Armenia has 14 official public holidays, and they cluster in ways that catch travelers off-guard. The first two weeks of January effectively shut down much of the country - banks, government offices, many shops, and several museums operate at reduced hours or close entirely. If you plan a trip around any of the dates below, this guide tells you exactly what to expect.
Full List of Armenia Public Holidays
January 1 - New Year’s Day
The biggest celebration of the Armenian calendar, and the start of a holiday cluster that runs through January 6. Yerevan’s Republic Square fills with crowds on New Year’s Eve, and the city remains festive for the entire first week.
What closes: Banks, government offices, many shops. Most restaurants and cafes in central Yerevan stay open - the hospitality sector counts on New Year as peak season. National museums are typically closed.
January 2 - Second Day of the New Year
Armenia treats the second day of the New Year as a separate public holiday. Most closures from January 1 continue.
January 5 - Armenian Apostolic Christmas Eve
The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates Christmas on January 6, not December 25. January 5 is the eve, which carries its own significance - church services draw large congregations in the evening.
Traveler note: If you visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral or any major church on January 5, expect crowds and limited access to parts of the complex during evening liturgy.
January 6 - Christmas Day (Nativity and Theophany)
The most important religious holiday of the year for Armenian Christians. The Armenian Apostolic Church observes both the Nativity (birth of Christ) and Theophany (baptism) on this date - a tradition that dates back to the early church before the December 25 date became widespread in Western Christianity.
What closes: The same closures as January 1. Many businesses that reopened on January 3 or 4 close again on January 6. The overall picture is that January 1-6 functions as a single extended holiday week - plan accordingly.
January 27 - Day of Remembrance of Those Fallen in Defense of the Homeland
A solemn day of remembrance for soldiers killed defending Armenia, particularly in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Ceremonies take place at military memorials. Most businesses operate normally.
January 28 - Army Day
Celebrates the founding of the Armenian Armed Forces in 1992. Government and military events mark the day. Banks and most shops stay open; government offices may operate reduced hours.
March 8 - International Women’s Day
One of the most warmly observed holidays in Armenia. Flowers are sold on every street corner, restaurants are packed with family lunches, and flower markets run out of stock by midday. Banks and government offices close; most shops and cafes remain open and very busy.
Traveler note: This is a genuinely pleasant day to be in Yerevan - the atmosphere is celebratory without being disruptive to sightseeing.
Easter Sunday and Easter Monday (Moveable)
The Armenian Apostolic Church calculates Easter using the Julian calendar. Dates differ from Western Easter in most years.
- 2026: Easter Sunday, April 5 - Easter Monday, April 6
- 2027: Easter Sunday, March 28 - Easter Monday, March 29
What closes: Banks, government offices, and national museums on Easter Sunday and Monday. Churches are packed - Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Vagharshapat is the most significant site, drawing thousands for the Easter Vigil and morning liturgy.
Traveler note: Easter Monday is the official public holiday. The surrounding week sees increased domestic tourism to monasteries.
April 24 - Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
A day of national mourning for the 1.5 million Armenians killed in the 1915 genocide. The central event is a candlelit procession from the Cascade to the Tsitsernakaberd memorial complex, where the eternal flame burns throughout the day. Hundreds of thousands of Armenians participate.
What closes: Banks and government offices. Most shops and restaurants remain open. The Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Museum sees extremely high visitor numbers - if you plan to visit the memorial, arrive early or go in the late afternoon after the main procession has passed.
Traveler note: This is a deeply significant day - respectful quiet is appropriate, particularly around memorial sites. The city is not disruptive to explore, but the atmosphere is somber.
May 1 - International Workers’ Day (Labor Day)
A standard public holiday. Banks and government offices close. Most tourist-facing businesses stay open.
May 9 - Victory and Peace Day
Marks the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and the liberation of Shushi (Shusha) in 1992 during the first Nagorno-Karabakh war. Military parades and ceremonies are held in Yerevan.
What closes: Banks and government offices. Shops and restaurants generally remain open.
May 28 - First Republic Day
Celebrates the declaration of the First Republic of Armenia in 1918. A patriotic holiday with public events in Yerevan. Banks and government offices close.
July 5 - Constitution Day
Marks the adoption of Armenia’s constitution in 1995. A relatively low-key public holiday with standard closures for banks and government offices. Minimal disruption for travelers.
September 21 - Independence Day
Armenia’s most significant national holiday - the declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Large public celebrations take place in Yerevan, including concerts on Republic Square, military parades, and fireworks in the evening.
What closes: Banks and government offices. Shops and restaurants stay open and are busy. The center of Yerevan is crowded with celebrations.
Traveler note: A great day to be in Yerevan if you enjoy national celebration events. Book restaurants in advance - the city fills up.
December 31 - New Year’s Eve
The official start of the holiday season. Banks and government offices close early. Yerevan’s Republic Square hosts the main public countdown event.
Which Holidays Cause the Most Disruption for Travelers
Highest disruption - January 1-6: The six-day cluster at the start of the year is the most disruptive period in the Armenian calendar. Banks, government offices, many pharmacies, and a large share of non-tourist shops close for some or all of this period. If you need to exchange currency or sort out any administrative task, do it before December 31. ATMs remain operational throughout. Tourist restaurants and hotels remain fully operational.
Moderate disruption - Easter Weekend (April): Easter Sunday and Monday see banks and museums close. Monasteries across Armenia are packed with pilgrims and domestic tourists. If you want to visit Geghard, Etchmiadzin, or Khor Virap on Easter weekend, expect significant crowds.
Low disruption but high crowds - April 24: Tsitsernakaberd is extremely busy on Genocide Remembrance Day. The rest of the city operates normally.
Low disruption - Most others: The remaining public holidays (May 1, May 9, July 5, January 27, January 28) cause standard bank and government office closures without significant impact on travelers.
Practical Notes for Travelers
ATMs stay open: Even during the January cluster, ATMs at major banks (Ameriabank, ACBA, Ardshinbank) continue to operate around the clock. Stock up on Armenian dram (AMD) before a major holiday weekend rather than relying on bank teller services.
Supermarkets: SAS Supermarket and Yerevan City chains typically maintain shorter hours on public holidays but do not close entirely. Local corner shops stay open.
Pharmacies: Large pharmacy chains in Yerevan operate reduced hours on public holidays. Hospital pharmacies remain open for emergencies.
Museums: The History Museum of Armenia, Matenadaran Manuscript Museum, and Erebuni Museum typically close on official public holidays. Check directly before visiting around a holiday date.
Transport: Marshrutkas (shared minibuses) and intercity services run on public holidays, though frequency may be reduced on January 6 and major national holidays. The Yerevan metro operates on a Sunday schedule.
2026 and 2027 Public Holiday Calendars at a Glance
Fixed holidays (same date every year): Jan 1, Jan 2, Jan 5, Jan 6, Jan 27, Jan 28, Mar 8, Apr 24, May 1, May 9, May 28, Jul 5, Sep 21, Dec 31
Moveable holidays:
| Holiday | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Easter Sunday | April 5 | March 28 |
| Easter Monday | April 6 | March 29 |
Armenia does not observe Western Christmas (December 25) as a public holiday.