List of 14 public holidays in Mongolia for 2027, including New Year's Day, Lunar New Year (Tsagaan Sar), Lunar New Year (Day 2) and more.
Mongolian holiday culture is a striking blend of ancient nomadic traditions and modern national pride, centered primarily around the cycles of nature and family lineages. The most significant celebrations are Naadam, the mid-summer festival of 'manly sports,' and Tsagaan Sar, the Lunar New Year, both of which emphasize communal bonding, hospitality, and respect for heritage.
Travel during Naadam (July) and Tsagaan Sar (January/February) requires advanced planning as Ulaanbaatar experiences mass exodus while rural gers fill to capacity. Most government offices, banks, and markets close for at least three to five days. Domestic flights and inter-city buses sell out weeks in advance, and many restaurants may operate on limited hours or close entirely.
During the weeks surrounding major holidays, business slows significantly; avoid scheduling critical meetings during the Tsagaan Sar period as professionals prioritize family visits. If invited to a business associate's home during a holiday, it is polite to bring a gift such as high-quality vodka, sweets, or a silk scarf (khadag), and always receive items with the right hand or both hands.
To experience the peak of Mongolian culture, visit in July for the National Naadam Festival when the weather is warmest. To avoid the logistical challenges of holiday closures and heavy crowds, the months of June and September offer stable weather and fully operational services without the festival-related surges.
The most common greeting during Tsagaan Sar is 'Amar bain uu?' which translates to 'Are you living peacefully?' For the Naadam festival, locals typically wish each other 'Saikhan Naadaarai,' meaning 'Have a wonderful Naadam.'