Russian National Holidays

The information about Russian National Holidays shall help planning a trip to Russia.

  • According to Russian law, a substitute day is to be appointed for all national holidays which fall on a Saturday or Sunday.
  • Also if a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, the Russians don’t have to take an extra day-off. The government officially prolongs the weekend giving all Russians the opportunity to enjoy the holiday. Since years weekends are being prolonged by moving the workdays. So the Russians can party longer, but often have to work six days during the week before or after the holiday.
  • Most stores and companies remain closed from December 31 through January 7.

December 31

New Year
(russ.: Новый Год)

January 6-7

Orthodox Christmas
(russ.: православное Рождество)

February 23

Defenders of the Motherland Day
(russ.: День Защитника Отечества)

March 8

International Women's Day
(russ.: Международный Женский День)

May 1

Spring and Labour Day
(russ.: День весны и труда)

May 9

Victory Day
(russ.: День Победы)

June 12

Day of Russia
(russ.: День России)

November 4

Day of the National Unity
(russ.: День народного единства)

Other Holidays

Fireworks
Fireworks

These holidays are not national holidays and are therefore workdays.

End of February – Beginning of March Maslenitsa (Russian carneval)
(russ.: Масленица)
April / MayEaster (Russian-Orthodox)
(russ.: Пасха)
August, 22

National Flag Day
(russ.: День Знамени)

December, 12
Constitution Day
(russ.: День Конституции)