, but some venues still welcome guests. For example, McDonald’s restaurants usually open at 10:00 or 11:00 on December 25. Some chain cafes, such as Green Caffe Nero, also operate during the holidays.

Hotels and their restaurants continue to operate as usual, offering special Christmas menus. As for public transport, it will run on a holiday schedule. Buses and trams will operate with longer intervals, and some routes will be temporarily suspended. Metro systems in large cities will continue to operate, including special night services on the night of December 25 to 26.

Before the holidays, it is advisable to check the schedules of the places and transport you need to use to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Features of the Christmas Period in 2025

The Christmas period in Poland in 2025 is marked by significant changes in labor legislation and the operating hours of retail outlets.

New Status of December 24

For the first time in Poland’s history, Christmas Eve (December 24) has been granted the status of an official public holiday. This decision was supported by about 70% of Poles according to surveys conducted at the end of 2024. The National Labor Inspectorate issued a special clarification: work on December 24 is prohibited by law, except in special cases. Violators face fines from 1,000 to 30,000 PLN, and in retail trade, penalties can reach 100,000 PLN.

Three Trading Sundays in December

As a result of these changes, December 2025 will be the only month with three consecutive trading Sundays:

• December 7
• December 14
• December 21

This is a significant difference from previous years, when only two Sundays were designated for pre-holiday shopping.

How Shop Hours Changed in December

Thus, the entire December trading calendar has changed. On Saturday, December 27, shops will be open, while on Sunday, December 28, they will be closed again. After the holiday break, retail outlets will resume work from Monday to Wednesday, but on Thursday, January 1 (New Year’s Day), shopping will again be unavailable. Also, remember that January 6 (Epiphany) is a non-working day.

Conclusion

Christmas holidays in Poland represent a unique blend of deep religious traditions and modern realities. Undoubtedly, the main change in 2025 will be the new status of Christmas Eve as an official day off. This decision reflects the importance of December 24 in Polish culture and fully corresponds to the sentiments of the majority of the country’s residents.

When planning your Christmas period, remember the three trading Sundays in December — the 7th, 14th, and 21st. However, keep in mind that on December 24, 25, and 26, almost all large stores will be closed. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare a list of necessary purchases and buy everything you need before the three-day holiday break.

Despite the restrictions, some important facilities will continue to operate normally. Gas stations, pharmacies, small shops with owners behind the counter, and emergency services will remain available even at the height of the holidays. Public transport will also function, although on a modified schedule.

Catholic Christmas is a time for family gatherings, traditional dishes, and caroling. Thus, the new status of Christmas Eve only emphasizes the significance of this day for Poles. The 2025 holiday calendar is designed so that everyone can fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Christmas celebrations without being distracted by work matters.

Whether you are a resident of Poland or planning to visit the country during the Christmas holidays, knowing the operating hours of various establishments will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and enjoy this magical time of year. Proper planning is the key to a calm and joyful Christmas celebration in Poland.