Planning a vacation in December 2025 ? We have a unique opportunity for you! With a clever strategy, you can enjoy a full 9 days of rest by taking just two days off. This is all possible thanks to a historic change in regulations – from 2025 , Christmas Eve will become a public holiday. 2025 brings us a total of 14 public holidays , one more than before. Including weekends, this adds up to 116 days off throughout the year! December 2025 is a real gem for vacation planning. Simply take December 22nd and 23rd off and you'll gain 9 days of uninterrupted rest. If you're ambitious, we have an extra bonus for you! With proper planning, you can extend December 2025 to up to 16 days of vacation. Check out our guide and learn how to plan the perfect end of the year, one that will long remain etched in your memory.
New regulations: Christmas Eve is a public holiday
A historic change in Polish labor law has become a fact. On December 24, 2024, President Andrzej Duda signed a law officially establishing Christmas Eve as a public holiday . The new regulations will take effect on February 1, 2025.
What changes from 2025?
From February 2025, the number of public holidays will increase from 13 to 14. Christmas Eve joins the ranks of holidays like New Year's Day and Christmas Day. Including weekends, this adds up to 116 days off in 2025. The change applies to all employees employed under an employment contract, regardless of sector or full-time employment. However, please note that the free Christmas Eve does not apply to everyone. The regulations do not apply to professions requiring business continuity, such as healthcare or public transport. They also do not apply to individuals employed under civil law contracts. Additionally, trading rules will change in December: the three Sundays before Christmas Eve will be closed for trading, but shop workers will be able to work a maximum of two of them.
What holidays fall in December 2025?
December 2025 brings an exceptionally favorable calendar arrangement:
- December 24, 2025 (Wednesday) - Christmas Eve
- December 25, 2025 (Thursday) - Christmas Day
- December 26, 2025 (Friday) - Boxing Day
December also includes St. Barbara’s Day (December 4, Thursday), St. Nicholas Day (December 6, Saturday) and New Year’s Eve (December 31, Wednesday).
Why is this good news for you?
An extra day off facilitates better time management in the run-up to the holidays. Christmas Eve is a special day in Polish tradition – according to research, as many as 85% of respondents consider it a day of special importance. Surveys show that approximately 70% of Poles support the idea of a free Christmas Eve. Thanks to this change, you no longer have to use your vacation time to prepare for the holidays and spend this special time with your family. Most importantly, however, is what this calendar arrangement means for your relaxation. By taking just two days off, you gain a long, restorative break. It's the perfect opportunity to truly relax – cozy up on a beanbag with a good book or plan a longer holiday trip. Such a thorough break will certainly help you recharge before the new year.
How to plan 9 days off in December 2025
Wondering how to make the most of your December holidays ? With a clever strategy, you can get extended rest while minimizing your vacation time. The new calendar layout and changes in regulations create the perfect conditions for a truly restorative break.
When to take leave: December 22nd and 23rd
The key to success is taking time off on the right days. Choose just two days off – Monday and Tuesday (December 22nd and 23rd). This way, you can seamlessly combine the weekend with the statutory Christmas Eve and Christmas Day holidays. Imagine: two days off gives you nine days of uninterrupted rest!
Calendar layout: December 20–28 without work
Check out how perfectly the calendar lines up in December 2025:
- December 20-21 (Saturday-Sunday) – weekend
- December 22-23 (Monday-Tuesday) – Your vacation days
- December 24 (Wednesday) – Christmas Eve – public holiday
- December 25-26 (Thursday-Friday) – Christmas – public holidays
- December 27-28 (Saturday-Sunday) – weekend
How to submit a leave request in advance
Make sure to submit your vacation request as early as possible. Ideally, do it at the beginning of the month, when employers are scheduling vacations. Remember, the holiday season is a time when everyone wants to take time off. The earlier you submit your request, the better your chances of approval.
Can an employer refuse?
Your employer has the right to refuse to grant you leave on your chosen date. They may do so if your absence would cause significant disruptions at work. However, when determining leave dates, they must consider both your requests and the need to ensure the normal operation of the company.
Relaxation Ideas: How to Make the Most of Your Days Off
Nine days off are a true opportunity for deep regeneration. Properly planned rest has a positive impact on your physical and mental health, and the holiday break allows for a true break from everyday responsibilities.
Relaxing at home – a beanbag, a book and silence
Want to make the most of your days off from work ? Start by creating the right atmosphere in your home. Dim the lights, light aromatic candles, and play some soft music. A comfortable beanbag will become the perfect spot to curl up with a good book.
A home spa is another great way to relax – a warm bath with aromatic oils will help you relax tense muscles and reduce stress. Also, remember the quality of your sleep, which determines your level of regeneration. Maintain good sleep hygiene and avoid stimulants.
Family Christmas trips
Considering a change of scenery? Plan a holiday getaway with your loved ones. Many hotels are preparing special Christmas packages for December 22-28, 2025. These include not only accommodations but also festive attractions – from a gala Christmas Eve dinner, through children's entertainment, to access to the wellness area. A change of scenery effectively helps you escape the distractions of work and daily responsibilities. This will ensure your relaxation is truly complete.
Time for hobbies and regeneration
Use your December days off to pursue your passions. Physical activity, especially outdoors, significantly improves your mood – just four days spent in nature improve cognitive abilities and boost creativity.
Also, find time for your hobbies. Whether it's cooking, DIY, or crafts, engaging in something you truly enjoy will help you fully recover.
Why longer rests work better than short breaks
Psychologists emphasize that one longer break and several shorter, 3-4-day breaks throughout the year yield the best results. A nine-day vacation in December allows for deeper regeneration on many levels of the body. However, remember one important rule: rest interrupted by professional matters is ineffective. During your vacation, disconnect completely from work. True rest is conscious engagement in the regeneration process, not simply inactivity.
A long break during the holiday season allows you to truly regenerate and recharge your batteries before the new year. Use these days wisely – whether relaxing at home with your favorite book or planning a holiday trip with your loved ones. Remember that a longer break is much more effective than short, intermittent breaks. Don't wait to plan! Submit your leave request now and take care of your December break. This way, you'll invest in your health, regeneration, and well-being. Remember – your rest is just as important as your work. Take advantage of December and enjoy a well-deserved break!