Holiday Schedule 2026: A Look at How Festive Breaks May Impact Earnings and Ideal Time for Relaxation
In the upcoming year, 2026, workers in Russia may find that some months offer more benefits for taking vacation days than others, based on the Ministry of Labor's proposed calendar of holidays and non-working days.
The most profitable months for vacation are typically those with multiple public holidays combined with weekends, allowing for extended rest without losing many vacation days. In 2026, January and May are expected to be the most profitable months, as they offer prolonged holiday periods for fewer vacation days used.
On the other hand, February and some months like July or November are considered the least profitable for vacation, with fewer public holidays impacting workdays. In these months, vacation days often equate closely to actual lost wages and fewer extra rest days.
The New Year holidays in 2026 will span from December 31, 2025, to January 11, 2026, totaling 12 days. The proposed shift of non-working days includes moving January 3 (Saturday) to January 9 (Friday) and January 4 (Sunday) to December 31 (Thursday).
Employees with a fixed salary are not affected by the shift of non-working days in terms of income. However, for those with piecework or hourly wages, additional compensation for non-working holidays is provided by the Labor Code if they are required to work.
The extension of non-working days in 2026 may include using vacation time in January (from the 12th) or between May holidays (May 4-8). The Labor Code offers guarantees in the form of additional compensation for non-working holidays.
Workers planning their vacations should keep these trends in mind to make the most of their time off while maximizing their income or rest periods. For more detailed day counts or wage difference calculations, it is recommended to refer to the Ministry of Labor's official 2026 calendar and wage compensation rules.
Personal-finance considerations should guide workers' vacation planning in 2026. January and May, with their extended holiday periods and fewer vacation days used, are the most profitable months for taking time off, allowing for more rest and potentially higher earnings due to the Labor Code's additional compensation guarantees. Conversely, months like February, July, and November, with fewer public holidays, may offer minimal extra rest days and increased loss of wages, making them the least profitable for vacation.
