In Russian Christmas tradition, Christmas is commonly celebrated on 7 January.
The date reflects the Russian Orthodox Church’s continued use of the Julian calendar for fixed religious feasts. In the Gregorian calendar used by most countries, 7 January corresponds to 25 December in the Julian calendar during the 20th and 21st centuries.
Russian Christmas celebrations follow a 40-day Advent-like fast, known as the Nativity Fast, which traditionally ends with Christmas Eve. Religious observances include a special Christmas Eve service and the Divine Liturgy. Christmas Day is followed by the Svyatki festive period, which lasts until Epiphany.
A common mix-up is to assume that all Russians celebrate Christmas on 25 December. Russia’s secular New Year celebrations are generally more prominent, while Orthodox Christmas remains an important religious holiday on 7 January.