Public Holidays in Russia 2025
Russia designates a number of national non-working days (holidays) under its labor laws. Many of these are secular or historical in nature, while others relate to the Orthodox Christian calendar. Several days around New Year and Christmas are also part of extended holiday periods.
Explore more: Public Holidays in Romania
Russia Public Holidays 2025
| Date(s) | Weekday(s) | Holiday | Remarks / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1–6, 8 | Wed–Mon, Wed | New Year Holidays | Extended non-working New Year period |
| Jan 7 | Tuesday | Orthodox Christmas Day | Statutory non-working holiday |
| Feb 23 | Sunday | Defender of the Fatherland Day | Honors military and veterans |
| Mar 8 | Saturday | International Women’s Day | Official public holiday |
| Apr 20 | Sunday | Orthodox Easter | Observed religiously; not always a full statutory day off |
| May 1 | Thursday | Spring and Labour Day | Also known as May Day |
| May 9 | Friday | Victory Day | Major national observance with parades |
| June 12 | Thursday | Russia Day | National Day of the Russian Federation |
| Nov 4 | Tuesday | Unity Day | Commemorates 1612 historic uprising |
| Dec 31 | Wednesday | New Year’s Eve | Often designated as substitute/bridge holiday |
Key Observance Rules & Notes
- The New Year period (Jan 1–6 & Jan 8) is one of the longest continuous holiday breaks in Europe/Asia.
- Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on **January 7** following the Julian calendar.
- If a holiday falls on a weekend, a **substitute weekday** may be declared as a day off (“перенос”).
- Victory Day (May 9) is a highly symbolic holiday with national ceremonies and military parades.
- Unity Day (Nov 4) commemorates the end of foreign occupation and the strengthening of Russian statehood in 1612.
- Some commemorative days (e.g., Constitution Day, Dec 12) are not statutory non-working holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Russia have in 2025?
Russia has around 10 official public holiday periods in 2025, including the extended New Year break.
Why does Russia have such a long New Year holiday?
Multiple days from January 1 through January 8 are officially non-working to create a continuous New Year period, including “bridge days.”
Is Orthodox Easter a public holiday in Russia?
It is widely observed religiously, but not always declared a full statutory non-working holiday nationwide.
Are substitute holidays used when dates fall on weekends?
Yes. Russia often shifts a weekday as a substitute day off when a major public holiday lands on a weekend.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Russia in 2025 combine extended seasonal breaks, religious observances, and key national historical commemorations. Substitute rules and bridge days can slightly adjust the effective calendar each year, so reviewing official government notices is recommended.
