How do they celebrate Christmas in Poland?
Posted on Dec 22, 2025 / History
In Poland, Christmas is centred around the traditional Christmas Eve supper called Wigilia, which begins once the first star appears in the sky. Families share a meat‑free feast with twelve dishes symbolising the Twelve Apostles, often including beetroot soup, fish and pierogi. Before the meal, family members break and share a Christmas wafer (opłatki), sharing wishes of health and happiness. Many Poles attend Pasterka — Midnight Mass — celebrating the birth of Christ with carols and community worship. Gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, and nativity scenes are displayed in homes. Decorations and festive lights adorn towns and cities throughout December. Polish Christmas combines deep Catholic faith with cherished family traditions and communal gatherings.
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