Russia’s rich cultural tapestry and historical relevance are revealed through public holidays set for 2025. These special days provide Russians with opportunities to celebrate their heritage, commemorate important events, and enjoy time with family and friends. Public Holidays in Russia in 2025 reflect the country’s unique blend of traditional, religious, and modern observances. From the festive New Year celebrations to the solemn Victory Day commemorations, each holiday holds a special place in Russian society. This article explores the meaning behind these public holidays, their historical context, and how they are typically celebrated across the vast Russian landscape.
Public Holidays in Russia in 2025
The following is the list of Public Holidays in Russia in 2025
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| New Year Holiday | Jan 02, 2025 | Thursday |
| New Year Holiday | Jan 03, 2025 | Friday |
| New Year Holiday | Jan 04, 2025 | Saturday |
| New Year Holiday | Jan 05, 2025 | Sunday |
| New Year Holiday | Jan 06, 2025 | Monday |
| Orthodox Christmas Day | Jan 07, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Orthodox Christmas Day Holiday | Jan 08, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Defender of the Fatherland Day | Feb 23, 2025 | Sunday |
| International Women’s Day | Mar 08, 2025 | Saturday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Victory Day | May 09, 2025 | Friday |
| Russia Day | Jun 12, 2025 | Thursday |
| Unity Day | Nov 04, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Know More: Public Holidays in Romania in 2025 |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the calendar year in Russia. It’s one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in the country. Friends and family get together to watch the president’s yearly speech on television, share celebratory dinners, and trade gifts. At midnight, people toast with champagne and make wishes for the coming year.
Cities are adorned with decorations, and a giant Christmas tree (called a New Year tree in Russia) is typically erected in the main square. Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and his granddaughter Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden) are famous figures associated with this celebration.
New Year Holiday
The New Year Holiday in Russia is an extended celebration that typically lasts from January 1st to January 8th. This week-long festivity allows Russians to embrace the spirit of the New Year fully. Many government buildings and companies are closed during this time, allowing individuals to unwind, spend time with loved ones, and engage in a variety of winter activities.
Cities organize special events, concerts, and fairs. People often use this time to visit relatives, go on short trips, or enjoy outdoor winter sports like ice skating and skiing. The extended holiday helps combat the winter blues and promotes a sense of community and togetherness.
New Year Holiday
During the New Year Holiday, Russians engage in various traditions and activities. One popular custom is the preparation of the “Olivier” salad, a dish that has become synonymous with New Year celebrations. Families often gather to watch beloved Soviet-era films that are traditionally broadcast during this period. Many people use this time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the new one.
It’s also common to exchange small gifts or trinkets with friends and colleagues. In larger cities, special New Year markets are set up, offering traditional foods, crafts, and entertainment. The holiday atmosphere persists throughout the week, with fireworks displays often continuing nightly.
New Year Holiday
The New Year Holiday period in Russia is also a time for cultural events and entertainment. Theaters often present special New Year performances, particularly for children, featuring Ded Moroz and Snegurochka. Ice sculpture exhibitions are joint in colder regions, showcasing intricate frozen artworks.
Many families take this opportunity to engage in outdoor winter activities such as sledding, building snowmen, or having friendly snowball fights. It’s also a time when many Russians travel, either to visit family in other parts of the country or to take winter vacations at ski resorts or warmer destinations. The extended holiday allows for longer trips and family reunions.
New Year Holiday
During the New Year Holiday, Russian cuisine takes center stage. Traditional dishes like “herring under a fur coat” (a layered salad), caviar on bread, and various meat dishes are prepared. Many families bake special New Year treats like pryaniki (spice cookies) or torte “Napoleon.” The holiday is also associated with increased consumption of mandarin oranges, a fruit that has become symbolic of the New Year season in Russia.
While some people choose to celebrate at home, others attend restaurants or clubs that offer special New Year programs. In recent years, some Russians have adopted the Western tradition of making New Year’s resolutions during this period.
New Year Holiday
The final days of the New Year Holiday in Russia often have a more relaxed atmosphere as people begin to wind down from the celebrations. Some use this time to take down holiday decorations, although many keep them up until after the Old New Year (January 14th, based on the Julian calendar). It’s also a period when people start to prepare for the return to work or school.
Despite this, the festive spirit often lingers, with some holiday events and activities continuing. For many, it’s a time to enjoy the last moments of the holiday season by taking a final stroll through the beautifully decorated city streets or enjoying one last festive meal with family.
Orthodox Christmas Day
Orthodox Christmas Day, celebrated on January 7th, is a significant religious holiday in Russia. It follows the Julian calendar used by the Russian Orthodox Church. Special church services, including the Christmas liturgy, mark the day. Many believers fast on Christmas Eve until the appearance of the first star, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.
They then enjoy an exceptional meal called “Holy Supper,” which traditionally consists of 12 meatless dishes. On Christmas Day, families gather for festive meals and exchange gifts. Some participate in caroling, going from house to house and singing traditional Christmas songs. It’s a day of spiritual reflection and family togetherness.
Orthodox Christmas Day Holiday
The Orthodox Christmas Day Holiday, typically observed on January 8th, extends the Christmas celebration in Russia. This additional day off allows people to continue their festivities and family gatherings. Many use this time to visit friends and relatives, exchanging Christmas greetings and small gifts. Some families attend church services or participate in charitable activities, reflecting the spirit of giving associated with the holiday.
In rural areas, traditional folk celebrations might take place, including games, sleigh rides, and performances of nativity plays. The holiday also provides an opportunity for rest after the long period of New Year and Christmas celebrations before returning to regular routines.
Defender of the Fatherland Day
Celebrated on February 23rd, defender of the Fatherland Day pays tribute to Russian Armed Forces personnel who have served or are now serving. Originally established to commemorate the creation of the Red Army in 1918, it has evolved into a celebration of all men viewed as potential defenders of the country. Parades, concerts, and fireworks in significant cities mark the day.
Women often give gifts to the men in their lives, including fathers, husbands, sons, and colleagues. Schools may organize special events or lessons about military history. While primarily a celebration of military service, it’s also seen as a general celebration of masculinity in Russian culture.
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day, observed on March 8th, is a significant holiday in Russia that celebrates women’s achievements and promotes gender equality. On this day, women receive special attention, flowers, and gifts from men, colleagues, and family members. Many workplaces organize celebrations for their female employees.
Schools often have special events where boys give presents to their female classmates and teachers. While its origins lie in the fight for women’s rights, in modern Russia, it has become more of a general celebration of women, similar to Mother’s Day in other countries. Public events and concerts are often organized to mark the occasion.
Labour Day
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, has its roots in the international workers’ movement. In Soviet times, it was known as the Day of International Workers’ Solidarity and was marked by large parades and demonstrations. Today, while still a public holiday, it’s often seen more as a day off to welcome the spring season.
Some trade unions and political parties may organize rallies or demonstrations, but for many Russians, it’s an opportunity to spend time with family, work in gardens, or have picnics. In some cities, concerts and public events are organized. It’s also often used as the start of a short vacation period.
Victory Day
Victory Day, commemorated on May 9th, is one of Russia’s most important holidays. It marks the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War. The day is characterized by military parades, with the largest held in Moscow’s Red Square. Veterans wear their medals and receive special honors.
People lay flowers at war memorials and participate in the “Immortal Regiment” march, carrying portraits of relatives who fought in the war. Concerts, fireworks, and notable TV programs are typical. The day serves as a reminder of the enormous sacrifice made by the Soviet people during the war and reinforces national pride.
Russia Day
Russia Day celebrated on June 12th, is a relatively new holiday marking Russia’s declaration of state sovereignty in 1990. It symbolizes the birth of the Russian Federation following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Official ceremonies, concerts, and fireworks in cities across the country mark the day. In Moscow, a grand concert is typically held on Red Square, and the President presents State Awards to distinguished citizens.
While initially met with some ambivalence, it has grown in significance as a celebration of Russian history, culture, and achievements. As it falls in early summer, many Russians use this day off for outdoor activities, picnics, or short trips.
Unity Day
Unity Day, observed on November 4th, was established in 2005 to replace the November 7th holiday commemorating the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. It honors the people’s militia under Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky’s drive of Polish invaders from Moscow in 1612. With this occasion, the Time of Troubles came to an end, and the Romanov dynasty started.
The day promotes national unity and patriotism. Celebrations often include parades, concerts, and historical reenactments. Political parties and social organizations may hold rallies or demonstrations. It’s also a day when many Russians engage in charitable activities or volunteer work.