Russia Public Holidays
Russia observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Russia observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Russia by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Russia.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Jan 2 | Friday | New Year holiday |
| Jan 3 | Saturday | New Year holiday |
| Jan 4 | Sunday | New Year holiday |
| Jan 5 | Monday | New Year holiday |
| Jan 6 | Tuesday | New Year holiday |
| Jan 7 | Wednesday | Christmas Day (Orthodox) |
| Feb 23 | Monday | Defender of the Fatherland Day |
| Mar 8 | Sunday | International Women's Day |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 9 | Saturday | Victory Day |
| Jun 12 | Friday | Russia Day |
| Nov 4 | Wednesday | Unity Day |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Russia
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Russia. Our site organizes holidays by country, allowing you to easily find information on national observances and their dates. For a detailed explanation of what constitutes a public holiday, please refer to our general guide to public holidays.
You can find a comprehensive list of all observed holidays for Russia in 2026 and other available years.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, Russia observes several significant public holidays. These dates are important for national celebrations and often involve closures across the country.
Other holidays observed in Russia during 2026 include additional New Year holidays, Defender of the Fatherland Day, International Women's Day, Labour Day, and Unity Day. For a complete listing, please visit the Russia public holidays 2026 page.
- New Year's Day — 1 January 2026. Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Christmas Day (Orthodox) — 7 January 2026. Celebrated by the Russian Orthodox Church.
- Victory Day — 9 May 2026. Commemorates the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
- Russia Day — 12 June 2026. The national day of Russia, celebrating its independence.
- Unity Day — 4 November 2026. Honors the liberation of Moscow in 1612.
Planning around holidays
Public holidays in Russia can affect business operations and travel plans. Many holidays are clustered together, particularly at the beginning of the year, creating extended periods of observance. It's advisable to check specific dates and potential closures when planning activities or travel.
- Winter: The year begins with a lengthy New Year holiday period, often combined with Orthodox Christmas, leading to significant closures.
- Spring: May features two major holidays, Labour Day and Victory Day, which may result in shorter working weeks or additional days off.
- Summer: Russia Day in June is a single-day observance, but can be a focal point for national events.
- Autumn: Unity Day in November is a fixed date, typically falling on a weekday.
- Weekend Adjustments: Official decrees may shift non-working days to create longer holiday periods, so it's always best to consult the specific year's calendar.
Plan Your Year Around RU Holidays
View Russia holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.