A Christmas guide
Christmas in Poland
Traditions, food and holiday customs
Main date
December 25, with the main celebration at the Wigilia supper on December 24
Gift bringer
Święty Mikołaj, Aniołek or Gwiazdor, depending on the region
Signature flavour
Tradition calls for 12 meatless dishes, symbolising the 12 apostles or the 12 months of the year.
Poland's Ministry of Culture entered the traditions of the Christmas Eve Wigilia on the national list of intangible cultural heritage. The name Wigilia comes from the Latin word for keeping watch, reflecting a day of preparation for Christmas.
Christmas in Poland is celebrated on December 25, with the main celebration at the Wigilia supper on December 24. The main festive figure is Święty Mikołaj, Aniołek or Gwiazdor, depending on the region.
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When is Christmas celebrated in Poland?
Christmas in Poland falls on December 25, with the main celebration at the Wigilia supper on December 24.
Main traditions
The Wigilia evening begins when the first star appears, symbolising the star of Bethlehem. Hay is placed under a white tablecloth as a symbol of humility and of the birth of Jesus in the stable, and an extra place is set as a sign of openness to an unexpected guest. The supper is preceded by a shared prayer and by breaking the opłatek wafer while exchanging wishes. Carol singing and gift-giving are inseparable parts of the evening, and carollers visit homes with wishes in exchange for small gifts, including the Kashubian gwiôzdki custom and the gwiazdory of the Bory Tucholskie.
Christmas food
Tradition calls for 12 meatless dishes, symbolising the 12 apostles or the 12 months of the year. Depending on the region these include barszcz with uszka or mushroom soup, cabbage with peas or mushrooms, pierogi with cabbage and mushrooms, fish, noodles with poppy seed and kutia.
Gift giving customs
Presents are given as part of the Wigilia evening. Who brings them depends on the region: Święty Mikołaj, the Aniołek or Gwiazdor.
Santa or local Christmas figure
The festive figure most associated with Christmas in Poland is Święty Mikołaj, Aniołek or Gwiazdor, depending on the region.
Fun fact
In Greek Catholic and Orthodox families in Poland, Wigilia is kept on either December 24 or January 6, with similar dishes on the table and the supper opening with a prayer.
Keep comparing
For the rituals, dishes and gift bringers in other countries, browse our Christmas around the world hub, compare customs side by side in the Christmas Traditions Explorer or plan your own December with the Christmas checklist.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Christmas celebrated in Poland?
- Christmas in Poland is celebrated on December 25, with the main celebration at the Wigilia supper on December 24.
- Who brings gifts to children in Poland?
- In Poland children traditionally receive gifts from Święty Mikołaj, Aniołek or Gwiazdor, depending on the region.
- What do families eat for Christmas in Poland?
- Tradition calls for 12 meatless dishes, symbolising the 12 apostles or the 12 months of the year. Depending on the region these include barszcz with uszka or mushroom soup, cabbage with peas or mushrooms, pierogi with cabbage and mushrooms, fish, noodles with poppy seed and kutia.
Sources
More countries
Christmas in Germany
Christmas in Germany is a season-long celebration that centres on Heiligabend (Christmas Eve), open-air Christmas markets and the four Sundays of Advent.
Christmas in Austria
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Christmas in Slovenia
Slovenia blends Alpine, Mediterranean and Slavic Christmas customs into a long festive season that runs from early December through Epiphany on January 6.