Armenia has 12 official non-working public holidays in 2025. Many of them are accompanied by special events, ceremonies, and family gatherings. But, most importantly, these are days when all public institutions, banks and other offices are not operating. So, if you are planning a trip to Armenia, learn more about these holidays and their meaning to plan your journey accordingly.
New Year Holidays in Armenia
In Armenia, the New Year is more than just a holiday. It’s definitely the biggest celebration of the year. The excitement kicks off on December 31 and rolls into January 1 with fireworks, family feasts, guests, and joyful toasts. Traditionally, people gather at home with their loved ones, share gifts, and count down to midnight together. With every passing year, more people prefer celebrating at a restaurant, in the country, or traveling outside Armenia. In Yerevan, locals and tourists head to Republic Square to enjoy the festive atmosphere and fireworks.
Back in the day, New Year holidays lasted at least eight days, sometimes more if weekends were added. Everyone had time to visit friends, relatives, and even neighbors. It was a week-long marathon of food and celebration. But with new laws, only three days are official non-working holidays now, from January 1 to 2. January 3 is a working day.
Christmas on January 6
Christmas is a public holiday and is celebrated on January 6. Unlike the loud and festive New Year, Christmas is much quieter. It’s a more spiritual holiday that people spend at home or in church. People don’t usually exchange gifts on this day — that’s reserved for the New Year. Instead, families focus on tradition, cooking special meals, and spending quality time with loved ones.
On the evening of January 5, Armenians attend a beautiful liturgy called Chragaluys or “light of a lamp.” People bring home candles lit at church, symbolizing divine light and blessings. The next morning, the Christmas liturgy and the blessing of water ceremony take place, marking the baptism of Christ.
The Christmas table is modest but symbolic. You will find fish, sweet rice with dried fruits, greens, and pasuts tolma (vegetarian stuffed cabbage) on the table, accompanied by red wine and sweets.
Army Day
Army Day in Armenia is on January 28 to honor the country’s armed forces. The holiday was officially established in 2001 and became a non-working public holiday in 2002. The date marks the anniversary of a key decision made in 1992 to form Armenia’s national army.
On this day, Armenia’s top officials and military leadership congratulate soldiers and reward outstanding service members with medals and symbolic gifts.
March 8
March 8 is International Women’s Day, which is an important date on Armenia’s public holidays list and one of the most beloved holidays in Armenia. It’s a day when women receive flowers and gifts. It’s a public holiday and the streets in Yerevan are usually filled with people carrying bouquets, and couples often go out for a romantic dinner.
While the day is a public holiday and widely celebrated, it also marks the start of what many call “Women’s Month” in Armenia. Though unofficial, this period lasts until April 7, which is a Beauty and Motherhood Day.
April 24 Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day is observed every year on April 24 to honor the memory of the 1.5 million Armenians who perished during the massacre carried out by the Ottoman Empire beginning in 1915. The date marks the arrest and deportation of hundreds of Armenian intellectuals in Constantinople.
In Armenia, thousands of people participate in a solemn march to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial in Yerevan, laying flowers at the eternal flame to pay tribute to the victims. The Armenian communities worldwide also commemorate the day with marches and other events.
May 1 – Labor Day
May opens with a day off that is celebrated as Labor Day in Armenia. There are three public holidays in Armenia. The first one is a part of a global tradition known as International Workers’ Day. Its roots trace back to the 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where workers protested for an 8-hour workday. The movement quickly spread worldwide.
In Soviet Armenia, May 1 was a major holiday. People attended parades, performances, and public gatherings. Armenia officially continues this tradition, marking the day since 2005 as a non-working holiday.
Victory and Peace Day
May 9 is a Victory and Peace Day, marking the end of World War II in Europe. Armenians honor the memory of the 600,000 compatriots who fought in the war, nearly half of whom never returned.
The day is filled with patriotic pride, beginning with military parades and ceremonies across the country. Veterans march to the Mother Armenia monument and Victory Park, where they lay flowers at the eternal flame.
First Republic Day
The last public holiday of May is the First Republic Day, marking the establishment of the first republic in 1918. Though the republic lasted only two years, it was Armenia’s first modern independent state after centuries of foreign rule.
This day symbolizes national pride, resilience, and the enduring spirit of independence.
Constitution Day
The only public holiday in Armenia in summer is the Constitution Day. It marks the adoption of the country’s constitution in 1995. This foundational document established Armenia as a democratic, sovereign, and constitutional state.
The day also honors Armenia’s state symbols—the flag, coat of arms, and national anthem. The red, blue, and orange stripes of the flag carry deep meaning: red symbolizes the Armenian Highlands and the struggle for survival, blue stands for peace, and orange represents the nation’s creativity and hard work.
Armenia’s Independence Day
During the 1991 referendum, over 95% of citizens voted to break away from the Soviet Union and establish an independent Armenian state. Thus, September 21 became Armenia’s Independence Day. Levon Ter-Petrosyan became the country’s first president.
Today, the occasion is celebrated with festivals, concerts, and military parades. The President awards medals to veterans and citizens who have made exceptional contributions to the country.
