Holidays & Celebrations

Mark your calendars with Russia’s public holidays, attend the local celebrations and festivals, and take part in the country’s holiday traditions.

A large crowd of people walk through a Christmas market in Moscow, a banner saying 'Merry Christmas' in Russian hangs overhead

Russian public holidays in 2025

Need a break? Here are the Russian public holidays in 2024, 2025, and 2025, as well as other important dates to note in your calendar.

Maslenitsa festival in Nikola Lenivets village, Kaluga Oblast. A woman in a pagan mask poses with a lollipop-shaped sign with a sun on it. Behind her is a giant wooden structure and lots of people.

The best Russian festivals and celebrations

The best of Russia’s festivals celebrate the rich Russian culture, religion and history, alongside a vibrant mix of music, film, theatre, food and snow festivals.

A Russian Christmas market with St. Basil's Cathedral in the background

10 Russian Christmas facts and traditions

Drawing influence from Christian Orthodox traditions, there are many unique and interesting things to discover about Christmas in Russia.

School holidays in Russia in 2024–2025

Want to take your kids on a vacation? Here are the school holidays for 2024–2025 and 2025–2026, plus tips for expat parents in Russia.

The Russian New Year

Due to the gap between Gregorian and Julian calendars, Russia goes about the holidays slightly later and slightly different. Dairmid Gunn explains.