Disclaimer: Public holiday dates in Poland may change. Always refer to official Polish government sources for the latest information.
Public holidays in Poland reflect the country’s strong Catholic traditions, modern history, and national identity. For travelers, these dates can influence shop opening hours, transport schedules, museum availability, and crowd levels, especially in Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, and other major cities.
Understanding public holidays in Poland in 2026 helps visitors plan trips more smoothly, avoid unexpected closures, and experience important cultural moments.
Public Holidays in Poland 2026
Below is the official Poland public holiday calendar for 2026. These are nationwide statutory holidays that may affect business operations and travel services.
| HOLIDAY | DATE | DAY |
| New Year’s Day (Nowy Rok) | January 1 | Thursday |
| Epiphany (Święto Trzech Króli) | January 6 | Tuesday |
| Easter Sunday (Wielkanoc) | April 5 | Sunday |
| Easter Monday (Poniedziałek Wielkanocny) | April 6 | Monday |
| Labour Day (Święto Pracy) | May 1 | May 1 |
| National Holiday of May 3rd (Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja) | May 3 | Sunday |
| Pentecost (Zielone Świątki) | May 24 | Sunday |
| Corpus Christi (Boże Ciało) | June 4 | Thursday |
| Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Wniebowzięcie Najświętszej Maryi Panny) | August 15 | Saturday |
| All Saints’ Day (Wszystkich Świętych) | November 1 | Sunday |
| National Independence Day (Narodowe Święto Niepodległości) | November 11 | Wednesday |
| Christmas Eve (Wigilia) | December 24 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day (Boże Narodzenie – pierwszy dzień) | December 25 | May 1 |
| Second Day of Christmas (Boże Narodzenie – drugi dzień) | December 26 | Saturday |
National Holidays vs Statutory Holidays in Poland
In Poland, most national holidays are also statutory holidays, meaning employees are legally entitled to time off work. Public institutions, banks, and schools are typically closed on these days, while many businesses operate on reduced hours.
When a public holiday falls on a weekend, it is not transferred to a weekday. This is important for travelers planning longer stays or short breaks, as there is no additional day off if the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
Why Polish Public Holidays Matter for Travelers
Poland's national holidays can noticeably affect daily routines, particularly outside major tourist centres.
- Large supermarkets and shopping centres may close on major holidays
- Banks and government offices do not operate
- Museums and attractions often remain open, but with reduced hours
- Public transport runs on holiday timetables, usually with lower frequency
All Saints’ Day and Easter are especially important to plan around, as domestic travel increases and city centres may feel quieter than usual.
Long Weekends in Poland 2026
Several public holidays in Poland fall on Thursdays, Fridays, or Mondays in 2026, creating attractive long weekends.
Key long-weekend periods include:
Labour Day (Friday, 1 May)
Often combined with leave around early May, creating a busy domestic travel period.
Corpus Christi (Thursday, 4 June)
Many locals take Friday off, leading to increased travel and accommodation demand.
Independence Day (Wednesday, 11 November)
Frequently extended into a longer autumn break with additional leave days.
During these periods, trains and accommodation book out faster, particularly in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Zakopane, and along the Baltic coast.
Cultural Highlights Around Poland National Holidays
Poland's public holidays are closely tied to religion and national memory.
3 May Constitution Day
One of Poland’s most important national holidays, marked by ceremonies, parades, and cultural events.
1 November All Saints’ Day
A deeply significant observance when families visit cemeteries nationwide. Cities are quieter, but transport routes near cemeteries are very busy.
11 November Independence Day
Commemorates Poland’s return to independence in 1918, with official events, exhibitions, and patriotic displays.
These holidays offer visitors insight into Polish culture beyond traditional sightseeing.
What’s Open on Public Holidays in Poland
Opening hours vary, but common patterns apply.
Usually open
- Restaurants, cafés, and bars
- Public transport and long-distance trains
- Major tourist attractions in large cities
Often closed or limited
- Supermarkets and shopping centres
- Banks and government offices
- Small local shops, especially outside city centres
Christmas Eve and All Saints’ Day are among the quietest days of the year for shopping.
Seasonal Travel Guide for Poland
Public holidays align closely with seasonal travel trends.
Spring (April to May)
- Mild weather and blooming parks
- Easter traditions and strong long-weekend travel
Summer (June to August)
- Festivals, lakeside travel, and outdoor dining peak
- Short but busy travel periods around the June holidays
Autumn (September to November)
- Fewer crowds and cultural events
- Independence Day creates brief travel surges
Winter (December)
- Christmas markets and festive city centres
- Short daylight hours and quieter travel outside holidays
Important Connectivity Tips for Traveling in Poland
Poland public holidays in 2026 can affect transport schedules, shop opening hours, and access to services. Reliable mobile data helps travelers check train timetables, confirm attraction hours, and navigate cities when plans change.
With an Eskimo eSIM, travelers can stay connected across Poland without swapping physical SIM cards. The same eSIM can also be used with Europe and Global plans, which is useful for multi-country trips.
Eskimo eSIM features useful for travelers include:
- Up to 2-year activation and validity, extended automatically with any data purchase
- Full-speed fixed plans and up to 3 GB per day of high-speed data on unlimited plans
- Data sharing from 500 MB, suitable for short-term or backup use
- One-time eSIM installation, reusable with limited reinstalls if needed
New users can also try 500 MB of free global data before choosing a plan, making it easy to test coverage during a trip.
FAQs
How many public holidays are there in Poland?
There are 14 statutory public holidays in Poland in 2026, including Christmas Eve, which is widely observed with early closures and reduced services.
What days are off in January 2026 in Poland?
In January 2026, Poland observes two public holidays:
- New Year’s Day (Nowy Rok) on Thursday, 1 January
- Epiphany (Święto Trzech Króli) on Tuesday, 6 January
Many businesses and public institutions close on both dates.
Is December 26 a public holiday in Poland?
Yes. December 26, known as the Second Day of Christmas (Boże Narodzenie – drugi dzień), is a statutory public holiday in Poland. Many shops and offices remain closed.
How many holidays are there in 2026 in Poland?
Poland observes 14 statutory public holidays in 2026. These include national, religious, and Christmas holidays that may affect business hours and transport services.
What is the biggest holiday in Poland?
The biggest holiday in Poland is All Saints’ Day (Wszystkich Świętych) on 1 November. It is widely observed nationwide, with families visiting cemeteries and many shops and offices closed.
Is Christmas Eve a public holiday in Poland?
Christmas Eve is widely observed and treated as a statutory holiday in practice, with early closures and reduced services.
How long is Christmas in Poland?
Christmas in Poland is officially observed over two public holidays, on 25 and 26 December. Christmas Eve is also widely observed, with early closures and reduced services across the country.
Are shops open on public holidays in Poland?
Large shops often close on major holidays, while restaurants and tourist attractions are more likely to remain open.
Does public transport operate on public holidays?
Yes, but services usually run on reduced holiday timetables.
