If you are planning a trip to Russia in 2027, it is worth checking the public holiday calendar in advance. Several holidays fall close to weekends, giving residents a few consecutive days off. This can affect hotel prices, transportation schedules, and crowds at popular tourist attractions.
Russia’s holiday calendar may be different from what visitors from Europe and North America are used to. New Year’s Day is the country’s main winter celebration, while Orthodox Christmas is observed separately on January 7. Other major dates include Victory Day in May and Russia Day in June. Visitors may also want to learn about Maslenitsa and Orthodox Easter, both of which are associated with distinctive Russian traditions.
New Year Holidays: December 31, 2026–January 10, 2027
New Year’s Eve, celebrated on December 31, is the biggest secular celebration in Russia. Families gather for a festive dinner, exchange gifts, and watch the president’s televised New Year’s address. Just before midnight, the Kremlin clock chimes, marking the arrival of the new year. Major cities decorate streets and squares with lights, Christmas trees, seasonal markets, and ice-skating rinks.
Unlike in many Western countries, where Christmas is the main winter holiday for family gatherings and gift-giving, New Year takes center stage in Russia.
The New Year holiday period will last 11 days, from December 31, 2026, through January 10, 2027. Cities host seasonal events, markets, and outdoor activities during this time. However, museums and other attractions may operate on special holiday schedules, so it is worth checking opening hours in advance.
Orthodox Christmas: January 7
Russian Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7, rather than December 25. The difference stems from the Julian calendar used by the Russian Orthodox Church to determine the date of the holiday.
Churches hold solemn services on Christmas Eve and during the night leading into January 7. In Moscow, one of the best-known services takes place at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. In St. Petersburg, Christmas services are held at major churches and cathedrals, including Kazan Cathedral.
Christmas is an important religious occasion, but New Year remains the main winter celebration for most Russians. January 7 falls within the extended New Year holiday period, so it does not create an additional day off.
Defender of the Fatherland Day: February 23
Defender of the Fatherland Day is observed on February 23. Originally associated with the armed forces and military service, the holiday has taken on a broader meaning over time. Today, many Russians also treat it as a day to celebrate men in general, including those who have never served in the military.
The day is marked by memorial ceremonies and wreath-laying at military monuments. Families and coworkers also exchange greetings and gifts.
In 2027, the public holiday break will run from Sunday, February 21, through Tuesday, February 23. Saturday, February 20, will be a working day because the day off has been moved to Monday, February 22.
International Women’s Day: March 8
International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8. The holiday has its roots in the movement for women’s rights, but in modern Russia it is also a day for flowers, gifts, and expressions of appreciation. Men commonly give flowers to mothers, wives, relatives, and female coworkers.
In 2027, the holiday weekend will run from Saturday, March 6, through Monday, March 8.
Maslenitsa: March 8–14
Maslenitsa is a traditional Russian celebration that takes place during the week before the start of Lent in the Orthodox Christian calendar. People make pancakes, visit friends and relatives, and take part in folk festivities. Pancakes are the holiday’s signature food and are often associated with the sun.
Many Russian cities host seasonal markets, concerts, games, and events to mark the end of winter. The final day is known as Forgiveness Sunday, when people traditionally ask one another for forgiveness.
In 2027, Maslenitsa week will run from March 8 through March 14. It is not a public holiday, so it does not provide additional days off. However, visitors may find special events and opportunities to experience Russian folk traditions.
Spring and Labor Day: May 1
Spring and Labor Day is celebrated on May 1. During the Soviet era, it was primarily associated with the labor movement and large public demonstrations. Today, many Russians see it as a spring holiday linked to relaxation, outdoor activities, and trips out of town.
In 2027, the holiday break will run from Saturday, May 1, through Monday, May 3.
Orthodox Easter: May 2
Orthodox Easter is the most important celebration in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Its date changes every year and often differs from the date of Western Christian Easter.
In Russia, people dye eggs and prepare kulich, a traditional sweet Easter bread. Orthodox Christians attend special church services, often held overnight. A traditional Easter greeting is “Christ is risen!” — “Khristos voskrese!” in Russian.
In 2027, Orthodox Easter falls on Sunday, May 2. It coincides with the May Day holiday weekend, but does not create an additional public day off.
Victory Day: May 9
Victory Day is observed on May 9. It is one of Russia’s most important public holidays, commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, which is commonly called the Great Patriotic War in Russia.
Cities hold memorial ceremonies, wreath-laying events, concerts, and other commemorations. Moscow traditionally hosts a military parade on Red Square, while St. Petersburg organizes its own program of memorial events.
In 2027, the holiday break will run from Saturday, May 8, through Monday, May 10. Details of the events and any traffic restrictions should be checked closer to the date.
Russia Day: June 12
Russia Day is celebrated on June 12. The holiday marks the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic in 1990. It has since become one of the main public holidays of modern Russia.
Cities host concerts, festivals, and other public events. For visitors, it can be an opportunity to combine sightseeing with local celebrations.
In 2027, the holiday break will run from Saturday, June 12, through Monday, June 14.
Unity Day: November 4
Unity Day is observed on November 4. It commemorates events in 1612, when a popular militia led by Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky helped drive Polish-Lithuanian forces out of Moscow during the Time of Troubles, a period of political crisis in Russian history.
For visitors unfamiliar with Russia’s Soviet past, there is another important detail: Unity Day replaced the traditional November 7 holiday, known in the Soviet Union as the Day of the Great October Socialist Revolution. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, November 7 was renamed the Day of Accord and Reconciliation, but it remained a familiar date for a fall break. In 2005, a new public holiday was introduced on November 4, close to the old November holiday period but commemorating a different historical event. November 7 ceased to be a public holiday.
Today, Unity Day is marked by concerts, historical events, and public celebrations.
In 2027, Russians will have four consecutive days off, from Thursday, November 4, through Sunday, November 7. Friday, November 5, will be a day off thanks to a transfer of the January 2 holiday.
New Year’s Eve: December 31, 2027
The final day of 2027, Friday, December 31, will also be a day off. Russians traditionally spend New Year’s Eve preparing a festive dinner, watching the president’s televised address, and waiting for midnight.
For visitors, it can be one of the most atmospheric nights of the year. However, restaurant reservations, special events, and transportation plans should be arranged in advance, as public transit schedules and business hours may differ from their usual arrangements.
What Visitors Should Know When Planning a Trip
- Book accommodations early. Demand can be higher than usual during the New Year holidays and the May holiday period, especially in popular tourist destinations.
- Check attraction opening hours. A public holiday does not necessarily mean that museums and palaces are closed. Some operate on holiday schedules, while others may adjust hours or offer additional admission sessions.
- Plan around major public events. Victory Day and other large celebrations may bring street closures, transportation changes, and heavier crowds in city centers.
- Distinguish public holidays from religious celebrations. Maslenitsa and Easter are culturally important, but neither creates additional official days off under Russia’s public holiday calendar.
Before visiting St. Petersburg or another Russian city, check the official websites of museums, palaces, transportation providers, and event organizers for the latest schedules and holiday announcements.
