The upcoming New Year’s Eve in 2024 promises to be a quiet and modest affair. According to the survey “Poles’ New Year’s Plans” commissioned by the BIG InfoMonitor Debtor Register, 87% of Poles plan to celebrate at home or with family, avoiding lavish parties or outdoor events. This subdued approach is reflected in spending plans, with the average budget for the occasion estimated at PLN 268. These findings highlight a shift toward more thoughtful and responsible financial decisions, driven by changing preferences and inflationary pressures.
A Shift Toward Home Celebrations
Nearly two-thirds (66%) of respondents intend to celebrate alone or with household members, while 21% plan to host or attend gatherings with friends or family. These results are consistent with trends observed from 2021 to 2023, reinforcing that home-based celebrations have become the norm for Poles, especially in the context of economic uncertainty.
Controlled Spending: Inflation’s Impact
Poles’ planned spending of PLN 268 is comparable to last year’s figure. However, 20% of respondents do not plan to spend anything extra on New Year’s Eve, reflecting a growing tendency toward saving. Among those allocating a budget for the celebration, 29% plan to spend more than PLN 200, while the rest aim for even lower amounts.
Inflation continues to influence spending decisions, with 24% of respondents planning to spend less than last year, and 63% expecting to maintain similar expenditure levels. Only 13% anticipate higher spending, indicating a cautious approach to financial management.
“New Year’s Eve spending trends confirm that inflation impacts not just daily purchasing decisions but also budgets for special occasions and traditions. Poles are increasingly opting for simpler, more economical celebrations, which reflects both inflationary pressures and a broader shift in consumption priorities. The growing preference for intimate gatherings underscores a trend of valuing simplicity and personal connections over costly events. This shift is a signal to industries like event planning and hospitality to adapt their offerings to align with evolving consumer preferences,” said Dr. Waldemar Rogowski, Chief Analyst at BIG InfoMonitor.
A Challenge for Event Organizers
The findings suggest that Poles are increasingly forgoing expensive celebrations in favor of more intimate gatherings. Only 4% of respondents plan to attend parties at venues, cultural institutions, or outdoor events, and a similar proportion plan to travel. These figures indicate that costly celebrations are now chosen by a minority, likely due to financial constraints and changing leisure preferences.
This trend poses challenges for industries such as gastronomy, entertainment, and hospitality, which heavily rely on New Year’s Eve events. According to BIG InfoMonitor and BIK credit data, these sectors are already facing significant financial difficulties. Overdue liabilities in the HoReCa sector increased by over PLN 151 million (7.7%) in the past year, surpassing PLN 2 billion by the end of October 2024. Catering services alone account for over PLN 1 billion of this debt, which rose by nearly PLN 195 million (22%) within the year. Similarly, entertainment businesses, such as dance venues, reported overdue debts of PLN 3.6 million.
“The sustained preference for celebrating New Year’s Eve at home with family and close friends reflects broader lifestyle changes among Poles, emphasizing saving and minimalism. While these choices are driven by financial constraints and priorities like comfort and personal connections, they pose serious challenges for the entertainment and hospitality sectors. The decline in demand for organized New Year’s Eve events could have long-term consequences, particularly for seasonal activities that traditionally generate substantial revenue. The industry should consider diversifying its offerings to meet new customer preferences, focusing on greater flexibility, cost-effective solutions, and personalized experiences,” added Dr. Rogowski.
Survey Methodology
The “Poles’ New Year’s Plans” survey was conducted using the CAWI method by Quality Watch for BIG InfoMonitor on a sample of 1,061 Poles aged 18 and above in December 2024.
Source: Manager Plus
