Russia will see its most non-working January in five years, according to state news agency TASS. In 2026, January will be split almost evenly between working days and holidays, with 15 working days and 16 public and weekend days. The first official working day after the New Year period will be 12 January.
January 2026 workdays in Russia and what the calendar shows
The government-approved calendar for 2026 confirms the extended break. TASS noted that a similar pattern last occurred in 2021. The extended New Year holidays for 2025-2026 were previously reported to be the longest in 12 years, a decision that contributes to the unusually high number of non-working days in January.
Under the calendar for a standard five-day working week, Russians can expect 118 public holidays and non-working days across the year and 247 working days. In addition, the calendar lists four working days that will be shortened by one hour, in line with long-standing labour practices around certain holidays.
For households and workers, the schedule provides an extended period for travel, family visits and rest. The delayed start to the formal working year may also affect private companies, public services and industries that rely on early January operations. Employers and human resources teams will need to plan payroll, shift rotas and project deadlines around the compressed working period.
Businesses in sectors such as retail, hospitality and transport often see increased demand over the New Year period. Tourism operators and domestic travel providers may welcome the longer holiday window, while manufacturers and exporters may face a briefer production window at the start of the year.
Economists say concentrated holiday periods can have mixed effects. Consumer spending typically rises in the lead-up to and during extended holidays, supporting services and retail. However, interrupted production schedules and fewer working days in a month can create temporary bottlenecks for manufacturing and logistics. For many firms, the calendar will require balancing staff leave, order fulfilment and customer expectations.
Public services and education institutions will follow the calendar set by federal and regional authorities, with school terms and administrative schedules adjusted accordingly. The announcement gives households and businesses clarity well ahead of the new year, allowing for travel bookings and work planning.
While the report focuses on the distribution of working and non-working days, it is part of a wider pattern of national planning. The government calendar sets the framework for the year ahead and remains the reference for employers and employees across Russia.
With the first working day falling on 12 January, many Russians will return to their jobs after an extended festive period. The calendar for 2026 aims to balance national traditions with workplace requirements, and its early publication allows organisations to prepare for the year’s rhythm of work and rest.
Key Takeaways:
- TASS reports January 2026 will be the most non-working January in five years, with 15 working days and 16 holidays.
- January 2026 workdays in Russia are reduced as the first working day will fall on 12 January following extended New Year holidays.
- The government calendar sets 118 days off and 247 working days for 2026, including four shortened workdays.
