New Year Holiday Week in Russia

Russians have an extended New Year, starting in either the end of December or January 1. The number of days vary from year to year, depending on government announcements.

Is New Year Holiday Week a Public Holiday?

New Year Holiday Week is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

Changes in New Year Break

In October 2012, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree that has added additional holidays to the Russian calendar.

Russians had a 10 day New Year break, starting December 30 that year and ending the day after the Russian Orthodox Christmas Day on January 8 the following year.

Other Holidays Affected

Additionally, in order to compensate for holidays that fall during the weekend of the New Year break, the decree extended the Spring and Labor Holiday by two days. The Spring and Labor Holidays start on May 1 and end on May 5.

Victory Day celebrations and holidays have also been extended by at least one additional day.