Kazakhstan is gearing up for an extended holiday season as the official schedule for the New Year celebrations in 2025 has been announced, bringing joy to citizens eager for some much-needed time off. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Kazakhstan has confirmed significant changes to the working schedule for January, allowing for longer periods of relaxation over the New Year.
According to reports, the New Year holidays will officially start with four consecutive days off from January 1 to January 4, followed by the Orthodox Christmas holiday on January 7. This sets the stage for citizens to enjoy their festivities well, particularly since the New Year's Day lands mid-week this time around. Almaty.tv states, "The holiday schedule was confirmed under order number 436 from November 21, 2024," indicating preparation to be smooth and systematic.
The working calendar for January reveals only one working day during the first week—January 5—in which Kazakhstanis will only have to return to their jobs after resting from the previous holiday stretch. They will work on January 5 and 6, and then once again take off on January 7 for the national holiday, making it significantly easier for employees to transition back to their regular schedules without overwhelming demands immediately following the celebration.
For many, this extended time off allows them to celebrate with family, enjoy social gatherings, and participate fully in traditional festivities. "Kazakhstanis will enjoy prolonged holidays during the New Year period: only one working day from five during the first week of January," reported by kazlenta.kz, reflecting the anticipation across the nation.
Aside from the numerous personal and familial benefits this new schedule creates, it’s equally important to note the totality of days off. The schedule showcases 11 holidays throughout January, which not only incorporates New Year’s Day but also acknowledges various professional observances like the Day of the National Guard of the Republic of Kazakhstan, celebrated on January 10. This awareness of professional holidays enriches the cultural fabric of January and invites citizens to celebrate several noteworthy days.
It's also interesting to see how these breaks align with various international observances like the World Braille Day observed on January 4 and International Education Day on January 24. This alignment provides countless opportunities for citizens to engage with these observances meaningfully, whether through participating in events or simply taking the time to reflect on their significance.
Reflecting on the upcoming holiday, experts suggest utilizing this time wisely. Citizens are encouraged to plan not only for leisure and entertainment but also for preparation for the upcoming working year. The New Year’s holidays provide perfect motivation for relaxation and revitalization away from the daily grind. "This schedule provides excellent conditions for the citizens not only to rest during the New Year holidays but also to prepare for the new working year," noted one commentary from labor experts.
Overall, Kazakhstan's 2025 New Year holiday schedule confirms the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection's commitment to enhancing the work-life balance for its citizens. The extra days off create opportunities for personal enjoyment, community engagement, and thoughtful observation of professional and international occasions, enriching the beginning of the new year.
