Winter school holidays are eagerly anticipated by students and families across Russia, but the details of these breaks differ significantly by region. This year's holiday schedule reveals both organized activities for children's engagement and some community dissatisfaction with the lengths of the holidays.
Beginning with the Bryansk region, students can enjoy their break from December 25 to January 12. Individual schools and gymnasiums may have some variations, but the regional administration aims for over five thousand events during this period, reaching about 140,000 children, according to the Department of Education and Science. Planned activities include talent festivals, festive quizzes, educational programs, and continued sessions of sports and creative clubs. Notably, around 6,500 schoolchildren will participate in the New Year theatrical performance titled "Fairy Tale 'By the Pike's Wish,'" organized by the Bryansk Children's Center named after Y.A. Gagarin. Another highlight is the Governor's Christmas tree event scheduled for December 27, which will feature orphans, children without parental care, and gifted youngsters among its audience.
Elsewhere, Moscow's residents are encouraged to celebrate the New Year and winter holidays healthily, avoiding alcohol and enjoying outdoor activities with family. Renowned epidemiologist and academician of the Russian Academy of Education, Gennady Onishchenko, advises against excessive indulgence. "Let’s not get carried away with the New Year holidays, so we don’t get overwhelmed afterward. We should engage more with nature and family,” he stressed during a press conference. Major winter events are planned throughout the city as part of the “Winter in Moscow” initiative, available until February 28. It aims to rekindle traditions, with activities such as skating, sledding, and various ice shows, along with charitable giving for those in need.
Contrasting experiences have emerged from the Baikal region, where local residents expressed frustration over their schoolchildren's holiday schedule ending on January 9, significantly earlier than the majority who will end theirs on January 13. A community discussion on social media highlighted parents’ concerns about unequal treatment. The district's education management reasoned the variations stem from each school's autonomy to set their academic calendars at the year's start, adhering strictly to the federal education guidelines of 34-week terms.
Meanwhile, Orenburg's schools are embracing the winter break from December 30 to January 8, offering over 300 enriching activities across various venues, including cultural institutions and schools. Parents can find numerous online platforms and community centers where their children can partake. The programming includes theatrical shows, games, quests, and workshops, ensuring every interest and age group is catered to. Most programs begin on December 28, extending the festive spirit.
Travel trends also reveal notable preferences among residents of Penza, where many dream of getting away during the holidays, favoring destinations like St. Petersburg, Moscow, Sochi, and Karelia. Interestingly, only 35% prefer to spend the holiday season at home, indicating more adventurous inclinations, especially among women who favor visiting notable cities.
Safety remains another priority during the festive season, especially concerning children's protection from accidents. Michurinsk launched the initiative “Winter Holidays!” which runs until January 10, 2025, to minimize road-related accidents involving children. Actions include inspections of sledding hills near roadways and ensuring safe transportation practices by drivers. The message to parents is clear: talk to kids about road safety and set good examples.
Lastly, cultural festivities are underway, evident at the second annual arts festival “Winter Holidays on the Baltics,” which began with the theatrical production “Christmas Stories.” Directed by Yulia Dehnich, this enchanting performance captivates audiences within the Cathedral with its tale of inspiration recovery for storytellers, taking place until December 29. Event programs can be checked via their official website.
These varied holiday experiences across regions reflect Russia's rich cultural diversity and commitment to engaging families during this festive season. Yet, varying schedules highlight inherent disparities, prompting discussions on educational equity and regional policies.
