Public Holidays in Poland in 2025 offer a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s rich cultural tapestry and historical significance. These days off work and school allow Poles to celebrate their history, faith, and traditions. From religious observances like Easter and Christmas to patriotic commemorations such as Constitution Day and Independence Day, these holidays punctuate the year with moments of reflection, joy, and community spirit.
In 2025, Poland will observe 13 public holidays, each with its unique customs and significance. This article explores these special days, providing insight into how they shape Polish life and offering visitors a deeper understanding of the country’s cultural heritage.
Public Holidays in Poland In 2025
The following is the list of Public Holidays in Poland In 2025
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Epiphany | Jan 06, 2025 | Monday |
| Easter Sunday | Apr 20, 2025 | Sunday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Constitution Day | May 03, 2025 | Saturday |
| Whit Sunday | Jun 08, 2025 | Sunday |
| Corpus Christi | Jun 19, 2025 | Thursday |
| Assumption of Mary | Aug 15, 2025 | Friday |
| All Saints’ Day | Nov 01, 2025 | Saturday |
| Independence Day | Nov 11, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Second Day of Christmas | Dec 26, 2025 | Friday |
| Know More: Public Holidays in Philippines In 2025 |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1, marks the beginning of the calendar year in Poland. It’s a time for fresh starts, resolutions, and hope for the future. Poles often stay up late on New Year’s Eve to watch fireworks and count down to midnight. On New Year’s Day, many families gather for a special meal and exchange wishes for good fortune.
Some people attend church services to pray for blessings in the coming year. It’s a public holiday, so most businesses and offices are closed, allowing people to rest and spend time with loved ones after the previous night’s celebrations.
Epiphany
Epiphany, known as “Trzech Króli” (Three Kings’ Day) in Poland, is celebrated on January 6. It celebrates the Three Wise Men’s visit to the newborn Jesus. In Poland, it’s a relatively new public holiday, reinstated in 2011 after being removed in 1960. Many people attend church services on this day.
A popular tradition involves blessing chalk, which is then used to write the initials of the Three Kings (K+M+B) and the year on doorframes for protection. Some towns organize colorful parades with people dressed as the Three Kings. It’s the official end of the Christmas season in Poland.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday, or “Niedziela Wielkanocna,” is one of the most important religious holidays in predominantly Catholic Poland. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The date varies each year, typically falling in March or April. Poles prepare for Easter with a 40-day Lent period. On Easter Sunday, families assemble for a joyful meal that includes the consecrated foods from Holy Saturday.
Traditional dishes include żurek (sour rye soup), ham, sausages, and eggs. The table is often decorated with a lamb-shaped cake and pisanki (decorated eggs). Church services are well-attended, and people exchange wishes of “Wesołego Alleluja” (Happy Alleluia).
Easter Monday
Easter Monday, known as “Lany Poniedziałek” (Wet Monday) or “Śmigus-Dyngus,” is a unique Polish tradition. This public holiday falls the day after Easter Sunday. Its most famous custom involves people playfully sprinkling or drenching each other with water. Initially, young men would sprinkle water on young women they found attractive, but today, everyone participates regardless of age or gender.
Some areas maintain old traditions like boys gently striking girls’ legs with willow branches. While less religiously significant than Easter Sunday, it’s a day of fun, community bonding, and continuing Easter celebrations with family and friends.
Labour Day
Labour Day, or “Święto Pracy,” is celebrated on May 1 in Poland. It honors workers’ rights and achievements. During the communist era, it was a major holiday with grand parades and speeches. Today, it’s more low-key but remains a public holiday. Many Poles use this day for relaxation, family gatherings, or short trips, as it often creates a long weekend with Constitution Day on May 3.
Some labor unions and left-wing political parties still organize marches or rallies. For many, it’s simply a welcome day off work to enjoy the spring weather. Most businesses and offices are closed on this day.
Constitution Day
Constitution Day, “Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja,” commemorates the adoption of Europe’s first modern constitution on May 3, 1791. This holiday celebrates Polish democracy, independence, and national pride. It was banned during periods of foreign occupation but reinstated after Poland regained independence. Today, it’s marked by official ceremonies, parades, and concerts in major cities.
Many buildings display the Polish flag, and some people wear traditional costumes or red and white clothing. It’s a time for Poles to reflect on their history and the importance of democratic values. Often combined with Labour Day, it creates a festive spring break for many.
Whit Sunday
Whit Sunday, or “Zielone Świątki” (Green Holidays) in Polish, is a Christian holiday celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. It falls seven weeks after Easter, typically in May or June. In Poland, it combines Christian traditions with old Slavic customs welcoming spring. Many churches hold special services, and homes may be decorated with green branches or flowers.
In rural areas, there might be bonfires or processions. Some regions maintain traditions like decorating cattle with wreaths. While not as widely celebrated as Easter or Christmas, Whit Sunday remains a public holiday, offering Poles a day of rest and spiritual reflection.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, also known in Polish as “Boże Ciało” (God’s Body), is a prominent Catholic holiday commemorating Jesus Christ’s body and blood in the Eucharist. It falls on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, typically in May or June.
In Poland, it’s marked by solemn processions, during which a priest carries a monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament through the streets. Four altars are set up along the route for prayers and blessings. Many participants wear traditional costumes, and children often scatter flower petals before the procession. It’s a public holiday, so most businesses are closed, allowing widespread participation in this religious observance.
Assumption of Mary
The Assumption of Mary, also known as “Wniebowzięcie Najświętszej Maryi Panny” or “Święto Matki Boskiej Zielnej” (Feast of Our Lady of Herbs) in Poland, is commemorated on August 15. This Catholic celebration honors the belief that the Virgin Mary was physically transported into heaven at the end of her earthly existence.
In Poland, it’s also associated with harvest traditions. Many people bring bouquets, herbs, and grain to church for blessing. These blessed plants are believed to have protective properties. Some areas organize harvest festivals or processions with Mary’s image. It’s a public holiday, offering a late summer day for religious observance and family gatherings.
All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day, “Wszystkich Świętych,” on November 1, is a solemn and important holiday in Poland. It’s a day to honor all saints and remember deceased loved ones. Poles visit cemeteries in great numbers, cleaning graves and decorating them with flowers, particularly chrysanthemums and candles. The sight of thousands of glowing candles at cemeteries at night is profoundly affecting.
Many people travel long distances to family graves, and churches hold special masses. The following day, November 2, is All Souls’ Day, and many continue cemetery visits. This holiday emphasizes family bonds and respect for ancestors in Polish culture.
Independence Day
Polish Independence Day, “Narodowe Święto Niepodległości,” is celebrated on November 11. It honors Poland’s recovery of its sovereignty in 1918 following 123 years of divisions by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. Official ceremonies, military parades, and patriotic gatherings in cities across Poland mark this day.
Many buildings display the Polish flag, and some people wear white and red clothing or patriotic symbols. The President sets a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as Warsaw hosts a large march. It’s a time for Poles to reflect on their nation’s history and express national pride.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day, “Boże Narodzenie,” on December 25, is one of the most important and beloved holidays in Poland. It follows Wigilia, the Christmas Eve feast, where families share a traditional meatless meal and oplatek (Christmas wafer). On Christmas Day, Poles usually attend church services and continue festivities with family. Traditional dishes include roast meats, pierogi, and desserts like makowiec (poppy seed roll).
Many homes feature beautifully decorated Christmas trees and nativity scenes. Carol singing is common. It’s a time of warmth, generosity, and family togetherness. Most businesses are closed, allowing for a peaceful celebration of Christ’s birth.
Second Day of Christmas
Additionally, the Second Day of Christmas, December 26, is a public holiday in Poland, therefore extending the Christmas celebration. Traditionally connected with St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, it is known as “Drugi Dzień Świąt Bożego Narodzenia.” This day is usually more relaxed than Christmas Day, with people visiting extended family and friends or receiving guests at home. Some attend church services.
It’s common to continue enjoying Christmas foods and sweets. In some regions, there are traditions like carolers going house to house. For many Poles, this additional day off work allows for a more extended period of rest and celebration during the holiday season.