Shopping Sundays and public holidays in Poland 2026

Are you visiting Poland in these weeks and months? Or are you planning a trip and vacation there? It's good to have an overview of shopping Sundays. Not every Sunday is shopping and shops are open. We bring you an overview of which Sunday is which and important Polish public holidays.

Poland has one of the strictest Sunday trading laws in Europe. Since the introduction of the Sunday trading ban in 2018, most large stores and shopping malls must remain closed on Sundays, with a limited number of exceptions allowed throughout the year.

Understanding the shopping Sundays in Poland in 2026, as well as the public holidays when shops are closed, is essential for residents, foreigners and tourists alike. Proper planning helps avoid last-minute shopping hassles, especially during Easter, summer sales and the Christmas season.

Despite the general ban, Polish law allows trading on selected Sundays, especially before major holidays or the main shopping season.

Complete list of shopping Sundays in Poland in 2026

January 25, 2026 – Winter Sales Period

March 29, 2026 – Before Easter

April 26, 2026 – Spring Shopping Season

June 28, 2026 – Half-Year Sales

August 30, 2026 – Back-to-School Shopping

December 6, 2026 – St. Nicholas Shopping (Mikołajki)

December 13, 2026 – Christmas Shopping

December 20, 2026 – Last Christmas Shopping Sunday

On these days, large retailers such as Biedronka, Lidl, Carrefour, Auchan, Kaufland, as well as shopping centers throughout Poland, can operate normally.

Public holidays in Poland 2026 (Non-working days)

Apart from Sundays, Poland has several public holidays, when almost all shops, shopping malls and offices are closed.

January 1 – New Year

January 6 – Epiphany

April 5 – Easter Sunday

April 6 – Easter Monday

May 1 – Labour Day

May 3 – Constitution Day

June 4 – Corpus Christi

August 15 – Assumption of the Virgin Mary / Polish Armed Forces Day

November 1 – All Saints’ Day

November 11 – Independence Day

December 25 – Christmas Eve

December 26 – Boxing Day

On these days, shopping malls, supermarkets and most local shops remain closed and only essential services operate.

Exceptions to the Sunday Trading Ban

Not all businesses are affected by the Sunday shopping restrictions. The following types of shops may be open on Sundays, when there is no trading: bakeries and pastry shops, petrol stations and grocery stores at petrol stations, pharmacies, owner-run parties (e.g. Żabka), shops at airports, train stations and hotels, online shops and delivery services

In tourist areas such as Zakopane, Gdańsk Old Town and Kraków, some small shops may also operate under special local permits or licenses.

Planning your shopping in Poland in 2026

If you live in Poland or are visiting in 2026, planning ahead is key. Helpful tips:

• Check the Sunday shopping dates in advance

• Take advantage of online shopping for Sundays

• Always check the opening hours on public holidays

For official information, visit gov.pl – Ministry of Development and Technology.

Happy shopping

WT.24

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