Is Christmas a big deal in Poland?

Even though 24th December is a working day, it is regarded as the most important one during Christmas in Poland. Many institutions stop working earlier as in the evening of 24th December, the whole family gathers together to have Christmas Eve supper, which is known as ”kolacja wigilijna” or, simply, ”Wigilia”.

Is Christmas a big holiday in Poland?

Christmas Eve and Christmas are one of the most important family holidays in Poland. There are many traditions and customs during this special holiday.

Is Poland good at Christmas?

Kraków's Christmas market (pictured above) has been named as Europe's best in a new ranking. Two other Polish cities, Wrocław and Poznań, also appeared in the top ten, making Poland the only country to feature three times.

Why is Christmas important in Poland?

The observance of Christmas developed gradually over the centuries, beginning in ancient times; combining old Polish pagan customs with the religious ones introduced after the Christianization of Poland by the Catholic Church. Later influences include the mutual permeating of local traditions and various folk cultures.

Do Polish people give gifts on Christmas?

Christmas presents in Polish households are usually opened on Christmas Eve after dinner. We don't usually open presents on Christmas Day unless you were visiting somebody's house on the 25th and then would open up those presents then. But for most the day to open gifts is Christmas Eve in the evening.

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Do Polish people believe in Santa?

In Poland, Santa visits children on the eve of his name day (by the way, name days are quite big in our country!) and leaves presents under their pillow or under their bed. And it is not all of his duties! After this very busy night, on December 6th, he visits children in kindergartens and primary schools.

What do they call Santa in Poland?

Whilst Święty Mikołaj (Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus) still remains the most widespread, families in some parts of Poland recognise visits from Gwiazdor ('Starman'), Dziadek Mróz (Grandfather Frost), Aniołek (the Angel), Dzieciątko (the child) and Gwiazdka (star).

What do Polish eat at Christmas?

A map of Polish specialities

Today's Christmas dinner usually opens with cold plates, including varieties of soused herring, followed by borscht or mushroom soup, and then the hot dishes: often carp, pierogi stuffed with sauerkraut and mushrooms, and croquettes.

Is Poland worth visiting in December?

It might sound chilly, but Poland could surprise you. In fact, with exceptional ski slopes and festive Polish cities, the country is famous for being a perfect winter destination! I've been to Poland a few times – I have friends living there – and especially love it in the winter months.

Is Warsaw or Krakow better for Christmas?

If you want charm and history, go to Krakow but if you want a big city experience (relatively speaking), go to Warsaw. I take Krakow anytime. I'd also suggest Krakow, but very little will be open from Christmas Eve afternoon until the 26th.

Is Warsaw worth visiting at Christmas?

An absolute must-visit, the Old Town in Warsaw is one of the cosiest and most charming places during Christmas time. It's the heart of the festive season, with vibrant Christmas markets, aromatic mulled wine booths, and unique artisan Christmas tree decorations!

What is the biggest holiday in Poland?

The end of the annual holiday season in Poland is marked with one of the biggest celebrations of the year – Christmas.

What do Polish people do on 26th of December?

Many people in Poland have a day off work on December 26 to celebrate the second Day of Christmas. Also known as St Stephen's Day or Holy Szczepan, this national holiday is part of the Christmas holidays.

What is Poland most famous holiday?

Christmas is a magical time in Poland during which animals are said to speak and forgiveness is offered to those who have offended. The Christmas Eve feast, known as Wigilia, is shared by family members. The day after Christmas, Poles observe St. Stephan's Day, which extends the Christmas celebrations.

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What is a Christmas symbol in Poland?

Christmas is a time for family feasting and resting after few days of preparing festive meals. The first star, beautiful Christmas tree and oplatek are one of symbols of Christmas in Poland. Christmas lasts three days.

Why do Polish not eat meat on Christmas Eve?

You'll notice that meat is missing – during the Wigilia dinner, we don't eat meat (besides fish). This is a Polish pagan tradition, not a Catholic tradition, which reminds us of the fruits of the earth, forests, and water that primarily fed our ancestors (Dziura 38).

What does Santa in Poland look like?

Gwiazdor (Star-man)

In the Western part of Poland, especially Poznań, children should expect their gifts coming from Gwiazdor. Gwiazdor literally means Star-man. He is an old man dressed like a bishop. He is not portrayed as a very kind and sweet as Santa Claus.

Is Krampus a real thing?

Krampus is a mythical creature who is often depicted with horns and a demon-like face. According to myth, which likely originated in what is now Germany and Austria, the creature punished children who behaved badly.

Why do the Polish celebrate Christmas on 24th December?

Many Poles wait until the first star appears in the sky before sitting down to eat family dinner on 24th December. This tradition commemorates the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

Do people give gifts in Poland?

Handshakes and gifts are in

Polish businesspersons often give gifts at an initial business meeting and give flowers at meetings with people they already know. At the signing of a contract or a social occasion, business etiquette in Poland requires that you bring a small gift or flowers.

What religion is Polish Christmas?

Poles celebrate Christmas much like people in other European nations, decorating trees, viewing grand illuminations, and singing a few carols, but there are also some unique traditions that are observed in the Yuletide season. 87% of the Polish population identifies as Roman-Catholic.

Why do Polish eat carp at Christmas?

As Poland is more than 80 per cent Catholic, the Wigilia meal is meat-free with a main course of fish, most famously carp, which is meant to bring good fortune.