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School breaks are the perfect time to have fun and quality time with your children. For parents, knowing these dates is crucial for planning holidays, family visits, and exciting activities. It’s also important to arrange any childcare in advance if you’ll be working on these days.
Here’s what you need to know:
An overview of school holidays in Russia
The Ministry of Education and Science sets Russia’s official school calendar each year, which includes holidays and term dates. However, regional education authorities and schools also have the freedom to adjust the dates based on local needs and specific circumstances. It is essential to check holiday dates with your school, as they can vary.

Schools with a semester system typically have four main holidays throughout the year, including during Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Those with a trimester system have the same number of holidays, but they might vary in length.
International schools in Russia may follow slightly different schedules but generally align with the national calendar.
When are Russia’s school holidays in 2024–2025?
2024–2025 holidays for schools with semesters
All dates are subject to change.
Holiday | Dates |
First day of school | 2 September 2024 |
Autumn break | 28 October– 4 November 2024 |
Winter break | 30 December 2024 – 12 January 2025 |
Spring break | 24–31 March 2025 |
Summer break | 26 May – 31 August 2025 |
First graders also have an extra break from 17 to 23 February 2025.
2024–2025 holidays for schools with trimesters
All dates are subject to change.
Holiday | Dates |
First day of school | 2 September 2024 |
First trimester holidays | 5–13 October 2024 |
Term 1 break | 16–24 November 2024 |
Second trimester holidays | 30 December 2024 – 8 January 2025 |
Term 2 break | 17–23 February 2025 |
Third trimester holidays | 7–13 April 2025 |
Summer break | 30 May – 31 August 2025 |
Other important dates in 2024–2025
The additional holiday dates for the 2024–2025 school year are:
Holiday | Dates | Weekdays |
Unity Day | 3–4 November | Sun–Mon |
New Year’s Day substitute | 2 May | Fri |
Defender of the Fatherland Day substitute | 8 May | Thu |
Victory Day | 9 May | Fri |
Russia Day | 12 June | Thu |
International Women’s Day substitute | 13 June | Fri |
Some schools will also close for certain things, like staff training or pupil book days. Be sure to check with your school for a comprehensive list; many schools will publish this information online.
When are Russia’s school holidays in 2025–2026?
2025–2026 holidays for schools with semesters
All dates are subject to change.
Holiday | Dates |
First day of school | 1 September 2025 |
Autumn break | 27 October– 3 November 2025 |
Winter break | 29 December 2025 – 11 January 2026 |
Spring break | 23–30 March 2026 |
Summer break | 25 May – 30 August 2026 |
First graders also have an extra break from 16 to 22 February 2026.
2025–2026 holidays for schools with trimesters
All dates are subject to change.
Holiday | Dates |
First day of school | 1 September 2025 |
First trimester holidays | 6–12 October 2025 |
Term 1 break | 17–23 November 2025 |
Second trimester holidays | 29 December 2025 – 8 January 2026 |
Term 2 break | 16–23 February 2026 |
Third trimester holidays | 6–12 April 2026 |
Summer break | 31 May – 30 August 2026 |
Other important dates in 2025–2026
The additional holiday dates for the 2025–2026 school year are:
Holiday | Dates | Weekdays |
Unity Day | 3–4 November | Mon–Tue |
Defender of the Fatherland Day | 23 February | Mon |
Victory Day substitute | 11 May | Mon |
Russia Day | 12 June | Fri |
When are Russia’s public holidays?
Some important public holidays and celebrations usually fall on school holidays, such as Labor Day and Russia Day. You can learn more about these holidays (and dates) by reading our article on public holidays in Russia.
Tips for expat parents in Russia
Childcare during Russian school holidays
Your children’s school holidays may clash with your work schedule. Fortunately, you can access a range of childcare options in Russia, including:
- Daycare centers
- Au pairs/nannies
- Childminders
- Babysitters
Check with your regional authority (область or oblast) for more information.
Fun vacation camps in Russia
There are a number of vacation camps and recreational programs in Russia, including language schools, sports camps, and adventure camps that are popular with expat children. You can find information about child-friendly holiday activities on Russian sites such as My Camp, Best Camp, or EuroClub.