New Year’s Day in Poland
New Year’s Day, called Nowy Rok in Polish, falls on January 1 and is a statutory public holiday. Its place in Polish life is clearest in the transition from Sylwester, the New Year’s Eve celebrations, to a legal day off with restrictions on shop trading.[1][2]
A fixed date in Polish law
Poland’s Act on Non-Working Days names January 1 as Nowy Rok, or New Year’s Day. The act dates to 1951 and lists the day among Poland’s non-working public holidays. The date is fixed: it is January 1 each year.[1]
The statutory holiday does not mean every worker is necessarily off. The Labour Code permits work on public holidays in specified circumstances, including transport and communication, continuous operations, and services needed for the public. For employees, a public holiday that falls on a day other than Sunday reduces working time by eight hours within the relevant settlement period.[3]
From Sylwester to the new year
The celebrations most associated with the occasion take place on Sylwester, the Polish name for New Year’s Eve and also for a party held on the night of December 31 to January 1. A Polish-language guide published by the National Agency for Academic Exchange describes home gatherings with friends and shared food, as well as municipal events in popular public places. Midnight celebrations may include fireworks or light displays.[4]
New Year’s Day follows the late-night festivities of Sylwester. Customs differ between households and places, so there is no single way to observe the day across Poland.[4]
Shops and planning
Trading in shops is generally prohibited on public holidays under Poland’s trade restriction law. The law lists exceptions that include petrol stations, pharmacies, shops at transport stations serving travellers, and shops run personally by an individual business owner. An exception means a shop may trade under the stated conditions; it does not guarantee that a particular branch will open.[2]
The public-holiday rules also affect work schedules, but they do not establish a universal substitute Monday when January 1 falls on a weekend. The Polish Labour Inspectorate explains that a holiday on a Saturday reduces working time by eight hours, with the specific adjustment handled within the employee’s settlement period.[3] Check a specific shop, service, or transport operator for its holiday hours and timetable.
New Year’s Day in Poland: FAQ
When is New Year’s Day in Poland?
It is observed every year on January 1 and is listed by Polish law as a non-working public holiday.[1]
Is it a day off for everyone?
Do shops open on January 1?
Most shop trading is prohibited on public holidays, subject to legal exceptions such as petrol stations, pharmacies, and qualifying owner-operated shops. Check individual opening hours.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Poland:
- Obwieszczenie Marszałka Sejmu Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z dnia 6 marca 2025 r. w sprawie ogłoszenia jednolitego tekstu ustawy o dniach wolnych od pracy- Dziennik Ustaw Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej
- Obwieszczenie Marszałka Sejmu Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z dnia 21 marca 2024 r. w sprawie ogłoszenia jednolitego tekstu ustawy o ograniczeniu handlu w niedziele i święta oraz w niektóre inne dni- Elektroniczny Dziennik Ustaw
- Akt prawny- Elektroniczny Dziennik Ustaw
- ŚWIĘTA PO POLSKU / LE FESTE IN POLONIA- Narodowa Agencja Wymiany Akademickiej