New Year's holidays 2026: how much rest and when to go to work

The Government of the Russian Federation has approved the production calendar for the New Year period 2025-2026, providing Russians with a 12-day extended vacation. According to official data, the New Year holidays will last from December 31, 2025 to January 11, 2026 inclusive. Such a long vacation corresponds to established practice and allows citizens to fully celebrate the main winter holidays. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

New Year's holidays 2026: exact dates and duration of rest

The New Year holidays of 2025-2026 cover the period from December 31, 2025 to January 11, 2026. This time period includes both official holidays and traditional weekends. December 31, being a public holiday, usually ends earlier than standard working hours, which allows for a smooth transition to public holidays.

The main block of public holidays includes the period from January 1 to January 8, to which the days off January 9-11 are added. This approach forms a single continuous rest period, allowing citizens not only to celebrate New Year's Eve and Christmas, but also to regain strength after a hard year. Such a vacation duration has already become traditional for Russia and meets the expectations of the population.

Official holidays in January 2026: production calendar

According to the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, the official non—working holidays in January are: January 1-6 — New Year's holidays, January 7 — Christmas, January 8 - an additional day off. A special feature of the production calendar for 2025-2026 is the rational allocation of working days and days off.

The weekends of January 9th, 10th, and 11th are traditional January days off, which, combined with public holidays, create an extended rest period. This schedule allows you to optimize your workflow and ensure a comfortable transition from rest to work.

Postponement of weekends in 2026: recent changes

In accordance with the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation, in 2026, postponements of days off are planned to streamline the production calendar. Saturday, January 3, will be moved to Friday, March 6, and Sunday, January 4, will be moved to Monday, May 4. These postponements allow you to create additional long weekends in the spring. This approach to weekend planning has proven effective in previous years.

Citizens have the opportunity to allocate rest periods more efficiently throughout the year, and enterprises can optimize production processes. Transfers also help to reduce the load on the transport infrastructure during peak periods.

Going to work after the New Year holidays in 2026: schedule and adaptation

The first working day after the New Year holidays will be Monday, January 12, 2026. According to the production calendar, the next working week will be six days, from Monday to Saturday inclusive. This schedule makes it possible to compensate for the long holiday period and ensures that working hours are balanced.

Experts recommend gradually returning to a working rhythm after a long vacation. The first week of January 2026 will include six working days, followed by a standard five-day working week. This approach contributes to the smooth adaptation of employees to the work process after a long rest.

How to extend the New Year holidays 2026: effective vacation planning

Proper use of annual paid leave can significantly increase the duration of the New Year's holiday. The most effective strategy is considered to be joining vacation days to official holidays. For example, if you take a three-day vacation from December 29 to December 31, 2025, you can get a continuous rest period of 15 days. An alternative option is to extend the rest after the official holidays.

By taking a vacation from January 12 to January 16, 2026, employees can ensure a smooth transition to a work rhythm. Each of the options has its advantages and can be used depending on personal preferences and production needs.

The work of organizations during the New Year holidays of 2026: what you need to know

A long New Year's break requires advance planning of the work of enterprises and organizations. In the period from December 31 to January 11, most government agencies switch to a special mode of operation. Many departments provide services in a limited mode or completely suspend their activities during the holidays.

Commercial organizations also adapt their work schedule to the holidays. Banks, shopping malls, and delivery services usually publish a special schedule for the holidays. Business leaders are advised to coordinate work schedules with employees in advance and inform customers about the working hours on public holidays.

Transportation during the New Year holidays 2026: schedule and reservations

The New Year holidays are traditionally characterized by an increased load on the transport infrastructure. Airlines and rail carriers usually strengthen schedules for popular destinations. This trend is expected to continue in 2026, given the extended rest period.

Authorities and transport companies are preparing in advance to increase passenger traffic. Special traffic schedules are being developed, security measures are being strengthened and the level of service is increasing. Passengers are advised to plan their trips in advance and purchase tickets.

Preparing for the New Year holidays in 2026: useful tips

Experts recommend starting preparations for the New Year holidays in advance. It is important to plan not only your vacation, but also your work processes, taking into account a long break. Enterprises should complete all urgent projects and financial transactions by December 30, 2025.

Individuals should also take care of administrative issues and purchase necessary goods in advance. Planning ahead allows you to avoid stressful situations and fully enjoy the holidays.

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