The average Pole plans to spend PLN 1,787 on this year’s Christmas — 13% more than last year. Yet data shows that for the first time in several years, Christmas may actually be cheaper than the year before. The estimated cost of a holiday basket for a four-person household will be PLN 3,655.30, which is nearly PLN 150 less than in 2024. The main reasons include cheaper fuel and lower prices for many holiday preparations — according to the latest report from the Polish Bank Association (ZBP), “Poles’ Christmas Wallet 2025.”
Christmas 2025 Looks Gentler on Household Budgets
Inflation is lower than in previous years, which means that although prices continue to rise, the increases are far less burdensome. According to Statistics Poland (GUS), inflation in October was 2.8% year-on-year, and based on the flash estimate, it fell to 2.4% in November. As a result, although not all costs are decreasing, the calmer price dynamics allow households to plan Christmas expenses with less anxiety.
Poles Plan to Spend More
In partnership with research firm Minds&Roses, the Polish Bank Association asked Poles about their Christmas spending plans. Respondents expect to spend more than last year. The average declared per-person budget is PLN 1,787 — over PLN 200 and 13% more than in 2024.
The largest category of spending includes food and holiday preparations (PLN 671), followed by gifts (PLN 677) and travel/transport (PLN 439).
Respondents expect grocery spending to be slightly higher than last year.
- 41% plan to stay within PLN 500,
- 22% expect to spend PLN 301–500,
- Only 6% plan to spend over PLN 1,500,
- And 13% are still unsure — showing that many Poles will make purchasing decisions closer to Christmas.
“Our Christmas Wallet report once again examines how holiday shopping habits are changing and what Christmas actually costs today. The analysis shows that the financial situation of many households is more stable than a year ago, although some still need to carefully control expenses,”
says Dr. Przemysław Barbrich, Director of Communication & PR at the Polish Bank Association.
Bank representatives also expect a clear increase in demand for consumer loans in the pre-Christmas period — 55% indicate such a trend. At the same time, fewer customers are financing gifts with credit: 10%, compared with 19% last year.
When asked about funding sources for Christmas spending:
- 82% will use current income,
- 30% plan to use savings,
- Only 4% expect to take a consumer loan.
How Much Will Christmas Really Cost?
To answer this question, the report looks at the estimated holiday budget for a family of four, including food, Christmas trees, decorations, catering, and travel costs both in Poland and abroad. The result: PLN 3,655.30 — nearly PLN 150 less than in 2024.
Why the reduction?
Cheaper fuel and lower prices in some service categories are the biggest factors.
- Clothing and hairdressing services: PLN 1,147 (down PLN 148 YoY)
- A full tank of fuel: PLN 348 (vs. PLN 394 in 2024)
Food prices show a mixed picture.
- Carp, a Christmas Eve staple, costs PLN 117 for 2 kg, more than PLN 20 less than last year.
- Prices of butter, eggs, and bread are mostly stable.
- Meat, cold cuts, cheese, and some decorations have become more expensive.
- Sweets are notably costlier: a 100 g bar of milk chocolate has risen from PLN 5 to PLN 7.50.
Christmas tree prices have also increased:
- Live trees: PLN 75–250 depending on size and species
- Artificial trees: PLN 205–608
Cheaper Travel Will Lighten Holiday Budgets
Lower fuel prices mean holiday travel will be less financially burdensome.
- PB 95 petrol averages PLN 5.81/l
- Diesel costs PLN 5.92/l
Both represent a clear drop from last year.
More Poles are also choosing to spend Christmas away from home.
- Mountain destinations like Zakopane or Wisła start from PLN 253 per night per person
- Coastal trips, e.g. Gdańsk or Kołobrzeg, start from PLN 407 per night
Foreign New Year’s trips continue to grow in popularity. Leading destinations offering warm winter weather include Egypt, Turkey, Kenya, and Tenerife, which remain favorites for Poles seeking a break from colder climates.
