christmas: articles for expats in Poland

Archival photo: festive lights on Krakowskie Przedmieście in January 2022, from the 2021 Christmas season. The 2026 illumination will have a new design.

Warsaw's New Christmas Illumination 2026: What Lights Up and When

Warsaw is installing a fully redesigned Christmas illumination; the lights switch on along the Royal Route in early December 2026, the city says.

7 Nov 2026, 20:23 CET

A traditional gromnica candle with a lace drip collar (okapnik), ready for the Candlemas blessing

City Life

Gromniczna: Poland's Candlemas and the thunder-candle of 2 February

On 2 February Poles carry decorated candles to church for blessing - the gromnica, protector against storms. Candlemas traditions and old beliefs.

25 Oct 2026, 22:30 CET

A PKP Intercity Pendolino train in the snow at Janowice Wielkie

Work

7 days of leave, 16 days off: Poland's Christmas 2026 trick

How to turn 7 days of annual leave into 16 days off around Christmas and New Year 2026/2027 in Poland, plus the Saturday-holiday bonus and carry-over rules.

25 Oct 2026, 20:28 CET

Carp being netted into a tub during a Christmas harvest at a Polish fish farm

City Life

Christmas carp in Poland: buying live karp, prices and the rules

Why Poles buy live carp in December, what a Wigilia carp costs (14-70 zł/kg), where to buy it, the bathtub custom and the welfare rules sellers must follow.

25 Oct 2026, 20:09 CET

Christmas tram-shaped light installation on Krakowskie Przedmieście in Warsaw at night

City Life

Christmas 2026 in Poland: what stays open 24-27 December

Shops in Poland close 24-27 December 2026. What stays open: petrol stations, duty pharmacies, owner-run Żabka, bakeries, restaurants and transport.

25 Oct 2026, 19:48 CET

Lace Christmas baubles hanging on a tree inside the Assumption church in Racibórz, Poland

City Life

Kolęda in Poland: the priest's Christmas home visit, explained

Kolęda, the Polish priest's home visit after Christmas: what happens, how to book, what to prepare, the envelope custom, and how to decline politely.

25 Oct 2026, 19:26 CET

Wrapped Christmas presents in gift bags under a decorated Christmas tree

Guides

Szlachetna Paczka 2026: How Expats Can Join Poland's Noble Gift

Poland's Noble Parcel opens its family database on 14 November 2026; the Weekend of Miracles falls on 12-13 December. How expats can join.

25 Oct 2026, 09:54 CET

A red Poczta Polska post box on a street in Tomaszow Mazowiecki, Poland

Guides

Sending Christmas Parcels Abroad From Poland in 2026

Sending gifts abroad from Poland: Poczta Polska delivery times, InPost International prices and routes, UK gift customs, and the US goods-parcel restriction.

25 Oct 2026, 09:34 CET

The Wroclaw Christmas market on the Rynek at night, with illuminated wooden stalls

City Life

Wroclaw Christmas Market 2026: Dates, Hours and What to See

Wroclaw's 16th Christmas market runs 20 Nov 2026 to 7 Jan 2027 across the Rynek. Opening hours, closed days, mug boots and the Prezentus dwarf.

25 Oct 2026, 01:10 CEST

Prize-winning Krakow szopka nativity crib with colourful spires and figurines

City Life

Krakow Szopka: The Christmas Crib Tradition and 2026 Contest

What a Krakow szopka is, the free 3 December 2026 contest on the Main Square, and where to see the cribs until 28 February 2027.

23 Oct 2026, 21:45 CEST