Mongolia’s public holidays in 2025 offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage and national pride. From New Year’s Day to Independence Day, each holiday holds unique significance, reflecting Mongolia’s traditions, history, and values. Celebrations such as Tsagaan Sar, Naadam, and Genghis Khan’s Birthday showcase the deep-rooted customs and the enduring legacy of Mongolia’s past. These holidays bring families and communities together, fostering a sense of unity and continuity.
Understanding the importance of these public holidays provides a window into the Mongolian way of life and the timeless traditions that shape this vibrant nation.
Public Holidays in Mongolia In 2025
The following is the list of public holidays in mongolia 2025.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Tsagaan Sar | Jan 29, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Tsagaan Sar Holiday | Jan 30, 2025 | Thursday |
| Tsagaan Sar Holiday | Jan 31, 2025 | Friday |
| International Women’s Day | Mar 08, 2025 | Saturday |
| Buddha Day | May 12, 2025 | Monday |
| Mother’s and Children’s Day | Jun 01, 2025 | Sunday |
| Naadam | Jul 11, 2025 | Friday |
| Naadam Holiday | Jul 12, 2025 | Saturday |
| Naadam Holiday | Jul 13, 2025 | Sunday |
| Naadam Holiday | Jul 14, 2025 | Monday |
| Naadam Holiday | Jul 15, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Genghis Khan’s Birthday | Nov 21, 2025 | Friday |
| Republic Day | Nov 26, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Independence Day | Dec 29, 2025 | Monday |
| Know more: Public Holidays in Monaco In 2025 |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day in Mongolia, celebrated on January 1, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. This day is a public holiday in many countries worldwide, including Mongolia, and is a time for fresh starts and new resolutions. People in Mongolia welcome the New Year with various festivities, including family gatherings, special meals, and fireworks. It’s a time for reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the future. The day is often filled with joy, optimism, and the anticipation of new opportunities.
Many people also celebrate with traditional foods and drinks, and it’s common to see public events and celebrations in larger cities like Ulaanbaatar. The holiday provides an opportunity for Mongolians to come together, wish each other well, and start the year with a sense of community and hope.
Tsagaan Sar
Tsagaan Sar, also known as the Mongolian Lunar New Year, is one of the most significant traditional holidays in Mongolia. Celebrated on January 29, 2025, it marks the first day of the Lunar New Year and symbolizes the arrival of spring. Tsagaan Sar is a time for family reunions, paying respect to elders, and commemorating ancestors.
Preparations for the holiday begin weeks in advance, with families cleaning their homes and preparing traditional foods like “buuz” (steamed dumplings) and “aaruul” (dried curd). On the day of Tsagaan Sar, families dress in traditional clothing called “deel” and visit each other’s homes, starting with the eldest members of the family. The day is filled with various rituals, greetings, and feasts, reflecting the values of respect, generosity, and renewal.
Tsagaan Sar Holiday
The Tsagaan Sar Holiday on January 30, 2025, is the second day of the Lunar New Year celebrations in Mongolia. This day continues the festive spirit of Tsagaan Sar, with families and friends visiting each other’s homes to exchange greetings and share meals. The visits usually follow a hierarchical order, starting from the eldest to the youngest relatives. Traditional games, storytelling, and singing are common activities during this holiday. Special emphasis is placed on hospitality, with hosts offering a variety of traditional dishes and dairy products to their guests.
The holiday reinforces family bonds and community ties, and it provides a time for reflecting on cultural heritage and traditions. The joyous atmosphere and the practices observed during Tsagaan Sar help preserve the rich cultural identity of the Mongolian people.
Tsagaan Sar Holiday
The third day of the Tsagaan Sar holiday, observed on January 31, 2025, continues the festivities of the Mongolian Lunar New Year. It is a time for more relaxed visits among relatives and friends, as the initial formalities have already been observed in the previous days. People continue to wear their traditional clothing and enjoy the remaining festive foods.
This day often involves more leisure activities, such as playing traditional games like “shagai” (ankle bone shooting) and engaging in conversations about family history and folklore. The Tsagaan Sar holidays are not only about celebrating the new year but also about reinforcing cultural traditions, fostering family unity, and expressing hopes for prosperity and good health in the coming year.
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day on March 8 is a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call for gender equality. In Mongolia, this day is a public holiday and holds special significance. It is a time to honor the contributions of women in all aspects of society, from family life to professional fields. Celebrations often include events organized by women’s groups, workplaces, and communities, highlighting the progress made in women’s rights and addressing ongoing challenges. Men typically give flowers and gifts to the women in their lives, expressing appreciation and respect.
The day is also marked by discussions, seminars, and cultural activities that promote gender equality and empower women. International Women’s Day in Mongolia underscores the importance of recognizing and advancing the role of women in building a just and equitable society.
Buddha Day
Buddha Day, also known as Vesak or Buddha’s Birthday, is observed on May 12, 2025, in Mongolia. This day commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Gautama Buddha. As Buddhism is a major religion in Mongolia, Buddha Day is a significant occasion for Buddhists across the country. The day is marked by various religious activities, including prayers, meditation, and offerings at monasteries and temples. Devotees engage in acts of kindness, charity, and the release of captive animals to symbolize compassion and respect for all living beings.
Buddha Day is not only a spiritual observance but also a reminder of the teachings of Buddha on peace, wisdom, and moral conduct. It is a time for reflection, spiritual growth, and community harmony, reinforcing the values that Buddhism brings to Mongolian society.
Mother’s and Children’s Day
Mother’s and Children’s Day, celebrated on June 1 in Mongolia, is a combined holiday that honors both mothers and children. This day recognizes the important roles mothers play in families and society and celebrates the joy and innocence of childhood. It is a time for family-oriented activities, where children often present handmade gifts and cards to their mothers, and families spend quality time together. Schools and communities organize events such as performances, games, and picnics to mark the occasion.
The holiday emphasizes the bond between mothers and children and highlights the importance of nurturing and protecting the well-being of the younger generation. It is a joyous occasion that promotes family unity, love, and the appreciation of mothers’ contributions to the growth and happiness of their children.
Naadam
Naadam, celebrated on July 11, is the most famous traditional festival in Mongolia, often referred to as the “Three Manly Games” festival. This event showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage through three main sports: wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Naadam dates back to centuries-old warrior traditions and is a symbol of Mongolian identity and pride. The festival begins with an elaborate opening ceremony featuring music, dance, and parades, reflecting Mongolia’s history and traditions.
Competitors from all over the country participate in the games, demonstrating their skills and strength. Naadam is more than just a sporting event; it is a national celebration of freedom, independence, and cultural heritage. Families and communities come together to enjoy the festivities, traditional foods, and the vibrant atmosphere that marks this significant holiday.
Naadam Holiday
The Naadam Holiday on July 12, 2025, is part of the extended celebration of the Naadam festival, allowing people to continue enjoying the national festivities. The second day of Naadam typically involves more competitions and community activities. Wrestling matches, horse races, and archery contests continue, with participants showcasing their skills and aiming for victory. Spectators, both locals and tourists, gather to witness these traditional sports, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
The holiday is a time for Mongolians to celebrate their cultural heritage and bond with family and friends. Traditional music, dance performances, and feasts are common during this period, highlighting the rich traditions and joyous spirit of the Naadam festival.
Naadam Holiday
The third day of the Naadam holiday, observed on July 13, 2025, continues the vibrant celebrations of Mongolia’s national festival. This day often features the finals of wrestling, horse racing, and archery competitions, drawing large crowds eager to see the champions crowned. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and national pride as competitors strive to achieve glory in their respective sports.
Alongside the sporting events, cultural activities, including traditional music and dance performances, exhibitions, and fairs, provide entertainment for all ages. The Naadam holiday fosters a sense of community and unity, as people from all walks of life come together to celebrate their shared heritage and enjoy the festivities.
Naadam Holiday
July 14, 2025, marks the fourth day of the Naadam holiday, extending the festivities and allowing more time for celebrations and enjoyment. The day is usually less formal, with a focus on leisure and relaxation after the intense competitions of the previous days. Families and friends gather for picnics, traditional games, and socializing. It’s a time to reflect on the achievements of the competitors and the cultural significance of Naadam.
Many people take the opportunity to visit historical sites, museums, and cultural centers to deepen their understanding of Mongolian history and traditions. The extended holiday helps preserve the cultural legacy of Naadam and reinforces the values of resilience, bravery, and community spirit that it represents.
Naadam Holiday
The final day of the Naadam holiday, July 15, 2025, wraps up the five-day celebration with continued activities and gatherings. The day serves as a conclusion to the national festivities, providing a chance for people to unwind and savor the remaining holiday spirit. While some may continue to watch or participate in traditional games and sports, others might enjoy family gatherings, barbecues, and outdoor activities.
The extended Naadam holiday period allows for a deeper appreciation of Mongolia’s cultural heritage and the importance of maintaining and celebrating national traditions. It also strengthens the sense of national pride and unity among Mongolians, making it a cherished time for reflection, relaxation, and celebration.
Genghis Khan’s Birthday
Genghis Khan’s Birthday, celebrated on November 21, 2025, honors the founder of the Mongol Empire and one of the most significant figures in Mongolian history. Genghis Khan, born Temujin, united the Mongol tribes and established an empire that became one of the largest in history. His leadership, military strategies, and legal reforms have left a lasting legacy on Mongolian culture and identity. The day is marked by various ceremonies, educational events, and cultural activities that highlight his contributions to Mongolia and the world.
People visit monuments, museums, and historical sites associated with Genghis Khan, reflecting on his impact and the values of unity, strength, and vision that he embodied. The holiday serves as a reminder of Mongolia’s rich history and the enduring influence of its legendary leader.
Republic Day
Republic Day on November 26, 2025, commemorates the establishment of the Mongolian People’s Republic in 1924. This day marks the transition from monarchy to a republic, a significant milestone in Mongolia’s modern history. Republic Day is celebrated with various events, including parades, ceremonies, and public speeches that reflect on the nation’s journey towards democracy and independence. It is a time for Mongolians to honor their political heritage and the efforts of those who fought for a sovereign and democratic nation.
Schools, government institutions, and communities organize activities to educate people about the historical significance of the day. Republic Day reinforces national pride, civic responsibility, and the ongoing commitment to democratic values and social progress.
Independence Day
Independence Day in Mongolia, celebrated on December 29, 2025, marks the country’s declaration of independence from the Qing Dynasty in 1911. This day is a national holiday that signifies Mongolia’s emergence as a sovereign nation. Independence Day is observed with patriotic activities, including flag-raising ceremonies, concerts, and public gatherings. People reflect on the historical struggle for independence and the contributions of leaders who played pivotal roles in achieving it. The holiday is an occasion to celebrate national unity, pride, and the enduring spirit of independence that defines Mongolia.
Educational programs and cultural events are organized to promote awareness of the country’s history and the importance of preserving its sovereignty. Independence Day fosters a sense of national identity and pride among Mongolians, reminding them of their heritage and the values of freedom and resilience.