Polish Public Holidays 2026: 13 Official Days (Ultimate Guide)
Polish Public Holidays 2026 include 13 official non-working days that affect businesses, offices, banks, schools, and transport across the country. If you are an expat living, working, or planning to move to Poland, understanding how these holidays work is absolutely essential for planning travel, legal matters, and everyday life.
In this complete guide, you will find the official list of holidays, long weekend opportunities, practical implications for expats, cost forecasts, and insider tips. Moreover, we explain how holidays interact with Polish labor law and what to expect from shops and public services. Therefore, whether you are a remote worker, entrepreneur, student, or relocating professional, this guide will help you stay prepared.
Official List of Polish Public Holidays 2026
The list of Polish Public Holidays 2026 remains unchanged compared to previous years. According to the Polish Labour Code and official government sources, there are 13 statutory public holidays in 2026.
For official confirmation, you can consult:
- Government list of public holidays (gov.pl)
- Official holiday information (gov.pl – English)
- Public holidays in Poland (Wikipedia)
Complete Holiday Table
| Date | Day | Holiday (PL / EN) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | Nowy Rok / New Year’s Day | Fixed |
| 6 January | Tuesday | Święto Trzech Króli / Epiphany | Fixed |
| 5 April | Sunday | Niedziela Wielkanocna / Easter Sunday | Movable |
| 6 April | Monday | Poniedziałek Wielkanocny / Easter Monday | Movable |
| 1 May | Friday | Święto Pracy / Labour Day | Fixed |
| 3 May | Sunday | Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja / Constitution Day | Fixed |
| 24 May | Sunday | Zielone Świątki / Pentecost | Movable |
| 4 June | Thursday | Boże Ciało / Corpus Christi | Movable |
| 15 August | Saturday | Wniebowzięcie NMP / Assumption of Mary | Fixed |
| 1 November | Sunday | Wszystkich Świętych / All Saints’ Day | Fixed |
| 11 November | Wednesday | Narodowe Święto Niepodległości / Independence Day | Fixed |
| 25 December | Friday | Boże Narodzenie / Christmas Day | Fixed |
| 26 December | Saturday | Second Day of Christmas | Fixed |
Importantly, no legislative changes have been introduced for Polish Public Holidays 2026. As a result, the system remains stable and predictable for employers and employees.
How Public Holidays Work in Poland
Understanding Polish Public Holidays 2026 requires more than just knowing the dates. You also need to understand how they affect working hours and business operations.
Are Shops Open?
On most public holidays, large retail stores and shopping malls are closed. However, small convenience stores may operate if run by the owner. In addition, gas stations and some pharmacies remain open.
In contrast, restaurants, cafes, and tourist attractions often remain open, especially in major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk.
Are Banks and Offices Closed?
Yes. Government offices, city halls, tax offices, and courts are closed on all official holidays. Therefore, if you are handling visa matters, registration, or tax issues, avoid these dates.
For more legal and residency-related advice, see Read more about Legal matters on Poland Radar.
What About Public Transport?
Public transport operates on reduced or Sunday schedules during public holidays. Consequently, buses and trams may run less frequently. Moreover, long-distance trains often sell out quickly during long weekends.
If you plan to travel, check PKP Intercity schedules in advance. Furthermore, ticket prices tend to increase during peak holiday periods.
Long Weekends in 2026 (Majówka & More)
One of the biggest advantages of Polish Public Holidays 2026 is the opportunity for extended weekends.
1–3 May 2026 (Friday–Sunday)
Labour Day (1 May) falls on a Friday, creating a natural three-day weekend. Although Constitution Day (3 May) falls on Sunday, the May holiday period—known as “Majówka”—is one of the most popular travel times in Poland.
4–7 June 2026 (Thursday–Sunday)
Corpus Christi falls on Thursday. Therefore, many employees take Friday off, creating a four-day weekend. As a result, domestic tourism spikes significantly.
25–28 December 2026 (Friday–Monday)
Christmas Day falls on Friday. If you take Monday off, you create a four-day break. Consequently, flights and trains become expensive during this period.
Travel Costs During Public Holidays (2026 Forecast)
Although official government fees do not change during Polish Public Holidays 2026, travel and accommodation prices often increase.
| Service | Regular Price | Holiday Peak Price |
|---|---|---|
| PKP Warsaw–Kraków | 120–180 PLN | 150–300 PLN |
| Airbnb (Warsaw/Gdańsk) | 250–400 PLN/night | 400–800 PLN/night |
| Domestic Flights | 150–300 PLN | 250–600 PLN |
As shown above, prices can increase by 20–50% during peak holiday periods. Therefore, early booking is essential.
For more travel insights, visit Read more about Transport on Poland Radar.
Religious vs National Holidays
Most Polish Public Holidays 2026 have religious (Catholic) origins. However, several are purely national celebrations.
Religious Holidays
- Easter (Sunday & Monday)
- Pentecost
- Corpus Christi
- Assumption of Mary
- All Saints’ Day
- Christmas (25–26 December)
National Holidays
- Labour Day (1 May)
- Constitution Day (3 May)
- Independence Day (11 November)
In addition, some holidays combine religious and patriotic elements, reflecting Poland’s history and culture.
Practical Tips for Expats
- Plan legal matters early. Offices close completely on public holidays.
- Stock groceries in advance. Large supermarkets will be closed.
- Expect traffic. Highways become congested during long weekends.
- Check employment contracts. Some employers offer additional days off.
- Understand compensation rules. If a holiday falls on Saturday, employees may receive an extra day off.
Most importantly, always verify company-specific policies, especially if you work for an international employer.
FAQ – Polish Public Holidays 2026
1. How many Polish Public Holidays 2026 are there?
There are 13 official public holidays in Poland in 2026.
2. Are shops closed during Polish Public Holidays 2026?
Yes, most large retail stores and shopping centers are closed, although small convenience stores may operate.
3. Do expats get paid during public holidays?
If you are employed under a Polish employment contract (umowa o pracę), you are entitled to paid public holidays.
4. Is Christmas Eve a public holiday in Poland?
No, 24 December is not officially a public holiday, but many businesses close early.
5. What is the best long weekend in 2026?
Corpus Christi (4 June 2026) offers the best opportunity for a four-day weekend with minimal leave days used.
Summary
In summary, Polish Public Holidays 2026 include 13 official non-working days with no legislative changes compared to previous years. While the system remains stable, holidays significantly impact shops, offices, and travel costs. Therefore, expats should plan administrative tasks and trips carefully. By understanding the calendar in advance, you can maximize long weekends, avoid logistical surprises, and fully enjoy life in Poland during Polish Public Holidays 2026.
