Now. August 31, 2025 Poles have the last chance to make bigger purchases on Sunday before the start of the fresh school year. It's a key word for many families, but there's a real confusion in December. Scheduled trade Sundays before Christmas were called into question in connection with the intervention of president Andrzej Duda. His decision to mention the amendment to the Constitutional Court could drastically change the calendar of Christmas purchases, introducing uncertainty for both consumers and traders. knowing current regulations and possible changes is now more crucial than always to avoid Christmas stress.
Last chance before school: Calendar of Trade Sundays 2025
For everyone who didn't make it to the beginning of the school year, Sunday August 31, 2025 will be the last resort. On that day, buying facilities will be open, offering the anticipation of filling the gaps in expeditions or home pantrys. This is 1 of the 7 commercial Sundays of the year that are allowed under the Trade Limitation Act on Sundays and holidays. The remaining trade Sundays in 2025 coincide with the last Sundays of January, April and June, Sundays before Easter, and, as amended, 3 more Sundays before Christmas.
After August, another trade Sunday is just 7 December. Then the buying will be done 14 December and 21 December. These dates are crucial for planning Christmas preparations, but their final position is not full certain. The changes introduced in the government aim to facilitate Christmas purchases, but at the same time have become the subject of controversy that may affect their implementation. Consumers should follow developments to avoid surprises.
December Revolution: Christmas Eve is free, but what about the rest?
The most crucial change in December 2025 that entered into force is the establishment of 24 December (Christmas) free trade day for all employees. So far Christmas Eve was a working day until 2:00 p.m., which frequently active rush and stress. The fresh rules are intended to supply employees with a full day off to spend this time with their family. In return, the fresh provided for the introduction of 3 consecutive commercial Sundays immediately preceding Christmas. It was expected to be December 7, 14 and 21.
This change, although beneficial for workers on Christmas Eve, introduced confusion around December's commercial Sundays. The problem arose due to the objections of president Andrzej Duda, who referred the bill to the Constitutional Court. It questions the appropriateness of the introduction third, additional trade Sunday in December, which could possibly reduce the number of buying days before Christmas and affect consumer comfort and the work agenda of sellers.
President Duda enters action: What does the Constitutional Court's decision mean?
President Andrzej Duda's decision to mention the Free Christmas Eve Act to the Constitutional Court (TK) under follow-up control raises serious doubts about planned trade Sundays in December. The president expressed reservations mainly about the introduction third, extra Sunday working in December. This means that while Christmas Eve is already a fact, the number of commercial Sundays before Christmas may change.
The Constitutional Court will examine whether the amendment of the Act is in accordance with the Constitution. If the Constitutional Tribunal considers that the introduction of the 3rd commercial Sunday is illegal, this may mean that in December 2025 we will have at our disposal less than 3 trade Sundays Before Christmas. specified a verdict would have direct and applicable consequences for millions of Poles planning Christmas shopping, as well as for traders. In addition, the fresh provides that The trader will not be able to work more than 2 Sundays in Decemberwhich is simply a major change for the industry. The final decision of the TK is awaited with large tension as it will affect the organisation of trade and everyday life during the vacation period.
Who gets past the ban? Exceptions to trade on Sundays and penalties
Despite the general ban on trade on Sundays, the bill provides for a comprehensive catalogue 32 exemptions. This means that many retail outlets stay open regardless of the day of the week, which is crucial information for consumers. The most frequently visited places that are not prohibited include:
- Liquid fuel stations,
- Sugar and ice cream,
- Flowers,
- Press stores,
- Cafés.
An crucial exception is besides postal activities, provided that revenues from these activities represent at least 40 percent of full revenue from the sale of the facility. In practice, this means that many tiny shops that besides offer postal services can be opened on Sundays. delight note that for breaking the ban on trade on Sundays are facing severe financial penalties, from PLN 1000 to PLN 100 thousand. In the event of persistent violations of the rules, it is even possible to give a ruling on the regulation of freedom. Therefore, both the owners and employees of commercial establishments must strictly comply with the regulations in force, especially in the face of possible changes in December.
Sunday, August 31 is the last certain trade Sunday before the upcoming school year. However, the real challenge awaits Poles in December, where Christmas buying can be disrupted by legal uncertainty. president Andrzej Duda's decision to mention the amendment of the Trade Act to the Constitutional Court on the 3rd additional trade Sunday makes the comfort and anticipation of planning Christmas preparations question. Consumers and traders must be prepared for possible changes and follow developments to avoid surprises. Remember the exceptions to the ban and the consequences of its violation.
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Trade Sunday August 31. December buying threatened! president Duda is in action.
