Countries have their holidays to celebrate. These days are special because they use them to honor a particular person who contributes to the country. There are also shared holidays which are celebrated in most countries like New Year and Christmas Day. It is essential to be aware of these holidays, especially when traveling to another country. This is because you can make better plans when you know the best time to visit a place. If you are visiting Russia, it is advised to familiarize yourself with the Russian holidays since banks and other establishments might not be available during those times.

Russian Holidays 2021

Are you planning to visit Russia soon? Before you buy your ticket and book hotel accommodation, here are the popular Russian holidays that you need to know:

Date	Holiday
January 1	New Year’s Day
January 4	New Year’s Holiday (Bridge Day)
January 5	New Year’s Holiday (Bridge Day)
January 6	New Year’s Holiday (Bridge Day)
January 7	Orthodox Christmas
February 22	Public holiday (Bridge Day)
February 23	Defense of the Fatherland Day
March 8	International Women’s Day
May 1	Day of Spring and Labor
May 2	Orthodox Easter Day
May 3	Day of Spring and Labor
May 9	Victory Day
May 10	Victory Day (in lieu)
June 12	Russia Day
June 14	Russia Day (in lieu)
November 4	Day of Unity
November 5	Public Holiday (Bridge Day)
November 28	Mother's Day
December 31	New Year’s Eve

Time Zones in Russia

Besides learning the Russian holidays, it is also recommended to know the time zones it follows. Russia observes 11 time zones, and these are as follow:

Offset	Time Zone Abbreviation and Name
UTC +2	EET Eastern European Time
UTC +3	MSK Moscow Standard Time
UTC +4	SAMT Samara Time
UTC +5	YEKT Yekaterinburg Time
UTC +6	OMST Omsk Standard Time
UTC +7	KRAT Krasnoyarsk Time
UTC +7	NOVT Novosibirsk Time
UTC +8	IRKT Irkutsk Time
UTC +9	YAKT Yakutsk Time
UTC +10	VLAT Vladivostok Time
UTC +10	MAGT Magadan Time
UTC +11	SAKT Sakhalin Time
UTC +11	SRET Srednekolymsk Time
UTC +12	ANAT Anadyr Time
UTC +12	PETT Kamchatka Time

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Russia

There are so many countries that you can visit, and if Russia is not on your list, we'll give you enough reasons to travel to the country. Take a look below and see why you should explore Russia and start planning your vacation now:

 

• Be amazed at Russia's architectural designs

Russia is famous for its unique architecture. Whether you are an art student or not, you will surely love taking photographs of the country's artistic side. Russia's cities provide many exciting spots where you can find impressive architecture and unique design. You can visit Moscow, the oldest city in Russia, and the city's metro stations, where you can discover grandeur buildings and structures.

 

• Follow your wanderlust 

You may want to visit Russia for the breathtaking sceneries it offers. It also provides exciting adventures which could be listed on your bucket list. Russian holidays could be the best time to explore the country's mountains and lakes for hiking, skiing, and other watersports. One day is not enough to explore Russia because there are always more things to look forward to.

 

• Learn more about the country's tradition

If you want to have an educational trip, visiting Russia could be your best decision. You could learn things like the Byzantine Empire's intricacies, the development of the Soviet Union, and the cultures of more than 100 identified minority ethnic groups in the country. Most of them are indigenous people with their dress code and religious traditions. 

 

• View the Northern Lights

If you are dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights, traveling to Russia could give you this opportunity. The Kola Peninsula is one of the many places where you can enjoy the stunning Aurora Borealis.

 

• Watch classical and traditional Russian ballet

Ballet is a form of entertainment in Russia. It has been the country's pride because Russia is where you can find the world's most skilled ballet dancers who have their unique style. Before, ballet was reserved for royalty, but now, you can watch it since many shows showcase Russian ballet.

Traveling is so much fun because you can see breathtaking landscapes and discover more of the place's arts and culture. Visiting Russia provides opportunities like seeing the northern lights and witnessing Russian ballet. There are more reasons to go to the country, and if you are visiting Russia soon, make sure to choose the best time. You may consider Russian holidays or find the most convenient time for you and your loved ones.