Second Christmas Day 2025 in Poland

The Second Day of Christmas in Poland is celebrated on December 26 as a public holiday. It is a continuation of Christmas festivities, often spent visiting relatives, enjoying festive meals, and relaxing with loved ones. Many people also attend church services, reflecting on the spiritual meaning of Christmas.

Second Christmas Day: A Public Holiday?

The Second Christmas Day is a public holiday in Poland. Most businesses, offices, and schools remain closed, allowing people to continue Christmas celebrations with family, attend church services, and enjoy a day of rest.

Second Christmas Day

The Second Day of Christmas, known as Drugi Dzień Świąt Bożego Narodzenia in Poland, is celebrated on December 26 and is a public holiday. Its origins date back to early Christianity when this day was dedicated to St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Over time, it became an extension of Christmas celebrations, allowing families to continue festive traditions, visit loved ones, and reflect on the spiritual meaning of the holiday. In Poland, this day has been observed for centuries, combining religious significance with local customs that emphasize togetherness and gratitude.

Celebration of Second Christmas Day in Poland

The Second Day of Christmas in Poland is a continuation of the Christmas spirit but in a more relaxed and social atmosphere. After the solemn Wigilia (Christmas Eve) and joyful Christmas Day, December 26 is often spent visiting relatives and friends, sharing festive meals, and enjoying the warmth of family gatherings. Traditional Polish dishes such as bigos (hunter's stew), pierogi, roasted meats, and poppy seed cakes are still enjoyed, as families come together for long conversations and joyful moments. Many people also take this opportunity to rest, go for winter walks, or watch Christmas films at home.

For those who follow religious traditions, the Second Day of Christmas is also connected to the feast of St. Stephen. Some attend church services to honor his memory and reflect on the values of faith and generosity. In certain regions, old customs such as caroling groups still exist, where people dress in festive costumes and visit homes, singing Christmas carols and spreading holiday cheer.

This holiday is important in Poland because it allows people to extend the joy and warmth of Christmas, reinforcing the values of family, love, and gratitude. It also provides a moment of rest and reflection, helping people prepare for the upcoming New Year. The Second Day of Christmas remains a cherished tradition, preserving Poland's rich cultural and religious heritage while offering a time for relaxation and meaningful connections with loved ones.

Second Christmas Day Observances