Public holiday in Kazakhstan
Orthodox Christmas Day in Kazakhstan
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Orthodox Christmas Day is a nationwide public holiday in Kazakhstan observed on 7 January. It marks Christmas according to the Julian calendar used by many Orthodox Christians.
About Orthodox Christmas Day in Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, Orthodox Christmas Day is a nationwide public holiday and a day off for many people. It falls after New Year celebrations and serves as the main Christmas observance for Orthodox Christians in the country, especially in communities that follow the Julian-calendar date. The holiday is part of Kazakhstan’s calendar of state-recognized days and is observed across the country rather than in a single region.
Traditions
The holiday is observed by Orthodox Christians with church services and family gatherings. Many people who celebrate it mark the day with a festive meal at home after attending liturgy or prayer services.
How Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated in Kazakhstan
As a public holiday, the day is generally quieter than an ordinary workday, with reduced official activity and many businesses choosing limited hours or remaining closed. Orthodox churches hold Christmas services, and families who observe the holiday often spend the day visiting relatives or sharing a meal.
Interesting facts
Kazakhstan also recognizes the Christmas period in the calendar year-end season, so Orthodox Christmas comes after the New Year holiday period rather than before it. The holiday date is fixed on 7 January in the Gregorian calendar used in Kazakhstan.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 Jan 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.