Public Holidays in Poland

In Poland, we have several public holidays when most shops, offices, and services are closed. Here’s a quick overview:

• New Year’s Day (1st January): A day off for everyone. Stores, offices, and schools are closed.
• Epiphany (6th January): Celebrated as a public holiday with parades in many cities. Offices and most shops are closed.
• Easter (Sunday and Monday): Easter is one of the most important holidays in Poland. Both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday (known as “Wet Monday”) are public holidays.
• Labour Day (1st May): A public holiday to celebrate workers. Part of a long weekend if paired with Constitution Day (3rd May).
• Constitution Day (3rd May): Marks the anniversary of Poland’s 1791 Constitution. Another day when businesses and offices are closed.
• Corpus Christi (date varies, usually in June): A religious holiday celebrated with processions, often on a Thursday.
• Assumption of the Virgin Mary (15th August): Both a Catholic and national holiday.
• All Saints’ Day (1st November): A time for families to visit cemeteries and remember loved ones. Everything, including supermarkets, is closed.
• Independence Day (11th November): Celebrating Poland’s independence regained in 1918.
• Christmas (25th and 26th December): Two days of holiday, with the 24th (Christmas Eve) also being an important day for families, though it’s not a formal public holiday.

What about Sundays and Weekends?

In Poland, most large shops and malls are closed on Sundays due to a trading ban. However, there are exceptions:

• Żabka
• Fresh
• Carrefour Express
• Sometimes smaller Lewiatan stores

These shops typically carry essential items like food, snacks, drinks, household basics, cigarettes, and alcohol. Some even offer warm coffee/tea and hot fast food, though smaller stores like Lewiatan may not have these options. Be aware that prices are often higher than in larger supermarkets.

Who Works on Public Holidays and Weekends?

While many people enjoy days off, some sectors continue to operate:

• Healthcare: Hospitals, emergency services, and some pharmacies are open.
• Public Transport: Operates with a holiday or weekend schedule.
• Restaurants and Cafes: Most remain open, especially in popular areas.
• Hotels and Tourism: Always in operation for visitors.
• Gas Stations: Open 24/7 for essential travel needs.

Office and Service Hours in Poland

Here’s what you can generally expect:

• Government offices: Open from 8:00 AM to 3:00 or 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
• Banks: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
• Post offices: Usually open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, though hours may vary.
• Shopping malls and supermarkets: Typically open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.
• Smaller shops: Often open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM all week, though this can vary.

Want More Tips?

You’ll find more helpful articles, including premium in-depth guides about life and legal matters in Poland, in our app. 📲

👉 Join our HireQApp Society group to get insider information, actively participate in discussions, and ask your questions. We’re here for you and always happy to share knowledge.

Cheers,
Karo from HireQApp