Polish School Holiday Dates 2026–2027: Winter Break Varies by Region
Poland's Ministry of Education has confirmed the official school calendar for 2026–2027. The school year begins September 1, 2026, and ends June 25, 2027. Crucially, winter holidays vary by province and region, with families able to plan trips during staggered breaks from mid-January through late February.
The Polish Ministry of Education (MEN) has published the full school holiday calendar for the 2026–2027 academic year, giving families and expat parents a clear planning framework months in advance.
Key Dates for 2026–2027
Nationwide breaks (all regions the same):
- Summer holidays: June 27, 2026 – August 31, 2026
- First day of school: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
- Christmas/winter break: December 23, 2026 – January 3, 2027 (12 consecutive days)
- Spring/Easter break: March 25–30, 2027
- Last day of school: Friday, June 25, 2027
Regional winter holidays (ferie zimowe) – staggered across three groups:
- Group 1: January 18–31, 2027 (Podlaskie, Subcarpathian, Lower Silesian, Łódź, Opole, Silesian voivodeships)
- Group 2: February 1–14, 2027 (Lublin, Masovian, Pomeranian, Świętokrzyskie voivodeships)
- Group 3: February 15–28, 2027 (Lubusz, Greater Poland, Warmian-Masurian, Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Lesser Poland, West Pomeranian voivodeships)
This three-week stagger across voivodeships helps ease pressure on ski resorts, mountain towns, and travel infrastructure during peak winter demand.
Principal's Holidays and Additional Days Off
School principals may declare up to 8 additional days off for primary schools and up to 10 for secondary schools (called "principal's vacations"—dyrektor urlop). Schools must announce these dates by September 30 of the current school year, so watch your child's school calendar in late September.
Practical Implications for Expat Families
If you are planning family trips or coordinating childcare, note that not all of Poland closes on the same winter date: if your family is in a different voivodeship from relatives or friends, your child's school may be open while theirs is closed. Book accommodation and plan travel around your region's specific holiday window. Check your school's website or app in late September for principal's additional vacation days so you can arrange work schedules or travel accordingly.
Sources
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