Not everyone can enjoy days off from work, even on Independence Day, which falls on November 11.
See also: National Independence Day. What will the celebrations of November 11 look like? [HARMONOGRAM]
The Labor Code provides for exceptions that allow working on public holidays. This includes, among others: emergency services, transport, catering, hotels and health care. Employees working in shifts or in industries requiring continuity of work may also be required to work on holidays.
In 2025, the calendar arrangement means that many people can take advantage of a long weekend on the second weekend of November. As a result, there were huge queues and increased customer visits in many shopping malls and stores.
On November 11, most stores will be closed due to Independence Day. As Onet reminds, the exception will be stores operating on a franchise basissuch as Żabka or Carrefour Express, which can be opened if their owners decide to do so. Shopping will also be possible at gas stations, where there are small grocery stores, and in pharmacies on duty.
November 11. Are the shops open?
Before Independence Day, many Poles ask themselves the question: whether November 11 is also a church holiday. As Onet reminds, the Code of Canon Law says that on Sundays and on holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in mass. Mass on November 11, 2025, National Independence Day, is not obligatory.
See also: Do Poles feel patriotic? Who is the Independence March suitable for? [SONDAŻ]
National Independence Day is celebrated annually to commemorate Poland regaining independence in 1918, after 123 years of partition (1795–1918). The holiday was established on April 23, 1937 and abolished by an act of the National Council on July 22, 1945. It was restored by an act in 1989. November 11, 1918 is also the date of the end of World War I. November 11 is a day off from work.
