diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/api/v1/tests/test_serializers/test_course_runs.py b/cms/djangoapps/api/v1/tests/test_serializers/test_course_runs.py
index c648b2e5b875..09ca66da210a 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/api/v1/tests/test_serializers/test_course_runs.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/api/v1/tests/test_serializers/test_course_runs.py
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 
 import datetime
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.test import RequestFactory
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.roles import CourseInstructorRole, CourseStaffRole
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ class CourseRunSerializerTests(ModuleStoreTestCase):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: di
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
 
-        self.course_start = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        self.course_start = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.course_end = self.course_start + datetime.timedelta(days=30)
 
         self.request = RequestFactory().get('')
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/api/v1/tests/test_views/test_course_runs.py b/cms/djangoapps/api/v1/tests/test_views/test_course_runs.py
index 78261a421424..bc126667897c 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/api/v1/tests/test_views/test_course_runs.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/api/v1/tests/test_views/test_course_runs.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 from unittest.mock import patch  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=unused-import
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.core.files.uploadedfile import SimpleUploadedFile
 from django.test import RequestFactory, override_settings
 from django.urls import reverse
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ def test_update(self):
         assert CourseAccessRole.objects.filter(course_id=course_run.id).count() == 0
 
         url = reverse('api:v1:course_run-detail', kwargs={'pk': str(course_run.id)})
-        start = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC).replace(microsecond=0)
+        start = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).replace(microsecond=0)
         end = start + datetime.timedelta(days=30)
         title = 'A New Testing Strategy'
         user = UserFactory()
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ def test_update_with_pacing_type(self):
         """
         Test that update run updates the pacing type
         """
-        start = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC).replace(microsecond=0)
+        start = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).replace(microsecond=0)
         course_run = CourseFactory(start=start, end=None, self_paced=False)
         data = {
             'pacing_type': 'self_paced',
@@ -183,7 +183,7 @@ def test_update_with_instructor_role(self):
         Test that update creates a new instructor role only if it does not exist
         """
         instructor_role = 'instructor'
-        start = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC).replace(microsecond=0)
+        start = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).replace(microsecond=0)
         new_user = UserFactory()
         course_run = CourseFactory(start=start, end=None, self_paced=False)
         assert CourseAccessRole.objects.filter(course_id=course_run.id).count() == 0
@@ -214,7 +214,7 @@ def test_update_with_multiple_roles(self):
         """
         staff_role = 'staff'
         instructor_role = 'instructor'
-        start = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC).replace(microsecond=0)
+        start = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).replace(microsecond=0)
         course_run = CourseFactory(start=start, end=None, self_paced=False)
 
         existing_user = UserFactory()
@@ -255,7 +255,7 @@ def test_update_with_multiple_roles(self):
     def test_create(self, pacing_type, expected_self_paced_value):
         """Tests successful course run creation"""
         user = UserFactory()
-        start = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC).replace(microsecond=0)
+        start = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).replace(microsecond=0)
         end = start + datetime.timedelta(days=30)
         role = 'staff'
         data = self.get_course_run_data(user, start, end, pacing_type, role)
@@ -280,7 +280,7 @@ def test_create_with_invalid_course_team(self):
         with expected validation message
         """
         user = UserFactory()
-        start = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC).replace(microsecond=0)
+        start = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).replace(microsecond=0)
         end = start + datetime.timedelta(days=30)
         data = self.get_course_run_data(user, start, end, 'self-paced')
         data['team'] = [{'user': 'invalid-username'}]
@@ -334,7 +334,7 @@ def test_rerun(self, pacing_type, expected_self_paced_value, number):
             'short_name': original_course_run.id.org,  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=no-member
             'description': 'Testing Organization Description',
         })
-        start = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC).replace(microsecond=0)
+        start = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).replace(microsecond=0)
         end = start + datetime.timedelta(days=30)
         user = UserFactory()
         role = 'instructor'
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/api/views/course_validation.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/api/views/course_validation.py
index be5208430a18..b4e78d849415 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/api/views/course_validation.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/api/views/course_validation.py
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 import logging
 
 import dateutil
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from rest_framework.generics import GenericAPIView
 from rest_framework.response import Response
 
@@ -260,34 +260,34 @@ def _get_open_responses(self, course, graded_only):
 
     def _has_date_before_start(self, ora, start):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=missing-function-docstring
         if ora.submission_start:
-            if dateutil.parser.parse(ora.submission_start).replace(tzinfo=UTC) < start:
+            if dateutil.parser.parse(ora.submission_start).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()) < start:
                 return True
         if ora.submission_due:
-            if dateutil.parser.parse(ora.submission_due).replace(tzinfo=UTC) < start:
+            if dateutil.parser.parse(ora.submission_due).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()) < start:
                 return True
         for assessment in ora.rubric_assessments:
             if assessment['start']:
-                if dateutil.parser.parse(assessment['start']).replace(tzinfo=UTC) < start:
+                if dateutil.parser.parse(assessment['start']).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()) < start:
                     return True
             if assessment['due']:
-                if dateutil.parser.parse(assessment['due']).replace(tzinfo=UTC) < start:
+                if dateutil.parser.parse(assessment['due']).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()) < start:
                     return True
 
         return False
 
     def _has_date_after_end(self, ora, end):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=missing-function-docstring
         if ora.submission_start:
-            if dateutil.parser.parse(ora.submission_start).replace(tzinfo=UTC) > end:
+            if dateutil.parser.parse(ora.submission_start).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()) > end:
                 return True
         if ora.submission_due:
-            if dateutil.parser.parse(ora.submission_due).replace(tzinfo=UTC) > end:
+            if dateutil.parser.parse(ora.submission_due).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()) > end:
                 return True
         for assessment in ora.rubric_assessments:
             if assessment['start']:
-                if dateutil.parser.parse(assessment['start']).replace(tzinfo=UTC) > end:
+                if dateutil.parser.parse(assessment['start']).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()) > end:
                     return True
             if assessment['due']:
-                if dateutil.parser.parse(assessment['due']).replace(tzinfo=UTC) > end:
+                if dateutil.parser.parse(assessment['due']).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()) > end:
                     return True
         return False
 
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/management/commands/tests/test_clean_stale_certificate_availability_dates.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/management/commands/tests/test_clean_stale_certificate_availability_dates.py
index 42b3ca408aa2..b26eb8cd201a 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/management/commands/tests/test_clean_stale_certificate_availability_dates.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/management/commands/tests/test_clean_stale_certificate_availability_dates.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 
 from django.core.management import CommandError, call_command
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from cms.djangoapps.contentstore.models import CleanStaleCertificateAvailabilityDatesConfig
 from openedx.core.lib.courses import get_course_by_id
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ def setUp(self):
         self.instructor_paced_course1 = CourseFactory()
 
         # set the self-paced courses to self-paced, create and insert an invalid certificate available date for them
-        self.certificate_available_date = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=30)
+        self.certificate_available_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=30)
         self.self_paced_course1.self_paced = True
         self.self_paced_course1.certificate_available_date = self.certificate_available_date
         self.self_paced_course2.self_paced = True
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/rest_api/v1/views/tests/test_home.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/rest_api/v1/views/tests/test_home.py
index 3e88e0401060..3b042020e7c9 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/rest_api/v1/views/tests/test_home.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/rest_api/v1/views/tests/test_home.py
@@ -2,13 +2,13 @@
 Unit tests for home page view.
 """
 import ddt
-import pytz
 from collections import OrderedDict
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.test import override_settings
 from django.urls import reverse
 from rest_framework import status
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from cms.djangoapps.contentstore.tests.utils import CourseTestCase
 from cms.djangoapps.contentstore.tests.test_libraries import LibraryTestCase
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@ def test_filter_and_ordering_courses(
             display_name="Course (Demo)",
             id=archived_course_key,
             org=archived_course_key.org,
-            end=(datetime.now() - timedelta(days=365)).replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC),
+            end=(datetime.now() - timedelta(days=365)).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         active_course_key = self.store.make_course_key("sample-org", "sample-number", "sample-run")
         CourseOverviewFactory.create(
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/rest_api/v2/views/tests/test_home.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/rest_api/v2/views/tests/test_home.py
index 6a51610ac9f2..fca5630a2edc 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/rest_api/v2/views/tests/test_home.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/rest_api/v2/views/tests/test_home.py
@@ -6,10 +6,10 @@
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.urls import reverse
 from rest_framework import status
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from cms.djangoapps.contentstore.tests.utils import CourseTestCase
 from cms.djangoapps.contentstore.utils import reverse_course_url
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ def setUp(self):
             display_name="Demo Course (Sample)",
             id=archived_course_key,
             org=archived_course_key.org,
-            end=(datetime.now() - timedelta(days=365)).replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC),
+            end=(datetime.now() - timedelta(days=365)).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         self.non_staff_client, _ = self.create_non_staff_authed_user_client()
 
@@ -256,7 +256,7 @@ def test_filter_and_ordering_courses(
             display_name="Course (Demo)",
             id=archived_course_key,
             org=archived_course_key.org,
-            end=(datetime.now() - timedelta(days=365)).replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC),
+            end=(datetime.now() - timedelta(days=365)).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         active_course_key = self.store.make_course_key("foo-org", "foo-number", "foo-run")
         CourseOverviewFactory.create(
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/signals/handlers.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/signals/handlers.py
index 263bf632f585..58d53bdbd25d 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/signals/handlers.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/signals/handlers.py
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
     XBLOCK_DELETED,
     XBLOCK_UPDATED,
 )
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from cms.djangoapps.contentstore.courseware_index import (
     CourseAboutSearchIndexer,
@@ -171,8 +171,8 @@ def listen_for_course_publish(sender, course_key, **kwargs):  # pylint: disable=
 
     # Kick off a courseware indexing action after the data is ready
     if CoursewareSearchIndexer.indexing_is_enabled() and CourseAboutSearchIndexer.indexing_is_enabled():
-        transaction.on_commit(lambda: update_search_index.delay(course_key_str, datetime.now(UTC).isoformat()))
-
+        transaction.on_commit(lambda: update_search_index.delay(
+            course_key_str, datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).isoformat()))
     update_discussions_settings_from_course_task.apply_async(
         args=[course_key_str],
         countdown=settings.DISCUSSION_SETTINGS['COURSE_PUBLISH_TASK_DELAY'],
@@ -201,7 +201,7 @@ def listen_for_library_update(sender, library_key, **kwargs):  # pylint: disable
         # import here, because signal is registered at startup, but items in tasks are not yet able to be loaded
         from cms.djangoapps.contentstore.tasks import update_library_index
 
-        update_library_index.delay(str(library_key), datetime.now(UTC).isoformat())
+        update_library_index.delay(str(library_key), datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).isoformat())
 
 
 @receiver(SignalHandler.item_deleted)
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tasks.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tasks.py
index 239fb89840b0..1b72e1d1aaa2 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tasks.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tasks.py
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
 from organizations.exceptions import InvalidOrganizationException
 from organizations.models import Organization
 from path import Path as path
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from user_tasks.models import UserTaskArtifact, UserTaskStatus
 from user_tasks.tasks import UserTask
 
@@ -220,7 +220,7 @@ def _parse_time(time_isoformat):
         # remove the +00:00 from the end of the formats generated within the system
         time_isoformat.split('+')[0],
         "%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%S.%f"
-    ).replace(tzinfo=UTC)
+    ).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 
 @shared_task
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_course_settings.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_course_settings.py
index a72d14e931f7..74a9a6e0ff7e 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_course_settings.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_course_settings.py
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_flag
 from milestones.models import MilestoneRelationshipType
 from milestones.tests.utils import MilestonesTestCaseMixin
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from cms.djangoapps.contentstore import toggles
 from cms.djangoapps.contentstore.utils import reverse_course_url, reverse_usage_url
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ def test_pre_1900_date(self):
         doesn't work for these dates.
         """
         details = CourseDetails.fetch(self.course.id)
-        pre_1900 = datetime.datetime(1564, 4, 23, 1, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC)
+        pre_1900 = datetime.datetime(1564, 4, 23, 1, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         details.enrollment_start = pre_1900
         dumped_jsondetails = json.dumps(details, cls=CourseSettingsEncoder)
         loaded_jsondetails = json.loads(dumped_jsondetails)
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ def test_ooc_encoder(self):
         details = {
             'number': 1,
             'string': 'string',
-            'datetime': datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+            'datetime': datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         }
         jsondetails = json.dumps(details, cls=CourseSettingsEncoder)
         jsondetails = json.loads(jsondetails)
@@ -126,7 +126,6 @@ def setUp(self):
     @override_settings(FEATURES={'DISABLE_MOBILE_COURSE_AVAILABLE': True})
     @override_waffle_flag(toggles.LEGACY_STUDIO_ADVANCED_SETTINGS, True)
     def test_mobile_field_available(self):
-
         """
         Test to check `Mobile Course Available` field is not viewable in Studio
         when DISABLE_MOBILE_COURSE_AVAILABLE is true.
@@ -256,12 +255,14 @@ def test_update_and_fetch(self):
         resp = self.client.get_json(url)
         self.compare_details_with_encoding(json.loads(resp.content.decode('utf-8')), details.__dict__, "virgin get")
 
-        self.alter_field(url, details, 'start_date', datetime.datetime(2012, 11, 12, 1, 30, tzinfo=UTC))
-        self.alter_field(url, details, 'start_date', datetime.datetime(2012, 11, 1, 13, 30, tzinfo=UTC))
-        self.alter_field(url, details, 'end_date', datetime.datetime(2013, 2, 12, 1, 30, tzinfo=UTC))
-        self.alter_field(url, details, 'enrollment_start', datetime.datetime(2012, 10, 12, 1, 30, tzinfo=UTC))
+        self.alter_field(url, details, 'start_date', datetime.datetime(2012, 11, 12, 1, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
+        self.alter_field(url, details, 'start_date', datetime.datetime(2012, 11, 1, 13, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
+        self.alter_field(url, details, 'end_date', datetime.datetime(2013, 2, 12, 1, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
+        self.alter_field(url, details, 'enrollment_start', datetime.datetime(
+            2012, 10, 12, 1, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
 
-        self.alter_field(url, details, 'enrollment_end', datetime.datetime(2012, 11, 15, 1, 30, tzinfo=UTC))
+        self.alter_field(url, details, 'enrollment_end', datetime.datetime(
+            2012, 11, 15, 1, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
         self.alter_field(url, details, 'short_description', "Short Description")
         self.alter_field(url, details, 'about_sidebar_html', "About Sidebar HTML")
         self.alter_field(url, details, 'overview', "Overview")
@@ -1497,7 +1498,7 @@ def test_validate_update_does_not_allow_proctoring_provider_changes_after_course
         Only admin users may update the provider if the course has started.
         """
         field_name = "proctoring_provider"
-        course = CourseFactory.create(start=datetime.datetime.now(UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=1))
+        course = CourseFactory.create(start=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=1))
         user = UserFactory.create(is_staff=staff_user)
 
         did_validate, errors, test_model = CourseMetadata.validate_and_update_from_json(
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_courseware_index.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_courseware_index.py
index 3ab3fa373f81..9964a0258700 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_courseware_index.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_courseware_index.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 import pytest
 from django.conf import settings
 from lazy.lazy import lazy
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from search.search_engine_base import SearchEngine
 
 from cms.djangoapps.contentstore.courseware_index import (
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ def create_children(store, parent, category, load_factor):
             display_name=f"{category} {child_index} {time.clock()}",  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=no-member
             modulestore=store,
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         created_count += 1
 
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ def create_large_course(store, load_factor):
     load_factor ^ 4 - e.g. load_factor of 10 => 10 chapters, 100
     sequentials, 1000 verticals, 10000 html blocks
     """
-    course = CourseFactory.create(modulestore=store, start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC))
+    course = CourseFactory.create(modulestore=store, start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
     with store.bulk_operations(course.id):
         child_count = create_children(store, course, COURSE_CHILD_STRUCTURE["course"], load_factor)
     return course, child_count
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ def setup_course_base(self, store):
         """
         self.course = CourseFactory.create(
             modulestore=store,
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             display_name="Search Index Test Course"
         )
 
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ def setup_course_base(self, store):
             display_name="Week 1",
             modulestore=store,
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         self.sequential = BlockFactory.create(
             parent_location=self.chapter.location,
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@ def setup_course_base(self, store):
             display_name="Lesson 1",
             modulestore=store,
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         self.vertical = BlockFactory.create(
             parent_location=self.sequential.location,
@@ -174,7 +174,7 @@ def setup_course_base(self, store):
             display_name='Subsection 1',
             modulestore=store,
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         # unspecified start - should inherit from container
         self.html_unit = BlockFactory.create(
@@ -193,7 +193,7 @@ def reindex_course(self, store):
 
     def index_recent_changes(self, store, since_time):
         """ index course using recent changes """
-        trigger_time = datetime.now(UTC)
+        trigger_time = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         return CoursewareSearchIndexer.index(
             store,
             self.course.id,
@@ -322,7 +322,7 @@ def _test_time_based_index(self, store):
             display_name='Section 2',
             modulestore=store,
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
 
         # add a new vertical
@@ -341,7 +341,7 @@ def _test_time_based_index(self, store):
             modulestore=store,
         )
 
-        before_time = datetime.now(UTC)
+        before_time = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.publish_item(store, vertical2.location)
         # index based on time, will include an index of the origin sequential
         # because it is in a common subtree but not of the original vertical
@@ -432,7 +432,7 @@ def _test_course_location_null(self, store):
             display_name=None,
             modulestore=store,
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         # add a new vertical
         vertical2 = BlockFactory.create(
@@ -505,7 +505,9 @@ def test_delete_course_from_search_index_after_course_deletion(self):
         self._test_delete_course_from_search_index_after_course_deletion(self.store)
 
     def test_empty_course(self):
-        empty_course = CourseFactory.create(modulestore=self.store, start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC))
+        empty_course = CourseFactory.create(
+            modulestore=self.store, start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        )
         added_to_index = CoursewareSearchIndexer.do_course_reindex(self.store, empty_course.id)
         assert added_to_index == 0
 
@@ -605,28 +607,28 @@ def setUpClass(cls):
         super().setUpClass()
         SignalHandler.course_published.disconnect(listen_for_course_publish)
         SignalHandler.library_updated.disconnect(listen_for_library_update)
-        cls.course = CourseFactory.create(start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC))
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create(start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
 
         cls.chapter = BlockFactory.create(
             parent_location=cls.course.location,
             category='chapter',
             display_name="Week 1",
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         cls.sequential = BlockFactory.create(
             parent_location=cls.chapter.location,
             category='sequential',
             display_name="Lesson 1",
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         cls.vertical = BlockFactory.create(
             parent_location=cls.sequential.location,
             category='vertical',
             display_name='Subsection 1',
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         # unspecified start - should inherit from container
         cls.html_unit = BlockFactory.create(
@@ -881,7 +883,7 @@ def _setup_course_with_content(self):
             display_name="Week 1",
             modulestore=self.store,
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
 
         self.sequential = BlockFactory.create(
@@ -890,7 +892,7 @@ def _setup_course_with_content(self):
             display_name="Lesson 1",
             modulestore=self.store,
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
 
         self.sequential2 = BlockFactory.create(
@@ -899,7 +901,7 @@ def _setup_course_with_content(self):
             display_name="Lesson 2",
             modulestore=self.store,
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
 
         self.vertical = BlockFactory.create(
@@ -908,7 +910,7 @@ def _setup_course_with_content(self):
             display_name='Subsection 1',
             modulestore=self.store,
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
 
         self.vertical2 = BlockFactory.create(
@@ -917,7 +919,7 @@ def _setup_course_with_content(self):
             display_name='Subsection 2',
             modulestore=self.store,
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
 
         self.vertical3 = BlockFactory.create(
@@ -926,7 +928,7 @@ def _setup_course_with_content(self):
             display_name='Subsection 3',
             modulestore=self.store,
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
 
         # unspecified start - should inherit from container
@@ -1091,7 +1093,7 @@ def _html_group_result(self, html_unit, content_groups):
             'content_type': 'Text',
             'org': self.course.org,
             'content_groups': content_groups,
-            'start_date': datetime(2015, 4, 1, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+            'start_date': datetime(2015, 4, 1, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         }
 
     def _html_experiment_group_result(self, html_unit, content_groups):
@@ -1111,7 +1113,7 @@ def _html_experiment_group_result(self, html_unit, content_groups):
             'content_type': 'Text',
             'org': self.course.org,
             'content_groups': content_groups,
-            'start_date': datetime(2015, 4, 1, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+            'start_date': datetime(2015, 4, 1, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         }
 
     def _vertical_experiment_group_result(self, vertical, content_groups):
@@ -1119,7 +1121,7 @@ def _vertical_experiment_group_result(self, vertical, content_groups):
         Return object with arguments and content group for split_test vertical.
         """
         return {
-            'start_date': datetime(2015, 4, 1, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC),
+            'start_date': datetime(2015, 4, 1, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             'content': {'display_name': vertical.display_name},
             'course': str(self.course.id),
             'location': [
@@ -1151,7 +1153,7 @@ def _html_nogroup_result(self, html_unit):
             'content_type': 'Text',
             'org': self.course.org,
             'content_groups': None,
-            'start_date': datetime(2015, 4, 1, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+            'start_date': datetime(2015, 4, 1, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         }
 
     def _get_index_values_from_call_args(self, mock_index):
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_exams.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_exams.py
index 798b5e51fd80..d1a323c73e30 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_exams.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_exams.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 from django.conf import settings
 from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_flag
 from freezegun import freeze_time
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from cms.djangoapps.contentstore.signals.handlers import listen_for_course_publish
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.course_apps.toggles import EXAMS_IDA
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ def setUp(self):
             display_name='Homework 1',
             graded=True,
             is_time_limited=False,
-            due=datetime.now(utc) + timedelta(minutes=60),
+            due=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(minutes=60),
         )
 
     def _get_exams_url(self, course_id):
@@ -93,7 +93,8 @@ def test_publishing_exam(self, is_proctored_exam, is_practice_exam,
         When a course is published it will register all exams sections with the exams service
         """
         default_time_limit_minutes = 10
-        due_date = datetime.now(utc) + timedelta(minutes=default_time_limit_minutes + 1)
+        due_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(minutes=default_time_limit_minutes + 1)
+
         sequence = BlockFactory.create(
             parent=self.chapter,
             category='sequential',
@@ -244,7 +245,7 @@ def test_subsection_due_date_prioritized(self, is_self_paced, proctoring_provide
         self.course.proctoring_provider = proctoring_provider
         self.course = self.update_course(self.course, 1)
 
-        sequential_due_date = datetime.now(utc) + timedelta(minutes=60)
+        sequential_due_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(minutes=60)
         sequence = BlockFactory.create(
             parent=self.chapter,
             category='sequential',
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_filters.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_filters.py
index 4011ae728b34..1f15a4e5e1fb 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_filters.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_filters.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime
 from urllib.parse import urljoin
 
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from django.test import override_settings
 from cms.djangoapps.contentstore import asset_storage_handlers
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ class LMSPageURLRequestedFiltersTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
 
     def setUp(self):  # pylint: disable=arguments-differ
         super().setUp()
-        self.upload_date = datetime(2013, 6, 1, 10, 30, tzinfo=UTC)
+        self.upload_date = datetime(2013, 6, 1, 10, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         self.content_type = 'image/jpg'
         self.course_key = CourseLocator('org', 'class', 'run')
         self.location = self.course_key.make_asset_key('asset', 'my_file_name.jpg')
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_proctoring.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_proctoring.py
index d9b83a811ef0..02dd7aeff09f 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_proctoring.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_proctoring.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 import ddt
 from django.conf import settings
 from edx_proctoring.api import get_all_exams_for_course, get_review_policy_by_exam_id
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xmodule.modulestore import ModuleStoreEnum
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import TEST_DATA_SPLIT_MODULESTORE, ModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory, BlockFactory
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ def test_onboarding_exam_is_practice_exam(self, is_practice_exam, is_onboarding_
             default_time_limit_minutes=default_time_limit_minutes,
             is_proctored_enabled=is_proctored_exam,
             is_practice_exam=is_practice_exam,
-            due=datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(minutes=default_time_limit_minutes + 1),
+            due=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(minutes=default_time_limit_minutes + 1),
             exam_review_rules="allow_use_of_paper",
             hide_after_due=True,
             is_onboarding_exam=is_onboarding_exam,
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ def test_publishing_exam(self, is_proctored_exam,
             default_time_limit_minutes=default_time_limit_minutes,
             is_proctored_enabled=is_proctored_exam,
             is_practice_exam=is_practice_exam,
-            due=datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(minutes=default_time_limit_minutes + 1),
+            due=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(minutes=default_time_limit_minutes + 1),
             exam_review_rules="allow_use_of_paper",
             hide_after_due=hide_after_due,
             is_onboarding_exam=False,
@@ -300,7 +300,7 @@ def test_self_paced_no_due_dates(self):
             default_time_limit_minutes=60,
             is_proctored_enabled=False,
             is_practice_exam=False,
-            due=datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(minutes=60),
+            due=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(minutes=60),
             exam_review_rules="allow_use_of_paper",
             hide_after_due=True,
             is_onboarding_exam=False,
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_utils.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_utils.py
index a46d9831d4e5..6e19a9f8ce36 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_utils.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_utils.py
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import CourseLocator, LibraryLocator
 from openedx_events.tests.utils import OpenEdxEventsTestMixin
 from path import Path as path
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from rest_framework import status
 from user_tasks.models import UserTaskArtifact, UserTaskStatus
 
@@ -120,8 +120,8 @@ def setUpClass(cls):
         super().setUpClass()
 
         cls.dummy_user = ModuleStoreEnum.UserID.test
-        cls.past = datetime(1970, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC)
-        cls.future = datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(days=1)
+        cls.past = datetime(1970, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        cls.future = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1)
         cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
 
     def test_private_unreleased_xblock(self):
@@ -201,8 +201,8 @@ def setUp(self):
         self.sequential = self.store.get_item(self.sequential.location)
         self.vertical = self.store.get_item(self.vertical.location)
 
-        self.date_one = datetime(1980, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC)
-        self.date_two = datetime(2020, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC)
+        self.date_one = datetime(1980, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        self.date_two = datetime(2020, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
     def _update_release_dates(self, chapter_start, sequential_start, vertical_start):
         """Sets the release dates of the chapter, sequential, and vertical"""
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_video_utils.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_video_utils.py
index e65e4f6638c6..5ea564a07f48 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_video_utils.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/test_video_utils.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 from unittest import mock
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 import requests
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.core.files.base import ContentFile
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
         course_ids = [str(self.course.id)]
         profiles = ['youtube']
-        created = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+        created = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         previous_uploads = [
             {
                 'edx_video_id': 'test1',
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/tests.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/tests.py
index 40b0f8ad4cbf..2617895e664d 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/tests.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/tests/tests.py
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
 from django.urls import reverse
 from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_flag
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from cms.djangoapps.contentstore import toggles
 from cms.djangoapps.contentstore.tests.test_course_settings import CourseTestCase
@@ -219,7 +219,7 @@ def set_blackout_dates(self, blackout_dates):
         ]
 
     def test_blackouts(self):
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         times1 = [
             (now - datetime.timedelta(days=14), now - datetime.timedelta(days=11)),
             (now + datetime.timedelta(days=24), now + datetime.timedelta(days=30))
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/utils.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/utils.py
index c4049a818fe1..9c4d0ad0a18f 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/utils.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/utils.py
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 from openedx_events.content_authoring.signals import XBLOCK_DUPLICATED
 from openedx_events.learning.data import CourseNotificationData
 from openedx_events.learning.signals import COURSE_NOTIFICATION_REQUESTED
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xblock.fields import Scope
 
 from cms.djangoapps.contentstore.toggles import (
@@ -601,7 +601,7 @@ def is_currently_visible_to_students(xblock):
 
     # Check start date
     if 'detached' not in published._class_tags and published.start is not None:  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=protected-access
-        return datetime.now(UTC) > published.start
+        return datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) > published.start
 
     # No start date, so it's always visible
     return True
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/video_storage_handlers.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/video_storage_handlers.py
index 87086c9951ac..4b9432123158 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/video_storage_handlers.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/video_storage_handlers.py
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@
 from opaque_keys import InvalidKeyError
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 from path import Path as path
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from rest_framework import status as rest_status
 from rest_framework.response import Response
 from tempfile import NamedTemporaryFile, mkdtemp
@@ -597,7 +597,7 @@ def convert_video_status(video, is_video_encodes_ready=False):
         *   `YouTube Duplicate` if status is `invalid_token`
         *   user-friendly video status
     """
-    now = datetime.now(video.get('created', datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=UTC)).tzinfo)
+    now = datetime.now(video.get('created', datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())).tzinfo)
 
     if video['status'] == 'upload' and (now - video['created']) > timedelta(hours=MAX_UPLOAD_HOURS):
         new_status = 'upload_failed'
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_assets.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_assets.py
index 2b13338c0dc7..339007767166 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_assets.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_assets.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import AssetKey
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import CourseLocator
 from PIL import Image
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from cms.djangoapps.contentstore import toggles
 from cms.djangoapps.contentstore.tests.utils import CourseTestCase
@@ -230,7 +230,7 @@ def test_mocked_filtered_response(self, mock_get_all_content_for_course):
         """
         asset_key = self.course.id.make_asset_key(
             AssetMetadata.GENERAL_ASSET_TYPE, 'test.jpg')
-        upload_date = datetime(2015, 1, 12, 10, 30, tzinfo=UTC)
+        upload_date = datetime(2015, 1, 12, 10, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         thumbnail_location = [
             'c4x', 'edX', 'toy', 'thumbnail', 'test_thumb.jpg', None]
 
@@ -429,7 +429,7 @@ class AssetToJsonTestCase(AssetsTestCase):
     """
     @override_settings(LMS_ROOT_URL="https://lms_root_url")
     def test_basic(self):
-        upload_date = datetime(2013, 6, 1, 10, 30, tzinfo=UTC)
+        upload_date = datetime(2013, 6, 1, 10, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         content_type = 'image/jpg'
         course_key = CourseLocator('org', 'class', 'run')
         location = course_key.make_asset_key('asset', 'my_file_name.jpg')
@@ -475,7 +475,7 @@ def post_asset_update(lock, course):
             """ Helper method for posting asset update. """
             content_type = 'application/txt'
             course_key = CourseLocator('org', 'class', 'run')
-            upload_date = datetime(2013, 6, 1, 10, 30, tzinfo=UTC)
+            upload_date = datetime(2013, 6, 1, 10, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             asset_location = course.id.make_asset_key('asset', 'sample_static.html')
             url = reverse_course_url(
                 'assets_handler', course.id, kwargs={'asset_key_string': str(asset_location)}
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_block.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_block.py
index 5447e6e59678..68bc69f0bc21 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_block.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_block.py
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey, UsageKey
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import BlockUsageLocator, CourseLocator
 from pyquery import PyQuery
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from bs4 import BeautifulSoup
 from web_fragments.fragment import Fragment
 from webob import Response
@@ -635,11 +635,11 @@ def test_create_block_negative(self):
         self.assertEqual(resp.status_code, 200)
 
     def test_create_with_future_date(self):
-        self.assertEqual(self.course.start, datetime(2030, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC))
+        self.assertEqual(self.course.start, datetime(2030, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
         resp = self.create_xblock(category="chapter")
         usage_key = self.response_usage_key(resp)
         obj = self.get_item_from_modulestore(usage_key)
-        self.assertEqual(obj.start, datetime(2030, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC))
+        self.assertEqual(obj.start, datetime(2030, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
 
     def test_static_tabs_initialization(self):
         """
@@ -1984,13 +1984,13 @@ def test_date_fields(self):
             self.seq_update_url, data={"metadata": {"due": "2010-11-22T04:00Z"}}
         )
         sequential = self.get_item_from_modulestore(self.seq_usage_key)
-        self.assertEqual(sequential.due, datetime(2010, 11, 22, 4, 0, tzinfo=UTC))
+        self.assertEqual(sequential.due, datetime(2010, 11, 22, 4, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
         self.client.ajax_post(
             self.seq_update_url, data={"metadata": {"start": "2010-09-12T14:00Z"}}
         )
         sequential = self.get_item_from_modulestore(self.seq_usage_key)
-        self.assertEqual(sequential.due, datetime(2010, 11, 22, 4, 0, tzinfo=UTC))
-        self.assertEqual(sequential.start, datetime(2010, 9, 12, 14, 0, tzinfo=UTC))
+        self.assertEqual(sequential.due, datetime(2010, 11, 22, 4, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
+        self.assertEqual(sequential.start, datetime(2010, 9, 12, 14, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
 
     @ddt.data(
         "1000-01-01T00:00Z",
@@ -2305,7 +2305,7 @@ def _make_draft_content_different_from_published(self):
             self.problem_update_url, data={"metadata": {"due": "2077-10-10T04:00Z"}}
         )
         updated_draft = self.get_item_from_modulestore(self.problem_usage_key)
-        self.assertEqual(updated_draft.due, datetime(2077, 10, 10, 4, 0, tzinfo=UTC))
+        self.assertEqual(updated_draft.due, datetime(2077, 10, 10, 4, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
         self.assertIsNone(published.due)
         # Fetch the published version again to make sure the due date is still unset.
         published = modulestore().get_item(
@@ -2320,7 +2320,7 @@ def test_make_public_with_update(self):
             data={"metadata": {"due": "2077-10-10T04:00Z"}, "publish": "make_public"},
         )
         published = self.get_item_from_modulestore(self.problem_usage_key)
-        self.assertEqual(published.due, datetime(2077, 10, 10, 4, 0, tzinfo=UTC))
+        self.assertEqual(published.due, datetime(2077, 10, 10, 4, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
 
     def test_published_and_draft_contents_with_update(self):
         """Create a draft and publish it then modify the draft and check that published content is not modified"""
@@ -3439,7 +3439,7 @@ def test_validate_start_date(self):
             parent_location=course.location, category='chapter', display_name='Week 1'
         )
 
-        chapter.start = datetime(year=1899, month=1, day=1, tzinfo=UTC)
+        chapter.start = datetime(year=1899, month=1, day=1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
         xblock_info = create_xblock_info(
             chapter,
@@ -4119,7 +4119,7 @@ def test_published_unit(self):
         sequential = self._create_child(chapter, "sequential", "Test Sequential")
         self._create_child(sequential, "vertical", "Published Unit", publish_item=True)
         self._create_child(sequential, "vertical", "Staff Only Unit", staff_only=True)
-        self._set_release_date(chapter.location, datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(days=1))
+        self._set_release_date(chapter.location, datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1))
         xblock_info = self._get_xblock_info(chapter.location)
         self._verify_visibility_state(xblock_info, VisibilityState.ready)
         self._verify_visibility_state(
@@ -4140,7 +4140,7 @@ def test_released_unit(self):
         sequential = self._create_child(chapter, "sequential", "Test Sequential")
         self._create_child(sequential, "vertical", "Published Unit", publish_item=True)
         self._create_child(sequential, "vertical", "Staff Only Unit", staff_only=True)
-        self._set_release_date(chapter.location, datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(days=1))
+        self._set_release_date(chapter.location, datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=1))
         xblock_info = self._get_xblock_info(chapter.location)
         self._verify_visibility_state(xblock_info, VisibilityState.live)
         self._verify_visibility_state(
@@ -4184,11 +4184,11 @@ def test_partially_released_section(self):
         released_sequential = self._create_child(chapter, 'sequential', "Released Sequential")
         self._create_child(released_sequential, 'vertical', "Released Unit", publish_item=True)
         self._create_child(released_sequential, 'vertical', "Staff Only Unit 1", staff_only=True)
-        self._set_release_date(chapter.location, datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(days=1))
+        self._set_release_date(chapter.location, datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=1))
         published_sequential = self._create_child(chapter, 'sequential', "Published Sequential")
         self._create_child(published_sequential, 'vertical', "Published Unit", publish_item=True)
         self._create_child(published_sequential, 'vertical', "Staff Only Unit 2", staff_only=True)
-        self._set_release_date(published_sequential.location, datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(days=1))
+        self._set_release_date(published_sequential.location, datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1))
         xblock_info = self._get_xblock_info(chapter.location)
 
         # Verify the state of the released sequential
@@ -4349,7 +4349,7 @@ def test_unscheduled_section_with_live_subsection(self):
         self._create_child(sequential, "vertical", "Published Unit", publish_item=True)
         self._create_child(sequential, "vertical", "Staff Only Unit", staff_only=True)
         self._set_release_date(
-            sequential.location, datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(days=1)
+            sequential.location, datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=1)
         )
         xblock_info = self._get_xblock_info(chapter.location)
         self._verify_visibility_state(xblock_info, VisibilityState.needs_attention)
@@ -4368,9 +4368,9 @@ def test_unreleased_section_with_live_subsection(self):
         sequential = self._create_child(chapter, "sequential", "Test Sequential")
         self._create_child(sequential, "vertical", "Published Unit", publish_item=True)
         self._create_child(sequential, "vertical", "Staff Only Unit", staff_only=True)
-        self._set_release_date(chapter.location, datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(days=1))
+        self._set_release_date(chapter.location, datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1))
         self._set_release_date(
-            sequential.location, datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(days=1)
+            sequential.location, datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=1)
         )
         xblock_info = self._get_xblock_info(chapter.location)
         self._verify_visibility_state(xblock_info, VisibilityState.needs_attention)
@@ -4428,7 +4428,7 @@ def test_self_paced_item_visibility_state(self):
         # Create course, chapter and setup future release date to make chapter in scheduled state
         course = CourseFactory.create()
         chapter = self._create_child(course, "chapter", "Test Chapter")
-        self._set_release_date(chapter.location, datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(days=1))
+        self._set_release_date(chapter.location, datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1))
 
         # Check that chapter has scheduled state
         xblock_info = self._get_xblock_info(chapter.location)
@@ -4471,7 +4471,7 @@ def create_source_block(self, course):
             parent=course,
             category="course_info",
             display_name="Source Block",
-            metadata={"due": datetime(2010, 11, 22, 4, 0, tzinfo=UTC)},
+            metadata={"due": datetime(2010, 11, 22, 4, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())},
         )
 
         def_id = self.runtime.id_generator.create_definition("html")
@@ -4491,7 +4491,7 @@ def create_source_block(self, course):
 
         # quick sanity checks
         source_block = self.store.get_item(source_block.location)
-        self.assertEqual(source_block.due, datetime(2010, 11, 22, 4, 0, tzinfo=UTC))
+        self.assertEqual(source_block.due, datetime(2010, 11, 22, 4, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
         self.assertEqual(source_block.display_name, "Source Block")
         self.assertEqual(
             source_block.runtime.get_asides(source_block)[0].field11, "html_new_value1"
@@ -4550,7 +4550,7 @@ def test_update_clobbers(self):
             parent=course,
             category="course_info",
             display_name="Destination Chapter",
-            metadata={"due": datetime(2025, 10, 21, 6, 5, tzinfo=UTC)},
+            metadata={"due": datetime(2025, 10, 21, 6, 5, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())},
         )
 
         def_id = self.runtime.id_generator.create_definition("html")
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_container_page.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_container_page.py
index e6b58257b69d..ffa911401a55 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_container_page.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_container_page.py
@@ -11,8 +11,8 @@
 from django.test.client import RequestFactory
 from django.urls import reverse
 from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_flag
-from pytz import UTC
 from urllib.parse import quote
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 import cms.djangoapps.contentstore.views.component as views
 from cms.djangoapps.contentstore import toggles
@@ -41,8 +41,8 @@ def setUp(self):
         self.video = self._create_block(self.child_vertical, "video", "My Video")
         self.store = modulestore()
 
-        past = datetime.datetime(1970, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC)
-        future = datetime.datetime.now(UTC) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+        past = datetime.datetime(1970, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        future = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
         self.released_private_vertical = self._create_block(
             parent=self.sequential, category='vertical', display_name='Released Private Unit',
             start=past)
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_course_index.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_course_index.py
index a22ce637fedd..de25ba825814 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_course_index.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_course_index.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 
 import ddt
 import lxml
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.core.exceptions import PermissionDenied
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
@@ -348,7 +348,7 @@ class TestCourseIndexArchived(CourseTestCase):
 
     MODULESTORE = TEST_DATA_SPLIT_MODULESTORE
 
-    NOW = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+    NOW = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     DAY = datetime.timedelta(days=1)
     YESTERDAY = NOW - DAY
     TOMORROW = NOW + DAY
@@ -741,7 +741,7 @@ def setUp(self):
 
         super().setUp()
 
-        self.course.start = datetime.datetime(2014, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+        self.course.start = datetime.datetime(2014, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         modulestore().update_item(self.course, self.user.id)
 
         self.chapter = BlockFactory.create(
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_videos.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_videos.py
index 2d17229f59c1..3811ffa4ffef 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_videos.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/views/tests/test_videos.py
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 import dateutil.parser
 from common.djangoapps.student.tests.factories import UserFactory
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.test import TestCase
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ def setUp(self):
 
         # course ids for videos
         course_ids = [str(self.course.id), str(self.course2.id)]
-        created = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+        created = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
         self.profiles = ["profile1", "profile2"]
         self.previous_uploads = [
@@ -742,12 +742,12 @@ def test_convert_video_status(self):
         video = self.previous_uploads[0]
 
         # video status should be failed if it's in upload state for more than 24 hours
-        video['created'] = datetime(2016, 1, 1, 10, 10, 10, 0, pytz.UTC)
+        video['created'] = datetime(2016, 1, 1, 10, 10, 10, 0, get_utc_timezone())
         status = convert_video_status(video)
         self.assertEqual(status, StatusDisplayStrings.get('upload_failed'))
 
         # `invalid_token` should be converted to `youtube_duplicate`
-        video['created'] = datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        video['created'] = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         video['status'] = 'invalid_token'
         status = convert_video_status(video)
         self.assertEqual(status, StatusDisplayStrings.get('youtube_duplicate'))
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/xblock_storage_handlers/view_handlers.py b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/xblock_storage_handlers/view_handlers.py
index a7ae0e518e84..a8c1cec50924 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/xblock_storage_handlers/view_handlers.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/contentstore/xblock_storage_handlers/view_handlers.py
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@
 from edx_proctoring.exceptions import ProctoredExamNotFoundException
 from help_tokens.core import HelpUrlExpert
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import LibraryUsageLocator, LibraryUsageLocatorV2
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xblock.core import XBlock
 from xblock.fields import Scope
 
@@ -1181,7 +1181,7 @@ def create_xblock_info(  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=too-many-statements
                 "studio_url": xblock_studio_url(xblock, parent_xblock),
                 "lms_url": xblock_lms_url(xblock),
                 "embed_lms_url": xblock_embed_lms_url(xblock),
-                "released_to_students": datetime.now(UTC) > xblock.start,
+                "released_to_students": datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) > xblock.start,
                 "release_date": release_date,
                 "visibility_state": visibility_state,
                 "has_explicit_staff_lock": xblock.fields[
@@ -1522,7 +1522,7 @@ def _compute_visibility_state(
         return VisibilityState.needs_attention
 
     is_unscheduled = xblock.start == DEFAULT_START_DATE
-    is_live = is_course_self_paced or datetime.now(UTC) > xblock.start
+    is_live = is_course_self_paced or datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) > xblock.start
     if child_info and child_info.get("children", []):  # pylint: disable=too-many-nested-blocks
         all_staff_only = True
         all_unscheduled = True
diff --git a/cms/djangoapps/models/settings/course_metadata.py b/cms/djangoapps/models/settings/course_metadata.py
index 1cd87ed5a0a1..0cc6e94266b3 100644
--- a/cms/djangoapps/models/settings/course_metadata.py
+++ b/cms/djangoapps/models/settings/course_metadata.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 import logging
 from datetime import datetime
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.core.exceptions import ValidationError
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
@@ -470,7 +470,7 @@ def validate_proctoring_settings(cls, block, settings_dict, user):
             cls._has_requested_proctoring_provider_changed(
                 block.proctoring_provider, proctoring_provider_model.get('value')
             ) and
-            datetime.now(pytz.UTC) > block.start
+            datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) > block.start
         ):
             message = (
                 'The proctoring provider cannot be modified after a course has started.'
diff --git a/cms/lib/xblock/tagging/test.py b/cms/lib/xblock/tagging/test.py
index 173523452d54..811b8db33970 100644
--- a/cms/lib/xblock/tagging/test.py
+++ b/cms/lib/xblock/tagging/test.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 from django.test.client import RequestFactory
 from lxml import etree
 from opaque_keys.edx.asides import AsideUsageKeyV1, AsideUsageKeyV2
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xblock.fields import ScopeIds
 from xblock.runtime import DictKeyValueStore, KvsFieldData
 from xblock.test.tools import TestRuntime
@@ -56,21 +56,21 @@ def setUp(self):
             category='chapter',
             display_name="Week 1",
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         self.sequential = BlockFactory.create(
             parent_location=self.chapter.location,
             category='sequential',
             display_name="Lesson 1",
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         self.vertical = BlockFactory.create(
             parent_location=self.sequential.location,
             category='vertical',
             display_name='Subsection 1',
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         self.problem = BlockFactory.create(
             category="problem",
diff --git a/cms/lib/xblock/test/test_upstream_sync.py b/cms/lib/xblock/test/test_upstream_sync.py
index 8902d67c8cb1..3443a9331bde 100644
--- a/cms/lib/xblock/test/test_upstream_sync.py
+++ b/cms/lib/xblock/test/test_upstream_sync.py
@@ -2,11 +2,11 @@
 Test CMS's upstream->downstream syncing system
 """
 import datetime
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 import ddt
 from organizations.api import ensure_organization
 from organizations.models import Organization
-from pytz import utc
 
 from cms.lib.xblock.upstream_sync import (
     BadDownstream,
@@ -291,7 +291,7 @@ def test_sync_updates_to_downstream_only_fields(self):
         # Modifing downstream-only fields are "safe" customizations
         downstream.display_name = "Downstream Title Override"
         downstream.attempts_before_showanswer_button = 2
-        downstream.due = datetime.datetime(2025, 2, 2, tzinfo=utc)
+        downstream.due = datetime.datetime(2025, 2, 2, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         downstream.force_save_button = True
         downstream.graceperiod = '2d'
         downstream.grading_method = 'last_score'
@@ -319,7 +319,7 @@ def test_sync_updates_to_downstream_only_fields(self):
         # but "safe" customizations survive
         assert downstream.display_name == "Downstream Title Override"
         assert downstream.attempts_before_showanswer_button == 2
-        assert downstream.due == datetime.datetime(2025, 2, 2, tzinfo=utc)
+        assert downstream.due == datetime.datetime(2025, 2, 2, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         assert downstream.force_save_button
         assert downstream.graceperiod == '2d'
         assert downstream.grading_method == 'last_score'
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/course_modes/admin.py b/common/djangoapps/course_modes/admin.py
index c874a7892581..812f6791db1a 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/course_modes/admin.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/course_modes/admin.py
@@ -7,7 +7,8 @@
 from django.http.request import QueryDict
 from django.utils.translation import gettext_lazy as _
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import UTC, timezone
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
+from zoneinfo import ZoneInfo
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode, CourseModeExpirationConfig
 # Technically, we shouldn't be doing this, since verify_student is defined
@@ -73,7 +74,7 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
             # However, the args copy above before the super() call handles this case.
             pass
 
-        default_tz = timezone(settings.TIME_ZONE)
+        default_tz = ZoneInfo(settings.TIME_ZONE)
 
         if self.instance._expiration_datetime:
             # django admin is using default timezone. To avoid time conversion from db to form
@@ -81,7 +82,7 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
             _expiration_datetime = self.instance._expiration_datetime.replace(
                 tzinfo=None
             )
-            self.initial["_expiration_datetime"] = default_tz.localize(_expiration_datetime)
+            self.initial["_expiration_datetime"] = _expiration_datetime.replace(tzinfo=default_tz)
         # Load the verification deadline
         # Since this is stored on a model in verify student, we need to load it from there.
         # We need to munge the timezone a bit to get Django admin to display it without converting
@@ -90,7 +91,7 @@ def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         if self.instance.course_id and self.instance.mode_slug in CourseMode.VERIFIED_MODES:
             deadline = verification_models.VerificationDeadline.deadline_for_course(self.instance.course_id)
             self.initial["verification_deadline"] = (
-                default_tz.localize(deadline.replace(tzinfo=None))
+                deadline.replace(tzinfo=None).replace(tzinfo=default_tz)
                 if deadline is not None else None
             )
 
@@ -107,14 +108,14 @@ def clean__expiration_datetime(self):
         # django admin saving the date with default timezone to avoid time conversion from form to db
         # changes its tzinfo to UTC
         if self.cleaned_data.get("_expiration_datetime"):
-            return self.cleaned_data.get("_expiration_datetime").replace(tzinfo=UTC)
+            return self.cleaned_data.get("_expiration_datetime").replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
     def clean_verification_deadline(self):
         """
         Ensure that the verification deadline we save uses the UTC timezone.
         """
         if self.cleaned_data.get("verification_deadline"):
-            return self.cleaned_data.get("verification_deadline").replace(tzinfo=UTC)
+            return self.cleaned_data.get("verification_deadline").replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
     def clean(self):
         """
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/course_modes/tests/test_admin.py b/common/djangoapps/course_modes/tests/test_admin.py
index 25b6558d24ab..fc003f7ae06c 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/course_modes/tests/test_admin.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/course_modes/tests/test_admin.py
@@ -3,11 +3,12 @@
 """
 
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
+from zoneinfo import ZoneInfo
 
 import ddt
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.urls import reverse
-from pytz import UTC, timezone
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.admin import CourseModeForm
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
@@ -41,7 +42,7 @@ def test_expiration_timezone(self):
         user = UserFactory.create(is_staff=True, is_superuser=True)
         user.save()
         course = CourseFactory.create()
-        expiration = datetime(2015, 10, 20, 1, 10, 23, tzinfo=timezone(settings.TIME_ZONE))
+        expiration = datetime(2015, 10, 20, 1, 10, 23, tzinfo=ZoneInfo(settings.TIME_ZONE))
         CourseOverview.load_from_module_store(course.id)
 
         data = {
@@ -84,7 +85,7 @@ class AdminCourseModeFormTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
     Test the course modes Django admin form validation and saving.
     """
 
-    UPGRADE_DEADLINE = datetime.now(UTC)
+    UPGRADE_DEADLINE = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     VERIFICATION_DEADLINE = UPGRADE_DEADLINE + timedelta(days=5)
 
     def setUp(self):
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/course_modes/tests/test_signals.py b/common/djangoapps/course_modes/tests/test_signals.py
index 029d7c1e4b28..d804da19d458 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/course_modes/tests/test_signals.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/course_modes/tests/test_signals.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 
 import ddt
 from django.conf import settings
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.signals import _listen_for_course_publish
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ class CourseModeSignalTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
 
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
-        self.end = datetime.now(tz=UTC).replace(microsecond=0) + timedelta(days=7)
+        self.end = datetime.now(tz=get_utc_timezone()).replace(microsecond=0) + timedelta(days=7)
         self.course = CourseFactory.create(end=self.end)
         CourseMode.objects.all().delete()
 
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/course_modes/tests/test_views.py b/common/djangoapps/course_modes/tests/test_views.py
index b4a777d2d677..642650ac1cda 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/course_modes/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/course_modes/tests/test_views.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 import ddt
 import freezegun
 import httpretty
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.test import override_settings
 from django.urls import reverse
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ class CourseModeViewTest(CatalogIntegrationMixin, UrlResetMixin, ModuleStoreTest
     @patch.dict(settings.FEATURES, {'MODE_CREATION_FOR_TESTING': True})
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
-        now = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         day = timedelta(days=1)
         tomorrow = now + day
         yesterday = now - day
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/edxmako/template.py b/common/djangoapps/edxmako/template.py
index 855a2714b865..3fddeb4e27a8 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/edxmako/template.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/edxmako/template.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
 from django.template import Context, engines, Origin
 from edx_django_utils.cache import RequestCache
 from mako.template import Template as MakoTemplate
+from zoneinfo import ZoneInfo
 
 from . import Engines, LOOKUP
 from .request_context import get_template_request_context
@@ -113,6 +114,7 @@ def _add_core_context(context_dictionary):
         context_dictionary['marketing_link'] = marketing_link
         context_dictionary['is_any_marketing_link_set'] = is_any_marketing_link_set
         context_dictionary['is_marketing_link_set'] = is_marketing_link_set
+        context_dictionary['ZoneInfo'] = ZoneInfo
 
     @staticmethod
     def _evaluate_lazy_csrf_tokens(context_dictionary):
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/entitlements/rest_api/v1/tests/test_views.py b/common/djangoapps/entitlements/rest_api/v1/tests/test_views.py
index 86d4ae6a87e1..d67ece981f49 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/entitlements/rest_api/v1/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/entitlements/rest_api/v1/tests/test_views.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 from django.urls import reverse
 from django.utils.timezone import now
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import CourseKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.tests.factories import CourseModeFactory
@@ -1023,7 +1023,7 @@ def test_already_enrolled_course_ended(self, mock_get_course_runs):
         mock_get_course_runs.return_value = self.return_values
 
         # Setup enrollment period to be in the past
-        utc_now = datetime.now(UTC)
+        utc_now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.course.start = utc_now - timedelta(days=15)
         self.course.end = utc_now - timedelta(days=1)
         self.course = self.update_course(self.course, self.user.id)
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/entitlements/tests/test_tasks.py b/common/djangoapps/entitlements/tests/test_tasks.py
index fe450551513c..863ed2475e93 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/entitlements/tests/test_tasks.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/entitlements/tests/test_tasks.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from unittest import mock
 
 import pytest
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.test import TestCase
 
 from common.djangoapps.entitlements import tasks
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 
 def make_entitlement(expired=False):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=missing-function-docstring
     age = CourseEntitlementPolicy.DEFAULT_EXPIRATION_PERIOD_DAYS
-    past_datetime = datetime.now(tz=pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=age)
+    past_datetime = datetime.now(tz=get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=age)
     expired_at = past_datetime if expired else None
     entitlement = CourseEntitlementFactory.create(created=past_datetime, expired_at=expired_at)
     return entitlement
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/helpers.py b/common/djangoapps/student/helpers.py
index b5d46949b506..49c7268f068b 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/helpers.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/helpers.py
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@
 import urllib.parse
 from collections import OrderedDict
 from datetime import datetime
+from zoneinfo import ZoneInfo
 
 from completion.exceptions import UnavailableCompletionData
 from completion.utilities import get_key_to_last_completed_block
@@ -20,7 +21,7 @@
 from django.db import IntegrityError, ProgrammingError, transaction
 from django.urls import NoReverseMatch, reverse
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
-from pytz import UTC, timezone
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps import third_party_auth
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
@@ -191,7 +192,7 @@ def check_verify_status_by_course(user, course_enrollments):
                 relevant_verification.status not in ["created", "ready"]
             )
             if status is None and not submitted:
-                if deadline is None or deadline > datetime.now(UTC):
+                if deadline is None or deadline > datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()):
                     if IDVerificationService.user_is_verified(user) and verification_expiring_soon:
                         # The user has an active verification, but the verification
                         # is set to expire within "EXPIRING_SOON_WINDOW" days (default is 4 weeks).
@@ -221,7 +222,7 @@ def check_verify_status_by_course(user, course_enrollments):
             if status is not None:
                 days_until_deadline = None
 
-                now = datetime.now(UTC)
+                now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
                 if deadline is not None and deadline > now:
                     days_until_deadline = (deadline - now).days
 
@@ -866,7 +867,7 @@ def get_course_dates_for_email(user, course_id, request):
     would be after today.
     """
     user_timezone_locale = user_timezone_locale_prefs(request)
-    user_timezone = timezone(user_timezone_locale['user_timezone'] or str(UTC))
+    user_timezone = ZoneInfo(user_timezone_locale['user_timezone'] or str(get_utc_timezone()))
 
     course = get_course_with_access(user, 'load', course_id)
     date_blocks = get_course_date_blocks(course, user, request, include_access=True, include_past_dates=True)
@@ -886,7 +887,7 @@ def get_course_dates_for_email(user, course_id, request):
     course_date_list = [{**course_date, }, {**course_date, 'date': today}, {**course_date}]
     for block in blocks:
         block_date = datetime.strptime(block.get('date')[:19], '%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%S')
-        block_date = block_date.replace(tzinfo=UTC)
+        block_date = block_date.replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         block_date = block_date.astimezone(user_timezone)
 
         if block_date < today:
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/management/commands/assigngroups.py b/common/djangoapps/student/management/commands/assigngroups.py
index acde7994a33e..974135256cad 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/management/commands/assigngroups.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/management/commands/assigngroups.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
 from django.core.management.base import BaseCommand
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import UserTestGroup
 
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ def handle(self, *args, **options):
             utg = UserTestGroup()
             utg.name = group
             utg.description = json.dumps({"description": options['description']},  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=too-many-function-args
-                                         {"time": datetime.datetime.now(UTC).isoformat()})
+                                         {"time": datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).isoformat()})
             group_objects[group] = utg
             group_objects[group].save()
 
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/models/course_enrollment.py b/common/djangoapps/student/models/course_enrollment.py
index 7350d5b40701..f1c79783ec9f 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/models/course_enrollment.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/models/course_enrollment.py
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 from collections import defaultdict, namedtuple  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
 from datetime import date, datetime, timedelta  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
 from urllib.parse import urljoin
+from zoneinfo import ZoneInfo
 
 from config_models.models import ConfigurationModel
 from django.conf import settings
@@ -29,7 +30,7 @@
     COURSE_UNENROLLMENT_COMPLETED,
 )
 from openedx_filters.learning.filters import CourseEnrollmentStarted, CourseUnenrollmentStarted
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from requests.exceptions import HTTPError, RequestException
 from simple_history.models import HistoricalRecords
 
@@ -152,7 +153,7 @@ def with_certificates(self, username):
         """
         return self.filter(course_id__in=self.get_user_course_ids_with_certificates(username))
 
-    def in_progress(self, username, time_zone=UTC):
+    def in_progress(self, username, time_zone=get_utc_timezone()):
         """
         Returns a queryset of CourseEnrollment objects for courses that are currently in progress.
         """
@@ -170,7 +171,7 @@ def completed(self, username):
         """
         return self.active().with_certificates(username)
 
-    def expired(self, username, time_zone=UTC):
+    def expired(self, username, time_zone=get_utc_timezone()):
         """
         Returns a queryset of CourseEnrollment objects for courses that have expired.
         """
@@ -1092,7 +1093,7 @@ def refundable(self):
         if refund_cutoff_date is None:
             log.info("Refund cutoff date is null")
             return False
-        if datetime.now(UTC) > refund_cutoff_date:
+        if datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) > refund_cutoff_date:
             log.info(f"Refund cutoff date: {refund_cutoff_date} has passed")
             return False
 
@@ -1138,7 +1139,8 @@ def refund_cutoff_date(self):
             self.course_overview.start.replace(tzinfo=None)
         )
 
-        return refund_window_start_date.replace(tzinfo=UTC) + EnrollmentRefundConfiguration.current().refund_window
+        return refund_window_start_date.replace(tzinfo=ZoneInfo(
+            "UTC")) + EnrollmentRefundConfiguration.current().refund_window
 
     def is_order_voucher_refundable(self):
         """ Checks if the coupon batch expiration date has passed to determine whether order voucher is refundable. """
@@ -1147,8 +1149,9 @@ def is_order_voucher_refundable(self):
         if not vouchers:
             return False
         voucher_end_datetime_str = vouchers[0]['end_datetime']
-        voucher_expiration_date = datetime.strptime(voucher_end_datetime_str, ECOMMERCE_DATE_FORMAT).replace(tzinfo=UTC)
-        return datetime.now(UTC) < voucher_expiration_date
+        voucher_expiration_date = datetime.strptime(
+            voucher_end_datetime_str, ECOMMERCE_DATE_FORMAT).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        return datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) < voucher_expiration_date
 
     def get_order_attribute_from_ecommerce(self, attribute_name):
         """
@@ -1270,7 +1273,7 @@ def upgrade_deadline(self):
         if self.dynamic_upgrade_deadline is not None:
             # When course modes expire they aren't found any more and None would be returned.
             # Replicate that behavior here by returning None if the personalized deadline is in the past.
-            if self.dynamic_upgrade_deadline <= datetime.now(UTC):
+            if self.dynamic_upgrade_deadline <= datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()):
                 log.debug('Schedules: Returning None since dynamic upgrade deadline has already passed.')
                 return None
 
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/models/user.py b/common/djangoapps/student/models/user.py
index 94cb99d0ce3f..c79ceb20f2a0 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/models/user.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/models/user.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 from functools import total_ordering
 from importlib import import_module
+from zoneinfo import ZoneInfo
 from urllib.parse import urlencode
 
 import crum
@@ -43,7 +44,7 @@
 from eventtracking import tracker
 from model_utils.models import TimeStampedModel
 from opaque_keys.edx.django.models import CourseKeyField, LearningContextKeyField
-from pytz import UTC, timezone
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from user_util import user_util
 
 import openedx.core.djangoapps.django_comment_common.comment_client as cc
@@ -456,7 +457,7 @@ class Meta:
     location = models.CharField(blank=True, max_length=255, db_index=True)
 
     # Optional demographic data we started capturing from Fall 2012
-    this_year = datetime.now(UTC).year
+    this_year = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).year
     VALID_YEARS = list(range(this_year, this_year - 120, -1))
     year_of_birth = models.IntegerField(blank=True, null=True, db_index=True)
     GENDER_CHOICES = (
@@ -572,7 +573,7 @@ def has_profile_image(self):
     def age(self):
         """ Convenience method that returns the age given a year_of_birth. """
         year_of_birth = self.year_of_birth
-        year = datetime.now(UTC).year
+        year = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).year
         if year_of_birth is not None:
             return self._calculate_age(year, year_of_birth)
 
@@ -798,7 +799,7 @@ def user_post_save_callback(sender, **kwargs):
                 'username': user.username,
                 'name': profile.name,
                 'age': profile.age or -1,
-                'yearOfBirth': profile.year_of_birth or datetime.now(UTC).year,
+                'yearOfBirth': profile.year_of_birth or datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).year,
                 'education': profile.level_of_education_display,
                 'address': profile.mailing_address,
                 'gender': profile.gender_display,
@@ -982,7 +983,7 @@ def is_user_locked_out(cls, user):
             if not record.lockout_until:
                 return False
 
-            now = datetime.now(UTC)
+            now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
             until = record.lockout_until
             is_locked_out = until and now < until
 
@@ -1003,7 +1004,7 @@ def increment_lockout_counter(cls, user):
         if record.failure_count >= max_failures_allowed:
             # yes, then store when this account is locked out until
             lockout_period_secs = settings.MAX_FAILED_LOGIN_ATTEMPTS_LOCKOUT_PERIOD_SECS
-            record.lockout_until = datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(seconds=lockout_period_secs)
+            record.lockout_until = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(seconds=lockout_period_secs)
 
         record.save()
 
@@ -1738,8 +1739,8 @@ def _get_now(cls, browser_timezone):
         # importing here to avoid a circular import
         from lms.djangoapps.courseware.context_processor import user_timezone_locale_prefs
         user_timezone_locale = user_timezone_locale_prefs(crum.get_current_request())
-        user_timezone = timezone(user_timezone_locale['user_timezone'] or browser_timezone or str(UTC))
-        return user_timezone.localize(datetime.now())
+        user_timezone = ZoneInfo(user_timezone_locale['user_timezone'] or browser_timezone or "UTC")
+        return datetime.now(user_timezone)
 
     def _calculate_streak_updates(self, today):
         """ Calculate the updates that should be applied to the streak fields of the provided celebration
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/models_api.py b/common/djangoapps/student/models_api.py
index 997f5454db53..859c8d82a5ed 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/models_api.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/models_api.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 import datetime
 import logging
 
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import CourseAccessRole as _CourseAccessRole
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import CourseEnrollment as _CourseEnrollment
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ def confirm_name_change(user, pending_name_change):
     if 'old_names' not in meta:
         meta['old_names'] = []
     meta['old_names'].append(
-        [user_profile.name, pending_name_change.rationale, datetime.datetime.now(UTC).isoformat()]
+        [user_profile.name, pending_name_change.rationale, datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).isoformat()]
     )
     user_profile.set_meta(meta)
 
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/factories.py b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/factories.py
index 27e245288dd6..128ec5d834e8 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/factories.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/factories.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 from django.test.client import RequestFactory
 from factory.django import DjangoModelFactory
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import (
     AccountRecovery,
@@ -91,8 +91,8 @@ class Meta:
     is_staff = False
     is_active = True
     is_superuser = False
-    last_login = datetime(2012, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC)
-    date_joined = datetime(2011, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC)
+    last_login = datetime(2012, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+    date_joined = datetime(2011, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
     @factory.post_generation
     def profile(obj, create, extracted, **kwargs):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument, missing-function-docstring
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_admin_views.py b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_admin_views.py
index 968ba330a99a..3c7b4a90d51c 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_admin_views.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_admin_views.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 from django.urls import reverse
 from django.utils.timezone import now
 from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_switch
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.admin import (  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
     COURSE_ENROLLMENT_ADMIN_SWITCH,
@@ -335,7 +335,7 @@ def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
         self.client.login(username=self.user.username, password=self.TEST_PASSWORD)
         self.user2 = UserFactory.create(username='Zażółć gęślą jaźń')
-        self.user_lockout_until = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        self.user_lockout_until = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         LoginFailures.objects.create(user=self.user, failure_count=10, lockout_until=self.user_lockout_until)
         LoginFailures.objects.create(user=self.user2, failure_count=2)
 
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_certificates.py b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_certificates.py
index 3a69f64b2b6c..9260431e59bc 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_certificates.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_certificates.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
 from django.urls import reverse
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xmodule.modulestore import ModuleStoreEnum
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import TEST_DATA_SPLIT_MODULESTORE, SharedModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory
@@ -24,8 +24,8 @@
 
 # pylint: disable=no-member
 
-PAST_DATE = datetime.datetime.now(UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=2)
-FUTURE_DATE = datetime.datetime.now(UTC) + datetime.timedelta(days=2)
+PAST_DATE = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=2)
+FUTURE_DATE = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=2)
 
 
 class CertificateDisplayTestBase(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ def setUpClass(cls):
     def _check_message(self, visible_date):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=missing-function-docstring
         response = self.client.get(reverse('dashboard'))
 
-        is_past = visible_date < datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        is_past = visible_date < datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
         if is_past:
             test_message = 'Your grade and certificate will be ready after'
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_credit.py b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_credit.py
index e4264e689c31..eaf0659fa7c4 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_credit.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_credit.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 from unittest.mock import patch
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
 from django.urls import reverse
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ def test_eligible_for_credit(self):
 
         # Move the eligibility deadline so it's within 30 days
         eligibility = CreditEligibility.objects.get(username=self.USERNAME)
-        eligibility.deadline = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + datetime.timedelta(days=29)
+        eligibility.deadline = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=29)
         eligibility.save()
 
         # The user should still have the option to purchase credit,
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_models.py b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_models.py
index 02df1a6714c6..bb4cfe4c1daa 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_models.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_models.py
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@
 from unittest.mock import MagicMock
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
 from crum import set_current_request
 from django.contrib.auth.models import AnonymousUser, User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
 from django.core.cache import cache
@@ -15,7 +14,7 @@
 from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_flag
 from freezegun import freeze_time
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.tests.factories import CourseModeFactory
@@ -150,7 +149,7 @@ def test_upgrade_deadline(self):
             course_id=course.id,
             mode_slug=CourseMode.VERIFIED,
             # This must be in the future to ensure it is returned by downstream code.
-            expiration_datetime=datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+            expiration_datetime=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
         )
         enrollment = CourseEnrollmentFactory(course_id=course.id, mode=CourseMode.AUDIT)
         Schedule.objects.all().delete()
@@ -164,7 +163,7 @@ def test_upgrade_deadline_with_schedule(self):
             course_id=course.id,
             mode_slug=CourseMode.VERIFIED,
             # This must be in the future to ensure it is returned by downstream code.
-            expiration_datetime=datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + datetime.timedelta(days=30),
+            expiration_datetime=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=30),
         )
         course_overview = CourseOverview.load_from_module_store(course.id)
         CourseEnrollmentFactory(
@@ -172,7 +171,7 @@ def test_upgrade_deadline_with_schedule(self):
             mode=CourseMode.AUDIT,
             course=course_overview,
         )
-        Schedule.objects.update(upgrade_deadline=datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + datetime.timedelta(days=5))
+        Schedule.objects.update(upgrade_deadline=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=5))
         enrollment = CourseEnrollment.objects.first()
 
         # The schedule's upgrade deadline should be used if a schedule exists
@@ -189,7 +188,7 @@ def test_upgrade_deadline_for_non_upgradeable_enrollment(self, mode):
     @skip_unless_lms
     def test_upgrade_deadline_instructor_paced(self):
         course = CourseFactory(self_paced=False)
-        course_upgrade_deadline = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+        course_upgrade_deadline = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
         CourseModeFactory(
             course_id=course.id,
             mode_slug=CourseMode.VERIFIED,
@@ -226,7 +225,7 @@ def test_enrollments_not_deleted(self):
             course_id=course.id,
             mode_slug=CourseMode.VERIFIED,
             # This must be in the future to ensure it is returned by downstream code.
-            expiration_datetime=datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + datetime.timedelta(days=30),
+            expiration_datetime=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=30),
         )
 
         # Create a CourseOverview with an outdated version
@@ -280,7 +279,7 @@ def setUp(self):
 
     def test_first_check_streak_celebration(self):
         STREAK_LENGTH_TO_CELEBRATE = UserCelebration.perform_streak_updates(self.user, self.course_key)
-        today = datetime.datetime.now(UTC).date()
+        today = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).date()
         assert self.user.celebration.streak_length == 1
         assert self.user.celebration.last_day_of_streak == today
         assert STREAK_LENGTH_TO_CELEBRATE is None
@@ -300,7 +299,7 @@ def test_celebrate_only_once_in_continuous_streak(self):
         | 2/9/21  | 6                   | 2/9/21             | None                    | Day 6 of Streak                     |
         +---------+---------------------+--------------------+-------------------------+------------------+------------------+
         """
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         for i in range(1, (self.STREAK_LENGTH_TO_CELEBRATE * 2) + 1):
             with freeze_time(now + datetime.timedelta(days=i)):
                 STREAK_LENGTH_TO_CELEBRATE = UserCelebration.perform_streak_updates(self.user, self.course_key)
@@ -321,7 +320,7 @@ def test_longest_streak_updates_correctly(self):
         | 2/9/21  | 6                   | 2/9/21             | None                    | longest_streak_ever is 6               |
         +---------+---------------------+--------------------+-------------------------+------------------+---------------------+
         """
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         for i in range(1, (self.STREAK_LENGTH_TO_CELEBRATE * 2) + 1):
             with freeze_time(now + datetime.timedelta(days=i)):
                 UserCelebration.perform_streak_updates(self.user, self.course_key)
@@ -342,7 +341,7 @@ def test_celebrate_only_once_with_multiple_calls_on_the_same_day(self):
         | 2/6/21  | 3                   | 2/6/21             | None                    | Already celebrated this streak.               |
         +---------+---------------------+--------------------+-------------------------+------------------+----------------------------+
         """
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         for i in range(1, self.STREAK_LENGTH_TO_CELEBRATE + 1):
             with freeze_time(now + datetime.timedelta(days=i)):
                 streak_length_to_celebrate = UserCelebration.perform_streak_updates(self.user, self.course_key)
@@ -382,7 +381,7 @@ def test_celebrate_twice_with_broken_streak_in_between(self):
         | 2/10/21 | 3                   | 2/10/21            | 3                       | Completed 3 Day Streak so we should celebrate |
         +---------+---------------------+--------------------+-------------------------+------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
         """
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         for i in range(1, self.STREAK_LENGTH_TO_CELEBRATE + self.STREAK_BREAK_LENGTH + self.STREAK_LENGTH_TO_CELEBRATE + 1):
             with freeze_time(now + datetime.timedelta(days=i)):
                 if self.STREAK_LENGTH_TO_CELEBRATE < i <= self.STREAK_LENGTH_TO_CELEBRATE + self.STREAK_BREAK_LENGTH:
@@ -413,7 +412,7 @@ def test_streak_resets_if_day_is_missed(self):
         | 2/12/21 | 1                   | 2/12/21            | None                    | Day 2 of streak was missed, so streak resets  |
         +---------+---------------------+--------------------+-------------------------+------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
         """
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         for i in range(1, self.STREAK_LENGTH_TO_CELEBRATE * 3 + 1, 2):
             with freeze_time(now + datetime.timedelta(days=i)):
                 streak_length_to_celebrate = UserCelebration.perform_streak_updates(self.user, self.course_key)
@@ -440,7 +439,7 @@ def test_streak_does_not_reset_if_day_is_missed_with_longer_break(self):
         +---------+---------------------+--------------------+-------------------------+------------------+
         """
         UserCelebration.STREAK_BREAK_LENGTH = 2
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         for i in range(1, self.STREAK_LENGTH_TO_CELEBRATE * 3 + 1, 2):
             with freeze_time(now + datetime.timedelta(days=i)):
                 streak_length_to_celebrate = UserCelebration.perform_streak_updates(self.user, self.course_key)
@@ -831,7 +830,7 @@ def register_and_enroll_student():
             return CourseEnrollment.get_enrollment(student, self.course.id)
 
         # Set enrollment end date to a past date so that enrollment is ended
-        enrollment_end = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=2)
+        enrollment_end = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=2)
         course_overview = CourseOverviewFactory.create(id=self.course.id, enrollment_end=enrollment_end)
         course_overview.save()
 
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_recent_enrollments.py b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_recent_enrollments.py
index d8a060eb5fdf..f5cc0da53e31 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_recent_enrollments.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_recent_enrollments.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 from django.urls import reverse
 from django.utils.timezone import now
 from opaque_keys.edx import locator
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.test.utils import XssTestMixin
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import CourseEnrollment, DashboardConfiguration
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ def setUp(self):
         # Old Course
         old_course_location = locator.CourseLocator('Org0', 'Course0', 'Run0')
         __, enrollment = self._create_course_and_enrollment(old_course_location)
-        enrollment.created = datetime.datetime(1900, 12, 31, 0, 0, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+        enrollment.created = datetime.datetime(1900, 12, 31, 0, 0, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         enrollment.save()
 
         # New Course
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_refunds.py b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_refunds.py
index 4544a54fef81..561331745877 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_refunds.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_refunds.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 
 import ddt
 import httpretty
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 # Explicitly import the cache from ConfigurationModel so we can reset it after each test
 from config_models.models import cache
 from django.test.client import Client
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ def setUp(self):
             course_id=self.course.id,
             mode_slug='verified',
             mode_display_name='Verified',
-            expiration_datetime=datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=1)
+            expiration_datetime=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1)
         )
 
         self.enrollment = CourseEnrollment.enroll(self.user, self.course.id, mode='verified')
@@ -67,14 +67,14 @@ def setUp(self):
     @patch('common.djangoapps.student.models.course_enrollment.CourseEnrollment.refund_cutoff_date')
     def test_refundable(self, cutoff_date):
         """ Assert base case is refundable"""
-        cutoff_date.return_value = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=1)
+        cutoff_date.return_value = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1)
         assert self.enrollment.refundable()
 
     @patch('common.djangoapps.student.models.course_enrollment.CourseEnrollment.refund_cutoff_date')
     def test_refundable_expired_verification(self, cutoff_date):
         """ Assert that enrollment is refundable if course mode has expired."""
-        cutoff_date.return_value = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=1)
-        self.verified_mode.expiration_datetime = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=1)
+        cutoff_date.return_value = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1)
+        self.verified_mode.expiration_datetime = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=1)
         self.verified_mode.save()
         assert self.enrollment.refundable()
 
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ def test_refundable_expired_verification(self, cutoff_date):
     def test_refundable_when_certificate_exists(self, cutoff_date):
         """ Assert that enrollment is not refundable once a certificat has been generated."""
 
-        cutoff_date.return_value = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=1)
+        cutoff_date.return_value = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1)
 
         assert self.enrollment.refundable()
 
@@ -110,13 +110,13 @@ def test_refundable_when_certificate_exists(self, cutoff_date):
     @patch('common.djangoapps.student.models.course_enrollment.CourseEnrollment.refund_cutoff_date')
     def test_refundable_with_cutoff_date(self, cutoff_date):
         """ Assert enrollment is refundable before cutoff and not refundable after."""
-        cutoff_date.return_value = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=1)
+        cutoff_date.return_value = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1)
         assert self.enrollment.refundable()
 
-        cutoff_date.return_value = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(minutes=5)
+        cutoff_date.return_value = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(minutes=5)
         assert not self.enrollment.refundable()
 
-        cutoff_date.return_value = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(minutes=5)
+        cutoff_date.return_value = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(minutes=5)
         assert self.enrollment.refundable()
 
     @ddt.data(
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ def test_refund_cutoff_date(self, order_date_delta, course_start_delta, expected
         """
         Assert that the later date is used with the configurable refund period in calculating the returned cutoff date.
         """
-        now = datetime.now(pytz.UTC).replace(microsecond=0)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).replace(microsecond=0)
         order_date = now + order_date_delta
         course_start = now + course_start_delta
         expected_date = now + expected_date_delta
@@ -170,9 +170,9 @@ def test_refund_cutoff_date(self, order_date_delta, course_start_delta, expected
             assert expected_date_placed_attr in CourseEnrollmentAttribute.get_enrollment_attributes(self.enrollment)
 
     @ddt.data(
-        (datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=1), True),
-        (datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=1), False),
-        (datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(minutes=5), False),
+        (datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1), True),
+        (datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=1), False),
+        (datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(minutes=5), False),
     )
     @ddt.unpack
     @httpretty.activate
@@ -260,7 +260,7 @@ def test_refund_cutoff_date_with_date_placed_attr(self, mock_ecommerce_api_clien
         Assert that the refund_cutoff_date returns order placement date if order:date_placed
         attribute exist without calling ecommerce.
         """
-        now = datetime.now(pytz.UTC).replace(microsecond=0)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).replace(microsecond=0)
         order_date = now + timedelta(days=2)
         course_start = now + timedelta(days=1)
 
@@ -280,7 +280,7 @@ def test_refund_cutoff_date_with_date_placed_attr(self, mock_ecommerce_api_clien
     @override_settings(ECOMMERCE_API_URL=TEST_API_URL)
     def test_multiple_refunds_dashbaord_page_error(self):
         """ Order with mutiple refunds will not throw 500 error when dashboard page will access."""
-        now = datetime.now(pytz.UTC).replace(microsecond=0)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).replace(microsecond=0)
         order_date = now + timedelta(days=1)
         expected_content = f'{{"date_placed": "{order_date.strftime(ECOMMERCE_DATE_FORMAT)}"}}'
 
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_views.py b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_views.py
index b63c522bbd0f..ab46a75dbe18 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/test_views.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 from unittest.mock import patch
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from completion.test_utils import CompletionWaffleTestMixin, submit_completions_for_testing
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
@@ -948,7 +948,7 @@ def test_course_upgrade_notification(
                     course_id=course.id,
                     mode_slug='verified',
                     mode_display_name='Verified',
-                    expiration_datetime=datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=1),
+                    expiration_datetime=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1),
                     sku=sku
                 )
 
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/tests.py b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/tests.py
index c2e6d3b2aa9c..af13251784e5 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/tests/tests.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/tests/tests.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 from urllib.parse import quote
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from config_models.models import cache
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.contrib.auth.models import AnonymousUser, User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ def test_cert_info(self):
         course = CourseOverviewFactory.create(
             end_of_course_survey_url=survey_url,
             certificates_display_behavior=CertificatesDisplayBehaviors.END,
-            end=datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=2)
+            end=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=2)
         )
         cert = GeneratedCertificateFactory.create(
             user=user,
@@ -233,7 +233,7 @@ def test_cert_grade(self, persisted_grade, cert_grade):
         course = CourseOverviewFactory.create(
             end_of_course_survey_url=survey_url,
             certificates_display_behavior=CertificatesDisplayBehaviors.END,
-            end=datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=2),
+            end=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=2),
         )
         enrollment = CourseEnrollmentFactory(user=user, course_id=course.id, mode=CourseMode.VERIFIED)
 
@@ -260,7 +260,7 @@ def test_cert_grade_no_grades(self):
         course = CourseOverviewFactory.create(
             end_of_course_survey_url=survey_url,
             certificates_display_behavior=CertificatesDisplayBehaviors.END,
-            end=datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=2),
+            end=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=2),
         )
         cert_status = {'status': 'generating', 'mode': 'honor', 'uuid': None}
         enrollment = CourseEnrollmentFactory(user=user, course_id=course.id, mode=CourseMode.VERIFIED)
@@ -358,14 +358,14 @@ def test_course_mode_info(self):
             course_id=self.course.id,
             mode_slug='verified',
             mode_display_name='Verified',
-            expiration_datetime=datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=1)
+            expiration_datetime=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1)
         )
         enrollment = CourseEnrollment.enroll(self.user, self.course.id)
         course_mode_info = complete_course_mode_info(self.course.id, enrollment)
         assert course_mode_info['show_upsell']
         assert course_mode_info['days_for_upsell'] == 1
 
-        verified_mode.expiration_datetime = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=-1)
+        verified_mode.expiration_datetime = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=-1)
         verified_mode.save()
         course_mode_info = complete_course_mode_info(self.course.id, enrollment)
         assert not course_mode_info['show_upsell']
@@ -380,13 +380,13 @@ def test_linked_in_add_to_profile_btn_not_appearing_without_config(self):
             course_id=self.course.id,
             mode_slug='verified',
             mode_display_name='verified',
-            expiration_datetime=datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=1)
+            expiration_datetime=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=1)
         )
 
         CourseEnrollment.enroll(self.user, self.course.id, mode='honor')
 
-        self.course.start = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=2)
-        self.course.end = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=1)
+        self.course.start = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=2)
+        self.course.end = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=1)
         self.course.display_name = "Omega"
         self.course = self.update_course(self.course, self.user.id)
 
@@ -419,12 +419,12 @@ def test_linked_in_add_to_profile_btn_with_certificate(self):
             course_id=self.course.id,
             mode_slug='verified',
             mode_display_name='verified',
-            expiration_datetime=datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=1)
+            expiration_datetime=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=1)
         )
         CourseEnrollment.enroll(self.user, self.course.id, mode='honor')
-        self.course.certificate_available_date = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=1)
-        self.course.start = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=2)
-        self.course.end = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=1)
+        self.course.certificate_available_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=1)
+        self.course.start = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=2)
+        self.course.end = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=1)
         self.course.display_name = 'Omega'
         self.course = self.update_course(self.course, self.user.id)
 
@@ -520,7 +520,7 @@ def _enrollment_with_complete_course(self, enrollment_mode):
             course_id=self.course.id,
             mode_slug='verified',
             mode_display_name='Verified',
-            expiration_datetime=datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=1)
+            expiration_datetime=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1)
         )
         enrollment = CourseEnrollment.enroll(self.user, self.course.id, mode=enrollment_mode)
         return complete_course_mode_info(self.course.id, enrollment)
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/views/dashboard.py b/common/djangoapps/student/views/dashboard.py
index e5078269208b..4b20dcf93d1c 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/views/dashboard.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/views/dashboard.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 from edx_toggles.toggles import WaffleFlag
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 from openedx_filters.learning.filters import DashboardRenderStarted
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from edx_django_utils.plugins import pluggable_override
 from lms.djangoapps.bulk_email.api import is_bulk_email_feature_enabled
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ def _get_recently_enrolled_courses(course_enrollments):
         list[CourseEnrollment]: A list of recent course enrollments.
     """
     seconds = DashboardConfiguration.current().recent_enrollment_time_delta
-    time_delta = (datetime.datetime.now(UTC) - datetime.timedelta(seconds=seconds))
+    time_delta = (datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(seconds=seconds))
     return [
         enrollment for enrollment in course_enrollments
         # If the enrollment has no created date, we are explicitly excluding the course
@@ -270,7 +270,7 @@ def complete_course_mode_info(course_id, enrollment, modes=None):
         mode_info['verified_bulk_sku'] = modes['verified'].bulk_sku
         # if there is an expiration date, find out how long from now it is
         if modes['verified'].expiration_datetime:
-            today = datetime.datetime.now(UTC).date()
+            today = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).date()
             mode_info['days_for_upsell'] = (modes['verified'].expiration_datetime.date() - today).days
             mode_info['expiration_datetime'] = modes['verified'].expiration_datetime.date()
 
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/student/views/management.py b/common/djangoapps/student/views/management.py
index 4cf8fad8aea5..14f0e4cda552 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/student/views/management.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/student/views/management.py
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@
 # Note that this lives in LMS, so this dependency should be refactored.
 from opaque_keys import InvalidKeyError
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from rest_framework.decorators import api_view, authentication_classes, permission_classes
 from rest_framework.permissions import IsAuthenticated
 
@@ -539,7 +539,7 @@ def disable_account_ajax(request):
             context['message'] = _("Unexpected account status")
             return JsonResponse(context, status=400)
         user_account.changed_by = request.user
-        user_account.standing_last_changed_at = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        user_account.standing_last_changed_at = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         user_account.save()
 
     return JsonResponse(context)
@@ -921,7 +921,7 @@ def confirm_email_change(request, key):
         meta = u_prof.get_meta()
         if 'old_emails' not in meta:
             meta['old_emails'] = []
-        meta['old_emails'].append([user.email, datetime.datetime.now(UTC).isoformat()])
+        meta['old_emails'].append([user.email, datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).isoformat()])
         u_prof.set_meta(meta)
         u_prof.save()
         # Send it to the old email...
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/third_party_auth/samlproviderdata/tests/test_samlproviderdata.py b/common/djangoapps/third_party_auth/samlproviderdata/tests/test_samlproviderdata.py
index 5dbf7a803ef3..bdc5bcd521a1 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/third_party_auth/samlproviderdata/tests/test_samlproviderdata.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/third_party_auth/samlproviderdata/tests/test_samlproviderdata.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 from unittest import mock
 from uuid import uuid4  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.contrib.sites.models import Site
 from django.urls import reverse
 from django.utils.http import urlencode
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
     'entity_id': 'http://entity-id-1',
     'sso_url': 'http://test.url',
     'public_key': 'a-key0Aid98',
-    'fetched_at': datetime.now(pytz.UTC).replace(microsecond=0)
+    'fetched_at': datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).replace(microsecond=0)
 }
 
 SINGLE_PROVIDER_DATA_2 = copy.copy(SINGLE_PROVIDER_DATA)
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/third_party_auth/tests/test_pipeline_integration.py b/common/djangoapps/third_party_auth/tests/test_pipeline_integration.py
index c19b0b8d96aa..889adc762b7b 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/third_party_auth/tests/test_pipeline_integration.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/third_party_auth/tests/test_pipeline_integration.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 
 import ddt
 import pytest
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django import test
 from django.contrib.auth import models, REDIRECT_FIELD_NAME
 from django.core import mail
@@ -562,7 +562,7 @@ def test_set_id_verification_status_expired(self):
         )
 
         with mock.patch('common.djangoapps.third_party_auth.pipeline.earliest_allowed_verification_date') as earliest_date:  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
-            earliest_date.return_value = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+            earliest_date.return_value = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
             # Begin the pipeline.
             pipeline.set_id_verification_status(
                 auth_entry=pipeline.AUTH_ENTRY_LOGIN,
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/third_party_auth/utils.py b/common/djangoapps/third_party_auth/utils.py
index 720c52ea5beb..bc71c2f64cb3 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/third_party_auth/utils.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/third_party_auth/utils.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from uuid import UUID
 
 import dateutil.parser
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 import requests
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
 from django.utils.timezone import now
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ def parse_metadata_xml(xml, entity_id):
         expires_at = dateutil.parser.parse(xml.attrib["validUntil"])
     if "cacheDuration" in xml.attrib:
         cache_expires = OneLogin_Saml2_Utils.parse_duration(xml.attrib["cacheDuration"])
-        cache_expires = datetime.datetime.fromtimestamp(cache_expires, tz=pytz.utc)
+        cache_expires = datetime.datetime.fromtimestamp(cache_expires, tz=get_utc_timezone())
         if expires_at is None or cache_expires < expires_at:
             expires_at = cache_expires
 
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/track/backends/tests/test_logger.py b/common/djangoapps/track/backends/tests/test_logger.py
index d932a4515a21..7a181bc0326e 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/track/backends/tests/test_logger.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/track/backends/tests/test_logger.py
@@ -32,6 +32,5 @@ def test_logger_backend(caplog):
         'time': '2012-05-01T07:27:01.000200+00:00',
         'date': '2012-05-07'
     }
-
     assert saved_events[0] == unpacked_event
     assert saved_events[1] == unpacked_event
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/track/tests/__init__.py b/common/djangoapps/track/tests/__init__.py
index 0fd070c5a298..1a68c59ea019 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/track/tests/__init__.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/track/tests/__init__.py
@@ -8,9 +8,9 @@
 from eventtracking import tracker
 from eventtracking.django import DjangoTracker
 from freezegun import freeze_time
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
-FROZEN_TIME = datetime(2013, 10, 3, 8, 24, 55, tzinfo=UTC)
+FROZEN_TIME = datetime(2013, 10, 3, 8, 24, 55, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 IN_MEMORY_BACKEND_CONFIG = {
     'mem': {
         'ENGINE': 'common.djangoapps.track.tests.InMemoryBackend'
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/track/tests/test_util.py b/common/djangoapps/track/tests/test_util.py
index 351349b341c4..0c39f60f885e 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/track/tests/test_util.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/track/tests/test_util.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime
 
 from django.test import TestCase
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.track.utils import DateTimeJSONEncoder
 
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
 class TestDateTimeJSONEncoder(TestCase):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=missing-class-docstring
     def test_datetime_encoding(self):
         a_naive_datetime = datetime(2012, 5, 1, 7, 27, 10, 20000)
-        a_tz_datetime = datetime(2012, 5, 1, 7, 27, 10, 20000, tzinfo=UTC)
+        a_tz_datetime = datetime(2012, 5, 1, 7, 27, 10, 20000, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         a_date = a_naive_datetime.date()
         an_iso_datetime = '2012-05-01T07:27:10.020000+00:00'
         an_iso_date = '2012-05-01'
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/track/utils.py b/common/djangoapps/track/utils.py
index 5efdde4c5ad0..52a4f9abc805 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/track/utils.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/track/utils.py
@@ -3,8 +3,7 @@
 
 import json
 from datetime import date, datetime
-
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 
 class DateTimeJSONEncoder(json.JSONEncoder):
@@ -20,10 +19,10 @@ def default(self, obj):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=arguments-differ, metho
         if isinstance(obj, datetime):
             if obj.tzinfo is None:
                 # Localize to UTC naive datetime objects
-                obj = UTC.localize(obj)  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=no-value-for-parameter
+                obj = obj.replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=no-value-for-parameter
             else:
                 # Convert to UTC datetime objects from other timezones
-                obj = obj.astimezone(UTC)
+                obj = obj.astimezone(get_utc_timezone())
             return obj.isoformat()
         elif isinstance(obj, date):
             return obj.isoformat()
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/util/date_utils.py b/common/djangoapps/util/date_utils.py
index 968fb55d7cda..29bb0f00388f 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/util/date_utils.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/util/date_utils.py
@@ -5,10 +5,12 @@
 
 import re
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
+from zoneinfo import ZoneInfo, ZoneInfoNotFoundError
 
 import crum
 from django.utils.translation import get_language, gettext, pgettext
-from pytz import UnknownTimeZoneError, timezone, utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
+
 
 from lms.djangoapps.courseware.context_processor import user_timezone_locale_prefs
 from openedx.core.djangolib.markup import HTML
@@ -48,17 +50,17 @@ def get_time_display(dtime, format_string=None, coerce_tz=None):
     If the format_string is None, or if format_string is improperly
     formatted, this method will return the value from `get_default_time_display`.
 
-    Coerces aware datetime to tz=coerce_tz if set. coerce_tz should be a pytz timezone string
-    like "US/Pacific", or None
+    Coerces aware datetime to tz=coerce_tz if set. coerce_tz should be a time zone string
+    like "US/Pacific" (compatible with ZoneInfo), or None.
 
     format_string should be a unicode string that is a valid argument for datetime's strftime method.
     """
     if dtime is not None and dtime.tzinfo is not None and coerce_tz:
         try:
-            to_tz = timezone(coerce_tz)
-        except UnknownTimeZoneError:
-            to_tz = utc
-        dtime = to_tz.normalize(dtime.astimezone(to_tz))
+            to_tz = ZoneInfo(coerce_tz)
+        except ZoneInfoNotFoundError:
+            to_tz = get_utc_timezone()
+        dtime = dtime.astimezone(to_tz)
     if dtime is None or format_string is None:
         return get_default_time_display(dtime)
     try:
@@ -83,7 +85,7 @@ def to_timestamp(datetime_value):
     Convert a datetime into a timestamp, represented as the number
     of seconds since January 1, 1970 UTC.
     """
-    return int((datetime_value - datetime(1970, 1, 1, tzinfo=utc)).total_seconds())
+    return int((datetime_value - datetime(1970, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())).total_seconds())
 
 
 def from_timestamp(timestamp):
@@ -94,7 +96,7 @@ def from_timestamp(timestamp):
     If the timestamp cannot be converted, returns None instead.
     """
     try:
-        return datetime.utcfromtimestamp(int(timestamp)).replace(tzinfo=utc)
+        return datetime.fromtimestamp(int(timestamp), tz=get_utc_timezone())
     except (ValueError, TypeError):
         return None
 
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/util/file.py b/common/djangoapps/util/file.py
index b2892e6f42c9..317beac05125 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/util/file.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/util/file.py
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
 from django.utils.text import get_valid_filename
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
 from django.utils.translation import ngettext
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from storages.backends.s3boto3 import S3Boto3Storage
 
 
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ def course_and_time_based_filename_generator(course_id, base_name):
     return "{course_prefix}_{base_name}_{timestamp_str}".format(
         course_prefix=course_filename_prefix_generator(course_id),
         base_name=get_valid_filename(base_name),
-        timestamp_str=datetime.now(UTC).strftime("%Y-%m-%d-%H%M%S")
+        timestamp_str=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).strftime("%Y-%m-%d-%H%M%S")
     )
 
 
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/util/tests/test_date_utils.py b/common/djangoapps/util/tests/test_date_utils.py
index 5843d88ea81b..5d859770b19a 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/util/tests/test_date_utils.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/util/tests/test_date_utils.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 import ddt
 import pytest
 from markupsafe import Markup
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from django.test.client import RequestFactory
 
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
 
 def test_get_default_time_display():
     assert get_default_time_display(None) == ""
-    test_time = datetime(1992, 3, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=utc)
+    test_time = datetime(1992, 3, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
     assert get_default_time_display(test_time) == "Mar 12, 1992 at 15:03 UTC"
 
 
@@ -32,12 +32,12 @@ def test_get_dflt_time_disp_notz():
 
 def test_get_time_disp_ret_empty():
     assert get_time_display(None) == ""
-    test_time = datetime(1992, 3, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=utc)
+    test_time = datetime(1992, 3, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
     assert get_time_display(test_time, "") == ""
 
 
 def test_get_time_display():
-    test_time = datetime(1992, 3, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=utc)
+    test_time = datetime(1992, 3, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
     assert get_time_display(test_time, 'dummy text') == "dummy text"
     assert get_time_display(test_time, '%b %d %Y') == "Mar 12 1992"
     assert get_time_display(test_time, '%b %d %Y %Z') == "Mar 12 1992 UTC"
@@ -45,15 +45,15 @@ def test_get_time_display():
 
 
 def test_get_time_pass_through():
-    test_time = datetime(1992, 3, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=utc)
+    test_time = datetime(1992, 3, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
     assert get_time_display(test_time) == "Mar 12, 1992 at 15:03 UTC"
     assert get_time_display(test_time, None) == "Mar 12, 1992 at 15:03 UTC"
     assert get_time_display(test_time, "%") == "Mar 12, 1992 at 15:03 UTC"
 
 
 def test_get_time_display_coerce():
-    test_time_standard = datetime(1992, 1, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=utc)
-    test_time_daylight = datetime(1992, 7, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=utc)
+    test_time_standard = datetime(1992, 1, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+    test_time_daylight = datetime(1992, 7, 12, 15, 3, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
     assert get_time_display(test_time_standard, None, coerce_tz="US/Pacific") == "Jan 12, 1992 at 07:03 PST"
     assert get_time_display(test_time_standard, None, coerce_tz="NONEXISTENTTZ") == "Jan 12, 1992 at 15:03 UTC"
     assert get_time_display(test_time_standard, '%b %d %H:%M', coerce_tz="US/Pacific") == "Jan 12 07:03"
diff --git a/common/djangoapps/util/tests/test_file.py b/common/djangoapps/util/tests/test_file.py
index cc16cd36129d..1040dd4825df 100644
--- a/common/djangoapps/util/tests/test_file.py
+++ b/common/djangoapps/util/tests/test_file.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 from opaque_keys.edx.locations import CourseLocator
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from ccx_keys.locator import CCXLocator
 
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ class FilenameGeneratorTestCase(TestCase):
     """
     Tests for course_and_time_based_filename_generator
     """
-    NOW = datetime.strptime('1974-06-22T01:02:03', '%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%S').replace(tzinfo=UTC)
+    NOW = datetime.strptime('1974-06-22T01:02:03', '%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%S').replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/branding/tests/test_page.py b/lms/djangoapps/branding/tests/test_page.py
index 46f10bd6923a..a313d11298e9 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/branding/tests/test_page.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/branding/tests/test_page.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
 from django.urls import reverse
 from milestones.tests.utils import MilestonesTestCaseMixin
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.edxmako.shortcuts import render_to_response
 from common.djangoapps.util.milestones_helpers import set_prerequisite_courses
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ def setUp(self):
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
         self.course = CourseFactory.create(
             days_early_for_beta=5,
-            enrollment_start=datetime.datetime.now(UTC) + datetime.timedelta(days=3),
+            enrollment_start=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=3),
             user_id=self.user.id,
         )
 
@@ -181,8 +181,8 @@ def setUp(self):
             number='1000',
             display_name='Starting later, Announced later',
             metadata={
-                'start': datetime.datetime.now(UTC) + datetime.timedelta(days=4),
-                'announcement': datetime.datetime.now(UTC) + datetime.timedelta(days=3),
+                'start': datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=4),
+                'announcement': datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=3),
             },
             emit_signals=True,
         )
@@ -191,8 +191,8 @@ def setUp(self):
             number='1001',
             display_name='Starting earlier, Announced earlier',
             metadata={
-                'start': datetime.datetime.now(UTC) + datetime.timedelta(days=2),
-                'announcement': datetime.datetime.now(UTC) + datetime.timedelta(days=1),
+                'start': datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=2),
+                'announcement': datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=1),
             },
             emit_signals=True,
         )
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/bulk_email/tests/test_models.py b/lms/djangoapps/bulk_email/tests/test_models.py
index 43062492e842..6c5e0bc807d6 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/bulk_email/tests/test_models.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/bulk_email/tests/test_models.py
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
 from django.test import TestCase
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
 from common.djangoapps.student.tests.factories import CourseEnrollmentFactory, UserFactory, StaffFactory
@@ -84,8 +84,8 @@ def test_bad_to_option(self):
             CourseEmail.create(course_id, sender, to_option, subject, html_message)
 
     @ddt.data(
-        datetime.datetime(1999, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
-        datetime.datetime(datetime.MAXYEAR, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+        datetime.datetime(1999, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
+        datetime.datetime(datetime.MAXYEAR, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
     )
     def test_track_target(self, expiration_datetime):
         """
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/api/v0/views.py b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/api/v0/views.py
index 8ca15e065006..845932fcb2ce 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/api/v0/views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/api/v0/views.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 import json
 import logging
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from ccx_keys.locator import CCXLocator
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
 from django.db import transaction
@@ -465,7 +465,7 @@ def post(self, request):
             ccx_course_object.save()
 
             # Make sure start/due are overridden for entire course
-            start = TODAY().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+            start = TODAY().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             override_field_for_ccx(ccx_course_object, master_course_object, 'start', start)
             override_field_for_ccx(ccx_course_object, master_course_object, 'due', None)
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/models.py b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/models.py
index 21f0136f0709..5c1087cfd431 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/models.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/models.py
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
 from django.db import models
 from lazy import lazy
 from opaque_keys.edx.django.models import CourseKeyField, UsageKeyField
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from xmodule.error_block import ErrorBlock
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
@@ -76,14 +76,14 @@ def max_student_enrollments_allowed(self):
 
     def has_started(self):
         """Return True if the CCX start date is in the past"""
-        return datetime.now(utc) > self.start
+        return datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) > self.start
 
     def has_ended(self):
         """Return True if the CCX due date is set and is in the past"""
         if self.due is None:
             return False
 
-        return datetime.now(utc) > self.due
+        return datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) > self.due
 
     @property
     def structure(self):
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_ccx_modulestore.py b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_ccx_modulestore.py
index f5e98a942cde..a90fbf32d403 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_ccx_modulestore.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_ccx_modulestore.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from collections import deque
 from itertools import chain
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from ccx_keys.locator import CCXLocator
 from six.moves import zip_longest
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import SharedModuleStoreTestCase
@@ -24,8 +24,8 @@ class TestCCXModulestoreWrapper(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     def setUpClass(cls):
         super().setUpClass()
         cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
-        start = datetime.datetime(2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
-        due = datetime.datetime(2010, 7, 7, 0, 0, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+        start = datetime.datetime(2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        due = datetime.datetime(2010, 7, 7, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         # Create a course outline
         cls.chapters = chapters = [
             BlockFactory.create(start=start, parent=cls.course) for _ in range(2)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_field_override_performance.py b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_field_override_performance.py
index a7128495eb59..10359ab0fd90 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_field_override_performance.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_field_override_performance.py
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
 from edx_django_utils.cache import RequestCache
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xblock.core import XBlock
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory, check_mongo_calls, check_sum_of_calls
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ def setup_course(self, size, enable_ccx, view_as_ccx):
 
         self.course = CourseFactory.create(
             graded=True,
-            start=datetime.now(UTC),
+            start=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
             grading_policy=grading_policy,
             enable_ccx=enable_ccx,
         )
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_models.py b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_models.py
index 11bd7e43d312..6a553da852ce 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_models.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_models.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 
 import ddt
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory, check_mongo_calls
 
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ def test_ccx_start_is_correct(self):
         For this reason we test the difference between and make sure it is less
         than one second.
         """
-        expected = datetime.now(utc)
+        expected = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.set_ccx_override('start', expected)
         actual = self.ccx.start
         diff = expected - actual
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ def test_ccx_start_is_correct(self):
 
     def test_ccx_start_caching(self):
         """verify that caching the start property works to limit queries"""
-        now = datetime.now(utc)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.set_ccx_override('start', now)
         with check_mongo_calls(2):
             # these statements are used entirely to demonstrate the
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ def test_ccx_due_without_override(self):
 
     def test_ccx_due_is_correct(self):
         """verify that the due datetime for a ccx is correctly retrieved"""
-        expected = datetime.now(utc)
+        expected = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.set_ccx_override('due', expected)
         actual = self.ccx.due
         diff = expected - actual
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ def test_ccx_due_is_correct(self):
 
     def test_ccx_due_caching(self):
         """verify that caching the due property works to limit queries"""
-        expected = datetime.now(utc)
+        expected = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.set_ccx_override('due', expected)
         with check_mongo_calls(2):
             # these statements are used entirely to demonstrate the
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ def test_ccx_due_caching(self):
 
     def test_ccx_has_started(self):
         """verify that a ccx marked as starting yesterday has started"""
-        now = datetime.now(utc)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         delta = timedelta(1)
         then = now - delta
         self.set_ccx_override('start', then)
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ def test_ccx_has_started(self):
 
     def test_ccx_has_not_started(self):
         """verify that a ccx marked as starting tomorrow has not started"""
-        now = datetime.now(utc)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         delta = timedelta(1)
         then = now + delta
         self.set_ccx_override('start', then)
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ def test_ccx_has_not_started(self):
 
     def test_ccx_has_ended(self):
         """verify that a ccx that has a due date in the past has ended"""
-        now = datetime.now(utc)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         delta = timedelta(1)
         then = now - delta
         self.set_ccx_override('due', then)
@@ -129,7 +129,7 @@ def test_ccx_has_ended(self):
     def test_ccx_has_not_ended(self):
         """verify that a ccx that has a due date in the future has not eneded
         """
-        now = datetime.now(utc)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         delta = timedelta(1)
         then = now + delta
         self.set_ccx_override('due', then)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_overrides.py b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_overrides.py
index c6822f9ab76f..486eb6621e54 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_overrides.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_overrides.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 import datetime
 from unittest import mock
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from ccx_keys.locator import CCXLocator
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
 from edx_django_utils.cache import RequestCache
@@ -41,8 +41,8 @@ def setUpClass(cls):
         cls.course.enable_ccx = True
 
         # Create a course outline
-        start = datetime.datetime(2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
-        due = datetime.datetime(2010, 7, 7, 0, 0, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+        start = datetime.datetime(2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        due = datetime.datetime(2010, 7, 7, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         chapters = [BlockFactory.create(start=start, parent=cls.course)
                     for _ in range(2)]
         sequentials = flatten([
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ def test_override_start(self):
         """
         Test that overriding start date on a chapter works.
         """
-        ccx_start = datetime.datetime(2014, 12, 25, 00, 00, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+        ccx_start = datetime.datetime(2014, 12, 25, 00, 00, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         chapter = self.ccx_course.get_children()[0]
         override_field_for_ccx(self.ccx, chapter, 'start', ccx_start)
         assert chapter.start == ccx_start
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ def test_override_num_queries_new_field(self):
         """
         Test that for creating new field executed only create query
         """
-        ccx_start = datetime.datetime(2014, 12, 25, 00, 00, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+        ccx_start = datetime.datetime(2014, 12, 25, 00, 00, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         chapter = self.ccx_course.get_children()[0]
         # One outer SAVEPOINT/RELEASE SAVEPOINT pair around everything caused by the
         # transaction.atomic decorator wrapping override_field_for_ccx.
@@ -114,8 +114,8 @@ def test_override_num_queries_update_existing_field(self):
         """
         Test that overriding existing field executed create, fetch and update queries.
         """
-        ccx_start = datetime.datetime(2014, 12, 25, 00, 00, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
-        new_ccx_start = datetime.datetime(2015, 12, 25, 00, 00, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+        ccx_start = datetime.datetime(2014, 12, 25, 00, 00, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        new_ccx_start = datetime.datetime(2015, 12, 25, 00, 00, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         chapter = self.ccx_course.get_children()[0]
         override_field_for_ccx(self.ccx, chapter, 'start', ccx_start)
         with self.assertNumQueries(3):
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ def test_override_num_queries_field_value_not_changed(self):
         """
         Test that if value of field does not changed no query execute.
         """
-        ccx_start = datetime.datetime(2014, 12, 25, 00, 00, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+        ccx_start = datetime.datetime(2014, 12, 25, 00, 00, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         chapter = self.ccx_course.get_children()[0]
         override_field_for_ccx(self.ccx, chapter, 'start', ccx_start)
         with self.assertNumQueries(2):      # 2 savepoints
@@ -135,7 +135,7 @@ def test_overriden_field_access_produces_no_extra_queries(self):
         """
         Test no extra queries when accessing an overriden field more than once.
         """
-        ccx_start = datetime.datetime(2014, 12, 25, 00, 00, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+        ccx_start = datetime.datetime(2014, 12, 25, 00, 00, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         chapter = self.ccx_course.get_children()[0]
         # One outer SAVEPOINT/RELEASE SAVEPOINT pair around everything caused by the
         # transaction.atomic decorator wrapping override_field_for_ccx.
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ def test_override_is_inherited(self):
         """
         Test that sequentials inherit overridden start date from chapter.
         """
-        ccx_start = datetime.datetime(2014, 12, 25, 00, 00, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+        ccx_start = datetime.datetime(2014, 12, 25, 00, 00, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         chapter = self.ccx_course.get_children()[0]
         override_field_for_ccx(self.ccx, chapter, 'start', ccx_start)
         assert chapter.get_children()[0].start == ccx_start
@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@ def test_override_is_inherited_even_if_set_in_mooc(self):
         (verticals) even if a due date is set explicitly on grandchildren in
         the mooc.
         """
-        ccx_due = datetime.datetime(2015, 1, 1, 00, 00, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+        ccx_due = datetime.datetime(2015, 1, 1, 00, 00, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         chapter = self.ccx_course.get_children()[0]
         chapter.display_name = 'itsme!'
         override_field_for_ccx(self.ccx, chapter, 'due', ccx_due)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_views.py b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_views.py
index e993d5dc0b7b..a221aa907edc 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/test_views.py
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
 from edx_django_utils.cache import RequestCache
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xmodule.modulestore import ModuleStoreEnum
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase
@@ -176,8 +176,8 @@ def setUpClass(cls):
         Set up tests
         """
         super().setUpClass()
-        start = datetime.datetime(2016, 7, 1, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
-        due = datetime.datetime(2016, 7, 8, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+        start = datetime.datetime(2016, 7, 1, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        due = datetime.datetime(2016, 7, 8, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
         cls.course = course = CourseFactory.create(enable_ccx=True, start=start)
         chapter = BlockFactory.create(start=start, parent=course, category='chapter')
@@ -466,7 +466,7 @@ def test_edit_schedule(self, today):
         """
         Get CCX schedule, modify it, save it.
         """
-        today.return_value = datetime.datetime(2014, 11, 25, tzinfo=UTC)
+        today.return_value = datetime.datetime(2014, 11, 25, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         self.make_coach()
         ccx = self.make_ccx()
         url = reverse(
@@ -805,10 +805,10 @@ def setUp(self):
 
         # Create a course outline
         self.mooc_start = start = datetime.datetime(
-            2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=UTC
+            2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()
         )
         self.mooc_due = due = datetime.datetime(
-            2010, 7, 7, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC
+            2010, 7, 7, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()
         )
 
         self.chapters = [
@@ -890,7 +890,7 @@ def test_get_ccx_schedule(self, today):
         Hides nodes at a different depth and checks that these nodes
         are not in the schedule.
         """
-        today.return_value = datetime.datetime(2014, 11, 25, tzinfo=UTC)
+        today.return_value = datetime.datetime(2014, 11, 25, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         self.make_coach()
         ccx = self.make_ccx()
         url = reverse(
@@ -950,7 +950,7 @@ def setUpClass(cls):
 
         # Create a course outline
         cls.mooc_start = start = datetime.datetime(
-            2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=UTC
+            2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()
         )
         chapter = BlockFactory.create(
             start=start, parent=course, category='sequential'
@@ -1206,7 +1206,7 @@ def setUp(self):
 
         # Create a CCX course and enroll the user in it.
         self.ccx = CcxFactory(course_id=self.split_course.id, coach=self.coach)
-        last_week = datetime.datetime.now(UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=7)
+        last_week = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=7)
         override_field_for_ccx(self.ccx, self.split_course, 'start', last_week)  # Required by self.ccx.has_started().
         self.ccx_course_key = CCXLocator.from_course_locator(self.split_course.id, self.ccx.id)
         CourseEnrollment.enroll(self.student, self.ccx_course_key)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/utils.py b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/utils.py
index 4f8c34e14c2d..74056e662302 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/utils.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/tests/utils.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 
 import datetime
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import SharedModuleStoreTestCase
@@ -31,10 +31,10 @@ def setUpClass(cls):
 
         # Create a course outline
         cls.mooc_start = start = datetime.datetime(
-            2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=pytz.UTC
+            2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()
         )
         cls.mooc_due = due = datetime.datetime(
-            2010, 7, 7, 0, 0, tzinfo=pytz.UTC
+            2010, 7, 7, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()
         )
 
         cls.chapters = [
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/utils.py b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/utils.py
index 28ecbba34947..6e8869fd59ba 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/utils.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/utils.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 from contextlib import contextmanager
 from smtplib import SMTPException
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
 from django.core.exceptions import ValidationError
 from django.core.validators import validate_email
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ def parse_date(datestring):
         hour, minute = list(map(int, time.split(':')))
         if validate_date(year, month, day, hour, minute):
             return datetime.datetime(
-                year, month, day, hour, minute, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+                year, month, day, hour, minute, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
     return None
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/views.py b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/views.py
index 7c6a75aaf6d4..d6e7e9a004ea 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/ccx/views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/ccx/views.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 import logging
 from copy import deepcopy
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from ccx_keys.locator import CCXLocator
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.contrib import messages
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@ def create_ccx(request, course, ccx=None):
     ccx.save()
 
     # Make sure start/due are overridden for entire course
-    start = TODAY().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+    start = TODAY().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
     override_field_for_ccx(ccx, course, 'start', start)
     override_field_for_ccx(ccx, course, 'due', None)
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/certificates/api.py b/lms/djangoapps/certificates/api.py
index 02b254ffad6c..8adc9eaa5a1a 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/certificates/api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/certificates/api.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 from opaque_keys.edx.django.models import CourseKeyField
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 from organizations.api import get_course_organization_id
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
 from common.djangoapps.student.api import is_user_enrolled_in_course
@@ -887,7 +887,7 @@ def display_date_for_certificate(course, certificate):
     except ObjectDoesNotExist:
         pass
 
-    if _course_uses_available_date(course) and course.certificate_available_date < datetime.now(UTC):
+    if _course_uses_available_date(course) and course.certificate_available_date < datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()):
         return course.certificate_available_date
     # It is possible for a self-paced course run to end up configured with a display behavior of "END" even though it
     # shouldn't be a valid option. We must check if the course is instructor-paced here to ensure that we are selecting
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/certificates/tests/test_api.py b/lms/djangoapps/certificates/tests/test_api.py
index ca12c989660d..222f1a824adc 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/certificates/tests/test_api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/certificates/tests/test_api.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from unittest.mock import patch
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from config_models.models import cache
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.test import RequestFactory, TestCase
@@ -120,9 +120,9 @@ def setUp(self):
             org="edx",
             number="verified",
             display_name="Verified Course",
-            end=datetime.now(pytz.UTC),
+            end=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
             self_paced=False,
-            certificate_available_date=datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=2),
+            certificate_available_date=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=2),
         )
 
         GeneratedCertificateFactory.create(
@@ -233,7 +233,7 @@ def test_cert_api_return(
         """
         Test 'downloadable status'
         """
-        cert_avail_date = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + cert_avail_delta
+        cert_avail_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + cert_avail_delta
         self.course.self_paced = self_paced
         self.course.certificate_available_date = cert_avail_date
         self.course.certificates_display_behavior = certificates_display_behavior
@@ -1046,8 +1046,8 @@ def __init__(self, user=None, course_id=None, mode=None, status=None):
         self.course_id = course_id
         self.mode = mode
         self.status = status
-        self.created_date = datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
-        self.modified_date = datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        self.created_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
+        self.modified_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.date_override = None
 
     def is_valid(self):
@@ -1059,7 +1059,7 @@ def is_valid(self):
 
 class MockCertificateDateOverride:
     def __init__(self, date=None):
-        self.date = date or datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        self.date = date or datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
 
 @contextmanager
@@ -1080,8 +1080,8 @@ class CertificatesApiTestCase(TestCase):
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
         self.course = CourseOverviewFactory.create(
-            start=datetime(2017, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC),
-            end=datetime(2017, 1, 31, tzinfo=pytz.UTC),
+            start=datetime(2017, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
+            end=datetime(2017, 1, 31, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             certificate_available_date=None,
         )
         self.user = UserFactory.create()
@@ -1126,14 +1126,14 @@ def test_available_vs_display_date(self, feature_enabled, is_self_paced, uses_av
             assert self.certificate.modified_date == display_date_for_certificate(self.course, self.certificate)
 
             # With an available date set in the past, both return the available date (if configured)
-            self.course.certificate_available_date = datetime(2017, 2, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+            self.course.certificate_available_date = datetime(2017, 2, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             self.course.certificates_display_behavior = CertificatesDisplayBehaviors.END_WITH_DATE
             maybe_avail = self.course.certificate_available_date if uses_avail_date else self.certificate.modified_date
             assert maybe_avail == available_date_for_certificate(self.course, self.certificate)
             assert maybe_avail == display_date_for_certificate(self.course, self.certificate)
 
             # With a future available date, they each return a different date
-            self.course.certificate_available_date = datetime.max.replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+            self.course.certificate_available_date = datetime.max.replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             maybe_avail = self.course.certificate_available_date if uses_avail_date else self.certificate.modified_date
             assert maybe_avail == available_date_for_certificate(self.course, self.certificate)
             assert self.certificate.modified_date == display_date_for_certificate(self.course, self.certificate)
@@ -1162,7 +1162,7 @@ def test_display_date_for_certificate_cdb_end_with_date(self):
         with configure_waffle_namespace(True):
             self.course.self_paced = False
             self.course.certificates_display_behavior = CertificatesDisplayBehaviors.END_WITH_DATE
-            self.course.certificate_available_date = datetime(2017, 2, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+            self.course.certificate_available_date = datetime(2017, 2, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             assert display_date_for_certificate(self.course, self.certificate) == self.course.certificate_available_date
 
     def test_display_date_for_certificate_cdb_end(self):
@@ -1181,7 +1181,7 @@ def test_display_date_for_certificate_date_override(self):
         if-and-only-if date override associated with the certificate instance.
         """
         with configure_waffle_namespace(True):
-            self.certificate.date_override = datetime(2016, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+            self.certificate.date_override = datetime(2016, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             assert display_date_for_certificate(self.course, self.certificate) == self.certificate.date_override.date
 
     def test_display_date_for_self_paced_course_run(self):
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/certificates/tests/test_utils.py b/lms/djangoapps/certificates/tests/test_utils.py
index 298e624fdd8e..5793fae6d4dd 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/certificates/tests/test_utils.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/certificates/tests/test_utils.py
@@ -6,13 +6,13 @@
 
 import ddt
 from django.test import TestCase
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from lms.djangoapps.certificates.utils import has_html_certificates_enabled, should_certificate_be_visible
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.content.course_overviews.tests.factories import CourseOverviewFactory
 from xmodule.data import CertificatesDisplayBehaviors  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
 
-_TODAY = datetime.now(utc)
+_TODAY = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 _LAST_MONTH = _TODAY - timedelta(days=30)
 _LAST_WEEK = _TODAY - timedelta(days=7)
 _NEXT_WEEK = _TODAY + timedelta(days=7)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/certificates/tests/tests.py b/lms/djangoapps/certificates/tests/tests.py
index a6b6362792b8..a55c9a171392 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/certificates/tests/tests.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/certificates/tests/tests.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 from ddt import data, ddt, unpack
 from django.conf import settings
 from milestones.tests.utils import MilestonesTestCaseMixin
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import CourseEnrollment
 from common.djangoapps.student.tests.factories import UserFactory
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ class CertificatesModelTest(ModuleStoreTestCase, MilestonesTestCaseMixin):
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
 
-        today = datetime.now(UTC)
+        today = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.instructor_paced_course = CourseFactory.create(
             org='edx', number='instructor', display_name='Instructor Paced Course',
             start=today - timedelta(days=30),
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/certificates/utils.py b/lms/djangoapps/certificates/utils.py
index 7ff2a4c97b27..ed2a6f127b73 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/certificates/utils.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/certificates/utils.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 from django.urls import reverse
 from eventtracking import tracker
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.student import models_api as student_api
 from lms.djangoapps.certificates.data import CertificateStatuses
@@ -160,7 +160,7 @@ def should_certificate_be_visible(
     past_available_date = (
         certificates_display_behavior == CertificatesDisplayBehaviors.END_WITH_DATE
         and certificate_available_date
-        and certificate_available_date < datetime.now(utc)
+        and certificate_available_date < datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     )
     ended_without_available_date = (
         certificates_display_behavior == CertificatesDisplayBehaviors.END
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/certificates/views/webview.py b/lms/djangoapps/certificates/views/webview.py
index 3b6cc75e4890..8f3f59971d79 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/certificates/views/webview.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/certificates/views/webview.py
@@ -7,8 +7,8 @@
 import urllib
 from datetime import datetime
 from uuid import uuid4
+from zoneinfo import ZoneInfo
 
-import pytz
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.contrib.auth.decorators import login_required
 from django.http import Http404, HttpResponse, HttpResponseRedirect
@@ -175,7 +175,7 @@ def _update_context_with_basic_info(context, course_id, platform_name, configura
     # Translators:  'All rights reserved' is a legal term used in copyrighting to protect published content
     reserved = _("All rights reserved")
     context['copyright_text'] = '&copy; {year} {platform_name}. {reserved}.'.format(
-        year=datetime.now(pytz.timezone(settings.TIME_ZONE)).year,
+        year=datetime.now(ZoneInfo(settings.TIME_ZONE)).year,
         platform_name=platform_name,
         reserved=reserved
     )
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/commerce/api/v0/tests/test_views.py b/lms/djangoapps/commerce/api/v0/tests/test_views.py
index ef9327fe6f43..e37dec891378 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/commerce/api/v0/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/commerce/api/v0/tests/test_views.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 from uuid import uuid4
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.test import TestCase
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
@@ -272,7 +272,7 @@ def test_closed_course(self):
         """
         Verifies that the view returns HTTP 406 when a course is closed.
         """
-        self.course.enrollment_end = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=1)
+        self.course.enrollment_end = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=1)
         modulestore().update_item(self.course, self.user.id)
         assert self._post_to_view().status_code == 406
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/commerce/api/v1/serializers.py b/lms/djangoapps/commerce/api/v1/serializers.py
index 8d7fb25cb463..0d7fd40c3e77 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/commerce/api/v1/serializers.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/commerce/api/v1/serializers.py
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 
 from datetime import datetime
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
 from opaque_keys import InvalidKeyError
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ def validate(self, attrs):
                 if expires:
                     # If we don't already have an upgrade_deadline value, use datetime.max so that we can actually
                     # complete the comparison.
-                    upgrade_deadline = min(expires, upgrade_deadline or datetime.max.replace(tzinfo=pytz.utc))
+                    upgrade_deadline = min(expires, upgrade_deadline or datetime.max.replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
 
             # In cases where upgrade_deadline is None (e.g. the verified professional mode), allow a verification
             # deadline to be set anyway.
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/commerce/api/v1/tests/test_views.py b/lms/djangoapps/commerce/api/v1/tests/test_views.py
index 71b9a4810f19..1687143db053 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/commerce/api/v1/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/commerce/api/v1/tests/test_views.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.contrib.auth.models import Permission
 from django.test import TestCase
@@ -176,7 +176,7 @@ def test_update(self):
         assert VerificationDeadline.deadline_for_course(self.course.id) is None
 
         # Generate the expected data
-        now = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         verification_deadline = now + timedelta(days=1)
         expiration_datetime = now
         response, expected = self._get_update_response_and_expected_data(expiration_datetime, verification_deadline)
@@ -195,8 +195,8 @@ def test_update_invalid_dates(self):
         """
         Verify the API does not allow the verification deadline to be set before the course mode upgrade deadlines.
         """
-        expiration_datetime = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
-        verification_deadline = datetime(year=1915, month=5, day=7, tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+        expiration_datetime = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
+        verification_deadline = datetime(year=1915, month=5, day=7, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         response, __ = self._get_update_response_and_expected_data(expiration_datetime, verification_deadline)
         assert response.status_code == 400
 
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ def test_update_verification_deadline_without_expiring_modes(self):
 
          This accounts for the verified professional mode, which requires verification but should never expire.
         """
-        verification_deadline = datetime(year=1915, month=5, day=7, tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+        verification_deadline = datetime(year=1915, month=5, day=7, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         response, __ = self._get_update_response_and_expected_data(None, verification_deadline)
 
         assert response.status_code == 200
@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@ def test_update_remove_verification_deadline(self):
         """
         Verify that verification deadlines can be removed through the API.
         """
-        verification_deadline = datetime(year=1915, month=5, day=7, tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+        verification_deadline = datetime(year=1915, month=5, day=7, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         response, __ = self._get_update_response_and_expected_data(None, verification_deadline)
         assert VerificationDeadline.deadline_for_course(self.course.id) == verification_deadline
 
@@ -247,7 +247,7 @@ def test_update_verification_deadline_left_alone(self):
         When the course's verification deadline is set and an update request doesn't
         include it, we should take no action on it.
         """
-        verification_deadline = datetime(year=1915, month=5, day=7, tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+        verification_deadline = datetime(year=1915, month=5, day=7, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         response, __ = self._get_update_response_and_expected_data(None, verification_deadline)
         assert VerificationDeadline.deadline_for_course(self.course.id) == verification_deadline
 
@@ -273,7 +273,7 @@ def test_remove_upgrade_deadline(self):
         Verify that course mode upgrade deadlines can be removed through the API.
         """
         # First create a deadline
-        upgrade_deadline = datetime.now(pytz.utc) + timedelta(days=1)
+        upgrade_deadline = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1)
         response, __ = self._get_update_response_and_expected_data(upgrade_deadline, None)
         assert response.status_code == 200
         verified_mode = CourseMode.verified_mode_for_course(self.course.id)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/course_blocks/transformers/hidden_content.py b/lms/djangoapps/course_blocks/transformers/hidden_content.py
index e82d8d3441d6..edc703fe25ea 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/course_blocks/transformers/hidden_content.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/course_blocks/transformers/hidden_content.py
@@ -5,14 +5,14 @@
 
 from datetime import datetime
 
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.content.block_structure.transformer import BlockStructureTransformer
 from xmodule.seq_block import SequenceBlock  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
 
 from .utils import collect_merged_boolean_field, collect_merged_date_field
 
-MAXIMUM_DATE = utc.localize(datetime.max)
+MAXIMUM_DATE = datetime.max.replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 
 class HiddenContentTransformer(BlockStructureTransformer):
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/course_blocks/transformers/start_date.py b/lms/djangoapps/course_blocks/transformers/start_date.py
index 13ba3b7470c2..32359f27bdc1 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/course_blocks/transformers/start_date.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/course_blocks/transformers/start_date.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 
 from datetime import datetime
 
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from lms.djangoapps.courseware.access_utils import check_start_date
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.content.block_structure.transformer import (
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ def transform_block_filters(self, usage_info, block_structure):
         if usage_info.has_staff_access or usage_info.allow_start_dates_in_future:
             return [block_structure.create_universal_filter()]
 
-        now = datetime.now(UTC)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
         def _removal_condition(block_key):
             return not check_start_date(
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/course_blocks/transformers/tests/test_load_override_data.py b/lms/djangoapps/course_blocks/transformers/tests/test_load_override_data.py
index d0fef5065b43..e7399970c95d 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/course_blocks/transformers/tests/test_load_override_data.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/course_blocks/transformers/tests/test_load_override_data.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 import datetime
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import TEST_DATA_SPLIT_MODULESTORE, ModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import ToyCourseFactory
@@ -18,11 +18,11 @@
 
 expected_overrides = {
     'start': datetime.datetime(
-        2017, 1, 20, 2, 42, tzinfo=pytz.UTC
+        2017, 1, 20, 2, 42, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()
     ),
     'display_name': "Section",
     'due': datetime.datetime(
-        2017, 2, 20, 2, 42, tzinfo=pytz.UTC
+        2017, 2, 20, 2, 42, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()
     )
 }
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/course_goals/management/commands/tests/test_goal_reminder_email.py b/lms/djangoapps/course_goals/management/commands/tests/test_goal_reminder_email.py
index 46d46832a6d9..2e646e8830a0 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/course_goals/management/commands/tests/test_goal_reminder_email.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/course_goals/management/commands/tests/test_goal_reminder_email.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 from botocore.exceptions import NoCredentialsError
 from django.contrib.sites.models import Site
 from edx_ace import Recipient, Message
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from unittest import mock  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
 
 import ddt
@@ -55,8 +55,8 @@ def make_valid_goal(self, **kwargs):
         """Creates a goal that will cause an email to be sent as the goal is valid but has been missed"""
         kwargs.setdefault('days_per_week', 6)
         kwargs.setdefault('subscribed_to_reminders', True)
-        kwargs.setdefault('overview__start', datetime(2021, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC))
-        kwargs.setdefault('overview__end', datetime(2021, 4, 1, tzinfo=UTC))  # Have it end in the future
+        kwargs.setdefault('overview__start', datetime(2021, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
+        kwargs.setdefault('overview__end', datetime(2021, 4, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))  # Have it end in the future
         goal = CourseGoalFactory(**kwargs)
 
         with freeze_time('2021-02-01 10:00:00'):  # Create enrollment before March
@@ -114,7 +114,8 @@ def test_will_send_on_right_day(self, days_per_week, days_of_activity, current_d
         """Verify that via the normal conditions, we either send or not based on the days of activity"""
         goal = self.make_valid_goal(days_per_week=days_per_week)
         for day in range(days_of_activity):
-            UserActivityFactory(user=goal.user, course_key=goal.course_key, date=datetime(2021, 3, day + 1, tzinfo=UTC))
+            UserActivityFactory(user=goal.user, course_key=goal.course_key,
+                                date=datetime(2021, 3, day + 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
 
         self.call_command(day=current_day, expect_sent=expect_sent)
 
@@ -150,12 +151,12 @@ def test_inactive_enrollment(self):
 
     def test_recent_enrollment(self):
         self.make_valid_goal()
-        CourseEnrollment.objects.update(created=datetime(2021, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC))
+        CourseEnrollment.objects.update(created=datetime(2021, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
         self.call_command(expect_sent=False)
 
     @ddt.data(
-        (datetime(2021, 3, 8, tzinfo=UTC), True),
-        (datetime(2021, 3, 7, tzinfo=UTC), False),
+        (datetime(2021, 3, 8, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()), True),
+        (datetime(2021, 3, 7, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()), False),
     )
     @ddt.unpack
     @mock.patch('lms.djangoapps.course_goals.management.commands.goal_reminder_email.get_user_course_expiration_date')
@@ -183,8 +184,8 @@ def test_no_days_per_week(self):
         self.call_command(expect_sent=False)
 
     @ddt.data(
-        datetime(2021, 2, 1, tzinfo=UTC),  # very over and done with
-        datetime(2021, 3, 7, tzinfo=UTC),  # ending this Sunday
+        datetime(2021, 2, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),  # very over and done with
+        datetime(2021, 3, 7, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),  # ending this Sunday
     )
     def test_old_course(self, end):
         self.make_valid_goal(overview__end=end)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/course_home_api/progress/serializers.py b/lms/djangoapps/course_home_api/progress/serializers.py
index 6bdc204434af..0b2e25518879 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/course_home_api/progress/serializers.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/course_home_api/progress/serializers.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 
 from rest_framework import serializers
 from rest_framework.reverse import reverse
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from lms.djangoapps.course_home_api.serializers import ReadOnlySerializer, VerifiedModeSerializer
 
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ def get_url(self, subsection):
         """
         hide_url_date = subsection.end if subsection.self_paced else subsection.due
         if (not self.context['staff_access'] and subsection.hide_after_due and hide_url_date
-                and datetime.now(UTC) > hide_url_date):
+                and datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) > hide_url_date):
             return None
 
         relative_path = reverse('jump_to', args=[self.context['course_key'], subsection.location])
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/course_home_api/progress/tests/test_views.py b/lms/djangoapps/course_home_api/progress/tests/test_views.py
index d13ebec29c21..1d4587c1546d 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/course_home_api/progress/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/course_home_api/progress/tests/test_views.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 from django.urls import reverse
 from django.utils.timezone import now
 from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_flag
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import BlockFactory
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ def test_end(self):
         self.update_course(self.course, self.user.id)
         response = self.client.get(self.url)
         assert response.status_code == 200
-        end = dateutil.parser.parse(response.json()['end']).replace(tzinfo=UTC)
+        end = dateutil.parser.parse(response.json()['end']).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         assert end.date() == future.date()
 
     def test_user_has_passing_grade(self):
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/access_utils.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/access_utils.py
index 23ec992f8189..33548671f054 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/access_utils.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/access_utils.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 from crum import get_current_request
 from django.conf import settings
 from enterprise.models import EnterpriseCourseEnrollment, EnterpriseCustomerUser
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import CourseEnrollment
 from common.djangoapps.student.roles import CourseBetaTesterRole
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ def check_start_date(user, days_early_for_beta, start, course_key, display_error
             return ACCESS_GRANTED
 
         if now is None:
-            now = datetime.now(UTC)
+            now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         effective_start = adjust_start_date(user, days_early_for_beta, start, course_key)
 
         should_grant_access = now > effective_start
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/context_processor.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/context_processor.py
index 2832c577ca46..28dcfb2c82af 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/context_processor.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/context_processor.py
@@ -6,10 +6,11 @@
 
 """
 import string
+from zoneinfo import ZoneInfo
 
 from django.utils.translation import get_language
-from pytz import timezone
-from pytz.exceptions import UnknownTimeZoneError
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
+
 
 from edx_django_utils.cache import TieredCache
 from lms.djangoapps.courseware.models import LastSeenCoursewareTimezone
@@ -97,6 +98,6 @@ def get_user_timezone_or_last_seen_timezone_or_utc(user):
     user_timezone = filter(lambda l: l in string.printable, user_timezone)
     user_timezone = ''.join(user_timezone)
     try:
-        return timezone(user_timezone)
-    except UnknownTimeZoneError as err:
-        return timezone('UTC')
+        return ZoneInfo(user_timezone)
+    except KeyError:
+        return get_utc_timezone()
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/course_tools.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/course_tools.py
index c0e37c76e068..ece15909a0c6 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/course_tools.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/course_tools.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 
 import datetime
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.urls import reverse
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ def is_enabled(cls, request, course_key):
         """
         Show this link for active courses where financial assistance is available, unless upgrade deadline has passed
         """
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         feature_flags = None
         try:
             course_overview = CourseOverview.objects.get(id=course_key)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/courses.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/courses.py
index a8333dd52ed2..38691d4b0ede 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/courses.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/courses.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime
 
 import six
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from crum import get_current_request
 from dateutil.parser import parse as parse_date
 from django.conf import settings
@@ -319,7 +319,7 @@ def course_open_for_self_enrollment(course_key):
 
     # Check the enrollment start and end dates.
     course_details = get_course_enrollment_details(str(course_key))
-    now = datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+    now = datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
     start = course_details['enrollment_start']
     end = course_details['enrollment_end']
 
@@ -533,7 +533,7 @@ def date_block_key_fn(block):
     If the block's date is None, return the maximum datetime in order
     to force it to the end of the list of displayed blocks.
     """
-    return block.date or datetime.max.replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+    return block.date or datetime.max.replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 
 def _get_absolute_url(request, url_path):
@@ -634,7 +634,7 @@ def get_course_assignments(course_key, user, include_access=False, include_witho
     course_usage_key = store.make_course_usage_key(course_key)
     block_data = get_course_blocks(user, course_usage_key, allow_start_dates_in_future=True, include_completion=True)
 
-    now = datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+    now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     assignments = []
     for section_key in block_data.get_children(course_usage_key):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=too-many-nested-blocks
         for subsection_key in block_data.get_children(section_key):
@@ -755,9 +755,9 @@ def _ora_assessment_to_assignment(
     else:
         assessment_start, assessment_due = None, None
         if assessment.get('start'):
-            assessment_start = parse_date(assessment.get('start')).replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+            assessment_start = parse_date(assessment.get('start')).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         if assessment.get('due'):
-            assessment_due = parse_date(assessment.get('due')).replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+            assessment_due = parse_date(assessment.get('due')).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         extra_info = _(
             "This Open Response Assessment's due dates are set by your instructor and can't be shifted."
         )
@@ -781,7 +781,7 @@ def _ora_assessment_to_assignment(
         assessment_type = assessment_name
     title = f"{block_title} ({assessment_type})"
     url = ''
-    now = datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+    now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     assignment_released = not assessment_start or assessment_start < now
     if assignment_released:
         url = reverse('jump_to', args=[block_key.course_key, ora_block])
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/date_summary.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/date_summary.py
index e6bd5ef70597..b72abdf2dfdc 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/date_summary.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/date_summary.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
 from django.utils.translation import gettext_lazy
 from lazy import lazy
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
 from lms.djangoapps.certificates.api import get_active_web_certificate, can_show_certificate_available_date_field
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ def current_time(self):
         Returns a consistent current time.
         """
         if self._current_time is None:
-            self._current_time = datetime.datetime.now(utc)
+            self._current_time = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         return self._current_time
 
     @property
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/management/commands/tests/test_dump_course.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/management/commands/tests/test_dump_course.py
index 97a20deac993..ea9f1e2d4b37 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/management/commands/tests/test_dump_course.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/management/commands/tests/test_dump_course.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from io import StringIO
 
 import factory
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.core.management import call_command
 
@@ -22,8 +22,8 @@
 
 DATA_DIR = settings.COMMON_TEST_DATA_ROOT
 XML_COURSE_DIRS = ['simple']
-TEST_COURSE_START = datetime.datetime(2012, 7, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
-TEST_COURSE_END = datetime.datetime(2012, 12, 31, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+TEST_COURSE_START = datetime.datetime(2012, 7, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+TEST_COURSE_END = datetime.datetime(2012, 12, 31, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 
 class CommandsTestBase(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/masquerade.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/masquerade.py
index 5ce266c463d6..b323689d8e28 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/masquerade.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/masquerade.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
 from django.views import View
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from web_fragments.fragment import Fragment
 from xblock.runtime import KeyValueStore
 
@@ -387,7 +387,7 @@ def check_content_start_date_for_masquerade_user(course_key, user, request, cour
     Add a warning message if the masquerade user would not have access to this content
     due to the content start date being in the future.
     """
-    now = datetime.now(utc)
+    now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     most_future_date = course_start
     if chapter_start and section_start:
         most_future_date = max(course_start, chapter_start, section_start)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_about.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_about.py
index bd0c1854ab76..3870eb144488 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_about.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_about.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 from unittest.mock import patch
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
 from django.urls import reverse
@@ -358,7 +358,7 @@ def setUp(self):
         self.course = CourseFactory.create(metadata={"invitation_only": False})
 
         # Setup enrollment period to be in future
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         tomorrow = now + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
         nextday = tomorrow + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_access.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_access.py
index 5b910565e4ae..4c279e26f720 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_access.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_access.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 from unittest.mock import Mock, patch
 import pytest
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from ccx_keys.locator import CCXLocator
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
@@ -175,8 +175,8 @@ class AccessTestCase(LoginEnrollmentTestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase, MilestonesTes
     TOMORROW = 'tomorrow'
     YESTERDAY = 'yesterday'
     DATES = {
-        TOMORROW: datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc) + datetime.timedelta(days=1),
-        YESTERDAY: datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc) - datetime.timedelta(days=1),
+        TOMORROW: datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=1),
+        YESTERDAY: datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=1),
         None: None,
     }
 
@@ -466,8 +466,8 @@ def test__has_access_to_block_with_start_date(self, start, expected_error_type):
         self.verify_access(mock_unit, expected_access, expected_error_type)
 
     def test__has_access_course_can_enroll(self):
-        yesterday = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc) - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
-        tomorrow = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+        yesterday = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+        tomorrow = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
 
         # Non-staff can enroll if authenticated and specifically allowed for that course
         # even outside the open enrollment period
@@ -507,8 +507,8 @@ def test__has_access_course_can_enroll(self):
 
     @override_settings(FEATURES={**settings.FEATURES, 'DISABLE_ALLOWED_ENROLLMENT_IF_ENROLLMENT_CLOSED': True})
     def test__has_access_course_with_disable_allowed_enrollment_flag(self):
-        yesterday = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc) - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
-        tomorrow = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+        yesterday = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+        tomorrow = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
 
         # Non-staff user invited to course, cannot enroll outside the open enrollment period
         # if DISABLE_ALLOWED_ENROLLMENT_IF_ENROLLMENT_CLOSED is True
@@ -586,8 +586,8 @@ def test_old_mongo_is_invite_only(self, old_mongo):
         self.assertEqual(access._has_access_course(user, 'enroll', course).has_access, not old_mongo)
 
     def _mock_course_with_invitation(self, invitation, deprecated=False):
-        yesterday = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc) - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
-        tomorrow = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+        yesterday = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+        tomorrow = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
         return Mock(
             enrollment_start=yesterday, enrollment_end=tomorrow,
             id=CourseLocator('edX', 'test', '2012_Fall', deprecated=deprecated), enrollment_domain='',
@@ -733,7 +733,7 @@ class CourseOverviewAccessTestCase(ModuleStoreTestCase):
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
 
-        today = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        today = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         last_week = today - datetime.timedelta(days=7)
         next_week = today + datetime.timedelta(days=7)
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_block_render.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_block_render.py
index 182f8d0c03ab..95332f643abc 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_block_render.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_block_render.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 
 import pytest
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from bson import ObjectId
 from completion.waffle import ENABLE_COMPLETION_TRACKING_SWITCH  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
 from completion.models import BlockCompletion  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
@@ -2161,7 +2161,7 @@ def test_xblock_runtime_publish_delete(self):
     @patch('lms.djangoapps.grades.signals.handlers.PROBLEM_RAW_SCORE_CHANGED.send')
     def test_score_change_signal(self, send_mock):
         """Test that a Django signal is generated when a score changes"""
-        with freeze_time(datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)):
+        with freeze_time(datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())):
             self.set_block_grade_using_publish(self.grade_dict)
             expected_signal_kwargs = {
                 'sender': None,
@@ -2172,7 +2172,7 @@ def test_score_change_signal(self, send_mock):
                 'course_id': str(self.course.id),
                 'usage_id': str(self.problem.location),
                 'only_if_higher': None,
-                'modified': datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC),
+                'modified': datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
                 'score_db_table': 'csm',
                 'score_deleted': None,
                 'grader_response': None
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_context_processor.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_context_processor.py
index e1a65d822fe4..bd8c6fc6c29f 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_context_processor.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_context_processor.py
@@ -2,8 +2,10 @@
 Unit tests for courseware context_processor
 """
 
-from pytz import timezone
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from unittest.mock import Mock, patch  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
+from zoneinfo import ZoneInfo
+
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.contrib.auth.models import AnonymousUser
 
@@ -60,20 +62,25 @@ def test_get_user_timezone_or_last_seen_timezone_or_utc(self):
         # We default to UTC
         course = CourseFactory()
         time_zone = get_user_timezone_or_last_seen_timezone_or_utc(self.user)
-        assert time_zone == timezone('UTC')
+        # Check that we get some form of UTC timezone - both should represent the same timezone
+        expected_utc = get_utc_timezone()
+        # Compare timezone names/representations since the objects might be different types
+        assert str(time_zone).upper() in ['UTC', '+00:00'] or time_zone == expected_utc
 
         # We record the timezone when a user hits the courseware api. Also sanitize input test
         self.client.login(username=self.user.username, password='foo')
         self.client.get(f'/api/courseware/course/{course.id}?browser_timezone=America/New_York\x00')
         time_zone = get_user_timezone_or_last_seen_timezone_or_utc(self.user)
-        assert time_zone == timezone('America/New_York')
+        assert time_zone == ZoneInfo('America/New_York')
 
         # If a user has their timezone set, then we use that setting
         set_user_preference(self.user, 'time_zone', 'Asia/Tokyo')
         time_zone = get_user_timezone_or_last_seen_timezone_or_utc(self.user)
-        assert time_zone == timezone('Asia/Tokyo')
+        assert time_zone == ZoneInfo('Asia/Tokyo')
 
         # If we do not recognize the user's timezone, we default to UTC
         with patch('lms.djangoapps.courseware.context_processor.get_user_preference', return_value='Unknown/Timezone'):
             time_zone = get_user_timezone_or_last_seen_timezone_or_utc(self.user)
-        assert time_zone == timezone('UTC')
+        # Check that we get some form of UTC timezone - both should represent the same timezone
+        expected_utc = get_utc_timezone()
+        assert str(time_zone).upper() in ['UTC', '+00:00'] or time_zone == expected_utc
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_course_tools.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_course_tools.py
index e1d3391e2991..089738259d46 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_course_tools.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_course_tools.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 
 from unittest.mock import patch
 import crum
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.test import RequestFactory
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ class FinancialAssistanceToolTest(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     @classmethod
     def setUpClass(cls):
         super().setUpClass()
-        cls.now = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        cls.now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
         cls.course = CourseFactory.create(
             org='edX',
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_courses.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_courses.py
index 804f9037791f..046614e38483 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_courses.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_courses.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 from unittest import mock
 import pytest
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from completion.models import BlockCompletion
 from completion.test_utils import CompletionWaffleTestMixin
 from crum import set_current_request
@@ -313,7 +313,7 @@ def test_get_course_about_section_render(self):
 class CourseEnrollmentOpenTests(ModuleStoreTestCase):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=missing-class-docstring
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
-        self.now = datetime.datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+        self.now = datetime.datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
     def test_course_enrollment_open(self):
         start = self.now - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@ def test_completion_does_not_treat_unreleased_as_complete(self):
 @ddt.ddt
 class TestGetCourseAssignmentsORA(CompletionWaffleTestMixin, ModuleStoreTestCase):
     """ Tests for ora-related behavior in get_course_assignments """
-    TODAY = datetime.datetime(2023, 8, 2, 12, 23, 45, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+    TODAY = datetime.datetime(2023, 8, 2, 12, 23, 45, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_date_summary.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_date_summary.py
index 1762d37bdee0..cdff73a079de 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_date_summary.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_date_summary.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 from django.test import RequestFactory
 from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_flag, override_waffle_switch
 from freezegun import freeze_time
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xmodule.modulestore import ModuleStoreEnum
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import SharedModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory, BlockFactory
@@ -129,7 +129,7 @@ def test_enabled_block_types_with_assignments(self):  # pylint: disable=too-many
         user = create_user()
         request = self.make_request(user)
         CourseEnrollmentFactory(course_id=course.id, user=user, mode=CourseMode.VERIFIED)
-        now = datetime.now(utc)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         assignment_title_html = ['<a href=', '</a>']
         with self.store.bulk_operations(course.id):
             section = BlockFactory.create(category='chapter', parent_location=course.location)
@@ -318,7 +318,7 @@ def test_dates_with_openassessments(self, rubric_assessments, date_block_count):
         user = create_user()
         request = self.make_request(user)
         CourseEnrollmentFactory(course_id=course.id, user=user, mode=CourseMode.VERIFIED)
-        now = datetime.now(utc)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
         chapter = BlockFactory.create(
             parent=course,
@@ -350,7 +350,8 @@ def test_enabled_block_types_with_expired_course(self):
         self.make_request(user)
         # These two lines are to trigger the course expired block to be rendered
         CourseEnrollmentFactory(course_id=course.id, user=user, mode=CourseMode.AUDIT)
-        CourseDurationLimitConfig.objects.create(enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=utc))
+        CourseDurationLimitConfig.objects.create(
+            enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
 
         expected_blocks = (
             TodaysDate, CourseEndDate, CourseExpiredDate, VerifiedUpgradeDeadlineDate
@@ -390,7 +391,7 @@ def test_todays_date_block(self):
             block = TodaysDate(course, user)
             assert block.is_enabled
             assert block.is_allowed
-            assert block.date == datetime.now(utc)
+            assert block.date == datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
             assert block.title == 'current_datetime'
 
     ## Tests Course Start Date
@@ -402,19 +403,21 @@ def test_course_start_date(self):
 
     @ddt.data(
         # Instructor-paced course: Use course start date
-        (False, datetime(2025, 1, 10, tzinfo=utc), datetime(2025, 1, 12, tzinfo=utc),
-            datetime(2025, 1, 10, tzinfo=utc), 'Course starts'),
+        (False, datetime(2025, 1, 10, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
+            datetime(2025, 1, 12, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
+            datetime(2025, 1, 10, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()), 'Course starts'),
 
         # Self-paced course: Enrollment created later than course start
-        (True, datetime(2025, 1, 10, tzinfo=utc), datetime(2025, 1, 12), datetime(2025, 1, 12, tzinfo=utc),
-            'Enrollment Date'),
+        (True, datetime(2025, 1, 10, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()), datetime(2025, 1, 12),
+            datetime(2025, 1, 12, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()), 'Enrollment Date'),
 
         # Self-paced course: Enrollment created earlier than course start
-        (True, datetime(2025, 1, 10, tzinfo=utc), datetime(2025, 1, 8), datetime(2025, 1, 10, tzinfo=utc),
-            'Course starts'),
+        (True, datetime(2025, 1, 10, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()), datetime(2025, 1, 8),
+            datetime(2025, 1, 10, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()), 'Course starts'),
 
         # Self-paced course: No enrollment
-        (True, datetime(2025, 1, 10, tzinfo=utc), None, datetime(2025, 1, 10, tzinfo=utc), 'Course starts'),
+        (True, datetime(2025, 1, 10, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()), None,
+            datetime(2025, 1, 10, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()), 'Course starts'),
     )
     @ddt.unpack
     def test_course_start_date_label(self, self_paced, course_start, enrollment_created, expected_date, expected_title):
@@ -465,7 +468,7 @@ def test_course_end_date_self_paced(self, days_till_end):
         In self-paced courses, the end date will only show up if the learner
         views the course within 365 days of the course end date.
         """
-        now = datetime.now(utc)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         course = CourseFactory.create(
             start=now + timedelta(days=-7), end=now + timedelta(days=days_till_end), self_paced=True)
         user = create_user()
@@ -507,7 +510,7 @@ def test_no_certificate_available_date_for_self_paced(self):
         course = create_self_paced_course_run()
         verified_user = create_user()
         CourseEnrollmentFactory(course_id=course.id, user=verified_user, mode=CourseMode.VERIFIED)
-        course.certificate_available_date = datetime.now(utc) + timedelta(days=7)
+        course.certificate_available_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=7)
         course.save()
         block = CertificateAvailableDate(course, verified_user)
         assert block.date is not None
@@ -528,7 +531,7 @@ def test_no_certificate_available_date_for_audit_course(self):
         assert len(all_course_modes) == 1
         assert all_course_modes[0].slug == CourseMode.AUDIT
 
-        course.certificate_available_date = datetime.now(utc) + timedelta(days=7)
+        course.certificate_available_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=7)
         course.save()
 
         # Verify Certificate Available Date is not enabled for learner.
@@ -543,7 +546,7 @@ def test_certificate_available_date_defined(self):
         CourseEnrollmentFactory(course_id=course.id, user=audit_user, mode=CourseMode.AUDIT)
         verified_user = create_user()
         CourseEnrollmentFactory(course_id=course.id, user=verified_user, mode=CourseMode.VERIFIED)
-        course.certificate_available_date = datetime.now(utc) + timedelta(days=7)
+        course.certificate_available_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=7)
         enable_course_certificates(course)
         expected_blocks = [
             CourseEndDate, CourseStartDate, TodaysDate, VerificationDeadlineDate, CertificateAvailableDate
@@ -587,7 +590,7 @@ def test_verification_deadline_date_upcoming(self):
             block = VerificationDeadlineDate(course, user)
             assert block.css_class == 'verification-deadline-upcoming'
             assert block.title == 'Verification Deadline'
-            assert block.date == (datetime.now(utc) + timedelta(days=14))
+            assert block.date == (datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=14))
             assert block.description ==\
                    'You must successfully complete verification before this date to qualify for a Verified Certificate.'
             assert block.link_text == 'Verify My Identity'
@@ -602,7 +605,7 @@ def test_verification_deadline_date_retry(self):
             block = VerificationDeadlineDate(course, user)
             assert block.css_class == 'verification-deadline-retry'
             assert block.title == 'Verification Deadline'
-            assert block.date == (datetime.now(utc) + timedelta(days=14))
+            assert block.date == (datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=14))
             assert block.description ==\
                    'You must successfully complete verification before this date to qualify for a Verified Certificate.'
             assert block.link_text == 'Retry Verification'
@@ -617,7 +620,7 @@ def test_verification_deadline_date_denied(self):
             block = VerificationDeadlineDate(course, user)
             assert block.css_class == 'verification-deadline-passed'
             assert block.title == 'Missed Verification Deadline'
-            assert block.date == (datetime.now(utc) + timedelta(days=- 1))
+            assert block.date == (datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=(- 1)))
             assert block.description == "Unfortunately you missed this course's deadline for a successful verification."
             assert block.link_text == 'Learn More'
             assert block.link == ''
@@ -820,7 +823,7 @@ def create_course_run(
         days_till_verification_deadline (int): Number of days until the course run's verification deadline. If this
             value is set to `None` no deadline will be verification deadline will be created.
     """
-    now = datetime.now(utc)
+    now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     course = CourseFactory.create(start=now + timedelta(days=days_till_start))
 
     course.end = None
@@ -854,7 +857,7 @@ def create_self_paced_course_run(days_till_start=1, org_id=None):
         days_till_start (int): Number of days until the course starts.
         org_id (string): String org id to assign the course to (default: None; use CourseFactory default)
     """
-    now = datetime.now(utc)
+    now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     course = CourseFactory.create(start=now + timedelta(days=days_till_start), self_paced=True,
                                   org=org_id if org_id else 'TestedX')
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_masquerade.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_masquerade.py
index 0f0eca4dc2c7..da686c0c3fd8 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_masquerade.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_masquerade.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.test import TestCase, RequestFactory
 from django.urls import reverse
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xblock.runtime import DictKeyValueStore
 
 from xmodule.capa.tests.response_xml_factory import OptionResponseXMLFactory
@@ -48,7 +48,9 @@ class MasqueradeTestCase(SharedModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase, Mas
     @classmethod
     def setUpClass(cls):
         super().setUpClass()
-        cls.course = CourseFactory.create(number='masquerade-test', metadata={'start': datetime.now(UTC)})
+        cls.course = CourseFactory.create(
+            number='masquerade-test', metadata={'start': datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())}
+        )
         cls.info_page = BlockFactory.create(
             category="course_info", parent_location=cls.course.location,
             data="OOGIE BLOOGIE", display_name="updates"
@@ -510,7 +512,8 @@ class SetupMasqueradeTests(SharedModuleStoreTestCase, ):
 
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create(number='setup-masquerade-test', metadata={'start': datetime.now(UTC)})
+        self.course = CourseFactory.create(
+            number='setup-masquerade-test', metadata={'start': datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())})
         self.request = RequestFactory().request()
         self.staff = StaffFactory(course_key=self.course.id)
         self.student = UserFactory()
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_self_paced_overrides.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_self_paced_overrides.py
index fef054a4c966..ef03cd134147 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_self_paced_overrides.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_self_paced_overrides.py
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 import datetime
 
 from unittest.mock import patch
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.tests.factories import BetaTesterFactory
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
 
         self.non_staff_user, __ = self.create_non_staff_user()
-        self.now = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC).replace(microsecond=0)
+        self.now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).replace(microsecond=0)
         self.future = self.now + datetime.timedelta(days=30)
 
     def tearDown(self):
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ def test_course_access_to_beta_users(self):
         """
         Test that beta testers can access `self_paced` course prior to start date.
         """
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         one_month_from_now = now + datetime.timedelta(days=30)
         course_options = {
             'days_early_for_beta': 100,
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_submitting_problems.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_submitting_problems.py
index 4d04204078de..ddfe0f8bccbf 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_submitting_problems.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_submitting_problems.py
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
 from unittest.mock import patch
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
 from django.db import connections
@@ -214,7 +214,7 @@ def add_graded_section_to_course(self, name, section_format='Homework', late=Fal
                 metadata={
                     'graded': True,
                     'format': section_format,
-                    'due': datetime(2013, 5, 20, 23, 30, tzinfo=pytz.utc),
+                    'due': datetime(2013, 5, 20, 23, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
                 },
             )
         elif reset:
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_user_state_client.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_user_state_client.py
index 690a64b8b8c5..3a774281ff16 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_user_state_client.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_user_state_client.py
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 defined in edx_user_state_client.
 """
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import BlockUsageLocator, CourseLocator
 from xblock.fields import Scope
 from datetime import datetime
@@ -339,9 +339,9 @@ def test_delete_many_last_field(self):
         self.assertCountEqual(self.get_many(user=0, blocks=[0, 1]), [])
 
     def test_get_mod_date(self):
-        start_time = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+        start_time = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.set_many(user=0, block_to_state={0: {'a': 'b'}, 1: {'b': 'c'}})
-        end_time = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+        end_time = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
         mod_dates = self.get(user=0, block=0)
 
@@ -350,15 +350,15 @@ def test_get_mod_date(self):
         self.assertLess(mod_dates.updated, end_time)
 
     def test_get_many_mod_date(self):
-        start_time = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+        start_time = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.set_many(
             user=0,
             block_to_state={0: {'a': 'b'}, 1: {'a': 'd'}})
-        mid_time = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+        mid_time = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.set_many(
             user=0,
             block_to_state={1: {'a': 'c'}})
-        end_time = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+        end_time = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
         mod_dates = list(self.get_many(
             user=0,
@@ -607,7 +607,7 @@ def _add_state(self, username, block_key, scope, state):
         Add the specified state to the state history of this block.
         """
         history_list = self._history.setdefault((username, block_key, scope), [])
-        history_list.insert(0, XBlockUserState(username, block_key, state, datetime.now(pytz.utc), scope))
+        history_list.insert(0, XBlockUserState(username, block_key, state, datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()), scope))
 
     def get_many(self, username, block_keys, scope=Scope.user_state, fields=None):
         for key in block_keys:
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_view_authentication.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_view_authentication.py
index f9668853b244..faba24a8f447 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_view_authentication.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_view_authentication.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 import datetime
 
 from unittest.mock import patch
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.urls import reverse
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
@@ -253,7 +253,7 @@ def test_dark_launch_enrolled_student(self):
         """
 
         # Make courses start in the future
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         tomorrow = now + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
         self.course.start = tomorrow
         self.test_course.start = tomorrow
@@ -278,7 +278,7 @@ def test_dark_launch_instructor(self):
         Make sure that before course start instructors can access the
         page for their course.
         """
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         tomorrow = now + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
         self.course.start = tomorrow
         self.test_course.start = tomorrow
@@ -301,7 +301,7 @@ def test_dark_launch_global_staff(self):
         Make sure that before course start staff can access
         course pages.
         """
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         tomorrow = now + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
 
         self.course.start = tomorrow
@@ -323,7 +323,7 @@ def test_enrollment_period(self):
         Check that enrollment periods work.
         """
         # Make courses start in the future
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         tomorrow = now + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
         nextday = tomorrow + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
         yesterday = now - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
@@ -361,7 +361,7 @@ class TestBetatesterAccess(ModuleStoreTestCase, CourseAccessTestMixin):
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
 
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         tomorrow = now + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
 
         self.course = CourseFactory(days_early_for_beta=2, start=tomorrow)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_views.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_views.py
index 4b59bfac24da..e685a314e961 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_views.py
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_flag, override_waffle_switch
 from freezegun import freeze_time
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey, UsageKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.waffle_utils.models import WaffleFlagCourseOverrideModel
 from rest_framework import status
 from rest_framework.test import APIClient
@@ -293,7 +293,7 @@ def setUp(self):
         self.course_key = self.course.id
         # Set profile country to Åland Islands to check Unicode characters does not raise error
         self.user = UserFactory(username='dummy', profile__country='AX')
-        self.date = datetime(2013, 1, 22, tzinfo=UTC)
+        self.date = datetime(2013, 1, 22, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         self.enrollment = CourseEnrollment.enroll(self.user, self.course_key)
         self.enrollment.created = self.date
         self.enrollment.save()
@@ -375,7 +375,7 @@ class ViewsTestCase(BaseViewsTestCase):
     """
     YESTERDAY = 'yesterday'
     DATES = {
-        YESTERDAY: datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(days=1),
+        YESTERDAY: datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=1),
         None: None,
     }
 
@@ -1014,7 +1014,7 @@ def create_course(self, **options):
         self.course = CourseFactory.create(  # pylint: disable=attribute-defined-outside-init
             start=datetime(2013, 9, 16, 7, 17, 28),
             end=datetime.now(),
-            certificate_available_date=datetime.now(UTC),
+            certificate_available_date=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
             certificates_display_behavior=CertificatesDisplayBehaviors.END_WITH_DATE,
             **options,
         )
@@ -1614,7 +1614,7 @@ class ProgressPageShowCorrectnessTests(ProgressPageBaseTests):
     Tests that verify that the progress page works correctly when displaying subsections where correctness is hidden.
     """
     # Constants used in the test data
-    NOW = datetime.now(UTC)
+    NOW = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     DAY_DELTA = timedelta(days=1)
     YESTERDAY = 'yesterday'
     TODAY = 'today'
@@ -2678,7 +2678,7 @@ def test_is_course_open_for_learner(
         * A mock request session to pre-cache the enterprise customer data.
         """
         staff_user = AdminFactory()
-        start_date = datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(days=start_date_modifier)
+        start_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=start_date_modifier)
         course = CourseFactory.create(start=start_date)
         request = RequestFactory().get('/')
         request.user = staff_user
@@ -2800,7 +2800,7 @@ def setUp(self):
 
         self.course_key = self.course.id
         self.user = UserFactory(username='staff_user', profile__country='AX', is_staff=True)
-        self.date = datetime(2013, 1, 22, tzinfo=UTC)
+        self.date = datetime(2013, 1, 22, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         self.enrollment = CourseEnrollment.enroll(self.user, self.course_key)
         self.enrollment.created = self.date
         self.enrollment.save()
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/utils.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/utils.py
index 5409c89f636b..ef7294504874 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/utils.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/utils.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 from django.http import HttpResponse, HttpResponseBadRequest
 from edx_rest_api_client.client import OAuthAPIClient
 from oauth2_provider.models import Application
-from pytz import utc  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
 from rest_framework import status
 from xmodule.partitions.partitions import \
     ENROLLMENT_TRACK_PARTITION_ID  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ def can_show_verified_upgrade(user, enrollment, course=None):
     if upgrade_deadline is None:
         return False
 
-    if datetime.datetime.now(utc).date() > upgrade_deadline.date():
+    if datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).date() > upgrade_deadline.date():
         return False
 
     # Show the summary if user enrollment is in which allow user to upsell
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/views/views.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/views/views.py
index af157e76a079..4ee4849d241b 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/views/views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/views/views.py
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey, UsageKey
 from openedx_filters.learning.filters import CourseAboutRenderStarted, RenderXBlockStarted
 from requests.exceptions import ConnectionError, Timeout  # pylint: disable=redefined-builtin
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from rest_framework import status
 from rest_framework.decorators import api_view, throttle_classes
 from rest_framework.response import Response
@@ -2304,7 +2304,7 @@ def get_financial_aid_courses(user, course_id=None):
                 enrollment.course_overview and \
                 enrollment.course_overview.eligible_for_financial_aid and \
                 CourseMode.objects.filter(
-                    Q(_expiration_datetime__isnull=True) | Q(_expiration_datetime__gt=datetime.now(UTC)),
+                    Q(_expiration_datetime__isnull=True) | Q(_expiration_datetime__gt=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())),
                     course_id=enrollment.course_id,
                     mode_slug=CourseMode.VERIFIED).exists():
             # This is a workaround to set course_id before disabling the field in case of new financial assistance flow.
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/django_comment_client/tests/test_utils.py b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/django_comment_client/tests/test_utils.py
index 8800504c86d5..c1327b6826ef 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/django_comment_client/tests/test_utils.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/django_comment_client/tests/test_utils.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 from django.urls import reverse
 from edx_django_utils.cache import RequestCache
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 import lms.djangoapps.discussion.django_comment_client.utils as utils
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
@@ -369,14 +369,14 @@ def setUp(self):
             # This test needs to use a course that has already started --
             # discussion topics only show up if the course has already started,
             # and the default start date for courses is Jan 1, 2030.
-            start=datetime.datetime(2012, 2, 3, tzinfo=UTC)
+            start=datetime.datetime(2012, 2, 3, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         )
         # Courses get a default discussion topic on creation, so remove it
         self.course.discussion_topics = {}
         self.discussion_num = 0
         self.instructor = InstructorFactory(course_key=self.course.id)
         self.maxDiff = None  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
-        self.later = datetime.datetime(2050, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC)
+        self.later = datetime.datetime(2050, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
     def create_discussion(self, discussion_category, discussion_target, **kwargs):
         self.discussion_num += 1
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/django_comment_client/utils.py b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/django_comment_client/utils.py
index e26b748270e3..00d54f286229 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/django_comment_client/utils.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/django_comment_client/utils.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 from django.urls import reverse
 from django.utils.deprecation import MiddlewareMixin
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey, UsageKey, i4xEncoder
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import get_user_by_username_or_email
 from common.djangoapps.student.roles import GlobalStaff
@@ -281,7 +281,7 @@ def _filter_unstarted_categories(category_map, course):
     Returns a subset of categories from the provided map which have not yet met the start date
     Includes information about category children, subcategories (different), and entries
     """
-    now = datetime.now(UTC)
+    now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
     result_map = {}
 
@@ -397,7 +397,7 @@ def get_discussion_category_map(course, user, divided_only_if_explicit=False, ex
         sort_key = xblock.sort_key
         category = " / ".join([x.strip() for x in xblock.discussion_category.split("/")])
         # Handle case where xblock.start is None
-        entry_start_date = xblock.start if xblock.start else datetime.max.replace(tzinfo=UTC)
+        entry_start_date = xblock.start if xblock.start else datetime.max.replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         unexpanded_category_map[category].append({"title": title,
                                                   "id": discussion_id,
                                                   "sort_key": sort_key,
@@ -464,7 +464,7 @@ def get_discussion_category_map(course, user, divided_only_if_explicit=False, ex
         category_map['entries'][topic] = {
             "id": entry["id"],
             "sort_key": entry.get("sort_key", topic),
-            "start_date": datetime.now(UTC),
+            "start_date": datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
             "is_divided": (
                 discussion_division_enabled and entry["id"] in divided_discussion_ids
             )
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/api.py b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/api.py
index d3eaab4118e9..901053382a9a 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/api.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 from enum import Enum
 from typing import Dict, Iterable, List, Literal, Optional, Set, Tuple
 from urllib.parse import urlencode, urlunparse
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.contrib.auth import get_user_model
@@ -419,7 +419,7 @@ def get_courseware_topics(
     courseware_topics = []
     existing_topic_ids = set()
 
-    now = datetime.now(UTC)
+    now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
     discussion_xblocks = get_accessible_discussion_xblocks(course, request.user)
     xblocks_by_category = defaultdict(list)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_api.py b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_api.py
index 4542df116e82..91f2c5786527 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_api.py
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
 from django.test.client import RequestFactory
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import CourseLocator
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from rest_framework.exceptions import PermissionDenied
 
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
@@ -145,8 +145,8 @@ def _set_course_discussion_blackout(course, user_id):
             user_id: User id of user enrolled in the course
     """
     course.discussion_blackouts = [
-        datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(days=3),
-        datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(days=3)
+        datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=3),
+        datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=3)
     ]
     configuration = DiscussionsConfiguration.get(course.id)
     configuration.posting_restrictions = PostingRestriction.SCHEDULED
@@ -259,7 +259,7 @@ def test_blackout(self):
         # A variety of formats is accepted
         self.course.discussion_blackouts = [
             ["2015-06-09T00:00:00Z", "6-10-15"],
-            [1433980800000, datetime(2015, 6, 12, tzinfo=UTC)],
+            [1433980800000, datetime(2015, 6, 12, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())],
         ]
         self.update_course(self.course, self.user.id)
         result = get_course(self.request, self.course.id)
@@ -302,7 +302,7 @@ def setUp(self):
             org="x",
             course="y",
             run="z",
-            start=datetime.now(UTC),
+            start=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
             discussion_topics={"Test Topic": {"id": "non-courseware-topic-id"}},
             user_partitions=[self.partition],
             cohort_config={"cohorted": True},
@@ -549,7 +549,7 @@ def test_access_control(self):
                 "courseware-5",
                 "Second",
                 "Future Start Date",
-                start=datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(days=1)
+                start=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1)
             )
             self.make_discussion_xblock("courseware-4", "Second", "Staff Only", visible_to_staff_only=True)
 
@@ -627,13 +627,13 @@ def test_un_released_discussion_topic(self):
                 "courseware-2",
                 "First",
                 "Released",
-                start=datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(days=1)
+                start=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=1)
             )
             self.make_discussion_xblock(
                 "courseware-3",
                 "First",
                 "Future release",
-                start=datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(days=1)
+                start=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1)
             )
 
         self.request.user = staff
@@ -3187,20 +3187,20 @@ def setUp(self) -> None:
             parent_location=self.course.location,
             category='chapter',
             display_name="Week 1",
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         self.sequential = BlockFactory.create(
             parent_location=self.chapter.location,
             category='sequential',
             display_name="Lesson 1",
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         self.verticals = [
             BlockFactory.create(
                 parent_location=self.sequential.location,
                 category='vertical',
                 display_name=f'vertical-{idx}',
-                start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+                start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             )
             for idx in range(10)
         ]
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_api_v2.py b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_api_v2.py
index 62284b904c78..f38161fc836b 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_api_v2.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_api_v2.py
@@ -21,8 +21,8 @@
 from django.test.client import RequestFactory
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import CourseLocator
-from pytz import UTC
 from rest_framework.exceptions import PermissionDenied
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from xmodule.modulestore import ModuleStoreEnum
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
@@ -168,8 +168,8 @@ def _set_course_discussion_blackout(course, user_id):
             user_id: User id of user enrolled in the course
     """
     course.discussion_blackouts = [
-        datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(days=3),
-        datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(days=3),
+        datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=3),
+        datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=3),
     ]
     configuration = DiscussionsConfiguration.get(course.id)
     configuration.posting_restrictions = PostingRestriction.SCHEDULED
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_utils.py b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_utils.py
index 49c1e3889daa..626e4d7a13d3 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_utils.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_utils.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 
 import ddt
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.roles import CourseInstructorRole, CourseStaffRole
 from common.djangoapps.student.tests.factories import CourseEnrollmentFactory, UserFactory
@@ -39,8 +39,8 @@ def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=super-with-arguments
 
         self.course = CourseFactory.create()
-        self.course.discussion_blackouts = [datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(days=3),
-                                            datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(days=3)]
+        self.course.discussion_blackouts = [datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=3),
+                                            datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=3)]
         configuration = DiscussionsConfiguration.get(self.course.id)
         configuration.posting_restrictions = PostingRestriction.SCHEDULED
         configuration.save()
@@ -197,7 +197,7 @@ def _get_date_ranges(self):
         Returns:
             list: List of date range tuples.
         """
-        now = datetime.now(UTC)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         date_ranges = [
             (now - timedelta(days=14), now + timedelta(days=23)),
         ]
@@ -248,7 +248,7 @@ def test_posting_scheduled_future(self):
         Assertion:
             Posting should be allowed.
         """
-        now = datetime.now(UTC)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         date_ranges = [
             (now + timedelta(days=6), now + timedelta(days=23)),
         ]
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_views.py b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_views.py
index 4bb508813672..315b11cd37e9 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_views.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 from django.urls import reverse
 from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_flag
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from rest_framework import status
 from rest_framework.test import APIClient, APITestCase
 
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ def setUp(self):
             org="x",
             course="y",
             run="z",
-            start=datetime.now(UTC),
+            start=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
             discussion_topics={"Test Topic": {"id": "test_topic"}}
         )
         self.password = "Password1234"
@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ def setUp(self):
             ),
         }
         self.user = UserFactory.create(password=self.TEST_PASSWORD)
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create(org='a', course='b', run='c', start=datetime.now(UTC))
+        self.course = CourseFactory.create(org='a', course='b', run='c', start=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()))
         self.url = reverse("upload_file", kwargs={"course_id": str(self.course.id)})
         patcher = mock.patch(
             'openedx.core.djangoapps.discussions.config.waffle.ENABLE_FORUM_V2.is_enabled',
@@ -347,7 +347,7 @@ def setUp(self):
         self.other_user = UserFactory.create(password=self.TEST_PASSWORD)
         self.register_get_user_response(self.other_user)
 
-        self.course = CourseFactory.create(org="a", course="b", run="c", start=datetime.now(UTC))
+        self.course = CourseFactory.create(org="a", course="b", run="c", start=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()))
         CourseEnrollmentFactory.create(user=self.user, course_id=self.course.id)
 
         self.url = self.build_url(self.user.username, self.course.id)
@@ -796,7 +796,7 @@ def create_course(self, blocks_count, module_store, topics):
             org="a",
             course="b",
             run="c",
-            start=datetime.now(UTC),
+            start=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
             default_store=module_store,
             discussion_topics=topics
         )
@@ -944,19 +944,19 @@ def test_new_course_structure_response(self):
             parent_location=self.course.location,
             category='chapter',
             display_name="Week 1",
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         sequential = BlockFactory.create(
             parent_location=chapter.location,
             category='sequential',
             display_name="Lesson 1",
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         BlockFactory.create(
             parent_location=sequential.location,
             category='vertical',
             display_name='vertical',
-            start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         DiscussionsConfiguration.objects.create(
             context_key=self.course.id,
@@ -1005,20 +1005,20 @@ def setUp(self) -> None:
             parent_location=self.course.location,
             category='chapter',
             display_name="Week 1",
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         self.sequential = BlockFactory.create(
             parent_location=self.chapter.location,
             category='sequential',
             display_name="Lesson 1",
-            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         self.verticals = [
             BlockFactory.create(
                 parent_location=self.sequential.location,
                 category='vertical',
                 display_name='vertical',
-                start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+                start=datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             )
         ]
         course_key = self.course.id
@@ -1317,7 +1317,7 @@ def test_rate_limit_on_learners(self):
         """
         Test rate limit is applied on learners when creating posts
         """
-        self.user.date_joined = datetime.now(UTC)
+        self.user.date_joined = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.user.save()
         self.mock_is_captcha_enabled.side_effect = lambda course_key: False
         self.register_get_user_response(self.user)
@@ -1356,7 +1356,7 @@ def test_rate_limit_not_applied_to_privileged_user(self, role):
         """
         Test rate limit is not applied on privileged roles when creating posts
         """
-        self.user.date_joined = datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(days=4)
+        self.user.date_joined = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=4)
         self.user.save()
         self.mock_is_captcha_enabled.side_effect = lambda course_key: False
 
@@ -1397,7 +1397,7 @@ def test_rate_limit_not_applied_to_aged_account(self):
         """
         Test rate limit is not applied on aged accounts when creating posts
         """
-        self.user.date_joined = datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(days=2)
+        self.user.date_joined = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=2)
         self.user.save()
         self.mock_is_captcha_enabled.side_effect = lambda course_key: False
 
@@ -2595,7 +2595,7 @@ def test_rate_limit_on_learners(self):
         """
         Tests rate limit is applied on learners when creating comments
         """
-        self.user.date_joined = datetime.now(UTC)
+        self.user.date_joined = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.user.save()
         self.mock_is_captcha_enabled.side_effect = lambda course_key: False
 
@@ -2629,7 +2629,7 @@ def test_rate_limit_not_applied_to_privileged_user(self, role):
         """
         Test rate limit is not applied on privileged roles when creating comments
         """
-        self.user.date_joined = datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(days=4)
+        self.user.date_joined = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=4)
         self.user.save()
         self.mock_is_captcha_enabled.side_effect = lambda course_key: False
 
@@ -2663,7 +2663,7 @@ def test_rate_limit_not_applied_to_aged_account(self):
         """
         Test rate limit on applied on aged accounts when creating comments
         """
-        self.user.date_joined = datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(days=2)
+        self.user.date_joined = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=2)
         self.user.save()
         self.mock_is_captcha_enabled.side_effect = lambda course_key: False
 
@@ -2916,7 +2916,7 @@ def setUp(self):
             org="x",
             course="y",
             run="z",
-            start=datetime.now(UTC),
+            start=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
             discussion_topics={"Test Topic": {"id": "test_topic"}}
         )
         self.path = reverse('discussion_course_settings', kwargs={'course_id': str(self.course.id)})
@@ -3227,7 +3227,7 @@ def setUp(self):
             org="x",
             course="y",
             run="z",
-            start=datetime.now(UTC),
+            start=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         self.password = self.TEST_PASSWORD
         self.user = UserFactory(username='staff', password=self.password, is_staff=True)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_views_v2.py b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_views_v2.py
index 2351d92ee669..4a359fbc08bc 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_views_v2.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/test_views_v2.py
@@ -18,13 +18,29 @@
 from forum.backends.mongodb.threads import CommentThread
 import httpretty
 from django.urls import reverse
-from pytz import UTC
+from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_flag
+from lms.djangoapps.discussion.django_comment_client.tests.mixins import MockForumApiMixin
+from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 from rest_framework import status
 from rest_framework.parsers import JSONParser
 from rest_framework.test import APIClient
 
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory
+from rest_framework.test import APIClient, APITestCase
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
+
+from lms.djangoapps.discussion.toggles import ENABLE_DISCUSSIONS_MFE
+from lms.djangoapps.discussion.rest_api.utils import get_usernames_from_search_string
+from xmodule.modulestore import ModuleStoreEnum
+from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
+from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase
+from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory, BlockFactory, check_mongo_calls
+
+from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
+from common.djangoapps.course_modes.tests.factories import CourseModeFactory
+from common.djangoapps.student.models import get_retired_username_by_username, CourseEnrollment
+from common.djangoapps.student.roles import CourseInstructorRole, CourseStaffRole, GlobalStaff
 from common.djangoapps.student.tests.factories import (
     CourseEnrollmentFactory,
     UserFactory,
@@ -69,8 +85,8 @@ def setUp(self):
             org="x",
             course="y",
             run="z",
-            start=datetime.now(UTC),
-            discussion_topics={"Test Topic": {"id": "test_topic"}},
+            start=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
+            discussion_topics={"Test Topic": {"id": "test_topic"}}
         )
         self.password = "Password1234"
         self.user = UserFactory.create(password=self.password)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/utils.py b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/utils.py
index 2cd6628bf861..ce2b98238635 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/utils.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/tests/utils.py
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
 
 import httpretty
 from PIL import Image
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from lms.djangoapps.discussion.django_comment_client.tests.mixins import MockForumApiMixin
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.profile_images.images import create_profile_images
@@ -901,7 +901,7 @@ class ProfileImageTestMixin:
     Mixin with utility methods for user profile image
     """
 
-    TEST_PROFILE_IMAGE_UPLOADED_AT = datetime(2002, 1, 9, 15, 43, 1, tzinfo=UTC)
+    TEST_PROFILE_IMAGE_UPLOADED_AT = datetime(2002, 1, 9, 15, 43, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
     def create_profile_image(self, user, storage):
         """
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/utils.py b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/utils.py
index 0f02a0dcdcf2..22fb0ecb4615 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/utils.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/discussion/rest_api/utils.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
 from django.core.paginator import Paginator
 from django.db.models.functions import Length
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.roles import CourseInstructorRole, CourseStaffRole
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import CourseAccessRole
@@ -384,7 +384,7 @@ def is_posting_allowed(posting_restrictions: str, blackout_schedules: List):
     Returns:
         bool: True if posting is allowed, False otherwise.
     """
-    now = datetime.now(UTC)
+    now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     if posting_restrictions == PostingRestriction.DISABLED:
         return True
     elif posting_restrictions == PostingRestriction.SCHEDULED:
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/experiments/flags.py b/lms/djangoapps/experiments/flags.py
index 3b45bcee5b5c..81e04ae5bf64 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/experiments/flags.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/experiments/flags.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 import logging
 
 import dateutil
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from crum import get_current_request
 from edx_django_utils.cache import RequestCache
 
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ def _is_enrollment_inside_date_bounds(self, experiment_values, user, course_key)
         if not enrollment_start and not enrollment_end:
             return True  # early exit just to avoid any further lookups
 
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         enrollment = CourseEnrollment.get_enrollment(user, course_key)
 
         # If the user isn't enrolled, act like they would enroll right now (this keeps the pre-enroll and post-enroll
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ def _is_enrollment_inside_date_bounds(self, experiment_values, user, course_key)
         # Enrollment must be after any enrollment_start date, if specified
         if enrollment_start:
             try:
-                start_date = dateutil.parser.parse(enrollment_start).replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+                start_date = dateutil.parser.parse(enrollment_start).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             except ValueError:
                 log.exception('Could not parse enrollment start date for experiment %d', self.experiment_id)
                 return False
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ def _is_enrollment_inside_date_bounds(self, experiment_values, user, course_key)
         # Enrollment must be before any enrollment_end date, if specified
         if enrollment_end:
             try:
-                end_date = dateutil.parser.parse(enrollment_end).replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+                end_date = dateutil.parser.parse(enrollment_end).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             except ValueError:
                 log.exception('Could not parse enrollment end date for experiment %d', self.experiment_id)
                 return False
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/experiments/tests/test_flags.py b/lms/djangoapps/experiments/tests/test_flags.py
index 006efa17770d..858f213b7961 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/experiments/tests/test_flags.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/experiments/tests/test_flags.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 from unittest.mock import patch
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from crum import set_current_request
 from dateutil import parser
 from django.test.client import RequestFactory
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ def test_not_enabled(self):
     def test_enrollment_start(self, experiment_start, enrollment_created, expected_bucket):
         if enrollment_created:
             enrollment = CourseEnrollmentFactory(user=self.user, course_id='a/b/c')
-            enrollment.created = parser.parse(enrollment_created).replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+            enrollment.created = parser.parse(enrollment_created).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             enrollment.save()
         if experiment_start:
             ExperimentKeyValueFactory(experiment_id=0, key='enrollment_start', value=experiment_start)
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ def test_enrollment_start(self, experiment_start, enrollment_created, expected_b
     def test_enrollment_end(self, experiment_end, enrollment_created, expected_bucket):
         if enrollment_created:
             enrollment = CourseEnrollmentFactory(user=self.user, course_id='a/b/c')
-            enrollment.created = parser.parse(enrollment_created).replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+            enrollment.created = parser.parse(enrollment_created).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             enrollment.save()
         if experiment_end:
             ExperimentKeyValueFactory(experiment_id=0, key='enrollment_end', value=experiment_end)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/api.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/api.py
index bb1b43fa7ff8..a748d50bac28 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/api.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 
 from datetime import datetime
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.core.exceptions import ObjectDoesNotExist
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey, UsageKey
 
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ def undo_override_subsection_grade(user_id, course_key_or_id, usage_key_or_id, f
         course_id=str(course_key),
         usage_id=str(usage_key),
         only_if_higher=False,
-        modified=datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC),  # Not used when score_deleted=True
+        modified=datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),  # Not used when score_deleted=True
         score_deleted=True,
         score_db_table=constants.ScoreDatabaseTableEnum.overrides
     )
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/management/commands/recalculate_subsection_grades.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/management/commands/recalculate_subsection_grades.py
index 4161e6680652..48abfbcfc2e4 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/management/commands/recalculate_subsection_grades.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/management/commands/recalculate_subsection_grades.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime
 
 from django.core.management.base import BaseCommand, CommandError
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from submissions.models import Submission
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import user_by_anonymous_id
@@ -55,8 +55,8 @@ def handle(self, *args, **options):
         if 'modified_end' not in options:
             raise CommandError('modified_end must be provided.')
 
-        modified_start = utc.localize(datetime.strptime(options['modified_start'], DATE_FORMAT))
-        modified_end = utc.localize(datetime.strptime(options['modified_end'], DATE_FORMAT))
+        modified_start = datetime.strptime(options['modified_start'], DATE_FORMAT).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        modified_end = datetime.strptime(options['modified_end'], DATE_FORMAT).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         event_transaction_id = create_new_event_transaction_id()
         set_event_transaction_type(PROBLEM_SUBMITTED_EVENT_TYPE)
         kwargs = {'modified__range': (modified_start, modified_end), 'module_type': 'problem'}
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/management/commands/tests/test_recalculate_subsection_grades.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/management/commands/tests/test_recalculate_subsection_grades.py
index 8f679cd1c6c8..90a77b8c2d2c 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/management/commands/tests/test_recalculate_subsection_grades.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/management/commands/tests/test_recalculate_subsection_grades.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 
 import ddt
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.track.event_transaction_utils import get_event_transaction_id
 from common.djangoapps.util.date_utils import to_timestamp
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ def test_submissions(self, task_mock, id_mock, subs_mock):
             course_id=CourseKey.from_string('course-v1:x+y+z'),
             item_id='abc',
         )
-        submission.created_at = utc.localize(datetime.strptime('2016-08-23 16:43', DATE_FORMAT))
+        submission.created_at = datetime.strptime('2016-08-23 16:43', DATE_FORMAT).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         subs_mock.objects.filter.return_value = [submission]
         id_mock.return_value = MagicMock()
         id_mock.return_value.id = "ID"
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ def test_csm(self, task_mock, id_mock, csm_mock):
         csm_record.student_id = "ID"
         csm_record.course_id = CourseKey.from_string('course-v1:x+y+z')
         csm_record.module_state_key = "abc"
-        csm_record.modified = utc.localize(datetime.strptime('2016-08-23 16:43', DATE_FORMAT))
+        csm_record.modified = datetime.strptime('2016-08-23 16:43', DATE_FORMAT).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         csm_mock.objects.filter.return_value = [csm_record]
         id_mock.return_value = MagicMock()
         id_mock.return_value.id = "ID"
@@ -67,7 +67,11 @@ def _run_command_and_check_output(self, task_mock, score_db_table, include_anony
             "course_id": 'course-v1:x+y+z',
             "usage_id": 'abc',
             "only_if_higher": False,
-            "expected_modified_time": to_timestamp(utc.localize(datetime.strptime('2016-08-23 16:43', DATE_FORMAT))),
+            "expected_modified_time": to_timestamp(
+                datetime.strptime('2016-08-23 16:43', DATE_FORMAT).replace(
+                    tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()
+                )
+            ),
             "score_deleted": False,
             "event_transaction_id": str(get_event_transaction_id()),
             "event_transaction_type": 'edx.grades.problem.submitted',
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/rest_api/v1/tests/mixins.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/rest_api/v1/tests/mixins.py
index 1d3a6a0b4551..14b581877e7a 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/rest_api/v1/tests/mixins.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/rest_api/v1/tests/mixins.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 
 from datetime import datetime
 
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import SharedModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory, BlockFactory
 
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ class GradeViewTestMixin(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
     @classmethod
     def setUpClass(cls):
         super().setUpClass()
-        cls.date = datetime(2013, 1, 22, tzinfo=UTC)
+        cls.date = datetime(2013, 1, 22, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         cls.course = cls._create_test_course_with_default_grading_policy(
             display_name='test course', run="Testing_course"
         )
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/rest_api/v1/tests/test_gradebook_views.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/rest_api/v1/tests/test_gradebook_views.py
index 42dd9139ee21..0a6208f2fe05 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/rest_api/v1/tests/test_gradebook_views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/rest_api/v1/tests/test_gradebook_views.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_flag
 from freezegun import freeze_time
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import BlockUsageLocator
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from rest_framework import status
 from rest_framework.test import APITestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import SharedModuleStoreTestCase
@@ -1025,7 +1025,7 @@ def test_filter_enrollment_mode(self, login_method, num_enrollments, num_filtere
             _ = CourseEnrollmentFactory(
                 course_id=self.course.id,
                 user=verified_student,
-                created=datetime(2013, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+                created=datetime(2013, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
                 mode=CourseMode.VERIFIED,
             )
             with override_waffle_flag(self.waffle_flag, active=True):
@@ -1890,7 +1890,7 @@ def setUpClass(cls):
             "earned_graded": 6.0,
             "possible_graded": 8.0,
             "visible_blocks": cls.block_records,
-            "first_attempted": datetime(2000, 1, 1, 12, 30, 45, tzinfo=UTC),
+            "first_attempted": datetime(2000, 1, 1, 12, 30, 45, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         }
         cls.grade = PersistentSubsectionGrade.update_or_create_grade(**cls.params)
 
@@ -2225,7 +2225,7 @@ def test_get_override_for_unreleased_block(self):
             parent_location=self.chapter_1.location,
             category='sequential',
             graded=True,
-            start=datetime(2999, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC),  # arbitrary future date
+            start=datetime(2999, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),  # arbitrary future date
             display_name='Unreleased Section',
         )
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/rest_api/v1/tests/test_grading_policy_view.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/rest_api/v1/tests/test_grading_policy_view.py
index aa5f526332e5..099be56038f9 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/rest_api/v1/tests/test_grading_policy_view.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/rest_api/v1/tests/test_grading_policy_view.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 
 import ddt
 from django.urls import reverse
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xmodule.modulestore import ModuleStoreEnum
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import TEST_DATA_SPLIT_MODULESTORE, SharedModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory, BlockFactory
@@ -149,8 +149,8 @@ def test_course_keys(self, modulestore_type):
         The view should be addressable by course-keys from both module stores.
         """
         course = CourseFactory.create(
-            start=datetime(2014, 6, 16, 14, 30, tzinfo=UTC),
-            end=datetime(2015, 1, 16, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2014, 6, 16, 14, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
+            end=datetime(2015, 1, 16, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             org="MTD",
             default_store=modulestore_type,
         )
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/integration/test_problems.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/integration/test_problems.py
index b4a2d06c9f45..9d26eed5fdd0 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/integration/test_problems.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/integration/test_problems.py
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 import itertools
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from crum import set_current_request
 from xmodule.graders import ProblemScore
 from xmodule.modulestore import ModuleStoreEnum
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ class TestVariedMetadata(ProblemSubmissionTestMixin, ModuleStoreTestCase):
     default_problem_metadata = {
         'graded': True,
         'weight': 2.5,
-        'due': datetime.datetime(2099, 3, 15, 12, 30, 0, tzinfo=pytz.utc),
+        'due': datetime.datetime(2099, 3, 15, 12, 30, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
     }
 
     def setUp(self):
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_models.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_models.py
index acdb20c5f1a7..04502f62e947 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_models.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_models.py
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
 
 import ddt
 import pytest
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.db.utils import IntegrityError
 from django.test import TestCase
 from django.utils.timezone import now
@@ -220,7 +220,7 @@ def setUp(self):
             "earned_graded": 6.0,
             "possible_graded": 8.0,
             "visible_blocks": self.block_records,
-            "first_attempted": datetime(2000, 1, 1, 12, 30, 45, tzinfo=pytz.UTC),
+            "first_attempted": datetime(2000, 1, 1, 12, 30, 45, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         }
         self.user = UserFactory(id=self.params['user_id'])
 
@@ -389,7 +389,7 @@ def setUp(self):
                 minute=53,
                 second=24,
                 microsecond=354741,
-                tzinfo=pytz.UTC,
+                tzinfo=get_utc_timezone(),
             ),
             "percent_grade": 77.7,
             "letter_grade": "Great job",
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_services.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_services.py
index 07a77ff13f13..99c8ade6bb1f 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_services.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_services.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from unittest.mock import call, patch
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from freezegun import freeze_time
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.tests.factories import UserFactory
@@ -256,7 +256,7 @@ def test_undo_override_subsection_grade(self):
             course_id=str(self.course.id),
             usage_id=str(self.subsection.location),
             only_if_higher=False,
-            modified=datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC),
+            modified=datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             score_deleted=True,
             score_db_table=ScoreDatabaseTableEnum.overrides
         )
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_signals.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_signals.py
index 72a20d406482..2adc35147db8 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_signals.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_signals.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 
 import ddt
 import pytest
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.test import TestCase
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import CourseLocator
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 
 UUID_REGEX = re.compile('{hex}{{8}}-{hex}{{4}}-{hex}{{4}}-{hex}{{4}}-{hex}{{12}}'.format(hex='[0-9a-f]'))
 
-FROZEN_NOW_DATETIME = datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+FROZEN_NOW_DATETIME = datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 FROZEN_NOW_TIMESTAMP = to_timestamp(FROZEN_NOW_DATETIME)
 
 SUBMISSIONS_SCORE_SET_HANDLER = 'submissions_score_set_handler'
@@ -412,7 +412,7 @@ def test_segment_event_on_course_grade_passed_first_time(self, signal_mock, segm
                 minute=53,
                 second=24,
                 microsecond=354741,
-                tzinfo=pytz.UTC,
+                tzinfo=get_utc_timezone(),
             ),
             "percent_grade": 77.7,
             "letter_grade": "Great job",
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_tasks.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_tasks.py
index 347879105aad..124fde20ff41 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_tasks.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_tasks.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 from unittest.mock import MagicMock, patch
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.db.utils import IntegrityError
 from django.utils import timezone
 from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_flag
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ def set_up_course(self, create_multiple_subsections=False, course_end=None):
             seq2 = BlockFactory.create(parent=self.chapter, category='sequential')
             BlockFactory.create(parent=seq2, category='problem')
 
-        self.frozen_now_datetime = datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+        self.frozen_now_datetime = datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         self.frozen_now_timestamp = to_timestamp(self.frozen_now_datetime)
 
         self.problem_weighted_score_changed_kwargs = OrderedDict([
@@ -296,7 +296,7 @@ def test_retry_on_integrity_error(self, mock_update, mock_retry):
     def test_retry_when_db_not_updated(self, score_db_table, mock_log, mock_retry):
         self.set_up_course()
         self.recalculate_subsection_grade_kwargs['score_db_table'] = score_db_table
-        modified_datetime = datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=1)
+        modified_datetime = datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=1)
         if score_db_table == ScoreDatabaseTableEnum.submissions:
             with patch('lms.djangoapps.grades.tasks.sub_api.get_score') as mock_sub_score:
                 mock_sub_score.return_value = {
@@ -383,7 +383,7 @@ def test_no_log_known_error(self, mock_update, mock_retry, mock_log):
     def _apply_recalculate_subsection_grade(
             self,
             mock_score=MagicMock(
-                modified=datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=1),
+                modified=datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1),
                 grade=1.0,
                 max_grade=2.0,
             )
@@ -637,7 +637,7 @@ def test_recalculate_subsection_grade_v3(self, freeze_flag_value, end_date_adjus
             CourseEnrollment.enroll(user, self.course.id)
 
         with override_waffle_flag(self.freeze_grade_flag, active=freeze_flag_value):
-            modified_datetime = datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=1)  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=unused-variable
+            modified_datetime = datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=1)  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=unused-variable
             with patch('lms.djangoapps.grades.tasks._has_db_updated_with_new_score') as mock_has_db_updated:
                 result = recalculate_subsection_grade_v3.apply_async(kwargs=self.recalculate_subsection_grade_kwargs)
                 self._assert_for_freeze_grade_flag(
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_transformer.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_transformer.py
index 7ef13e5b5b7c..81ed2c212fd2 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_transformer.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_transformer.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 from copy import deepcopy
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xmodule.modulestore import ModuleStoreEnum
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import SharedModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import check_mongo_calls_range
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ class GradesTransformerTestCase(CourseStructureTestCase):
     problem_metadata = {
         'graded': True,
         'weight': 1,
-        'due': datetime.datetime(2099, 3, 15, 12, 30, 0, tzinfo=pytz.utc),
+        'due': datetime.datetime(2099, 3, 15, 12, 30, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
     }
 
     def setUp(self):
@@ -280,7 +280,7 @@ def test_collecting_staff_only_problem(self):
         problem_metadata = {
             'graded': True,
             'weight': 1,
-            'due': datetime.datetime(2016, 10, 16, 0, 4, 0, tzinfo=pytz.utc),
+            'due': datetime.datetime(2016, 10, 16, 0, 4, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             'visible_to_staff_only': True,
         }
 
@@ -449,7 +449,7 @@ def test_modulestore_performance(self, store_type, max_mongo_calls, min_mongo_ca
                     'metadata': {
                         'graded': True,
                         'weight': 1,
-                        'due': datetime.datetime(2099, 3, 15, 12, 30, 0, tzinfo=pytz.utc),
+                        'due': datetime.datetime(2099, 3, 15, 12, 30, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
                     },
                     '#type': 'problem',
                     '#ref': f'problem_{problem_number}',
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/utils.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/utils.py
index 9111820379b4..0c74ff96f889 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/utils.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/utils.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime
 from unittest.mock import MagicMock, patch
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from lms.djangoapps.courseware.model_data import FieldDataCache
 from lms.djangoapps.courseware.block_render import get_block
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ def mock_passing_grade(letter_grade='Pass', percent=0.75, last_updated=None):
 
 
 @contextmanager
-def mock_get_score(earned=0, possible=1, first_attempted=datetime(2000, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)):
+def mock_get_score(earned=0, possible=1, first_attempted=datetime(2000, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())):
     """
     Mocks the get_score function to return a valid grade.
     """
@@ -52,7 +52,11 @@ def mock_get_score(earned=0, possible=1, first_attempted=datetime(2000, 1, 1, 0,
 
 
 @contextmanager
-def mock_get_submissions_score(earned=0, possible=1, first_attempted=datetime(2000, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)):
+def mock_get_submissions_score(
+    earned=0,
+    possible=1,
+    first_attempted=datetime(2000, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
+):
     """
     Mocks the _get_submissions_score function to return the specified values
     """
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/enrollment.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/enrollment.py
index 23d0ce3d3fb8..8657f4788d6c 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/enrollment.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/enrollment.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 from contextlib import ExitStack, contextmanager
 from datetime import datetime
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
 from django.template.loader import render_to_string
@@ -456,7 +456,7 @@ def _fire_score_changed_for_block(
                 usage_id=str(module_state_key),
                 score_deleted=True,
                 only_if_higher=False,
-                modified=datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC),
+                modified=datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
                 score_db_table=grades_constants.ScoreDatabaseTableEnum.courseware_student_module,
             )
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_api.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_api.py
index af8408ba8fde..aed6f94e332b 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_api.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 import dateutil
 import ddt
 import pytest
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from botocore.exceptions import ClientError
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
@@ -29,7 +29,6 @@
 from edx_when.api import get_dates_for_course, get_overrides_for_user, set_date_for_block
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import UsageKey
-from pytz import UTC
 from testfixtures import LogCapture
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
@@ -376,14 +375,14 @@ def setUpClass(cls):
             category='chapter',
             display_name="Chapter",
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime.datetime(2018, 3, 10, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime.datetime(2018, 3, 10, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         cls.sequential = BlockFactory.create(
             parent=cls.chapter,
             category='sequential',
             display_name="Lesson",
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime.datetime(2018, 3, 10, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime.datetime(2018, 3, 10, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             metadata={'graded': True, 'format': 'Homework'},
         )
         cls.vertical = BlockFactory.create(
@@ -391,7 +390,7 @@ def setUpClass(cls):
             category='vertical',
             display_name='Subsection',
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime.datetime(2018, 3, 10, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime.datetime(2018, 3, 10, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         cls.problem = BlockFactory.create(
             category="problem",
@@ -3813,7 +3812,7 @@ def test_send_email_with_schedule(self, mock_task_api):
         """
         schedule = "2099-05-02T14:00:00.000Z"
         self.full_test_message['schedule'] = schedule
-        expected_schedule = dateutil.parser.parse(schedule).replace(tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+        expected_schedule = dateutil.parser.parse(schedule).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
         url = reverse('send_email', kwargs={'course_id': str(self.course.id)})
         response = self.client.post(url, self.full_test_message)
@@ -4270,7 +4269,7 @@ class TestDueDateExtensions(SharedModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
     def setUpClass(cls):
         super().setUpClass()
         cls.course = CourseFactory.create()
-        cls.due = datetime.datetime(2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=UTC)
+        cls.due = datetime.datetime(2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
         with cls.store.bulk_operations(cls.course.id, emit_signals=False):
             cls.week1 = BlockFactory.create(due=cls.due)
@@ -4349,7 +4348,7 @@ def setUp(self):
 
     def test_change_due_date(self):
         url = reverse('change_due_date', kwargs={'course_id': str(self.course.id)})
-        due_date = datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 30, tzinfo=UTC)
+        due_date = datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         response = self.client.post(url, {
             'student': self.user1.username,
             'url': str(self.week1.location),
@@ -4362,7 +4361,7 @@ def test_change_due_date(self):
 
     def test_change_due_date_with_reason(self):
         url = reverse('change_due_date', kwargs={'course_id': str(self.course.id)})
-        due_date = datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 30, tzinfo=UTC)
+        due_date = datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         response = self.client.post(url, {
             'student': self.user1.username,
             'url': str(self.week1.location),
@@ -4450,12 +4449,12 @@ def test_reset_date(self):
     def test_reset_date_only_in_edx_when(self):
         # Start with a unit that only has a date in edx-when
         assert get_date_for_block(self.course, self.week3, self.user1) is None
-        original_due = datetime.datetime(2010, 4, 1, tzinfo=UTC)
+        original_due = datetime.datetime(2010, 4, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         set_date_for_block(self.course.id, self.week3.location, 'due', original_due)
         assert get_date_for_block(self.course, self.week3, self.user1) == original_due
 
         # set override, confirm it took
-        override = datetime.datetime(2010, 7, 1, tzinfo=UTC)
+        override = datetime.datetime(2010, 7, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         set_date_for_block(self.course.id, self.week3.location, 'due', override, user=self.user1)
         assert get_date_for_block(self.course, self.week3, self.user1) == override
 
@@ -4507,7 +4506,7 @@ def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
 
         self.course = CourseFactory.create()
-        self.due = datetime.datetime(2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=UTC)
+        self.due = datetime.datetime(2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
         with self.store.bulk_operations(self.course.id, emit_signals=False):
             self.week1 = BlockFactory.create(due=self.due)
@@ -4592,7 +4591,7 @@ def test_reset_extension_to_deleted_date(self):
             'due_datetime': '12/30/2013 00:00'
         })
         assert response.status_code == 200, response.content
-        assert datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 30, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC) ==\
+        assert datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 30, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()) ==\
                get_extended_due(self.course, self.week1, self.user1)
 
         self.week1.due = None
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_tools.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_tools.py
index b9f754dbfff1..14b4077551b3 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_tools.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_tools.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 from edx_when.api import get_dates_for_course, set_dates_for_course
 from edx_when.field_data import DateLookupFieldData
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xmodule.fields import Date
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import (
     TEST_DATA_SPLIT_MODULESTORE, ModuleStoreTestCase, SharedModuleStoreTestCase,
@@ -91,7 +91,9 @@ class TestParseDatetime(unittest.TestCase):
     Test date parsing.
     """
     def test_parse_no_error(self):
-        assert tools.parse_datetime('5/12/2010 2:42') == datetime.datetime(2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=UTC)
+        assert tools.parse_datetime('5/12/2010 2:42') == datetime.datetime(
+            2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()
+        )
 
     def test_parse_error(self):
         with pytest.raises(tools.DashboardError):
@@ -149,7 +151,7 @@ def setUp(self):
         week2 = BlockFactory.create(parent=course)
         child = BlockFactory.create(parent=week1)
 
-        due = datetime.datetime(2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=UTC)
+        due = datetime.datetime(2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         set_dates_for_course(course.id, [
             (week1.location, {'due': due}),
             (week2.location, {'due': due}),
@@ -212,7 +214,7 @@ def setUp(self):
         """
         super().setUp()
 
-        self.due = due = datetime.datetime(2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=UTC)
+        self.due = due = datetime.datetime(2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         course = CourseFactory.create()
         week1 = BlockFactory.create(due=due, parent=course)
         week2 = BlockFactory.create(due=due, parent=course)
@@ -249,7 +251,7 @@ def _clear_field_data_cache(self):
 
     def test_set_due_date_extension(self):
         # First, extend the leaf assignment date
-        extended_hw = datetime.datetime(2013, 10, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+        extended_hw = datetime.datetime(2013, 10, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         tools.set_due_date_extension(self.course, self.assignment, self.user, extended_hw)
         self._clear_field_data_cache()
         assert self.week1.due == self.due
@@ -257,7 +259,7 @@ def test_set_due_date_extension(self):
         assert self.assignment.due == extended_hw
 
         # Now, extend the whole section that the assignment was in. Both it and all under it should change
-        extended_week = datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+        extended_week = datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         tools.set_due_date_extension(self.course, self.week1, self.user, extended_week)
         self._clear_field_data_cache()
         assert self.week1.due == extended_week
@@ -265,17 +267,17 @@ def test_set_due_date_extension(self):
         assert self.assignment.due == extended_week
 
     def test_set_due_date_extension_invalid_date(self):
-        extended = datetime.datetime(2009, 1, 1, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+        extended = datetime.datetime(2009, 1, 1, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         with pytest.raises(tools.DashboardError), self.allow_transaction_exception():
             tools.set_due_date_extension(self.course, self.week1, self.user, extended)
 
     def test_set_due_date_extension_no_date(self):
-        extended = datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+        extended = datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         with pytest.raises(tools.DashboardError), self.allow_transaction_exception():
             tools.set_due_date_extension(self.course, self.week3, self.user, extended)
 
     def test_reset_due_date_extension(self):
-        extended = datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+        extended = datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         tools.set_due_date_extension(self.course, self.week1, self.user, extended)
         tools.set_due_date_extension(self.course, self.week1, self.user, None)
         assert self.week1.due == self.due
@@ -286,7 +288,7 @@ def test_reset_due_date_extension_with_no_enrollment(self):
         for a block given the user is not enrolled in the course.
         """
         user = UserFactory.create()
-        extended = datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+        extended = datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         with pytest.raises(tools.DashboardError):
             tools.set_due_date_extension(self.course, self.week3, user, extended)
 
@@ -295,7 +297,7 @@ def test_set_due_date_extension_cache_invalidation(self, mock_method: MagicMock)
         """
         Tests that the course dates are reloaded once they are overridden.
         """
-        extended_hw = datetime.datetime(2013, 10, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+        extended_hw = datetime.datetime(2013, 10, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         tools.set_due_date_extension(self.course, self.assignment, self.user, extended_hw)
 
         assert mock_method.call_count == 3
@@ -308,7 +310,7 @@ def test_set_due_date_extension_cache_invalidation_with_version(self, mock_metho
         a unified experience across the platform.
         """
         self.course.course_version = 'test_version'
-        extended_hw = datetime.datetime(2013, 10, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+        extended_hw = datetime.datetime(2013, 10, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         tools.set_due_date_extension(self.course, self.assignment, self.user, extended_hw)
 
         assert mock_method.call_count == 3
@@ -328,7 +330,7 @@ def setUp(self):
         """
         super().setUp()
 
-        due = datetime.datetime(2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=UTC)
+        due = datetime.datetime(2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         course = CourseFactory.create()
         week1 = BlockFactory.create(due=due, parent=course)
         week2 = BlockFactory.create(due=due, parent=course)
@@ -352,7 +354,7 @@ def setUp(self):
         handlers.extract_dates(None, course.id)
 
     def test_dump_module_extensions(self):
-        extended = datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+        extended = datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         tools.set_due_date_extension(self.course, self.week1, self.user1,
                                      extended)
         tools.set_due_date_extension(self.course, self.week1, self.user2,
@@ -379,7 +381,7 @@ def test_dump_module_extensions(self):
         )
 
     def test_dump_student_extensions(self):
-        extended = datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+        extended = datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 25, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         tools.set_due_date_extension(self.course, self.week1, self.user1,
                                      extended)
         tools.set_due_date_extension(self.course, self.week2, self.user1,
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/utils.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/utils.py
index 64911f87d897..cfb075e636c6 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/utils.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/utils.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 import json
 import random
 
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 
 class FakeInfo:
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ def __init__(self, email_id):
         day = random.randint(1, 28)
         hour = random.randint(0, 23)
         minute = random.randint(0, 59)
-        self.created = datetime.datetime(year, month, day, hour, minute, tzinfo=UTC)
+        self.created = datetime.datetime(year, month, day, hour, minute, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         self.targets = FakeTargetGroup()
 
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/views/test_instructor_dashboard.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/views/test_instructor_dashboard.py
index e48098b9ef80..13f5a362eefb 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/views/test_instructor_dashboard.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/views/test_instructor_dashboard.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 from django.urls import reverse
 from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_flag
 from pyquery import PyQuery as pq
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xmodule.modulestore import ModuleStoreEnum
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory, BlockFactory, check_mongo_calls
@@ -652,14 +652,14 @@ def test_spoc_gradebook_mongo_calls(self):
             category='chapter',
             display_name="Chapter",
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime.datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime.datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         sequential = BlockFactory.create(
             parent=chapter,
             category='sequential',
             display_name="Lesson",
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime.datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime.datetime(2015, 3, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             metadata={'graded': True, 'format': 'Homework'},
         )
         vertical = BlockFactory.create(
@@ -667,7 +667,7 @@ def test_spoc_gradebook_mongo_calls(self):
             category='vertical',
             display_name='Subsection',
             publish_item=True,
-            start=datetime.datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime.datetime(2015, 4, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
         )
         for i in range(10):
             problem = BlockFactory.create(
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/api.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/api.py
index f8b6dc06f4d6..2ea66503bf11 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/api.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 import re
 
 import dateutil
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 import edx_api_doc_tools as apidocs
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
@@ -3044,8 +3044,8 @@ def post(self, request, course_id):
                 # convert the schedule from a string to a datetime, then check if its a
                 # valid future date and time, dateutil
                 # will throw a ValueError if the schedule is no good.
-                schedule_dt = dateutil.parser.parse(schedule).replace(tzinfo=pytz.utc)
-                if schedule_dt < datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc):
+                schedule_dt = dateutil.parser.parse(schedule).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+                if schedule_dt < datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()):
                     raise ValueError("the requested schedule is in the past")
             except ValueError as value_error:
                 error_message = (
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/instructor_dashboard.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/instructor_dashboard.py
index be2ae51dbdab..6451f129d5ba 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/instructor_dashboard.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/instructor_dashboard.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 from functools import reduce
 
 import markupsafe
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.contrib.auth.decorators import login_required
 from django.http import Http404, HttpResponseRedirect, HttpResponseServerError
@@ -431,7 +431,7 @@ def set_course_mode_price(request, course_id):
     CourseModesArchive.objects.create(
         course_id=course_id, mode_slug='honor', mode_display_name='Honor Code Certificate',
         min_price=course_honor_mode[0].min_price, currency=course_honor_mode[0].currency,
-        expiration_datetime=datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc), expiration_date=datetime.date.today()
+        expiration_datetime=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()), expiration_date=datetime.date.today()
     )
     course_honor_mode.update(
         min_price=course_price,
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/tools.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/tools.py
index 5a62f705f530..1a598f6eb0c8 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/tools.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/tools.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 from django.http import HttpResponseBadRequest
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
 from edx_when import api
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import CourseEnrollment, get_user_by_username_or_email
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.schedules.models import Schedule
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ def parse_datetime(datestr):
     UTC.
     """
     try:
-        return dateutil.parser.parse(datestr).replace(tzinfo=UTC)
+        return dateutil.parser.parse(datestr).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
     except ValueError:
         raise DashboardError(_("Unable to parse date: ") + datestr)  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=raise-missing-from
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/api.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/api.py
index 6474efc1d374..0f92cf8b186d 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/api.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 import logging
 from collections import Counter
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from celery.states import READY_STATES
 
 from common.djangoapps.util import milestones_helpers
@@ -594,7 +594,7 @@ def process_scheduled_instructor_tasks():
     Utility function that retrieves tasks whose schedules have elapsed and should be processed. Only retrieves
     instructor tasks that are in the `SCHEDULED` state. Then submits these tasks for processing by Celery.
     """
-    now = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+    now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     due_schedules = InstructorTaskSchedule.objects.filter(task__task_state=SCHEDULED).filter(task_due__lte=now)
     log.info(f"Retrieved {due_schedules.count()} scheduled instructor tasks due for execution")
     for schedule in due_schedules:
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/management/commands/fail_old_tasks.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/management/commands/fail_old_tasks.py
index a1b5f65ab1a5..e0a588d5416a 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/management/commands/fail_old_tasks.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/management/commands/fail_old_tasks.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 
 from celery.states import FAILURE
 from django.core.management.base import BaseCommand, CommandError
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from lms.djangoapps.instructor_task.models import PROGRESS, QUEUING, InstructorTask
 
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ def parse_date(date_string):
         Converts an isoformat string into a python datetime object. Localizes
         that datetime object to UTC.
         """
-        return utc.localize(datetime.strptime(date_string, "%Y-%m-%d"))
+        return datetime.strptime(date_string, "%Y-%m-%d").replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
     def handle(self, *args, **options):
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/management/commands/tests/test_fail_old_tasks.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/management/commands/tests/test_fail_old_tasks.py
index 28e611eae64f..1623f6a8cdc7 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/management/commands/tests/test_fail_old_tasks.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/management/commands/tests/test_fail_old_tasks.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime
 import pytest
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from celery.states import FAILURE
 from django.core.management import call_command
 from django.core.management.base import CommandError
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ def update_task_created(self, created_date):
         Override each task's "created" date
         """
         for task in self.tasks:
-            task.created = datetime.strptime(created_date, "%Y-%m-%d").replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+            task.created = datetime.strptime(created_date, "%Y-%m-%d").replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             task.save()
 
     def get_tasks(self):
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/rest_api/v1/tests/test_views.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/rest_api/v1/tests/test_views.py
index bb338f0bf480..9c48e4b71c8f 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/rest_api/v1/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/rest_api/v1/tests/test_views.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 import datetime
 import json
 from uuid import uuid4
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from celery.states import REVOKED
 import ddt
@@ -227,7 +227,7 @@ def test_update_schedule_new_date(self):
         self._create_scheduled_course_emails_for_course(self.course1.id, self.instructor_course1, SCHEDULED, 1)
         task = InstructorTask.objects.get(course_id=self.course1.id)
         task_schedule = InstructorTaskSchedule.objects.get(task=task)
-        schedule_datetime = datetime.datetime(3000, 6, 1, 17, 15, 0, tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+        schedule_datetime = datetime.datetime(3000, 6, 1, 17, 15, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         data = {
             "schedule": schedule_datetime.strftime('%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ'),
             "browser_timezone": "UTC"
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/rest_api/v1/views.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/rest_api/v1/views.py
index 812b88e11da3..85249d511d44 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/rest_api/v1/views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/rest_api/v1/views.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 import datetime
 import json
 import logging
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 import dateutil
 from celery.states import REVOKED
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ def patch(self, request, *args, **kwargs):
 
             with transaction.atomic():
                 if schedule:
-                    schedule_dt = dateutil.parser.parse(schedule).replace(tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+                    schedule_dt = dateutil.parser.parse(schedule).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
                     self._verify_valid_schedule(schedule_id, schedule_dt)
                     task_schedule.task_due = schedule_dt
                     task_schedule.save()
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ def _verify_valid_schedule(self, schedule_id, schedule):
         Verifies that the updated schedule data for the task is valid. We check to make sure that the date or time
         requested is not in the past.
         """
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         if schedule < now:
             raise TaskUpdateException(
                 f"Cannot update instructor task schedule '{schedule_id}', the updated schedule occurs in the past"
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tasks_helper/enrollments.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tasks_helper/enrollments.py
index 468786323b79..cc592d42291a 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tasks_helper/enrollments.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tasks_helper/enrollments.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 import logging
 from datetime import datetime
 from time import time
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from lms.djangoapps.instructor_analytics.basic import (
     enrolled_students_features,
     list_inactive_enrolled_students,
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ def upload_may_enroll_csv(_xblock_instance_args, _entry_id, course_id, task_inpu
     yet, and store using a `ReportStore`.
     """
     start_time = time()
-    start_date = datetime.now(UTC)
+    start_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     num_reports = 1
     task_progress = TaskProgress(action_name, num_reports, start_time)
     current_step = {'step': 'Calculating info about students who may enroll'}
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ def upload_inactive_enrolled_students_info_csv(_xblock_instance_args, _entry_id,
     activated their account yet, and store using a `ReportStore`.
     """
     start_time = time()
-    start_date = datetime.now(UTC)
+    start_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     num_reports = 1
     task_progress = TaskProgress(action_name, num_reports, start_time)
     current_step = {'step': 'Calculating info about students who are enrolled and their account is inactive'}
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ def upload_students_csv(_xblock_instance_args, _entry_id, course_id, task_input,
     `ReportStore`.
     """
     start_time = time()
-    start_date = datetime.now(UTC)
+    start_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     enrolled_students = CourseEnrollment.objects.users_enrolled_in(course_id)
     task_progress = TaskProgress(action_name, enrolled_students.count(), start_time)
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tasks_helper/grades.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tasks_helper/grades.py
index 5358af370897..a8a63d428884 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tasks_helper/grades.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tasks_helper/grades.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 from django.contrib.auth import get_user_model
 from lazy import lazy
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import UsageKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from six.moves import zip_longest
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
@@ -301,7 +301,7 @@ def _upload(self, success_headers, success_rows, error_headers, error_rows):
         """
         Creates and uploads a CSV for the given headers and rows.
         """
-        date = datetime.now(UTC)
+        date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         upload_csv_to_report_store(
             [success_headers] + success_rows,
             self.context.upload_filename,
@@ -389,7 +389,7 @@ def upload_temp_files(self, success_file, error_file, has_errors):
         """
         Uploads success and error csv files to report store
         """
-        date = datetime.now(UTC)
+        date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
         success_file.seek(0)
         upload_csv_file_to_report_store(
@@ -966,7 +966,7 @@ def generate(cls, _xblock_instance_args, _entry_id, course_id, task_input, actio
         all student answers to a given problem, and store using a `ReportStore`.
         """
         start_time = time()
-        start_date = datetime.now(UTC)
+        start_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         num_reports = 1
         task_progress = TaskProgress(action_name, num_reports, start_time)
         current_step = {'step': 'Calculating students answers to problem'}
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tasks_helper/misc.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tasks_helper/misc.py
index 85a5d4e1361e..e057f299909d 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tasks_helper/misc.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tasks_helper/misc.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 from django.core.exceptions import ValidationError
 from django.core.files.storage import DefaultStorage
 from openassessment.data import OraAggregateData, OraDownloadData
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import unique_id_for_user, anonymous_id_for_user
 from lms.djangoapps.instructor_analytics.basic import get_proctored_exam_results
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ def upload_course_survey_report(_xblock_instance_args, _entry_id, course_id, _ta
     For a given `course_id`, generate a html report containing the survey results for a course.
     """
     start_time = time()
-    start_date = datetime.now(UTC)
+    start_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     num_reports = 1
     task_progress = TaskProgress(action_name, num_reports, start_time)
 
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ def upload_proctored_exam_results_report(_xblock_instance_args, _entry_id, cours
     information about proctored exam results, and store using a `ReportStore`.
     """
     start_time = time()
-    start_date = datetime.now(UTC)
+    start_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     num_reports = 1
     task_progress = TaskProgress(action_name, num_reports, start_time)
     current_step = {'step': 'Calculating info about proctored exam results in a course'}
@@ -171,7 +171,7 @@ def cohort_students_and_upload(_xblock_instance_args, _entry_id, course_id, task
     using a `ReportStore`.
     """
     start_time = time()
-    start_date = datetime.now(UTC)
+    start_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
     # Iterate through rows to get total assignments for task progress
     with DefaultStorage().open(task_input['file_name']) as f:
@@ -305,7 +305,7 @@ def _upload_ora2_data_common(
     """
     Common code for uploading data or summary csv report.
     """
-    start_date = datetime.now(UTC)
+    start_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     start_time = time()
 
     num_attempted = 1
@@ -411,7 +411,7 @@ def upload_ora2_submission_files(
     """
 
     start_time = time()
-    start_date = datetime.now(UTC)
+    start_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
     num_attempted = 1
     num_total = 1
@@ -511,7 +511,7 @@ def _log_and_update_progress(step):
     TASK_LOG.info('%s, Task type: %s, Starting task execution', task_info_string, action_name)
 
     start_time = time()
-    start_date = datetime.now(UTC)
+    start_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
     students = User.objects.filter(
         courseenrollment__course_id=course_id,
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tests/test_api.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tests/test_api.py
index 4b84fbff7f70..d73db036732b 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tests/test_api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tests/test_api.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 from uuid import uuid4
 
 import pytest
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 import ddt
 from testfixtures import LogCapture
 from celery.states import FAILURE, SUCCESS
@@ -465,7 +465,7 @@ def test_submit_bulk_course_email_with_schedule(self, mock_submit_task, mock_sch
         A test to determine if the right helper function is being called when a scheduled task is being processed.
         """
         email_id = self._define_course_email()
-        schedule = datetime.datetime(2030, 8, 15, 8, 15, 12, 0, pytz.utc)
+        schedule = datetime.datetime(2030, 8, 15, 8, 15, 12, 0, get_utc_timezone())
         submit_bulk_course_email(
             self.create_task_request(self.instructor),
             self.course.id,
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tests/test_tasks_helper.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tests/test_tasks_helper.py
index 0a8c5e788bfc..e97f6ab7e5e3 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tests/test_tasks_helper.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tests/test_tasks_helper.py
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
 from edx_django_utils.cache import RequestCache
 from freezegun import freeze_time
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 import openedx.core.djangoapps.user_api.course_tag.api as course_tag_api
 import openedx.core.djangoapps.content.block_structure.api as bs_api
@@ -1750,8 +1750,8 @@ def create_course(self):
         """
         Creates a course with various subsections for testing
         """
-        in_the_past = datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(days=5)
-        in_the_future = datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(days=5)
+        in_the_past = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=5)
+        in_the_future = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=5)
         self.course = CourseFactory.create(
             grading_policy={
                 "GRADER": [
@@ -1937,7 +1937,7 @@ class TestGradeReportEnrollmentAndCertificateInfo(TestReportMixin, InstructorTas
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
 
-        today = datetime.now(UTC)
+        today = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         course_factory_kwargs = {
             'start': today - timedelta(days=30),
             'end': today - timedelta(days=2),
@@ -2594,7 +2594,7 @@ def test_report_stores_results(self):
 
             return_val = upload_ora2_data(None, None, self.course.id, None, 'generated')
 
-            timestamp_str = datetime.now(UTC).strftime('%Y-%m-%d-%H%M')
+            timestamp_str = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).strftime('%Y-%m-%d-%H%M')
             key = self.course.id
             filename = f'{key.org}_{key.course}_{key.run}_ORA_data_{timestamp_str}.csv'
 
@@ -2647,7 +2647,7 @@ def test_summary_report_stores_results(self):
                 ) as mock_store_rows:
                     return_val = upload_ora2_summary(None, None, self.course.id, None, 'generated')
 
-                    timestamp_str = datetime.now(UTC).strftime('%Y-%m-%d-%H%M')
+                    timestamp_str = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).strftime('%Y-%m-%d-%H%M')
                     key = self.course.id
                     filename = f'{key.org}_{key.course}_{key.run}_ORA_summary_{timestamp_str}.csv'
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/middleware.py b/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/middleware.py
index 5fbfb23f4c80..7190f382fb04 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/middleware.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/middleware.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 from django.core.cache import cache
 from django.http import HttpResponse
 from django.utils.deprecation import MiddlewareMixin
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from lms.djangoapps.mobile_api.mobile_platform import MobilePlatform
 from lms.djangoapps.mobile_api.models import AppVersionConfig
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ def process_request(self, request):
         if version_data:
             last_supported_date = version_data[self.LAST_SUPPORTED_DATE_HEADER]
             if last_supported_date != self.NO_LAST_SUPPORTED_DATE:
-                if datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=UTC) > last_supported_date:
+                if datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()) > last_supported_date:
                     return HttpResponse(status=426)  # Http status 426; Update Required
 
     def process_response(self, __, response):
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/tests/test_course_info_views.py b/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/tests/test_course_info_views.py
index 56c020ec8fa3..f56ff3486a5b 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/tests/test_course_info_views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/tests/test_course_info_views.py
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
 from django.urls import reverse
 from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_flag
 from milestones.tests.utils import MilestonesTestCaseMixin
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from rest_framework import status
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.tests.factories import UserFactory  # pylint: disable=unused-import
@@ -534,7 +534,7 @@ def test_course_not_started(self, mock_certificate_downloadable_status):
             'is_downloadable': True,
             'download_url': certificate_url,
         }
-        now = datetime.now(utc)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         course_not_started = CourseFactory.create(
             mobile_available=True,
             static_asset_path="needed_for_split",
@@ -561,7 +561,7 @@ def test_course_closed(self, mock_certificate_downloadable_status):
             'is_downloadable': True,
             'download_url': certificate_url,
         }
-        now = datetime.now(utc)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         course_closed = CourseFactory.create(
             mobile_available=True,
             static_asset_path="needed_for_split",
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/tests/test_middleware.py b/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/tests/test_middleware.py
index 925138c6e4dd..98bfd028651c 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/tests/test_middleware.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/tests/test_middleware.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 import ddt
 from django.core.cache import caches
 from django.http import HttpRequest, HttpResponse
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from lms.djangoapps.mobile_api.middleware import AppVersionUpgrade
 from lms.djangoapps.mobile_api.models import AppVersionConfig
@@ -35,13 +35,13 @@ def set_app_version_config(self):
         AppVersionConfig(
             platform="iOS",
             version="2.2.2",
-            expire_at=datetime(2014, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            expire_at=datetime(2014, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             enabled=True
         ).save()
         AppVersionConfig(
             platform="iOS",
             version="4.4.4",
-            expire_at=datetime(9000, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            expire_at=datetime(9000, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             enabled=True
         ).save()
         AppVersionConfig(platform="iOS", version="6.6.6", expire_at=None, enabled=True).save()
@@ -50,13 +50,13 @@ def set_app_version_config(self):
         AppVersionConfig(
             platform="Android",
             version="2.2.2",
-            expire_at=datetime(2014, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            expire_at=datetime(2014, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             enabled=True
         ).save()
         AppVersionConfig(
             platform="Android",
             version="4.4.4",
-            expire_at=datetime(5000, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            expire_at=datetime(5000, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             enabled=True
         ).save()
         AppVersionConfig(platform="Android", version="8.8.8", expire_at=None, enabled=True).save()
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/tests/test_model.py b/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/tests/test_model.py
index 6c2b324817d0..6bb6e785f6b6 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/tests/test_model.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/tests/test_model.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 
 import ddt
 from django.test import TestCase
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from lms.djangoapps.mobile_api.models import AppVersionConfig, MobileApiConfig, MobileConfig
 
@@ -24,19 +24,19 @@ def set_app_version_config(self):
         AppVersionConfig(
             platform="ios",
             version="2.2.2",
-            expire_at=datetime(2014, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            expire_at=datetime(2014, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             enabled=True
         ).save()
         AppVersionConfig(
             platform="ios",
             version="4.1.1",
-            expire_at=datetime(5000, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            expire_at=datetime(5000, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             enabled=False
         ).save()
         AppVersionConfig(
             platform="ios",
             version="4.4.4",
-            expire_at=datetime(9000, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            expire_at=datetime(9000, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             enabled=True
         ).save()
         AppVersionConfig(platform="ios", version="6.6.6", expire_at=None, enabled=True).save()
@@ -46,13 +46,13 @@ def set_app_version_config(self):
         AppVersionConfig(
             platform="android",
             version="2.2.2",
-            expire_at=datetime(2014, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            expire_at=datetime(2014, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             enabled=True
         ).save()
         AppVersionConfig(
             platform="android",
             version="4.4.4",
-            expire_at=datetime(9000, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC),
+            expire_at=datetime(9000, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             enabled=True
         ).save()
         AppVersionConfig(platform="android", version="8.8.8", expire_at=None, enabled=True).save()
@@ -75,10 +75,10 @@ def test_latest_version(self, platform, latest_version):
         assert latest_version == AppVersionConfig.latest_version(platform)
 
     @ddt.data(
-        ('ios', '3.3.3', datetime(9000, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC)),
-        ('ios', '4.4.4', datetime(9000, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC)),
+        ('ios', '3.3.3', datetime(9000, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())),
+        ('ios', '4.4.4', datetime(9000, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())),
         ('ios', '6.6.6', None),
-        ("android", '4.4.4', datetime(9000, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC)),
+        ("android", '4.4.4', datetime(9000, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())),
         ('android', '8.8.8', None)
     )
     @ddt.unpack
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/testutils.py b/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/testutils.py
index f74d4b45a5fd..316cf3053383 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/testutils.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/testutils.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 from unittest.mock import patch
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.urls import reverse
 from django.utils import timezone
@@ -46,8 +46,8 @@ def setUp(self):
         self.course = CourseFactory.create(
             mobile_available=True,
             static_asset_path="needed_for_split",
-            end=datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC),
-            certificate_available_date=datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+            end=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
+            certificate_available_date=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         )
         self.user = UserFactory.create()
         self.password = self.TEST_PASSWORD
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/users/tests.py b/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/users/tests.py
index 7c4b3e437de5..5fb2a6581d11 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/users/tests.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/users/tests.py
@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@
 from urllib.parse import parse_qs
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
 from completion.models import BlockCompletion
 from completion.test_utils import CompletionWaffleTestMixin, submit_completions_for_testing
 from django.conf import settings
@@ -20,6 +19,7 @@
 from milestones.tests.utils import MilestonesTestCaseMixin
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 from rest_framework import status
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import CourseEnrollment
@@ -108,8 +108,8 @@ class TestUserEnrollmentApi(UrlResetMixin, MobileAPITestCase, MobileAuthUserTest
     ALLOW_ACCESS_TO_UNRELEASED_COURSE = True
     ALLOW_ACCESS_TO_MILESTONE_COURSE = True
     ALLOW_ACCESS_TO_NON_VISIBLE_COURSE = True
-    NEXT_WEEK = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + datetime.timedelta(days=7)
-    LAST_WEEK = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=7)
+    NEXT_WEEK = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=7)
+    LAST_WEEK = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=7)
     THREE_YEARS_AGO = now() - datetime.timedelta(days=(365 * 3))
     ADVERTISED_START = "Spring 2016"
     ENABLED_SIGNALS = ['course_published']
@@ -1467,7 +1467,7 @@ def test_user_have_active_and_inactive_enrollments_and_no_completions(self) -> N
         old_course = CourseFactory.create(org="edx", mobile_available=True)
         self.enroll(old_course.id)
         old_enrollment = CourseEnrollment.objects.filter(user=self.user, course=old_course.course_id).first()
-        old_enrollment.created = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=31)
+        old_enrollment.created = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=31)
         old_enrollment.save()
 
         response = self.api_response(api_version=API_V1)
@@ -1495,7 +1495,7 @@ def test_different_enrollment_dates(self, enrolled_days_ago: int, recently_activ
         course = CourseFactory.create(org="edx", mobile_available=True, run='1001')
         self.enroll(course.id)
         enrollment = CourseEnrollment.objects.filter(user=self.user, course=course.course_id).first()
-        enrollment.created = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=enrolled_days_ago)
+        enrollment.created = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=enrolled_days_ago)
         enrollment.save()
 
         response = self.api_response(api_version=API_V1)
@@ -1529,7 +1529,7 @@ def test_different_completion_dates(self, completed_days_ago: int, recently_acti
         self.enroll(course.id)
         enrollment = CourseEnrollment.objects.filter(user=self.user, course=course.course_id).first()
         # make enrollment older 30 days ago
-        enrollment.created = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=50)
+        enrollment.created = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=50)
         enrollment.save()
         completion = BlockCompletion.objects.create(
             user=self.user,
@@ -1538,7 +1538,7 @@ def test_different_completion_dates(self, completed_days_ago: int, recently_acti
             block_key=section.location,
             completion=0.5,
         )
-        completion.created = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=completed_days_ago)
+        completion.created = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=completed_days_ago)
         completion.save()
 
         response = self.api_response(api_version=API_V1)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/users/views.py b/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/users/views.py
index 324db83a374c..e29784cb321a 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/users/views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/mobile_api/users/views.py
@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@
 from functools import cached_property
 from typing import Dict, List, Optional, Set
 
-import pytz
 from completion.exceptions import UnavailableCompletionData
 from completion.models import BlockCompletion
 from completion.utilities import get_key_to_last_completed_block
@@ -25,6 +24,7 @@
 from rest_framework.decorators import api_view
 from rest_framework.permissions import SAFE_METHODS
 from rest_framework.response import Response
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xblock.fields import Scope
 from xblock.runtime import KeyValueStore
 from edx_rest_framework_extensions.paginators import DefaultPagination
@@ -603,7 +603,7 @@ def get(self, request, *args, **kwargs) -> Response:
         """
         Gets user's enrollments status.
         """
-        active_status_date = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=30)
+        active_status_date = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=30)
         username = kwargs.get('username')
         course_ids_where_user_has_completions = self._get_course_ids_where_user_has_completions(
             username,
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/program_enrollments/rest_api/v1/utils.py b/lms/djangoapps/program_enrollments/rest_api/v1/utils.py
index e72cb76ce87b..16766ee29e26 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/program_enrollments/rest_api/v1/utils.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/program_enrollments/rest_api/v1/utils.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from django.core.exceptions import PermissionDenied
 from django.utils.functional import cached_property
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from rest_framework import status
 from rest_framework.pagination import CursorPagination
 
@@ -362,7 +362,7 @@ def get_course_run_status(course_overview, certificate_info):
         else:
             return CourseRunProgressStatuses.UPCOMING
     elif course_overview.pacing == 'self':
-        thirty_days_ago = datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(30)
+        thirty_days_ago = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(30)
         certificate_completed = is_certificate_passing and (
             certificate_creation_date <= thirty_days_ago
         )
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/support/tests/test_views.py b/lms/djangoapps/support/tests/test_views.py
index 4abc4508ea35..44b1197f6083 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/support/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/support/tests/test_views.py
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@
 from oauth2_provider.models import AccessToken, RefreshToken
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import BlockUsageLocator
 from organizations.tests.factories import OrganizationFactory
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from rest_framework import status
 from social_django.models import UserSocialAuth
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import (
@@ -316,7 +316,7 @@ def setUp(self):
 
         self.verification_deadline = VerificationDeadline(
             course_key=self.course.id,
-            deadline=datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(days=365)
+            deadline=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=365)
         )
         self.verification_deadline.save()
 
@@ -738,15 +738,15 @@ def assert_update_enrollment(self, search_string_type, new_mode):
 
     def set_course_end_date_and_expiry(self):
         """ Set the course-end date and expire its verified mode."""
-        self.course.start = datetime(year=1970, month=1, day=1, tzinfo=UTC)
-        self.course.end = datetime(year=1970, month=1, day=10, tzinfo=UTC)
+        self.course.start = datetime(year=1970, month=1, day=1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        self.course.end = datetime(year=1970, month=1, day=10, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
         # change verified mode expiry.
         verified_mode = CourseMode.objects.get(
             course_id=self.course.id,
             mode_slug=CourseMode.VERIFIED
         )
-        verified_mode.expiration_datetime = datetime(year=1970, month=1, day=9, tzinfo=UTC)
+        verified_mode.expiration_datetime = datetime(year=1970, month=1, day=9, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         verified_mode.save()
 
 
@@ -2103,7 +2103,7 @@ def setUp(self):
         """
         super().setUp()
         SupportStaffRole().add_users(self.user)
-        self.now = datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=UTC)
+        self.now = datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         self.course = CourseFactory.create(
             start=self.now - timedelta(days=90),
             end=self.now + timedelta(days=90),
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/teams/models.py b/lms/djangoapps/teams/models.py
index 56de6f965a72..631c058f6c2c 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/teams/models.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/teams/models.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime
 from uuid import uuid4
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
 from django.core.exceptions import ObjectDoesNotExist
 from django.db import models
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ def handle_activity(user, post, original_author_id=None):
 
 
 def utc_now():
-    return datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+    return datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 
 class CourseTeam(models.Model):
@@ -286,7 +286,7 @@ def save(self, *args, **kwargs):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=arguments-diff
         if self.pk is None:
             should_reset_team_size = True
         if not self.last_activity_at:
-            self.last_activity_at = datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+            self.last_activity_at = datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         super().save(*args, **kwargs)
         if should_reset_team_size:
             self.team.reset_team_size()
@@ -345,7 +345,7 @@ def update_last_activity(cls, user, discussion_topic_id):
         # information.
         except ObjectDoesNotExist:
             return
-        now = datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+        now = datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         membership.last_activity_at = now
         membership.team.last_activity_at = now
         membership.team.save()
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/teams/tests/factories.py b/lms/djangoapps/teams/tests/factories.py
index 178d926183ee..1e475a133e5d 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/teams/tests/factories.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/teams/tests/factories.py
@@ -7,12 +7,12 @@
 from uuid import uuid4
 
 import factory
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from factory.django import DjangoModelFactory
 
 from lms.djangoapps.teams.models import CourseTeam, CourseTeamMembership
 
-LAST_ACTIVITY_AT = datetime(2015, 8, 15, 0, 0, 0, tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+LAST_ACTIVITY_AT = datetime(2015, 8, 15, 0, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 
 class CourseTeamFactory(DjangoModelFactory):
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/teams/tests/test_models.py b/lms/djangoapps/teams/tests/test_models.py
index 60190076004c..5e05dc1bf7c4 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/teams/tests/test_models.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/teams/tests/test_models.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 
 import ddt
 import pytest
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
@@ -292,7 +292,7 @@ def assert_last_activity_updated(self, should_update):
         if should_update:
             assert team.last_activity_at > team_last_activity
             assert team_membership.last_activity_at > team_membership_last_activity
-            now = datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+            now = datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             assert now > team.last_activity_at
             assert now > team_membership.last_activity_at
             self.assert_event_emitted(
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/teams/tests/test_views.py b/lms/djangoapps/teams/tests/test_views.py
index 6eaa1bdb680e..a7566127eb6f 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/teams/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/teams/tests/test_views.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 from uuid import UUID
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from dateutil import parser
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
@@ -862,7 +862,7 @@ def test_order_by(self, field, status, names):
             dispatch_uid='teams.signals.course_team_post_save_callback'
         ):
             solar_team = self.test_team_name_id_map['Sólar team']
-            solar_team.last_activity_at = datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+            solar_team.last_activity_at = datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             solar_team.save()
 
         data = {'order_by': field} if field else {}
@@ -1292,7 +1292,8 @@ def test_full_student_creator(self):
         del team['membership']
 
         # verify that it's been set to a time today.
-        assert parser.parse(team['last_activity_at']).date() == datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=pytz.utc).date()
+        expected_date = datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()).date()
+        assert parser.parse(team['last_activity_at']).date() == expected_date
         del team['last_activity_at']
 
         # Verify that the creating user gets added to the team.
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/verify_student/tests/test_services.py b/lms/djangoapps/verify_student/tests/test_services.py
index 4bfa8c27d5b3..13e66606a3e5 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/verify_student/tests/test_services.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/verify_student/tests/test_services.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
 from freezegun import freeze_time
 from openedx_filters import PipelineStep
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.tests.factories import UserFactory
 from lms.djangoapps.verify_student.models import (
@@ -257,7 +257,7 @@ def test_approved_software_secure_verification(self):
             SoftwareSecurePhotoVerification.objects.create(user=self.user, status='approved')
             status = IDVerificationService.user_status(self.user)
             expected_status = {'status': 'approved', 'error': '', 'should_display': True, 'verification_expiry': '',
-                               'status_date': datetime.now(utc)}
+                               'status_date': datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())}
             self.assertDictEqual(status, expected_status)
 
     def test_denied_software_secure_verification(self):
@@ -280,7 +280,7 @@ def test_approved_verification_attempt_verification(self):
             VerificationAttempt.objects.create(user=self.user, status='approved')
             status = IDVerificationService.user_status(self.user)
             expected_status = {'status': 'approved', 'error': '', 'should_display': True, 'verification_expiry': '',
-                               'status_date': datetime.now(utc)}
+                               'status_date': datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())}
             self.assertDictEqual(status, expected_status)
 
     def test_denied_verification_attempt_verification(self):
@@ -303,7 +303,7 @@ def test_approved_sso_verification(self):
             SSOVerification.objects.create(user=self.user, status='approved')
             status = IDVerificationService.user_status(self.user)
             expected_status = {'status': 'approved', 'error': '', 'should_display': False, 'verification_expiry': '',
-                               'status_date': datetime.now(utc)}
+                               'status_date': datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())}
             self.assertDictEqual(status, expected_status)
 
     def test_denied_sso_verification(self):
@@ -324,7 +324,7 @@ def test_manual_verification(self):
             ManualVerification.objects.create(user=self.user, status='approved')
             status = IDVerificationService.user_status(self.user)
             expected_status = {'status': 'approved', 'error': '', 'should_display': False, 'verification_expiry': '',
-                               'status_date': datetime.now(utc)}
+                               'status_date': datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())}
             self.assertDictEqual(status, expected_status)
 
     @ddt.idata(itertools.product(
@@ -336,13 +336,13 @@ def test_expiring_software_secure_verification(self, value):
         with freeze_time('2015-07-11') as frozen_datetime:
             # create approved photo verification for the user
             verification_model.objects.create(user=self.user, status='approved')
-            expiring_datetime = datetime.now(utc)
+            expiring_datetime = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
             frozen_datetime.move_to('2015-07-14')
             # create another according to status passed in.
             verification_model.objects.create(user=self.user, status=new_status)
             status_date = expiring_datetime
             if new_status == 'approved':
-                status_date = datetime.now(utc)
+                status_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
             expected_status = {'status': 'approved', 'error': '', 'should_display': True, 'verification_expiry': '',
                                'status_date': status_date}
             status = IDVerificationService.user_status(self.user)
diff --git a/lms/templates/courseware/progress.html b/lms/templates/courseware/progress.html
index 711fad895427..e543fd4df67d 100644
--- a/lms/templates/courseware/progress.html
+++ b/lms/templates/courseware/progress.html
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 from django.urls import reverse
 from urllib.parse import quote_plus
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
 from lms.djangoapps.certificates.data import CertificateStatuses
@@ -170,7 +170,7 @@ <h3 class="hd hd-3" id="chapter_${loop.index}">${ chapter['display_name']}</h3>
                                     <div>
                                         <%
                                         hide_url_date = (section.self_paced and section.end) or section.due
-                                        hide_url = not staff_access and section.hide_after_due and hide_url_date and datetime.now(UTC) > hide_url_date
+                                        hide_url = not staff_access and section.hide_after_due and hide_url_date and datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) > hide_url_date
 
                                         earned = section.graded_total.earned
                                         total = section.graded_total.possible
diff --git a/lms/templates/courseware/submission_history.html b/lms/templates/courseware/submission_history.html
index b6b8f65676a6..0233d18a1b5c 100644
--- a/lms/templates/courseware/submission_history.html
+++ b/lms/templates/courseware/submission_history.html
@@ -1,11 +1,12 @@
 <%page expression_filter="h"/>
-<% import json, pytz  %>
+<% import json
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone %>
 <h3>${username} > ${course_id} > ${location}</h3>
 
 % for i, (entry, score) in enumerate(zip(history_entries, scores)):
 <hr/>
 <div>
-    <% timedate = entry.updated.astimezone(pytz.timezone(settings.TIME_ZONE))%>
+    <% timedate = entry.updated.astimezone(ZoneInfo(settings.TIME_ZONE))%>
     <% timedate_str = timedate.strftime('%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S %Z') %>
 <b>#${len(history_entries) - i}</b>: ${timedate_str}</br>
 Score: ${score.grade} / ${score.max_grade}
diff --git a/lms/templates/dashboard.html b/lms/templates/dashboard.html
index d44cdefc6389..20944719df94 100644
--- a/lms/templates/dashboard.html
+++ b/lms/templates/dashboard.html
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 <%def name="online_help_token()"><% return "learnerdashboard" %></%def>
 <%namespace name='static' file='static_content.html'/>
 <%!
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 from django.urls import reverse
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@
                 entitlement = enrollment if isinstance(enrollment, CourseEntitlement) else None
                 entitlement_session = entitlement.enrollment_course_run if entitlement else None
                 entitlement_days_until_expiration = entitlement.get_days_until_expiration() if entitlement else None
-                entitlement_expiration = datetime.now(tz=pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=entitlement_days_until_expiration) if (entitlement and entitlement_days_until_expiration < settings.ENTITLEMENT_EXPIRED_ALERT_PERIOD) else None
+                entitlement_expiration = datetime.now(tz=get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=entitlement_days_until_expiration) if (entitlement and entitlement_days_until_expiration < settings.ENTITLEMENT_EXPIRED_ALERT_PERIOD) else None
                 entitlement_expiration_date = strftime_localized(entitlement_expiration, 'SHORT_DATE') if entitlement and entitlement_expiration else None
                 entitlement_expired_at = strftime_localized(entitlement.expired_at_datetime, 'SHORT_DATE') if entitlement and entitlement.expired_at_datetime else None
 
diff --git a/lms/templates/instructor/instructor_dashboard_2/special_exams.html b/lms/templates/instructor/instructor_dashboard_2/special_exams.html
index 2658af0bc70e..a5f730ba5bda 100644
--- a/lms/templates/instructor/instructor_dashboard_2/special_exams.html
+++ b/lms/templates/instructor/instructor_dashboard_2/special_exams.html
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 <%!
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 %>
 <div class="proctoring-wrapper">
   % if section_data.get('mfe_view_url'):
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/bookmarks/tests/test_models.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/bookmarks/tests/test_models.py
index 2c6877218acc..b0167036844c 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/bookmarks/tests/test_models.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/bookmarks/tests/test_models.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 from unittest import mock
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from freezegun import freeze_time
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import UsageKey
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import BlockUsageLocator, CourseLocator
@@ -352,7 +352,7 @@ def test_path(self, seconds_delta, paths, get_path_call_count, mock_get_path):
         bookmark, __ = Bookmark.create(bookmark_data)
         assert bookmark.xblock_cache is not None
 
-        modification_datetime = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc) + datetime.timedelta(seconds=seconds_delta)
+        modification_datetime = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(seconds=seconds_delta)
         with freeze_time(modification_datetime):
             bookmark.xblock_cache.paths = paths
             bookmark.xblock_cache.save()
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/catalog/utils.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/catalog/utils.py
index 3a241a5c5137..8a81f2a5dfe2 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/catalog/utils.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/catalog/utils.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 from edx_rest_api_client.auth import SuppliedJwtAuth
 from edx_rest_api_client.client import USER_AGENT
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.entitlements.utils import is_course_run_entitlement_fulfillable
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import CourseEnrollment
@@ -593,7 +593,7 @@ def get_fulfillable_course_runs_for_entitlement(entitlement, course_runs):
     enrollable_sessions = []
 
     # Only retrieve list of published course runs that can still be enrolled and upgraded
-    search_time = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+    search_time = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     for course_run in course_runs:
         course_id = CourseKey.from_string(course_run.get("key"))
         (user_enrollment_mode, is_active) = CourseEnrollment.enrollment_mode_for_user(
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/ccxcon/tests/test_api.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/ccxcon/tests/test_api.py
index 762dba70e8e9..ebb933f2ff02 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/ccxcon/tests/test_api.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/ccxcon/tests/test_api.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 from urllib import parse
 
 import pytest
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import SharedModuleStoreTestCase
@@ -44,10 +44,10 @@ def setUpClass(cls):
 
         # Create a course outline
         start = datetime.datetime(
-            2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=pytz.UTC
+            2010, 5, 12, 2, 42, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()
         )
         due = datetime.datetime(
-            2010, 7, 7, 0, 0, tzinfo=pytz.UTC
+            2010, 7, 7, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()
         )
 
         cls.chapters = [
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/content/course_overviews/models.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/content/course_overviews/models.py
index 10a56f0868fb..f3d32a800d1d 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/content/course_overviews/models.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/content/course_overviews/models.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime
 from urllib.parse import urlparse, urlunparse
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from ccx_keys.locator import CCXLocator
 from config_models.models import ConfigurationModel
 from django.conf import settings
@@ -695,7 +695,7 @@ def get_all_courses(cls, orgs=None, filter_=None, active_only=False, course_keys
             course_overviews = course_overviews.filter(**filter_)
         if active_only:
             course_overviews = course_overviews.filter(
-                Q(end__isnull=True) | Q(end__gte=datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC))
+                Q(end__isnull=True) | Q(end__gte=datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
             )
 
         return course_overviews
@@ -727,11 +727,11 @@ def get_courses_by_status(cls, active_only, archived_only, course_overviews):
         """
         if active_only:
             return course_overviews.filter(
-                Q(end__isnull=True) | Q(end__gte=datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC))
+                Q(end__isnull=True) | Q(end__gte=datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
             )
         if archived_only:
             return course_overviews.filter(
-                end__lt=datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+                end__lt=datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             )
         return course_overviews
 
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/content/course_overviews/tests/test_course_overviews.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/content/course_overviews/tests/test_course_overviews.py
index 8e95c44825c5..cd29ac33bbb4 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/content/course_overviews/tests/test_course_overviews.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/content/course_overviews/tests/test_course_overviews.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 import itertools  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
 import math  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.db.utils import IntegrityError
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ def get_seconds_since_epoch(date_time):
             """
             if date_time is None:
                 return None
-            epoch = datetime.datetime.utcfromtimestamp(0).replace(tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+            epoch = datetime.datetime.fromtimestamp(0, tz=get_utc_timezone())
             return math.floor((date_time - epoch).total_seconds())
 
         # Load the CourseOverview from the cache twice. The first load will be a cache miss (because the cache
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/content/course_overviews/tests/test_signals.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/content/course_overviews/tests/test_signals.py
index 49adf5540003..a49ed655703d 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/content/course_overviews/tests/test_signals.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/content/course_overviews/tests/test_signals.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 
 import pytest
 import ddt
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from xmodule.data import CertificatesDisplayBehaviors
 from xmodule.modulestore import ModuleStoreEnum
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ class CourseOverviewSignalsTestCase(ModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     MODULESTORE = TEST_DATA_ONLY_SPLIT_MODULESTORE_DRAFT_PREFERRED
     ENABLED_SIGNALS = ['course_deleted', 'course_published']
-    TODAY = datetime.datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=UTC)
+    TODAY = datetime.datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
     NEXT_WEEK = TODAY + datetime.timedelta(days=7)
 
     def assert_changed_signal_sent(self, changes, mock_signal):
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credentials/management/commands/notify_credentials.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credentials/management/commands/notify_credentials.py
index 7d28ca5197c1..80879d3fa1be 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credentials/management/commands/notify_credentials.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credentials/management/commands/notify_credentials.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 from django.core.management.base import BaseCommand, CommandError
 from opaque_keys import InvalidKeyError
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.credentials.models import NotifyCredentialsConfig
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.credentials.tasks.v1.tasks import handle_notify_credentials
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 def parsetime(timestr):
     dt = dateutil.parser.parse(timestr)
     if dt.tzinfo is None:
-        dt = dt.replace(tzinfo=UTC)
+        dt = dt.replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
     return dt
 
 
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/api/provider.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/api/provider.py
index 9875a7d0f515..bcbd767ae1ae 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/api/provider.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/api/provider.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 import logging
 import uuid
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.db import transaction
 from edx_proctoring.api import get_last_exam_completion_date
 
@@ -296,7 +296,7 @@ def create_credit_request(course_key, provider_id, username):
 
     parameters = {
         "request_uuid": credit_request.uuid,
-        "timestamp": to_timestamp(datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)),
+        "timestamp": to_timestamp(datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())),
         "course_org": course_key.org,
         "course_num": course_key.course,
         "course_run": course_key.run,
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/models.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/models.py
index 9c14a15104b9..b7635ff7c57c 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/models.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/models.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 import logging
 from collections import defaultdict
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from config_models.models import ConfigurationModel
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.core.cache import cache
@@ -536,7 +536,7 @@ def default_deadline_for_credit_eligibility():
     """
     The default deadline to use when creating a new CreditEligibility model.
     """
-    return datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + datetime.timedelta(
+    return datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(
         days=getattr(settings, "CREDIT_ELIGIBILITY_EXPIRATION_DAYS", 365)
     )
 
@@ -617,7 +617,7 @@ def get_user_eligibilities(cls, username):
         return cls.objects.filter(
             username=username,
             course__enabled=True,
-            deadline__gt=datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+            deadline__gt=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         ).select_related('course')
 
     @classmethod
@@ -636,7 +636,7 @@ def is_user_eligible_for_credit(cls, course_key, username):
             course__course_key=course_key,
             course__enabled=True,
             username=username,
-            deadline__gt=datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC),
+            deadline__gt=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
         ).exists()
 
     def __str__(self):
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/serializers.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/serializers.py
index 85e8fed44e57..f7b4dbdb13b0 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/serializers.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/serializers.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 import datetime
 import logging
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from rest_framework import serializers
 from rest_framework.exceptions import PermissionDenied
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ def validate_timestamp(self, value):
             log.warning(msg)
             raise serializers.ValidationError(msg)
 
-        elapsed = (datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - date_time).total_seconds()
+        elapsed = (datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - date_time).total_seconds()
         if elapsed > settings.CREDIT_PROVIDER_TIMESTAMP_EXPIRATION:
             msg = f'[{value}] is too far in the past (over [{elapsed}] seconds).'
             log.warning(msg)
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/tests/factories.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/tests/factories.py
index cd777bdfe93b..4ee2e94be889 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/tests/factories.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/tests/factories.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 
 import factory
 from factory.fuzzy import FuzzyText
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
 
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.credit.models import (
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ def post(obj, create, extracted, **kwargs):
 
             obj.parameters = json.dumps({
                 "request_uuid": obj.uuid,
-                "timestamp": to_timestamp(datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)),
+                "timestamp": to_timestamp(datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())),
                 "course_org": course_key.org,
                 "course_num": course_key.course,
                 "course_run": course_key.run,
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/tests/test_api.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/tests/test_api.py
index 7dc644dc097a..508d826c2423 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/tests/test_api.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/tests/test_api.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 import pytest
 import ddt
 import httpretty
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
 from django.core import mail
 from django.db import connection
@@ -400,7 +400,7 @@ def test_eligibility_expired(self):
         CreditEligibility.objects.create(
             course=credit_course,
             username="staff",
-            deadline=datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+            deadline=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
         )
 
         # The user should NOT be eligible for credit
@@ -960,7 +960,7 @@ def test_credit_request(self):
         # Validate the timestamp
         assert 'timestamp' in parameters
         parsed_date = from_timestamp(parameters['timestamp'])
-        assert parsed_date < datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        assert parsed_date < datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
         # Validate course information
         assert parameters['course_org'] == self.course_key.org
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/tests/test_signals.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/tests/test_signals.py
index c3331c0ecfc6..692beefab918 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/tests/test_signals.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/tests/test_signals.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from uuid import uuid4
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.test.client import RequestFactory
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import UsageKey
 from openedx_events.data import EventsMetadata
@@ -47,8 +47,8 @@ class TestMinGradedRequirementStatus(ModuleStoreTestCase):
     satisfied. But if student grade is less than and deadline is passed then
     user will be marked as failed.
     """
-    VALID_DUE_DATE = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=20)
-    EXPIRED_DUE_DATE = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(days=20)
+    VALID_DUE_DATE = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=20)
+    EXPIRED_DUE_DATE = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=20)
 
     DATES = {
         'valid': VALID_DUE_DATE,
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/tests/test_views.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/tests/test_views.py
index deb3c8726aeb..e880a6311de4 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/tests/test_views.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 import json
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.test import Client, TestCase
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
@@ -523,7 +523,7 @@ def _credit_provider_callback(self, request_uuid, status, **kwargs):
         """
         provider_id = kwargs.get('provider_id', self.provider.provider_id)
         secret_key = kwargs.get('secret_key', '931433d583c84ca7ba41784bad3232e6')
-        timestamp = kwargs.get('timestamp', to_timestamp(datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)))
+        timestamp = kwargs.get('timestamp', to_timestamp(datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())))
         keys = kwargs.get('keys', {self.provider.provider_id: secret_key})
 
         url = reverse('credit:provider_callback', args=[provider_id])
@@ -577,7 +577,7 @@ def test_post_with_invalid_timestamp(self, timedelta):
         if timedelta == 'invalid':
             timestamp = timedelta
         else:
-            timestamp = to_timestamp(datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta)
+            timestamp = to_timestamp(datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta)
         request_uuid = self._create_credit_request_and_get_uuid()
         response = self._credit_provider_callback(request_uuid, 'approved', timestamp=timestamp)
         assert response.status_code == 400
@@ -585,7 +585,7 @@ def test_post_with_invalid_timestamp(self, timedelta):
     def test_post_with_string_timestamp(self):
         """ Verify the endpoint supports timestamps transmitted as strings instead of integers. """
         request_uuid = self._create_credit_request_and_get_uuid()
-        timestamp = str(to_timestamp(datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)))
+        timestamp = str(to_timestamp(datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())))
         response = self._credit_provider_callback(request_uuid, 'approved', timestamp=timestamp)
         assert response.status_code == 200
 
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/views.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/views.py
index 2a06f85a321a..4d4ad01ee79a 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/views.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/views.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 import datetime
 import logging
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.utils.decorators import method_decorator
 from django.views.decorators.csrf import csrf_exempt
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@ def filter_queryset(self, queryset):
         return queryset.filter(
             username=username,
             course__course_key=course_key,
-            deadline__gt=datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+            deadline__gt=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         )
 
 
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/enrollments/tests/test_data.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/enrollments/tests/test_data.py
index 93b299d75a3c..2e2b3dd6f3f7 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/enrollments/tests/test_data.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/enrollments/tests/test_data.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 
 import ddt
 import pytest
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.tests.factories import CourseModeFactory
@@ -369,7 +369,7 @@ def test_get_course_without_expired_mode_included(self):
     def _update_verified_mode_as_expired(self, course_id):
         """Dry method to change verified mode expiration."""
         mode = CourseMode.objects.get(course_id=course_id, mode_slug=CourseMode.VERIFIED)
-        mode.expiration_datetime = datetime.datetime(year=1970, month=1, day=1, tzinfo=UTC)
+        mode.expiration_datetime = datetime.datetime(year=1970, month=1, day=1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         mode.save()
 
     def assert_enrollment_modes(self, expected_modes, include_expired):
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/enrollments/tests/test_views.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/enrollments/tests/test_views.py
index a6b34cbfc60b..b89a7a2b3c16 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/enrollments/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/enrollments/tests/test_views.py
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
 import ddt
 import httpretty
 import pytest
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.core.cache import cache
 from django.core.exceptions import ImproperlyConfigured
@@ -356,8 +356,8 @@ def test_enroll_without_user(self):
     @ddt.unpack
     def test_force_enrollment(self, course_modes, enrollment_mode, force_enrollment):
         # Create the course modes (if any) required for this test case
-        start_date = datetime.datetime(2021, 12, 1, 5, 0, 0, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
-        end_date = datetime.datetime(2022, 12, 1, 5, 0, 0, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+        start_date = datetime.datetime(2021, 12, 1, 5, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        end_date = datetime.datetime(2022, 12, 1, 5, 0, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         self.course = CourseFactory.create(
             emit_signals=True,
             start=start_date,
@@ -658,11 +658,11 @@ def test_get_course_details_with_credit_course(self):
         # enforced at the data layer, so we need to handle the case
         # in which no dates are specified.
         (None, None, None, None),
-        (datetime.datetime(2015, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, tzinfo=pytz.UTC), None, "2015-01-02T03:04:05Z", None),
-        (None, datetime.datetime(2015, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, tzinfo=pytz.UTC), None, "2015-01-02T03:04:05Z"),
+        (datetime.datetime(2015, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()), None, "2015-01-02T03:04:05Z", None),
+        (None, datetime.datetime(2015, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()), None, "2015-01-02T03:04:05Z"),
         (
-            datetime.datetime(2014, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, tzinfo=pytz.UTC),
-            datetime.datetime(2015, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, tzinfo=pytz.UTC),
+            datetime.datetime(2014, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
+            datetime.datetime(2015, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             "2014-06-07T08:09:10Z",
             "2015-01-02T03:04:05Z",
         ),
@@ -1078,7 +1078,7 @@ def test_deactivate_enrollment_expired_mode(self):
 
         # Change verified mode expiration.
         mode = CourseMode.objects.get(course_id=self.course.id, mode_slug=CourseMode.VERIFIED)
-        mode.expiration_datetime = datetime.datetime(year=1970, month=1, day=1, tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+        mode.expiration_datetime = datetime.datetime(year=1970, month=1, day=1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         mode.save()
 
         # Deactivate enrollment.
@@ -1198,7 +1198,7 @@ def test_update_enrollment_with_expired_mode(self, using_api_key, updated_mode):
 
         # Change verified mode expiration.
         mode = CourseMode.objects.get(course_id=self.course.id, mode_slug=CourseMode.VERIFIED)
-        mode.expiration_datetime = datetime.datetime(year=1970, month=1, day=1, tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+        mode.expiration_datetime = datetime.datetime(year=1970, month=1, day=1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         mode.save()
         self.assert_enrollment_status(
             as_server=using_api_key,
@@ -1784,7 +1784,7 @@ class CourseEnrollmentsApiListTest(APITestCase, ModuleStoreTestCase):
     """
     Test the course enrollments list API.
     """
-    CREATED_DATA = datetime.datetime(2018, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+    CREATED_DATA = datetime.datetime(2018, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/models/tests/test_course_details.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/models/tests/test_course_details.py
index 41e739ecb4c8..df0e4ebd0dbf 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/models/tests/test_course_details.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/models/tests/test_course_details.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from django.test import override_settings
 import pytest
 import ddt
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from django.conf import settings
 from xmodule.modulestore import ModuleStoreEnum
@@ -86,13 +86,13 @@ def test_update_and_fetch(self):
             jsondetails.self_paced = True
             assert CourseDetails.update_from_json(self.course.id, jsondetails.__dict__, self.user).self_paced ==\
                    jsondetails.self_paced
-            jsondetails.start_date = datetime.datetime(2010, 10, 1, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+            jsondetails.start_date = datetime.datetime(2010, 10, 1, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             assert CourseDetails.update_from_json(self.course.id, jsondetails.__dict__, self.user).start_date ==\
                    jsondetails.start_date
-            jsondetails.end_date = datetime.datetime(2011, 10, 1, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+            jsondetails.end_date = datetime.datetime(2011, 10, 1, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             assert CourseDetails.update_from_json(self.course.id, jsondetails.__dict__, self.user).end_date ==\
                    jsondetails.end_date
-            jsondetails.certificate_available_date = datetime.datetime(2010, 10, 1, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+            jsondetails.certificate_available_date = datetime.datetime(2010, 10, 1, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             assert CourseDetails.update_from_json(self.course.id, jsondetails.__dict__, self.user)\
                 .certificate_available_date == jsondetails.certificate_available_date
             jsondetails.course_image_name = "an_image.jpg"
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ def test_update_and_fetch(self):
                    jsondetails.instructor_info
 
     def test_toggle_pacing_during_course_run(self):
-        self.course.start = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        self.course.start = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.store.update_item(self.course, self.user.id)
 
         details = CourseDetails.fetch(self.course.id)
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/email/tests/test_utils.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/email/tests/test_utils.py
index e7b5db54e800..503522ea5b47 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/email/tests/test_utils.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/email/tests/test_utils.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 
 from django.http.response import Http404
 from itertools import product
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from waffle import get_waffle_flag_model  # pylint: disable=invalid-django-waffle-import
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.tests.factories import UserFactory
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ def test_get_time_ago(self):
         """
         Tests time_ago string
         """
-        current_datetime = utc.localize(datetime.datetime.now())
+        current_datetime = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         assert "Today" == get_time_ago(current_datetime)
         assert "1d" == get_time_ago(current_datetime - datetime.timedelta(days=1))
         assert "1w" == get_time_ago(current_datetime - datetime.timedelta(days=7))
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/email/utils.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/email/utils.py
index 8ff985d993a9..0bcdf716b0b8 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/email/utils.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/email/utils.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 from django.contrib.auth import get_user_model
 from django.shortcuts import get_object_or_404
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from waffle import get_waffle_flag_model  # pylint: disable=invalid-django-waffle-import
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import CourseEnrollment
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ def get_start_end_date(cadence_type):
     start_date = end_date - datetime.timedelta(days=1, minutes=15)
     if cadence_type == EmailCadence.WEEKLY:
         start_date = start_date - datetime.timedelta(days=6)
-    return utc.localize(start_date), utc.localize(end_date)
+    return start_date.replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()), end_date.replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 
 def get_course_info(course_key):
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ def get_time_ago(datetime_obj):
     """
     Returns time_ago for datetime instance
     """
-    current_date = utc.localize(datetime.datetime.today())
+    current_date = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     days_diff = (current_date - datetime_obj).days
     if days_diff == 0:
         return _("Today")
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/grouping_notifications.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/grouping_notifications.py
index c855ca3d234e..dd9584755641 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/grouping_notifications.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/grouping_notifications.py
@@ -1,12 +1,10 @@
 """
 Notification grouping utilities for notifications
 """
-import datetime
 from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
+from datetime import datetime, timezone
 from typing import Dict, Type, Union
 
-from pytz import utc
-
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.notifications.base_notification import COURSE_NOTIFICATION_TYPES
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.notifications.models import Notification
 
@@ -120,7 +118,7 @@ def group_user_notifications(new_notification: Notification, old_notification: N
         old_notification.content_url = new_notification.content_url
         old_notification.last_read = None
         old_notification.last_seen = None
-        old_notification.created = utc.localize(datetime.datetime.now())
+        old_notification.created = datetime.now(timezone.utc)
         old_notification.save()
 
 
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/tasks.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/tasks.py
index fb9f95990d3a..18d67b4b41c6 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/tasks.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/tasks.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 from django.core.exceptions import ValidationError
 from edx_django_utils.monitoring import set_code_owner_attribute
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.notifications.audience_filters import NotificationFilter
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.notifications.base_notification import (
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ def delete_expired_notifications():
     This task deletes all expired notifications
     """
     batch_size = settings.EXPIRED_NOTIFICATIONS_DELETE_BATCH_SIZE
-    expiry_date = datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(days=settings.NOTIFICATIONS_EXPIRY)
+    expiry_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=settings.NOTIFICATIONS_EXPIRY)
     start_time = datetime.now()
     total_deleted = 0
     delete_count = None
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/tests/test_notification_grouping.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/tests/test_notification_grouping.py
index debd72d9011f..d12696eaa65a 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/tests/test_notification_grouping.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/tests/test_notification_grouping.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 import unittest
 from unittest.mock import MagicMock, patch
 from datetime import datetime
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.tests.factories import UserFactory
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.notifications.grouping_notifications import (
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ def test_group_user_notifications_no_grouper(self):
 
         self.assertFalse(old_notification.save.called)
 
-    @ddt.data(datetime(2023, 1, 1, tzinfo=utc), None)
+    @ddt.data(datetime(2023, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()), None)
     def test_not_grouped_when_notification_is_seen(self, last_seen):
         """
         Notification is not grouped if the notification is marked as seen
@@ -172,11 +172,11 @@ def test_get_user_existing_notifications(self, mock_filter):
         # Mock the notification objects returned by the filter
         mock_notification1 = MagicMock(spec=Notification)
         mock_notification1.user_id = 1
-        mock_notification1.created = datetime(2023, 9, 1, tzinfo=utc)
+        mock_notification1.created = datetime(2023, 9, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
         mock_notification2 = MagicMock(spec=Notification)
         mock_notification2.user_id = 1
-        mock_notification2.created = datetime(2023, 9, 2, tzinfo=utc)
+        mock_notification2.created = datetime(2023, 9, 2, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
         mock_filter.return_value = [mock_notification1, mock_notification2]
 
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/tests/test_views.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/tests/test_views.py
index b07beb9506c8..debb36077f02 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/tests/test_views.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
 from django.urls import reverse
 from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_flag
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from rest_framework import status
 from rest_framework.test import APIClient, APITestCase
 
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@ def test_list_notifications_with_expiry_date(self):
         """
         Test that the view can filter notifications by expiry date.
         """
-        today = datetime.now(UTC)
+        today = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
         # Create two notifications for the user, one with current date and other with expiry date.
         Notification.objects.create(
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/views.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/views.py
index d257439106f4..b495a609a09d 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/views.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/notifications/views.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from django.db.models import Count
 from django.shortcuts import get_object_or_404
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from rest_framework import generics, status
 from rest_framework.decorators import api_view
 from rest_framework.generics import UpdateAPIView
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ def get_queryset(self):
         """
         Override the get_queryset method to filter the queryset by app name, request.user and created
         """
-        expiry_date = datetime.now(UTC) - timedelta(days=settings.NOTIFICATIONS_EXPIRY)
+        expiry_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(days=settings.NOTIFICATIONS_EXPIRY)
         app_name = self.request.query_params.get('app_name')
 
         if self.request.query_params.get('tray_opened'):
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@ def patch(self, request, *args, **kwargs):
         - 404: Not Found status code if the notification was not found.
         """
         notification_id = request.data.get('notification_id', None)
-        read_at = datetime.now(UTC)
+        read_at = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
         if notification_id:
             notification = get_object_or_404(Notification, pk=notification_id, user=request.user)
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/oauth_dispatch/dot_overrides/validators.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/oauth_dispatch/dot_overrides/validators.py
index f8cf0538140d..fe48c1d8a701 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/oauth_dispatch/dot_overrides/validators.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/oauth_dispatch/dot_overrides/validators.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 from oauth2_provider.models import AccessToken
 from oauth2_provider.oauth2_validators import OAuth2Validator
 from oauth2_provider.scopes import get_scopes_backend
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from ..models import RestrictedApplication
 # pylint: disable=W0223
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ def on_access_token_presave(sender, instance, *args, **kwargs):  # pylint: disab
     Mark AccessTokens as expired for 'restricted applications' if required.
     """
     if RestrictedApplication.should_expire_access_token(instance.application):
-        instance.expires = datetime(1970, 1, 1, tzinfo=utc)
+        instance.expires = datetime(1970, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 
 class EdxOAuth2Validator(OAuth2Validator):
@@ -152,4 +152,4 @@ def _get_utc_now():
     """
     Return current time in UTC.
     """
-    return datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=utc)
+    return datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/oauth_dispatch/models.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/oauth_dispatch/models.py
index 2e635167e4c7..35e232282921 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/oauth_dispatch/models.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/oauth_dispatch/models.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 from django_mysql.models import ListCharField
 from oauth2_provider.settings import oauth2_settings
 from organizations.models import Organization
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from openedx.core.djangolib.markup import HTML
 from openedx.core.lib.request_utils import get_request_or_stub
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ def verify_access_token_as_expired(cls, access_token):
         For access_tokens for RestrictedApplications, make sure that the expiry date
         is set at the beginning of the epoch which is Jan. 1, 1970
         """
-        return access_token.expires == datetime(1970, 1, 1, tzinfo=utc)
+        return access_token.expires == datetime(1970, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 
 class ApplicationAccess(models.Model):
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/oauth_dispatch/tests/factories.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/oauth_dispatch/tests/factories.py
index 473bcd4ced9d..10cf1268385e 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/oauth_dispatch/tests/factories.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/oauth_dispatch/tests/factories.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 
 import factory
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from factory.django import DjangoModelFactory
 from factory.fuzzy import FuzzyText
 from oauth2_provider.models import AccessToken, Application, RefreshToken
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ class Meta:
         django_get_or_create = ('user', 'application')
 
     token = FuzzyText(length=32)
-    expires = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=1)
+    expires = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1)
 
 
 class RefreshTokenFactory(DjangoModelFactory):
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/password_policy/compliance.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/password_policy/compliance.py
index fdd103d2437d..e9a31695facd 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/password_policy/compliance.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/password_policy/compliance.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 
 from datetime import datetime
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
 
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ def enforce_compliance_on_login(user, password):
     if deadline is None:
         return
 
-    now = datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+    now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     if now >= deadline:  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=no-else-raise
         raise NonCompliantPasswordException(
             HTML(_(
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/password_policy/tests/test_compliance.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/password_policy/tests/test_compliance.py
index cb803bed99a9..dd226e67c17a 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/password_policy/tests/test_compliance.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/password_policy/tests/test_compliance.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 from unittest.mock import patch
 
 import pytest
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from dateutil.parser import parse as parse_date
 from django.test import TestCase, override_settings
 
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ def test_enforce_compliance_on_login(self):
             mock_check_user_compliance.return_value = False
             with patch('openedx.core.djangoapps.password_policy.compliance._get_compliance_deadline_for_user') as \
                     mock_get_compliance_deadline_for_user:
-                mock_get_compliance_deadline_for_user.return_value = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - timedelta(1)
+                mock_get_compliance_deadline_for_user.return_value = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(1)
                 pytest.raises(NonCompliantPasswordException, enforce_compliance_on_login, user, password)
 
         # Test deadline is in the future
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ def test_enforce_compliance_on_login(self):
             mock_check_user_compliance.return_value = False
             with patch('openedx.core.djangoapps.password_policy.compliance._get_compliance_deadline_for_user') as \
                     mock_get_compliance_deadline_for_user:
-                mock_get_compliance_deadline_for_user.return_value = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(1)
+                mock_get_compliance_deadline_for_user.return_value = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(1)
                 assert pytest.raises(NonCompliantPasswordWarning, enforce_compliance_on_login, user, password)
 
     def test_check_user_compliance(self):
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/profile_images/tests/test_views.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/profile_images/tests/test_views.py
index 0a276377589b..66163e02b067 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/profile_images/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/profile_images/tests/test_views.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 
 import pytest
 import datetime  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from django.urls import reverse
 from django.http import HttpResponse
@@ -30,8 +30,8 @@
 from .helpers import make_image_file
 
 TEST_PASSWORD = "test"
-TEST_UPLOAD_DT = datetime.datetime(2002, 1, 9, 15, 43, 1, tzinfo=UTC)
-TEST_UPLOAD_DT2 = datetime.datetime(2003, 1, 9, 15, 43, 1, tzinfo=UTC)
+TEST_UPLOAD_DT = datetime.datetime(2002, 1, 9, 15, 43, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+TEST_UPLOAD_DT2 = datetime.datetime(2003, 1, 9, 15, 43, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 
 class ProfileImageEndpointMixin(UserSettingsEventTestMixin):
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/profile_images/views.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/profile_images/views.py
index b88b3ad32bdb..8cd78c87162f 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/profile_images/views.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/profile_images/views.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
 from edx_rest_framework_extensions.auth.jwt.authentication import JwtAuthentication
 from edx_rest_framework_extensions.auth.session.authentication import SessionAuthenticationAllowInactiveUser
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from rest_framework import permissions, status
 from rest_framework.parsers import FormParser, MultiPartParser
 from rest_framework.response import Response
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ def _make_upload_dt():
     Generate a server-side timestamp for the upload. This is in a separate
     function so its behavior can be overridden in tests.
     """
-    return datetime.datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=UTC)
+    return datetime.datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 
 class ProfileImageView(DeveloperErrorViewMixin, APIView):
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/tests/test_tasks.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/tests/test_tasks.py
index e2b1c554c840..fd5a756022af 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/tests/test_tasks.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/tests/test_tasks.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 import ddt
 import httpretty
 import pytest
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 import requests
 from celery.exceptions import MaxRetriesExceededError
 from django.conf import settings
@@ -520,7 +520,7 @@ class AwardCourseCertificatesTestCase(CredentialsApiConfigMixin, TestCase):
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
 
-        self.available_date = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=1)
+        self.available_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=1)
         self.course = CourseOverviewFactory.create(
             self_paced=True,  # Any option to allow the certificate to be viewable for the course
             certificate_available_date=self.available_date,
@@ -1023,7 +1023,7 @@ class UpdateCertificateAvailableDateOnCourseUpdateTestCase(CredentialsApiConfigM
 
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
-        self.end_date = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=90)
+        self.end_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=90)
         self.credentials_api_config = self.create_credentials_config(enabled=False)
 
     def tearDown(self):
@@ -1135,7 +1135,7 @@ def test_update_certificate_available_date_instructor_paced_cdb_end_with_date(se
         explicitly set as part of the course overview.
         """
         self._update_credentials_api_config(True)
-        certificate_available_date = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=120)
+        certificate_available_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=120)
 
         course_overview = self._create_course_overview(
             False,
@@ -1168,7 +1168,7 @@ def test_update_certificate_available_date_self_paced(self, mock_update):
         invalid data is set in a course overview, we don't pass it to Credentials.
         """
         self._update_credentials_api_config(True)
-        certificate_available_date = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=120)
+        certificate_available_date = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=120)
 
         course_overview = self._create_course_overview(
             True,
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/tests/test_utils.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/tests/test_utils.py
index 264f1a6aeebd..56471eabb75a 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/tests/test_utils.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/tests/test_utils.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 from django.urls import reverse
 from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_switch
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from testfixtures import LogCapture
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
@@ -209,7 +209,7 @@ def test_single_program_multiple_entitlements(self, mock_get_programs):
         CourseEntitlementFactory.create(
             user=self.user,
             course_uuid=course_uuid,
-            expired_at=datetime.datetime.now(utc),
+            expired_at=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
             mode=CourseMode.VERIFIED,
             enrollment_course_run=enrollment
 
@@ -308,7 +308,7 @@ def test_in_progress_course_upgrade_deadline_check(self, offset, mock_get_progra
         the right type for which the upgrade deadline has not passed.
         """
         course_run_key = generate_course_run_key()
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(utc)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         upgrade_deadline = None if not offset else str(now + datetime.timedelta(days=offset))
         required_seat = SeatFactory(type=CourseMode.VERIFIED, upgrade_deadline=upgrade_deadline)
         enrolled_seat = SeatFactory(type=CourseMode.AUDIT)
@@ -488,7 +488,7 @@ def test_shared_entitlement_engagement(self, mock_get_programs):
 
     def test_simulate_progress(self, mock_get_programs):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=too-many-statements
         """Simulate the entirety of a user's progress through a program."""
-        today = datetime.datetime.now(utc)
+        today = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         two_days_ago = today - datetime.timedelta(days=2)
         three_days_ago = today - datetime.timedelta(days=3)
         yesterday = today - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
@@ -862,8 +862,8 @@ def _create_course(self, course_price, course_run_count=1, make_entitlement=Fals
     course_runs = []
     for x in range(course_run_count):
         course = ModuleStoreCourseFactory.create(run='Run_' + str(x))
-        course.start = datetime.datetime.now(utc) - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
-        course.end = datetime.datetime.now(utc) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+        course.start = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+        course.end = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
         course.instructor_info = self.instructors
         course = self.update_course(course, self.user.id)
 
@@ -899,8 +899,8 @@ def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
 
         self.course = ModuleStoreCourseFactory()
-        self.course.start = datetime.datetime.now(utc) - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
-        self.course.end = datetime.datetime.now(utc) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+        self.course.start = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+        self.course.end = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=1)
         self.course = self.update_course(self.course, self.user.id)
 
         self.course_run = CourseRunFactory(key=str(self.course.id))
@@ -941,7 +941,7 @@ def test_is_enrollment_open(self, days_offset):
         Verify that changes to the course run end date do not affect our
         assessment of the course run being open for enrollment.
         """
-        self.course.end = datetime.datetime.now(utc) + datetime.timedelta(days=days_offset)
+        self.course.end = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=days_offset)
         self.course = self.update_course(self.course, self.user.id)
 
         data = ProgramDataExtender(self.program, self.user).extend()
@@ -1022,8 +1022,8 @@ def test_course_run_enrollment_status(self, start_offset, end_offset, is_enrollm
         """
         Verify that course run enrollment status is reflected correctly.
         """
-        self.course.enrollment_start = datetime.datetime.now(utc) - datetime.timedelta(days=start_offset)
-        self.course.enrollment_end = datetime.datetime.now(utc) - datetime.timedelta(days=end_offset)
+        self.course.enrollment_start = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=start_offset)
+        self.course.enrollment_end = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=end_offset)
 
         self.course = self.update_course(self.course, self.user.id)
 
@@ -1040,7 +1040,7 @@ def test_no_enrollment_start_date(self):
         Verify that a closed course run with no explicit enrollment start date
         doesn't cause an error. Regression test for ECOM-4973.
         """
-        self.course.enrollment_end = datetime.datetime.now(utc) - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
+        self.course.enrollment_end = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=1)
         self.course = self.update_course(self.course, self.user.id)
 
         data = ProgramDataExtender(self.program, self.user).extend()
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/utils.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/utils.py
index 76263c4b405c..e7c072e813be 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/utils.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/programs/utils.py
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 from django.urls import reverse
 from django.utils.functional import cached_property
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from requests.exceptions import RequestException
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.api import get_paid_modes_for_course
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
 
 # The datetime module's strftime() methods require a year >= 1900.
-DEFAULT_ENROLLMENT_START_DATE = datetime.datetime(1900, 1, 1, tzinfo=utc)
+DEFAULT_ENROLLMENT_START_DATE = datetime.datetime(1900, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 log = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -286,7 +286,7 @@ def progress(self, programs: list[dict | None] | None = None, count_only: bool =
             list of dict, each containing information about a user's progress
                 towards completing a program.
         """
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(utc)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
         progress = []
         programs = programs or self.engaged_programs
@@ -598,15 +598,16 @@ def _attach_course_run_enrollment_open_date(self, run_mode):
         run_mode["enrollment_open_date"] = strftime_localized(self.enrollment_start, "SHORT_DATE")
 
     def _attach_course_run_is_course_ended(self, run_mode):
-        end_date = self.course_overview.end or datetime.datetime.max.replace(tzinfo=utc)
-        run_mode["is_course_ended"] = end_date < datetime.datetime.now(utc)
+        end_date = self.course_overview.end or datetime.datetime.max.replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        run_mode["is_course_ended"] = end_date < datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
     def _attach_course_run_is_enrolled(self, run_mode):
         run_mode["is_enrolled"] = CourseEnrollment.is_enrolled(self.user, self.course_run_key)
 
     def _attach_course_run_is_enrollment_open(self, run_mode):
-        enrollment_end = self.course_overview.enrollment_end or datetime.datetime.max.replace(tzinfo=utc)
-        run_mode["is_enrollment_open"] = self.enrollment_start <= datetime.datetime.now(utc) < enrollment_end
+        enrollment_end = self.course_overview.enrollment_end or datetime.datetime.max.replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        run_mode["is_enrollment_open"] = self.enrollment_start <= datetime.datetime.now(
+            get_utc_timezone()) < enrollment_end
 
     def _attach_course_run_advertised_start(self, run_mode):
         """
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/__init__.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/__init__.py
index bd0082f5331e..e6b75aaaec1e 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/__init__.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/__init__.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 
 import datetime
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.contrib.sites.models import Site
 from django.core.management.base import BaseCommand
 
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ def handle(self, *args, **options):
 
         current_date = datetime.datetime(
             *[int(x) for x in options['date'].split('-')],
-            tzinfo=pytz.UTC
+            tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()
         )
         self.log_debug('Current date = %s', current_date.isoformat())
 
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/send_course_next_section_update.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/send_course_next_section_update.py
index 53e2100649a1..f227aef29f8f 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/send_course_next_section_update.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/send_course_next_section_update.py
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 """
 
 import datetime
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from textwrap import dedent  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
 
 from django.contrib.sites.models import Site
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ class Command(SendEmailBaseCommand):
     def handle(self, *args, ** options):
         current_date = datetime.datetime(
             *[int(x) for x in options['date'].split('-')],
-            tzinfo=pytz.UTC
+            tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()
         )
 
         site = Site.objects.get(domain__iexact=options['site_domain_name'])
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/setup_models_to_send_test_emails.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/setup_models_to_send_test_emails.py
index 976f1aa16fd9..5cb2c944fc74 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/setup_models_to_send_test_emails.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/setup_models_to_send_test_emails.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from textwrap import dedent
 
 import factory
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.contrib.sites.models import Site
 from django.core.management.base import BaseCommand
 
@@ -26,29 +26,29 @@ class ThreeDayNudgeSchedule(ScheduleFactory):
     """
     A ScheduleFactory that creates a Schedule set up for a 3-day nudge email.
     """
-    start_date = factory.Faker('date_time_between', start_date='-3d', end_date='-3d', tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+    start_date = factory.Faker('date_time_between', start_date='-3d', end_date='-3d', tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 
 class TenDayNudgeSchedule(ScheduleFactory):
     """
     A ScheduleFactory that creates a Schedule set up for a 10-day nudge email.
     """
-    start_date = factory.Faker('date_time_between', start_date='-10d', end_date='-10d', tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+    start_date = factory.Faker('date_time_between', start_date='-10d', end_date='-10d', tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 
 class UpgradeReminderSchedule(ScheduleFactory):
     """
     A ScheduleFactory that creates a Schedule set up for a 2-days-remaining upgrade reminder.
     """
-    start_date = factory.Faker('past_datetime', tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
-    upgrade_deadline = factory.Faker('date_time_between', start_date='+2d', end_date='+2d', tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+    start_date = factory.Faker('past_datetime', tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+    upgrade_deadline = factory.Faker('date_time_between', start_date='+2d', end_date='+2d', tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 
 class ContentHighlightSchedule(ScheduleFactory):
     """
     A ScheduleFactory that creates a Schedule set up for a course highlights email.
     """
-    start_date = factory.Faker('date_time_between', start_date='-7d', end_date='-7d', tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+    start_date = factory.Faker('date_time_between', start_date='-7d', end_date='-7d', tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
     experience = factory.RelatedFactory(ScheduleExperienceFactory, 'schedule', experience_type=ScheduleExperience.EXPERIENCES.course_updates)  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
 
 
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/tests/send_email_base.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/tests/send_email_base.py
index 774f1f418124..81e3a1d59c04 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/tests/send_email_base.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/tests/send_email_base.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 
 import attr
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
 from django.db.models import Max
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ def _next_user_id(self):
         return max_user_id + num_bins - (max_user_id % num_bins)
 
     def _get_dates(self, offset=None):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=missing-function-docstring
-        current_day = _get_datetime_beginning_of_day(datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC))
+        current_day = _get_datetime_beginning_of_day(datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()))
         offset = offset or self.expected_offsets[0]
         target_day = current_day + datetime.timedelta(days=offset)
         if self.resolver.schedule_date_field == 'upgrade_deadline':
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ def _schedule_factory(self, offset=None, **factory_kwargs):  # lint-amnesty, pyl
             CourseModeFactory(
                 course_id=course_id,
                 mode_slug=CourseMode.VERIFIED,
-                expiration_datetime=datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + datetime.timedelta(days=30),
+                expiration_datetime=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=30),
             )
             self._courses_with_verified_modes.add(course_id)
         return schedule
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ def _update_schedule_config(self, schedule_config_kwargs):
         Updates the schedule config model by making sure the new entry
         has a later timestamp.
         """
-        later_time = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + datetime.timedelta(minutes=1)
+        later_time = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(minutes=1)
         with freeze_time(later_time):
             ScheduleConfigFactory.create(**schedule_config_kwargs)
 
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ def test_command_task_binding(self):
 
     def test_handle(self):
         with patch.object(self.command, 'async_send_task') as mock_send:
-            test_day = datetime.datetime(2017, 8, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+            test_day = datetime.datetime(2017, 8, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             self.command().handle(date='2017-08-01', site_domain_name=self.site_config.site.domain)
 
             for offset in self.expected_offsets:
@@ -287,7 +287,7 @@ def test_enqueue_config(self, is_enabled):
         }
         self._update_schedule_config(schedule_config_kwargs)
 
-        current_datetime = datetime.datetime(2017, 8, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+        current_datetime = datetime.datetime(2017, 8, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         with patch.object(self.task, 'apply_async') as mock_apply_async:
             self.task.enqueue(self.site_config.site, current_datetime, 3)
 
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/tests/test_send_email_base_command.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/tests/test_send_email_base_command.py
index 47ba67cc0999..5ca072c308d2 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/tests/test_send_email_base_command.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/management/commands/tests/test_send_email_base_command.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 from unittest.mock import DEFAULT, Mock, patch
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.schedules.management.commands import SendEmailBaseCommand
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ def test_handle(self):
             self.command.handle(site_domain_name=self.site.domain, date='2017-09-29')
             send_emails.assert_called_once_with(
                 self.site,
-                datetime.datetime(2017, 9, 29, tzinfo=pytz.UTC),
+                datetime.datetime(2017, 9, 29, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
                 None
             )
 
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/tests/factories.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/tests/factories.py
index 882b62fb8b78..215f94a405c2 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/tests/factories.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/tests/factories.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 
 
 import factory
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.schedules import models
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.site_configuration.tests.factories import SiteFactory
@@ -22,8 +22,8 @@ class ScheduleFactory(factory.django.DjangoModelFactory):  # lint-amnesty, pylin
     class Meta:
         model = models.Schedule
 
-    start_date = factory.Faker('future_datetime', tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
-    upgrade_deadline = factory.Faker('future_datetime', tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+    start_date = factory.Faker('future_datetime', tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+    upgrade_deadline = factory.Faker('future_datetime', tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
     enrollment = factory.SubFactory(CourseEnrollmentFactory)
     experience = factory.RelatedFactory(ScheduleExperienceFactory, 'schedule')
 
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/tests/test_resolvers.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/tests/test_resolvers.py
index 2c37608e5cff..0cde8ef2bb03 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/tests/test_resolvers.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/tests/test_resolvers.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 
 import crum
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.test import TestCase
 from django.test.client import RequestFactory
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ def test_external_course_updates(self, bucket):
         # experiment. Note that the experiment waffle is currently inactive, but they should still be excluded because
         # they were bucketed at enrollment time.
         bin_num = BinnedSchedulesBaseResolver.bin_num_for_user_id(user.id)
-        resolver = BinnedSchedulesBaseResolver(None, self.site, datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC), 0, bin_num)
+        resolver = BinnedSchedulesBaseResolver(None, self.site, datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()), 0, bin_num)
         resolver.schedule_date_field = 'created'
         schedules = resolver.get_schedules_with_target_date_by_bin_and_orgs()
 
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/tests/test_signals.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/tests/test_signals.py
index 023fbbdbafcc..63e173ae3761 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/tests/test_signals.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/tests/test_signals.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 
 import ddt
 import pytest
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.tests.factories import CourseModeFactory
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@ def _create_course_run(self_paced=True, start_day_offset=-1):
 
     Both audit and verified `CourseMode` objects will be created for the course run.
     """
-    now = datetime.datetime.now(utc)
+    now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     start = now + datetime.timedelta(days=start_day_offset)
     course = CourseFactory.create(start=start, self_paced=self_paced)
 
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/tests/test_utils.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/tests/test_utils.py
index f1d0cd9fcba0..ea7d208ba3b9 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/tests/test_utils.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/tests/test_utils.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 import datetime
 
 import ddt
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import SharedModuleStoreTestCase
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.factories import CourseFactory
 
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ def create_schedule(self, enrollment_offset=0, course_start_offset=-100):
         # pylint: disable=attribute-defined-outside-init
         self.config = ScheduleConfigFactory()
 
-        start = datetime.datetime.now(utc) + datetime.timedelta(days=course_start_offset)
+        start = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=course_start_offset)
         self.course = CourseFactory.create(start=start, self_paced=True)
 
         self.enrollment = CourseEnrollmentFactory(
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/utils.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/utils.py
index c2565a1c87a3..1b84546831d8 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/utils.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/schedules/utils.py
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 import datetime
 import logging
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.db import transaction
 
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.schedules.models import Schedule
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ def reset_self_paced_schedule(user, course_key, use_enrollment_date=False):
         if use_enrollment_date:
             new_start_date = schedule.enrollment.created
         else:
-            new_start_date = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+            new_start_date = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
         # Make sure we don't start the clock on the learner's schedule before the course even starts
         new_start_date = max(new_start_date, schedule.enrollment.course.start)
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/api.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/api.py
index 6970ea6f852f..253e9582e24a 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/api.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/api.py
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
 from django.utils.translation import override as override_language
 from eventtracking import tracker
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.student import views as student_views
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import (
@@ -375,7 +375,7 @@ def _store_old_name_if_needed(old_name, user_profile, requesting_user):
         meta['old_names'].append([
             old_name,
             f"Name change requested through account API by {requesting_user.username}",
-            datetime.datetime.now(UTC).isoformat()
+            datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).isoformat()
         ])
         user_profile.set_meta(meta)
         user_profile.save()
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/retirement_helpers.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/retirement_helpers.py
index a3c40002f61c..021405c92b5b 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/retirement_helpers.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/retirement_helpers.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 import datetime
 
 import pytest
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.test import TestCase
 from social_django.models import UserSocialAuth
 
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ def create_retirement_status(user, state=None, create_datetime=None):
     Assumes that retirement states have been setup before calling.
     """
     if create_datetime is None:
-        create_datetime = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=8)
+        create_datetime = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=8)
 
     retirement = UserRetirementStatus.create_retirement(user)
     if state:
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/test_api.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/test_api.py
index f9071c06a5c2..85f91eb0a565 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/test_api.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/test_api.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 from django.test import TestCase
 from django.test.client import RequestFactory
 from django.urls import reverse
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from social_django.models import UserSocialAuth
 
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import (
@@ -381,7 +381,7 @@ def test_validate_name_change_same_name(self):
         meta['old_names'] = []
         for num in range(3):
             meta['old_names'].append(
-                [f'old_name_{num}', 'test', datetime.datetime.now(UTC).isoformat()]
+                [f'old_name_{num}', 'test', datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).isoformat()]
             )
         user_profile.set_meta(meta)
         user_profile.save()
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/test_image_helpers.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/test_image_helpers.py
index 3608073a5217..73d410dafa63 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/test_image_helpers.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/test_image_helpers.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 from unittest.mock import patch
 
 from django.test import TestCase
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from openedx.core.djangolib.testing.utils import skip_unless_lms
 from common.djangoapps.student.tests.factories import UserFactory
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 from ..image_helpers import get_profile_image_urls_for_user
 
 TEST_SIZES = {'full': 50, 'small': 10}
-TEST_PROFILE_IMAGE_UPLOAD_DT = datetime.datetime(2002, 1, 9, 15, 43, 1, tzinfo=UTC)
+TEST_PROFILE_IMAGE_UPLOAD_DT = datetime.datetime(2002, 1, 9, 15, 43, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 
 @patch.dict('django.conf.settings.PROFILE_IMAGE_SIZES_MAP', TEST_SIZES, clear=True)
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/test_retirement_views.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/test_retirement_views.py
index 9d4efb2fa77c..674e93836e44 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/test_retirement_views.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/test_retirement_views.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from unittest import mock
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from consent.models import DataSharingConsent
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
 from django.contrib.sites.models import Site
@@ -516,7 +516,7 @@ def setUp(self):
         self.headers = build_jwt_headers(self.test_superuser)
         self.url = reverse('accounts_retirement_partner_report')
         self.maxDiff = None
-        self.test_created_datetime = datetime.datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+        self.test_created_datetime = datetime.datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         ExternalIdType.objects.get_or_create(name=ExternalIdType.CALIPER)
 
     def get_user_dict(self, user, enrollments):
@@ -769,7 +769,7 @@ def test_date_filter(self):
         # retirements = [2018-04-10..., 2018-04-09..., 2018-04-08...]
         pending_state = RetirementState.objects.get(state_name='PENDING')
         for days_back in range(1, days_back_to_test, -1):
-            create_datetime = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=days_back)
+            create_datetime = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=days_back)
             retirements.append(create_retirement_status(
                 UserFactory(),
                 state=pending_state,
@@ -927,12 +927,12 @@ def test_date_filter(self):
 
         # Create retirements for the last 10 days
         for days_back in range(0, 10):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=simplifiable-range
-            create_datetime = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=days_back)
+            create_datetime = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=days_back)
             ret = create_retirement_status(UserFactory(), state=complete_state, create_datetime=create_datetime)
             retirements.append(self._retirement_to_dict(ret))
 
         # Go back in time adding days to the query, assert the correct retirements are present
-        end_date = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        end_date = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         for days_back in range(1, 11):
             retirement_dicts = retirements[:days_back]
             start_date = end_date - datetime.timedelta(days=days_back - 1)
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/test_views.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/test_views.py
index 466e1e278abd..441085ec1140 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/test_views.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/tests/test_views.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 from urllib.parse import quote
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.core.files.storage import FileSystemStorage
 from django.test.testcases import TransactionTestCase
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@
 
 from .. import ALL_USERS_VISIBILITY, CUSTOM_VISIBILITY, PRIVATE_VISIBILITY
 
-TEST_PROFILE_IMAGE_UPLOADED_AT = datetime.datetime(2002, 1, 9, 15, 43, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+TEST_PROFILE_IMAGE_UPLOADED_AT = datetime.datetime(2002, 1, 9, 15, 43, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 # this is used in one test to check the behavior of profile image url
 # generation with a relative url in the config.
@@ -304,7 +304,7 @@ def test_cancel_retirement_not_pending(self):
             current_state=retirement_state,
             last_state=retirement_state,
             original_email=self.user.email,
-            created=datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+            created=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         )
         url = reverse("cancel_account_retirement")
         response = client.post(url, data={'retirement_id': user_retirement_status.id})
@@ -329,7 +329,7 @@ def test_cancel_retirement_successful(self):
             current_state=retirement_state,
             last_state=retirement_state,
             original_email=self.user.email,
-            created=datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+            created=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         )
         user_retirement_status.user.set_unusable_password()
         assert UserRetirementStatus.objects.count() == 1
@@ -585,8 +585,8 @@ def test_get_account_by_user_id_non_integer(self, non_integer_id):
 
     @mock.patch('openedx.core.djangoapps.user_api.accounts.views.is_email_retired')
     @ddt.data(
-        (datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC), True),
-        (datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=15), False)
+        (datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()), True),
+        (datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=15), False)
     )
     @ddt.unpack
     def test_search_emails_retired_before_cooloff_period(self, created_date, can_cancel, mock_is_email_retired):
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/views.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/views.py
index 55b90aa67f78..ca1467355fde 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/views.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/accounts/views.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 import logging
 from functools import wraps
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from consent.models import DataSharingConsent
 from django.apps import apps
 from django.conf import settings
@@ -197,11 +197,12 @@ def list(self, request):
             if is_email_retired(user_email):
                 can_cancel_retirement = True
                 retirement_id = None
-                earliest_datetime = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=settings.COOL_OFF_DAYS)
+                earliest_datetime = datetime.datetime.now(
+                    get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=settings.COOL_OFF_DAYS)
                 try:
                     retirement_status = UserRetirementStatus.objects.get(
                         created__gt=earliest_datetime,
-                        created__lt=datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC),
+                        created__lt=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
                         original_email=user_email,
                     )
                     retirement_id = retirement_status.id
@@ -879,7 +880,7 @@ def retirement_queue(self, request):
                         status=status.HTTP_400_BAD_REQUEST,
                     )
 
-            earliest_datetime = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=cool_off_days)
+            earliest_datetime = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=cool_off_days)
 
             retirements = (
                 UserRetirementStatus.objects.select_related("user", "current_state", "last_state")
@@ -909,11 +910,15 @@ def retirements_by_status_and_date(self, request):
         so to get one day you would set both dates to that day.
         """
         try:
-            start_date = datetime.datetime.strptime(request.GET["start_date"], "%Y-%m-%d").replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
-            end_date = datetime.datetime.strptime(request.GET["end_date"], "%Y-%m-%d").replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
-            now = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+            start_date = datetime.datetime.strptime(
+                request.GET["start_date"], "%Y-%m-%d").replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+            end_date = datetime.datetime.strptime(
+                request.GET["end_date"], "%Y-%m-%d").replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+            now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
             if start_date > now or end_date > now or start_date > end_date:
-                raise RetirementStateError("Dates must be today or earlier, and start must be earlier than end.")
+                raise RetirementStateError(
+                    "Dates must be today or earlier, and start must be earlier than end."
+                )
 
             # Add a day to make sure we get all the way to 23:59:59.999, this is compared "lt" in the query
             # not "lte".
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/management/commands/create_user_gdpr_testing.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/management/commands/create_user_gdpr_testing.py
index 2008ce8652d5..e3ce3c0c05b3 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/management/commands/create_user_gdpr_testing.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/management/commands/create_user_gdpr_testing.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 )
 from integrated_channels.sap_success_factors.models import SapSuccessFactorsLearnerDataTransmissionAudit
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from common.djangoapps.entitlements.models import CourseEntitlement, CourseEntitlementSupportDetail
 from lms.djangoapps.verify_student.models import SoftwareSecurePhotoVerification
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ def handle(self, *args, **options):
         user.save()
 
         # UserProfile
-        profile_image_uploaded_date = datetime(2018, 5, 3, tzinfo=UTC)
+        profile_image_uploaded_date = datetime(2018, 5, 3, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         user_profile, __ = UserProfile.objects.get_or_create(
             user=user
         )
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/preferences/tests/test_api.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/preferences/tests/test_api.py
index 34295801801b..fa6b4c5803fa 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/preferences/tests/test_api.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_api/preferences/tests/test_api.py
@@ -11,7 +11,8 @@
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=imported-auth-user
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
 from django.urls import reverse
-from pytz import common_timezones, utc
+from pytz import common_timezones
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from openedx.core.djangolib.testing.utils import CacheIsolationTestCase, skip_unless_lms
 from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_display_time_zone
@@ -372,7 +373,7 @@ def test_change_email_optin(self, age, option, second_option, expected_result):
         # Set year of birth
         user = User.objects.get(username=self.USERNAME)
         profile = UserProfile.objects.get(user=user)
-        year_of_birth = datetime.datetime.now(utc).year - age
+        year_of_birth = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).year - age
         profile.year_of_birth = year_of_birth
         profile.save()
 
@@ -403,23 +404,26 @@ class CountryTimeZoneTest(CacheIsolationTestCase):
     """
 
     @ddt.data(('ES', ['Africa/Ceuta', 'Atlantic/Canary', 'Europe/Madrid']),
-              (None, common_timezones[:10]),
-              ('AA', common_timezones[:10]))
+              (None, common_timezones),
+              ('AA', common_timezones))
     @ddt.unpack
     def test_get_country_time_zones(self, country_code, expected_time_zones):
         """
         Verify that list of common country time zones dictionaries is returned
         An unrecognized country code (e.g. AA) will return the list of common timezones
         """
-        expected_dict = [
-            {
-                'time_zone': time_zone,
-                'description': get_display_time_zone(time_zone)
-            }
-            for time_zone in expected_time_zones
-        ]
+        expected_dict = sorted(
+            [
+                {
+                    'time_zone': time_zone_name,
+                    'description': get_display_time_zone(time_zone_name),
+                }
+                for time_zone_name in expected_time_zones
+            ],
+            key=lambda tz_dict: tz_dict['description']
+        )
         country_time_zones_dicts = get_country_time_zones(country_code)[:10]
-        assert country_time_zones_dicts == expected_dict
+        assert country_time_zones_dicts == expected_dict[:10]
 
 
 def get_expected_validation_developer_message(preference_key, preference_value):
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/tests/utils.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/tests/utils.py
index 09ca85145f35..608c62deb724 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/tests/utils.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/tests/utils.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 from unittest.mock import patch
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from oauth2_provider import models as dot_models
 from rest_framework import status
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ def utcnow():
     """
     Helper function to return the current UTC time localized to the UTC timezone.
     """
-    return datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+    return datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
 
 @ddt.ddt
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/views/register.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/views/register.py
index e95942057786..08e8b956a289 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/views/register.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/views/register.py
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 from openedx_events.learning.data import UserData, UserPersonalData
 from openedx_events.learning.signals import STUDENT_REGISTRATION_COMPLETED
 from openedx_filters.learning.filters import StudentRegistrationRequested
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django_ratelimit.decorators import ratelimit
 from requests import HTTPError
 from rest_framework.response import Response
@@ -371,7 +371,7 @@ def _track_user_registration(user, profile, params, third_party_provider, regist
             'name': profile.name,
             # Mailchimp requires the age & yearOfBirth to be integers, we send a sane integer default if falsey.
             'age': profile.age or -1,
-            'yearOfBirth': profile.year_of_birth or datetime.datetime.now(UTC).year,
+            'yearOfBirth': profile.year_of_birth or datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).year,
             'education': profile.level_of_education_display,
             'address': profile.mailing_address,
             'gender': profile.gender_display,
@@ -530,7 +530,8 @@ def _record_utm_registration_attribution(request, user):
             # We divide by 1000 here because the javascript timestamp generated is in milliseconds not seconds.
             # PYTHON: time.time()      => 1475590280.823698
             # JS: new Date().getTime() => 1475590280823
-            created_at_datetime = datetime.datetime.fromtimestamp(int(created_at_unixtime) / float(1000), tz=UTC)
+            created_at_datetime = datetime.datetime.fromtimestamp(
+                int(created_at_unixtime) / float(1000), tz=get_utc_timezone())
             UserAttribute.set_user_attribute(
                 user,
                 REGISTRATION_UTM_CREATED_AT,
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/views/tests/test_password.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/views/tests/test_password.py
index a403298a6e78..7de6466a11e6 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/views/tests/test_password.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/views/tests/test_password.py
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 from freezegun import freeze_time
 from oauth2_provider.models import AccessToken as dot_access_token
 from oauth2_provider.models import RefreshToken as dot_refresh_token
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from testfixtures import LogCapture
 
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.oauth_dispatch.tests import factories as dot_factories
@@ -319,7 +319,7 @@ def test_password_change_rate_limited(self):
 
         # now reset the time to 1 min from now in future and change the email and
         # verify that it will allow another request from same IP
-        reset_time = datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(seconds=61)
+        reset_time = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(seconds=61)
         with freeze_time(reset_time):
             response = self._change_password(email=self.OLD_EMAIL)
             assert response.status_code == 200
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/views/tests/test_register.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/views/tests/test_register.py
index 54d42efa55c0..1ace37081926 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/views/tests/test_register.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/views/tests/test_register.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 from django.test.utils import override_settings
 from django.urls import reverse
 from openedx_events.tests.utils import OpenEdxEventsTestMixin
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from social_django.models import Partial, UserSocialAuth
 from testfixtures import LogCapture
 
@@ -949,7 +949,7 @@ def test_register_form_gender_translations(self, fake_gettext):
         )
 
     def test_register_form_year_of_birth(self):
-        this_year = datetime.now(UTC).year
+        this_year = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).year
         year_options = (
             [
                 {
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/views/tests/test_reset_password.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/views/tests/test_reset_password.py
index b89b458ed1ae..19f16a7477c3 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/views/tests/test_reset_password.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/user_authn/views/tests/test_reset_password.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 from django.utils.http import int_to_base36
 from freezegun import freeze_time
 from oauth2_provider import models as dot_models
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.oauth_dispatch.tests import factories as dot_factories
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.site_configuration import helpers as configuration_helpers
@@ -267,7 +267,7 @@ def test_ratelimited_from_different_ips_with_same_email(self):
         self.request_password_reset(200)
         # now reset the time to 1 min from now in future and change the email and
         # verify that it will allow another request from same IP
-        reset_time = datetime.now(UTC) + timedelta(seconds=61)
+        reset_time = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(seconds=61)
         with freeze_time(reset_time):
             for status in [200, 403]:
                 self.request_password_reset(status)
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/util/testing.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/util/testing.py
index 040a2b5af180..75e82f290427 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/util/testing.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/util/testing.py
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 
 from datetime import datetime
 
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.course_groups.models import CourseUserGroupPartitionGroup
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.course_groups.tests.helpers import CohortFactory
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ def setUp(self):
             # This test needs to use a course that has already started --
             # discussion topics only show up if the course has already started,
             # and the default start date for courses is Jan 1, 2030.
-            start=datetime(2012, 2, 3, tzinfo=UTC),
+            start=datetime(2012, 2, 3, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             user_partitions=[
                 UserPartition(
                     0,
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/verified_track_content/tests/test_partition_scheme.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/verified_track_content/tests/test_partition_scheme.py
index a2667bfa1c0b..6d538a03e3ac 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/verified_track_content/tests/test_partition_scheme.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/verified_track_content/tests/test_partition_scheme.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 import pytest
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
 from common.djangoapps.student.models import CourseEnrollment
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ def test_multiple_groups(self):
         # Note that the verified mode is expired-- this is intentional.
         create_mode(
             self.course, CourseMode.VERIFIED, "Verified Enrollment Track", min_price=1,
-            expiration_datetime=datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=-1)
+            expiration_datetime=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=-1)
         )
         # Note that the credit mode is not selectable-- this is intentional so we
         # can test that it is filtered out.
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ def test_enrolled_in_verified(self):
     def test_enrolled_in_expired(self):
         create_mode(
             self.course, CourseMode.VERIFIED, "Verified Enrollment Track",
-            min_price=1, expiration_datetime=datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=-1)
+            min_price=1, expiration_datetime=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=-1)
         )
         CourseEnrollment.enroll(self.student, self.course.id, mode=CourseMode.VERIFIED)
         assert 'Verified Enrollment Track' == self._get_user_group().name
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ def test_credit_after_upgrade_deadline(self):
         # the upgrade deadline has passed (see EDUCATOR-1511 for why this matters).
         create_mode(
             self.course, CourseMode.VERIFIED, "Verified Enrollment Track", min_price=1,
-            expiration_datetime=datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=-1)
+            expiration_datetime=datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=-1)
         )
         assert 'Verified Enrollment Track' == self._get_user_group().name
 
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/xblock/tests/test_utils.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/xblock/tests/test_utils.py
index 229406e1bca1..0c5bbd026af9 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/xblock/tests/test_utils.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/xblock/tests/test_utils.py
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@
              },
             True,
         ),
-        # Setting reference_time to 20 seconds before end of a 2 day time period(UTC)
+        # Setting reference_time to 20 seconds before end of a 2 day time periodget_utc_timezone()
         # Demonstrating minimum possible validity period is just above 2 days
         # This fails because validation time is just above the cutoff point
         (
diff --git a/openedx/core/lib/__init__.py b/openedx/core/lib/__init__.py
index 61565e758131..64492942a8d0 100644
--- a/openedx/core/lib/__init__.py
+++ b/openedx/core/lib/__init__.py
@@ -9,6 +9,19 @@
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.core.exceptions import ImproperlyConfigured
 
+from edx_toggles.toggles import WaffleSwitch
+
+
+# .. toggle_name: open_edx_util.enable_zoneinfo_tz
+# .. toggle_implementation: WaffleSwitch
+# .. toggle_default: False
+# .. toggle_description: Replaces pytz.UTC with get_utc_timezone(), when active.
+# .. toggle_use_cases: opt_in
+# .. toggle_creation_date: 2025-06-03
+# .. toggle_tickets: N/A
+ENABLE_ZONEINFO_TZ = WaffleSwitch(
+    'open_edx_util.enable_zoneinfo_tz', __name__
+)
 
 _LMS_URLCONF = 'lms.urls'
 _CMS_URLCONF = 'cms.urls'
diff --git a/openedx/core/lib/tests/test_time_zone_utils.py b/openedx/core/lib/tests/test_time_zone_utils.py
index c876f68be2b0..0f6e6f083754 100644
--- a/openedx/core/lib/tests/test_time_zone_utils.py
+++ b/openedx/core/lib/tests/test_time_zone_utils.py
@@ -3,8 +3,7 @@
 
 from django.test import TestCase
 from freezegun import freeze_time
-from pytz import timezone
-
+from zoneinfo import ZoneInfo
 from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_display_time_zone, get_time_zone_abbr, get_time_zone_offset
 from common.djangoapps.student.tests.factories import UserFactory
 
@@ -27,7 +26,7 @@ def _display_time_zone_helper(self, time_zone_string):
         Helper function to return all info from get_display_time_zone()
         """
         tz_str = get_display_time_zone(time_zone_string)
-        time_zone = timezone(time_zone_string)
+        time_zone = ZoneInfo(time_zone_string)
         tz_abbr = get_time_zone_abbr(time_zone)
         tz_offset = get_time_zone_offset(time_zone)
 
@@ -75,6 +74,6 @@ def test_display_time_zone_ambiguous_after(self):
         Test to ensure get_display_time_zone() returns correct abbreviations and offsets
         during ambiguous time periods (e.g. when DST is about to start/end) after the change
         """
-        with freeze_time("2015-11-01 09:00:00"):
+        with freeze_time("2024-11-04 09:00:00"):
             tz_info = self._display_time_zone_helper('America/Los_Angeles')
             self._assert_time_zone_info_equal(tz_info, 'America/Los Angeles', 'PST', '-0800')
diff --git a/openedx/core/lib/time_zone_utils.py b/openedx/core/lib/time_zone_utils.py
index eabd471d1812..79ea8afa2ffd 100644
--- a/openedx/core/lib/time_zone_utils.py
+++ b/openedx/core/lib/time_zone_utils.py
@@ -4,7 +4,31 @@
 
 from datetime import datetime
 
-from pytz import common_timezones, timezone, utc
+from pytz import common_timezones, UTC
+
+from zoneinfo import ZoneInfo
+
+from . import ENABLE_ZONEINFO_TZ
+
+
+def get_utc_timezone():
+    """
+    Returns a UTC timezone object.
+
+    Uses ZoneInfo if the ENABLE_ZONEINFO_TZ toggle is enabled, otherwise falls back to pytz UTC.
+    If there's an issue checking the toggle (e.g., during app startup), defaults to pytz UTC.
+
+    Returns:
+        A timezone object representing UTC (either ZoneInfo or pytz UTC)
+    """
+    try:
+        if ENABLE_ZONEINFO_TZ.is_enabled():
+            return ZoneInfo('UTC')
+        else:
+            return UTC
+    except Exception:  # pylint: disable=broad-except
+        # Fallback to UTC if toggle check fails (e.g., during app startup)
+        return UTC
 
 
 def _format_time_zone_string(time_zone, date_time, format_string):
@@ -23,7 +47,7 @@ def get_time_zone_abbr(time_zone, date_time=None):
     """
     Returns the time zone abbreviation (e.g. EST) of the time zone for given datetime
     """
-    date_time = datetime.now(utc) if date_time is None else date_time
+    date_time = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) if date_time is None else date_time
     return _format_time_zone_string(time_zone, date_time, '%Z')
 
 
@@ -31,7 +55,7 @@ def get_time_zone_offset(time_zone, date_time=None):
     """
     Returns the time zone offset (e.g. -0800) of the time zone for given datetime
     """
-    date_time = datetime.now(utc) if date_time is None else date_time
+    date_time = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) if date_time is None else date_time
     return _format_time_zone_string(time_zone, date_time, '%z')
 
 
@@ -41,7 +65,7 @@ def get_display_time_zone(time_zone_name):
 
     :param time_zone_name (str): Name of Pytz time zone
     """
-    time_zone = timezone(time_zone_name)
+    time_zone = ZoneInfo(time_zone_name)
     tz_abbr = get_time_zone_abbr(time_zone)
     tz_offset = get_time_zone_offset(time_zone)
 
diff --git a/openedx/core/lib/xblock_utils/__init__.py b/openedx/core/lib/xblock_utils/__init__.py
index a8b76541b6e5..72caffc65cb0 100644
--- a/openedx/core/lib/xblock_utils/__init__.py
+++ b/openedx/core/lib/xblock_utils/__init__.py
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
 from edx_django_utils.plugins import pluggable_override
 from lxml import etree, html
 from opaque_keys.edx.asides import AsideUsageKeyV1, AsideUsageKeyV2
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from web_fragments.fragment import Fragment
 from xblock.core import XBlock
 from xblock.exceptions import InvalidScopeError
@@ -310,7 +310,7 @@ def add_staff_markup(user, disable_staff_debug_info, block, view, frag, context)
     # Useful to indicate to staff if problem has been released or not.
     # TODO (ichuang): use _has_access_block.can_load in lms.courseware.access,
     # instead of now>mstart comparison here.
-    now = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+    now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     is_released = "unknown"
     mstart = block.start
 
diff --git a/openedx/features/calendar_sync/ics.py b/openedx/features/calendar_sync/ics.py
index fc465443e714..7eb5ce181ae8 100644
--- a/openedx/features/calendar_sync/ics.py
+++ b/openedx/features/calendar_sync/ics.py
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
 from icalendar import Calendar, Event, vCalAddress, vText
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ def generate_ics_files_for_user_course(course, user, user_calendar_sync_config_i
     assignments = get_course_assignments(course.id, user)
     platform_name = get_value('platform_name', settings.PLATFORM_NAME)
     platform_email = get_value('email_from_address', settings.DEFAULT_FROM_EMAIL)
-    now = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+    now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     site_config = SiteConfiguration.get_configuration_for_org(course.org)
 
     ics_files = {}
diff --git a/openedx/features/calendar_sync/tests/test_ics.py b/openedx/features/calendar_sync/tests/test_ics.py
index 02301079285d..a9e2bcc0299c 100644
--- a/openedx/features/calendar_sync/tests/test_ics.py
+++ b/openedx/features/calendar_sync/tests/test_ics.py
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 from unittest.mock import patch
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.test import RequestFactory, TestCase
 from freezegun import freeze_time
 
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ class TestIcsGeneration(TestCase):
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
 
-        freezer = freeze_time(datetime(2013, 10, 3, 8, 24, 55, tzinfo=pytz.utc))
+        freezer = freeze_time(datetime(2013, 10, 3, 8, 24, 55, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
         self.addCleanup(freezer.stop)
         freezer.start()
 
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ def assert_ics(self, *assignments):
 
     def test_generate_ics_for_user_course(self):
         """ Tests that a simple sample set of course assignments is generated correctly """
-        now = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         day1 = now + timedelta(1)
         day2 = now + timedelta(1)
 
diff --git a/openedx/features/content_type_gating/partitions.py b/openedx/features/content_type_gating/partitions.py
index 61851ec43bbd..e6dd304fe808 100644
--- a/openedx/features/content_type_gating/partitions.py
+++ b/openedx/features/content_type_gating/partitions.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 import logging
 
 import crum
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.template.loader import render_to_string
 from django.utils.translation import gettext_lazy as _
 from web_fragments.fragment import Fragment
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ def access_denied_fragment(self, block, user, user_group, allowed_groups):
             return None
 
         expiration_datetime = verified_mode.expiration_datetime
-        if expiration_datetime and expiration_datetime < datetime.datetime.now(pytz.UTC):
+        if expiration_datetime and expiration_datetime < datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()):
             ecommerce_checkout_link = None
         else:
             ecommerce_checkout_link = self._get_checkout_link(user, verified_mode.sku, str(course_key))
diff --git a/openedx/features/content_type_gating/tests/test_models.py b/openedx/features/content_type_gating/tests/test_models.py
index 673ce805a750..9d6a1a27fd28 100644
--- a/openedx/features/content_type_gating/tests/test_models.py
+++ b/openedx/features/content_type_gating/tests/test_models.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.utils import timezone
 from edx_django_utils.cache import RequestCache
 from unittest.mock import Mock  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
@@ -217,17 +217,17 @@ def test_all_current_course_configs(self):
         # Point-test some of the final configurations
         assert all_configs[CourseLocator('7-True', 'test_course', 'run-None')] == {
             'enabled': (True, Provenance.org),
-            'enabled_as_of': (datetime(2018, 1, 1, 0, tzinfo=pytz.UTC), Provenance.run),
+            'enabled_as_of': (datetime(2018, 1, 1, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()), Provenance.run),
             'studio_override_enabled': (None, Provenance.default)
         }
         assert all_configs[CourseLocator('7-True', 'test_course', 'run-False')] == {
             'enabled': (False, Provenance.run),
-            'enabled_as_of': (datetime(2018, 1, 1, 0, tzinfo=pytz.UTC), Provenance.run),
+            'enabled_as_of': (datetime(2018, 1, 1, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()), Provenance.run),
             'studio_override_enabled': (None, Provenance.default)
         }
         assert all_configs[CourseLocator('7-None', 'test_course', 'run-None')] == {
             'enabled': (True, Provenance.site),
-            'enabled_as_of': (datetime(2018, 1, 1, 0, tzinfo=pytz.UTC), Provenance.run),
+            'enabled_as_of': (datetime(2018, 1, 1, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()), Provenance.run),
             'studio_override_enabled': (None, Provenance.default)
         }
 
diff --git a/openedx/features/course_duration_limits/tests/test_access.py b/openedx/features/course_duration_limits/tests/test_access.py
index 558afec22ab3..10f48fd14ed8 100644
--- a/openedx/features/course_duration_limits/tests/test_access.py
+++ b/openedx/features/course_duration_limits/tests/test_access.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 from crum import set_current_request
 from django.test import RequestFactory
 from django.utils import timezone
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xmodule.modulestore.tests.django_utils import ModuleStoreTestCase
 
 from common.djangoapps.course_modes.models import CourseMode
@@ -34,9 +34,13 @@ class TestAccess(ModuleStoreTestCase):
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=super-with-arguments
 
-        CourseDurationLimitConfig.objects.create(enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC))
+        CourseDurationLimitConfig.objects.create(
+            enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        )
         DynamicUpgradeDeadlineConfiguration.objects.create(enabled=True)
-        self.course = CourseOverviewFactory.create(start=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC), self_paced=True)
+        self.course = CourseOverviewFactory.create(
+            start=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()), self_paced=True
+        )
 
     def assertDateInMessage(self, date, message):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=missing-function-docstring
         # First, check that the formatted version is in there
@@ -148,7 +152,7 @@ def test_schedule_start_date_in_past(self):
             course_id=enrollment.course.id,
             mode_slug=CourseMode.AUDIT,
         )
-        Schedule.objects.update(start_date=datetime(2017, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC))
+        Schedule.objects.update(start_date=datetime(2017, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
 
         content_availability_date = max(enrollment.created, enrollment.course.start)
         access_duration = get_user_course_duration(enrollment.user, enrollment.course)
diff --git a/openedx/features/course_duration_limits/tests/test_models.py b/openedx/features/course_duration_limits/tests/test_models.py
index 0473faefd330..fd46c082673e 100644
--- a/openedx/features/course_duration_limits/tests/test_models.py
+++ b/openedx/features/course_duration_limits/tests/test_models.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 
 import ddt
 import pytest
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.utils import timezone
 from edx_django_utils.cache import RequestCache
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import CourseLocator
@@ -178,13 +178,14 @@ def test_config_overrides(self, global_setting, site_setting, org_setting, cours
     def test_all_current_course_configs(self):
         # Set up test objects
         for global_setting in (True, False, None):
-            CourseDurationLimitConfig.objects.create(enabled=global_setting, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC))  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
+            CourseDurationLimitConfig.objects.create(enabled=global_setting, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
             for site_setting in (True, False, None):
                 test_site_cfg = SiteConfigurationFactory.create(
                     site_values={'course_org_filter': []}
                 )
                 CourseDurationLimitConfig.objects.create(
-                    site=test_site_cfg.site, enabled=site_setting, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+                    site=test_site_cfg.site, enabled=site_setting, enabled_as_of=datetime(
+                        2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
                 )
 
                 for org_setting in (True, False, None):
@@ -193,7 +194,7 @@ def test_all_current_course_configs(self):
                     test_site_cfg.save()
 
                     CourseDurationLimitConfig.objects.create(
-                        org=test_org, enabled=org_setting, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+                        org=test_org, enabled=org_setting, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
                     )
 
                     for course_setting in (True, False, None):
@@ -202,7 +203,7 @@ def test_all_current_course_configs(self):
                             id=CourseLocator(test_org, 'test_course', f'run-{course_setting}')
                         )
                         CourseDurationLimitConfig.objects.create(
-                            course=test_course, enabled=course_setting, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
+                            course=test_course, enabled=course_setting, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
                         )
 
             with self.assertNumQueries(4):
@@ -216,22 +217,23 @@ def test_all_current_course_configs(self):
         # Point-test some of the final configurations
         assert all_configs[CourseLocator('7-True', 'test_course', 'run-None')] == {
             'enabled': (True, Provenance.org),
-            'enabled_as_of': (datetime(2018, 1, 1, 0, tzinfo=pytz.UTC),
+            'enabled_as_of': (datetime(2018, 1, 1, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
                               Provenance.run)
         }
         assert all_configs[CourseLocator('7-True', 'test_course', 'run-False')] == {
             'enabled': (False, Provenance.run),
-            'enabled_as_of': (datetime(2018, 1, 1, 0, tzinfo=pytz.UTC),
+            'enabled_as_of': (datetime(2018, 1, 1, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
                               Provenance.run)
         }
         assert all_configs[CourseLocator('7-None', 'test_course', 'run-None')] == {
             'enabled': (True, Provenance.site),
-            'enabled_as_of': (datetime(2018, 1, 1, 0, tzinfo=pytz.UTC),
+            'enabled_as_of': (datetime(2018, 1, 1, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
                               Provenance.run)
         }
 
     def test_caching_global(self):
-        global_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC))
+        global_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(
+            enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
         global_config.save()
 
         RequestCache.clear_all_namespaces()
@@ -257,7 +259,7 @@ def test_caching_global(self):
 
     def test_caching_site(self):
         site_cfg = SiteConfigurationFactory()
-        site_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(site=site_cfg.site, enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC))  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
+        site_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(site=site_cfg.site, enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
         site_config.save()
 
         RequestCache.clear_all_namespaces()
@@ -281,7 +283,8 @@ def test_caching_site(self):
         with self.assertNumQueries(1):
             assert not CourseDurationLimitConfig.current(site=site_cfg.site).enabled
 
-        global_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC))
+        global_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(
+            enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
         global_config.save()
 
         RequestCache.clear_all_namespaces()
@@ -295,7 +298,7 @@ def test_caching_org(self):
         site_cfg = SiteConfigurationFactory.create(
             site_values={'course_org_filter': course.org}
         )
-        org_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(org=course.org, enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC))  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
+        org_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(org=course.org, enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
         org_config.save()
 
         RequestCache.clear_all_namespaces()
@@ -319,7 +322,8 @@ def test_caching_org(self):
         with self.assertNumQueries(2):
             assert not CourseDurationLimitConfig.current(org=course.org).enabled
 
-        global_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC))
+        global_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(
+            enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
         global_config.save()
 
         RequestCache.clear_all_namespaces()
@@ -328,7 +332,7 @@ def test_caching_org(self):
         with self.assertNumQueries(0):
             assert not CourseDurationLimitConfig.current(org=course.org).enabled
 
-        site_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(site=site_cfg.site, enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC))  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
+        site_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(site=site_cfg.site, enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
         site_config.save()
 
         RequestCache.clear_all_namespaces()
@@ -342,7 +346,7 @@ def test_caching_course(self):
         site_cfg = SiteConfigurationFactory.create(
             site_values={'course_org_filter': course.org}
         )
-        course_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(course=course, enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC))  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
+        course_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(course=course, enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
         course_config.save()
 
         RequestCache.clear_all_namespaces()
@@ -366,7 +370,8 @@ def test_caching_course(self):
         with self.assertNumQueries(2):
             assert not CourseDurationLimitConfig.current(course_key=course.id).enabled
 
-        global_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC))
+        global_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(
+            enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))
         global_config.save()
 
         RequestCache.clear_all_namespaces()
@@ -375,7 +380,7 @@ def test_caching_course(self):
         with self.assertNumQueries(0):
             assert not CourseDurationLimitConfig.current(course_key=course.id).enabled
 
-        site_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(site=site_cfg.site, enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC))  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
+        site_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(site=site_cfg.site, enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
         site_config.save()
 
         RequestCache.clear_all_namespaces()
@@ -384,7 +389,7 @@ def test_caching_course(self):
         with self.assertNumQueries(0):
             assert not CourseDurationLimitConfig.current(course_key=course.id).enabled
 
-        org_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(org=course.org, enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC))  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
+        org_config = CourseDurationLimitConfig(org=course.org, enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()))  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=line-too-long
         org_config.save()
 
         RequestCache.clear_all_namespaces()
diff --git a/openedx/features/course_experience/tests/views/test_course_updates.py b/openedx/features/course_experience/tests/views/test_course_updates.py
index 379be52ed40f..ad365df2046a 100644
--- a/openedx/features/course_experience/tests/views/test_course_updates.py
+++ b/openedx/features/course_experience/tests/views/test_course_updates.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime
 
 from django.urls import reverse
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.waffle_utils.testutils import WAFFLE_TABLES
 from openedx.features.content_type_gating.models import ContentTypeGatingConfig
@@ -41,7 +41,9 @@ def test_view(self):
         self.assertContains(response, 'Second Message')
 
     def test_queries(self):
-        ContentTypeGatingConfig.objects.create(enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC))
+        ContentTypeGatingConfig.objects.create(
+            enabled=True, enabled_as_of=datetime(2018, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        )
         self.create_course_update('First Message')
 
         # Pre-fetch the view to populate any caches
diff --git a/openedx/features/discounts/applicability.py b/openedx/features/discounts/applicability.py
index 97d6f74403bd..c3f52237bd78 100644
--- a/openedx/features/discounts/applicability.py
+++ b/openedx/features/discounts/applicability.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from crum import get_current_request, impersonate
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.utils import timezone
@@ -197,7 +197,7 @@ def _is_in_holdback_and_bucket(user):
     Return whether the specified user is in the first-purchase-discount holdback group.
     This will also stable bucket the user.
     """
-    if datetime(2020, 8, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC) <= datetime.now(tz=pytz.UTC):
+    if datetime(2020, 8, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()) <= datetime.now(tz=get_utc_timezone()):
         return False
 
     # Holdback is 10%
diff --git a/openedx/features/discounts/tests/test_applicability.py b/openedx/features/discounts/tests/test_applicability.py
index 60dbe7a67edf..4a83275120e4 100644
--- a/openedx/features/discounts/tests/test_applicability.py
+++ b/openedx/features/discounts/tests/test_applicability.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 
 import ddt
 import pytest
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.contrib.sites.models import Site
 from django.utils.timezone import now
 from edx_toggles.toggles.testutils import override_waffle_flag
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ def setUp(self):
         self.user = UserFactory.create()
         self.course = CourseFactory.create(run='test', display_name='test')
         CourseModeFactory.create(course_id=self.course.id, mode_slug='verified')
-        now_time = datetime.now(tz=pytz.UTC).strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S%z")
+        now_time = datetime.now(tz=get_utc_timezone()).strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S%z")
         ExperimentData.objects.create(
             user=self.user, experiment_id=REV1008_EXPERIMENT_ID, key=str(self.course.id), value=now_time
         )
@@ -175,6 +175,6 @@ def test_holdback_expiry(self):
         with patch('openedx.features.discounts.applicability.stable_bucketing_hash_group', return_value=0):
             with patch(
                 'openedx.features.discounts.applicability.datetime',
-                Mock(now=Mock(return_value=datetime(2020, 8, 1, 0, 1, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)), wraps=datetime),
+                Mock(now=Mock(return_value=datetime(2020, 8, 1, 0, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())), wraps=datetime),
             ):
                 assert not _is_in_holdback_and_bucket(self.user)
diff --git a/openedx/features/discounts/utils.py b/openedx/features/discounts/utils.py
index 92490f19bcb3..6335cc9f81bd 100644
--- a/openedx/features/discounts/utils.py
+++ b/openedx/features/discounts/utils.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 
 from datetime import datetime
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.utils.translation import get_language
 from django.utils.translation import gettext as _
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ def generate_offer_data(user, course):
     ExperimentData.objects.get_or_create(
         user=user, experiment_id=REV1008_EXPERIMENT_ID, key=str(course),
         defaults={
-            'value': datetime.now(tz=pytz.UTC).strftime('%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S%z'),
+            'value': datetime.now(tz=get_utc_timezone()).strftime('%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S%z'),
         },
     )
 
diff --git a/openedx/tests/completion_integration/test_handlers.py b/openedx/tests/completion_integration/test_handlers.py
index 677a7514628e..3d7a39ddb6c0 100644
--- a/openedx/tests/completion_integration/test_handlers.py
+++ b/openedx/tests/completion_integration/test_handlers.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 from completion.models import BlockCompletion
 from completion.test_utils import CompletionSetUpMixin
 from django.test import TestCase
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xblock.completable import XBlockCompletionMode
 from xblock.core import XBlock
 
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ def call_scorable_block_completion_handler(self, block_key, score_deleted=None):
             usage_id=str(block_key),
             weighted_earned=0.0,
             weighted_possible=3.0,
-            modified=datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=utc),
+            modified=datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             score_db_table='submissions',
             **params
         )
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ def test_signal_calls_handler(self):
                 usage_id=str(self.block_key),
                 weighted_earned=0.0,
                 weighted_possible=3.0,
-                modified=datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=utc),
+                modified=datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
                 score_db_table='submissions',
             )
         mock_handler.assert_called()
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ def test_disabled_handler_does_not_submit_completion(self):
             usage_id=str(self.block_key),
             weighted_earned=0.0,
             weighted_possible=3.0,
-            modified=datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=utc),
+            modified=datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             score_db_table='submissions',
         )
         with pytest.raises(BlockCompletion.DoesNotExist):
diff --git a/openedx/tests/xblock_integration/xblock_testcase.py b/openedx/tests/xblock_integration/xblock_testcase.py
index 6f598a342cb1..95e260f99a86 100644
--- a/openedx/tests/xblock_integration/xblock_testcase.py
+++ b/openedx/tests/xblock_integration/xblock_testcase.py
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@
 import html
 
 from unittest import mock
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from bs4 import BeautifulSoup
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.urls import reverse
@@ -199,7 +199,7 @@ def capture_score(user_id, usage_key, score, max_score):
                                 'score': score,
                                 'max_score': max_score})
             # Shim a return time, defaults to 1 hour before now
-            return datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=pytz.UTC) - timedelta(hours=1)
+            return datetime.now().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()) - timedelta(hours=1)
 
         self.scores = []
         patcher = mock.patch("lms.djangoapps.grades.signals.handlers.set_score", capture_score)
diff --git a/pylintrc b/pylintrc
index 43f2b3bc9eb8..9a6870e2eebf 100644
--- a/pylintrc
+++ b/pylintrc
@@ -72,10 +72,10 @@ persistent = yes
 load-plugins = edx_lint.pylint,openedx.core.tests.pylint_django_settings,pylint_django,pylint_celery,pylint_pytest
 
 [MESSAGES CONTROL]
-enable = 
+enable =
 	blacklisted-name,
 	line-too-long,
-	
+
 	abstract-class-instantiated,
 	abstract-method,
 	access-member-before-definition,
@@ -184,26 +184,26 @@ enable =
 	used-before-assignment,
 	using-constant-test,
 	yield-outside-function,
-	
+
 	astroid-error,
 	fatal,
 	method-check-failed,
 	parse-error,
 	raw-checker-failed,
-	
+
 	empty-docstring,
 	invalid-characters-in-docstring,
 	missing-docstring,
 	wrong-spelling-in-comment,
 	wrong-spelling-in-docstring,
-	
+
 	unused-argument,
 	unused-import,
 	unused-variable,
-	
+
 	eval-used,
 	exec-used,
-	
+
 	bad-classmethod-argument,
 	bad-mcs-classmethod-argument,
 	bad-mcs-method-argument,
@@ -234,30 +234,30 @@ enable =
 	unneeded-not,
 	useless-else-on-loop,
 	wrong-assert-type,
-	
+
 	deprecated-method,
 	deprecated-module,
-	
+
 	too-many-boolean-expressions,
 	too-many-nested-blocks,
 	too-many-statements,
-	
+
 	wildcard-import,
 	wrong-import-order,
 	wrong-import-position,
-	
+
 	missing-final-newline,
 	mixed-line-endings,
 	trailing-newlines,
 	trailing-whitespace,
 	unexpected-line-ending-format,
-	
+
 	bad-inline-option,
 	bad-option-value,
 	deprecated-pragma,
 	unrecognized-inline-option,
 	useless-suppression,
-disable = 
+disable =
 	bad-indentation,
 	broad-exception-raised,
 	consider-using-f-string,
@@ -282,10 +282,10 @@ disable =
 	unspecified-encoding,
 	unused-wildcard-import,
 	use-maxsplit-arg,
-	
+
 	feature-toggle-needs-doc,
 	illegal-waffle-usage,
-	
+
 	logging-fstring-interpolation,
 	import-outside-toplevel,
 	inconsistent-return-statements,
@@ -360,7 +360,7 @@ ignore-imports = no
 ignore-mixin-members = yes
 ignored-classes = SQLObject
 unsafe-load-any-extension = yes
-generated-members = 
+generated-members =
 	REQUEST,
 	acl_users,
 	aq_parent,
@@ -386,7 +386,7 @@ generated-members =
 [VARIABLES]
 init-import = no
 dummy-variables-rgx = _|dummy|unused|.*_unused
-additional-builtins = 
+additional-builtins =
 
 [CLASSES]
 defining-attr-methods = __init__,__new__,setUp
@@ -407,9 +407,9 @@ max-public-methods = 20
 
 [IMPORTS]
 deprecated-modules = regsub,TERMIOS,Bastion,rexec
-import-graph = 
-ext-import-graph = 
-int-import-graph = 
+import-graph =
+ext-import-graph =
+int-import-graph =
 
 [EXCEPTIONS]
 overgeneral-exceptions = builtins.Exception
diff --git a/themes/red-theme/lms/templates/footer.html b/themes/red-theme/lms/templates/footer.html
index d253ac93f83a..780aacfc73b3 100755
--- a/themes/red-theme/lms/templates/footer.html
+++ b/themes/red-theme/lms/templates/footer.html
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from django.conf import settings
 
 from datetime import datetime
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.lang_pref.api import footer_language_selector_is_enabled
 from openedx.core.djangolib.markup import HTML, Text
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@
         </p>
       </div>
 
-      <p class="copyright">&copy; ${datetime.now(pytz.timezone(settings.TIME_ZONE)).year} ${static.get_platform_name()}.</p>
+      <p class="copyright">&copy; ${datetime.now(ZoneInfo(settings.TIME_ZONE)).year} ${static.get_platform_name()}.</p>
 
       ## Site operators: Please do not remove this paragraph! This attributes back to edX and makes your acknowledgement of edX's trademarks clear.
       <p class="copyright">
diff --git a/xmodule/assetstore/__init__.py b/xmodule/assetstore/__init__.py
index d18a1bd02029..ff2bf9a96d86 100644
--- a/xmodule/assetstore/__init__.py
+++ b/xmodule/assetstore/__init__.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime
 
 import dateutil.parser
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from lxml import etree
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import AssetKey, CourseKey
 
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ def __init__(self, asset_id,
         self.thumbnail = thumbnail
         self.curr_version = curr_version
         self.prev_version = prev_version
-        now = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.edited_by = edited_by
         self.edited_by_email = edited_by_email
         self.edited_on = edited_on or now
diff --git a/xmodule/capa/capa_problem.py b/xmodule/capa/capa_problem.py
index 3bf5b78cd4a3..b7f13b07a0c9 100644
--- a/xmodule/capa/capa_problem.py
+++ b/xmodule/capa/capa_problem.py
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 from django.conf import settings
 
 from lxml import etree
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 import xmodule.capa.customrender as customrender
 import xmodule.capa.inputtypes as inputtypes
@@ -433,7 +433,7 @@ def get_recentmost_queuetime(self):
             if self.correct_map.is_queued(answer_id)
         ]
         queuetimes = [
-            datetime.strptime(qt_str, xqueue_interface.dateformat).replace(tzinfo=UTC)
+            datetime.strptime(qt_str, xqueue_interface.dateformat).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             for qt_str in queuetime_strs
         ]
 
diff --git a/xmodule/capa/responsetypes.py b/xmodule/capa/responsetypes.py
index 7521adf0cf9d..ea6a8c230fb6 100644
--- a/xmodule/capa/responsetypes.py
+++ b/xmodule/capa/responsetypes.py
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 from lxml import etree
 from lxml.html.soupparser import fromstring as fromstring_bs  # uses Beautiful Soup!!! FIXME?
 from pyparsing import ParseException
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from shapely.geometry import MultiPoint, Point
 from six.moves import map, range, zip
 
@@ -2681,7 +2681,7 @@ def get_score(self, student_answers):
         #------------------------------------------------------------
 
         qinterface = self.capa_system.xqueue.interface
-        qtime = datetime.strftime(datetime.now(UTC), xqueue_interface.dateformat)
+        qtime = datetime.strftime(datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()), xqueue_interface.dateformat)
 
         anonymous_student_id = self.capa_system.anonymous_student_id
 
diff --git a/xmodule/capa/tests/test_responsetypes.py b/xmodule/capa/tests/test_responsetypes.py
index ca9f5eba59a6..18e257c49a67 100644
--- a/xmodule/capa/tests/test_responsetypes.py
+++ b/xmodule/capa/tests/test_responsetypes.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 import pyparsing
 import random2 as random
 import requests
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from xmodule.capa.correctmap import CorrectMap
 from xmodule.capa.responsetypes import LoncapaProblemError, ResponseError, StudentInputError
@@ -970,7 +970,7 @@ def test_is_queued(self):
         # Now we queue the LCP
         cmap = CorrectMap()
         for i, answer_id in enumerate(answer_ids):
-            queuestate = CodeResponseTest.make_queuestate(i, datetime.now(UTC))
+            queuestate = CodeResponseTest.make_queuestate(i, datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()))
             cmap.update(CorrectMap(answer_id=answer_id, queuestate=queuestate))
         self.problem.correct_map.update(cmap)
 
@@ -986,7 +986,7 @@ def test_update_score(self):
         old_cmap = CorrectMap()
         for i, answer_id in enumerate(answer_ids):
             queuekey = 1000 + i
-            queuestate = CodeResponseTest.make_queuestate(queuekey, datetime.now(UTC))
+            queuestate = CodeResponseTest.make_queuestate(queuekey, datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()))
             old_cmap.update(CorrectMap(answer_id=answer_id, queuestate=queuestate))
 
         # Message format common to external graders
@@ -1050,7 +1050,7 @@ def test_recentmost_queuetime(self):
         cmap = CorrectMap()
         for i, answer_id in enumerate(answer_ids):
             queuekey = 1000 + i
-            latest_timestamp = datetime.now(UTC)
+            latest_timestamp = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
             queuestate = CodeResponseTest.make_queuestate(queuekey, latest_timestamp)
             cmap.update(CorrectMap(answer_id=answer_id, queuestate=queuestate))
         self.problem.correct_map.update(cmap)
@@ -1058,7 +1058,7 @@ def test_recentmost_queuetime(self):
         # Queue state only tracks up to second
         latest_timestamp = datetime.strptime(
             datetime.strftime(latest_timestamp, dateformat), dateformat
-        ).replace(tzinfo=UTC)
+        ).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
         assert self.problem.get_recentmost_queuetime() == latest_timestamp
 
@@ -1102,7 +1102,7 @@ def test_parse_score_msg_of_responder(self):
         old_cmap = CorrectMap()
         for i, answer_id in enumerate(answer_ids):
             queuekey = 1000 + i
-            queuestate = CodeResponseTest.make_queuestate(queuekey, datetime.now(UTC))
+            queuestate = CodeResponseTest.make_queuestate(queuekey, datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()))
             old_cmap.update(CorrectMap(answer_id=answer_id, queuestate=queuestate))
 
         for grader_msg in valid_grader_msgs:
diff --git a/xmodule/capa_block.py b/xmodule/capa_block.py
index 1a096e76b22d..ef7186dd27eb 100644
--- a/xmodule/capa_block.py
+++ b/xmodule/capa_block.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 from django.utils.encoding import smart_str
 from django.utils.functional import cached_property
 from lxml import etree
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from web_fragments.fragment import Fragment
 from xblock.core import XBlock
 from xblock.fields import Boolean, Dict, Float, Integer, Scope, String, XMLString, List
@@ -940,7 +940,7 @@ def set_last_submission_time(self):
         """
         Set the module's last submission time (when the problem was submitted)
         """
-        self.last_submission_time = datetime.datetime.now(utc)
+        self.last_submission_time = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
     def get_progress(self):
         """
@@ -1450,7 +1450,7 @@ def is_past_due(self):
         Is it now past this problem's due date, including grace period?
         """
         return (self.close_date is not None and
-                datetime.datetime.now(utc) > self.close_date)
+                datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) > self.close_date)
 
     def closed(self):
         """
@@ -1780,7 +1780,7 @@ def submit_problem(self, data, override_time=False):
 
         metric_name = 'xmodule.capa.check_problem.{}'.format  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=unused-variable
         # Can override current time
-        current_time = datetime.datetime.now(utc)
+        current_time = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         if override_time is not False:
             current_time = override_time
 
diff --git a/xmodule/course_block.py b/xmodule/course_block.py
index c3f42ecb6668..0f9f46cf93b3 100644
--- a/xmodule/course_block.py
+++ b/xmodule/course_block.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 from lazy import lazy
 from lxml import etree
 from path import Path as path
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xblock.fields import Boolean, Dict, Float, Integer, List, Scope, String
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.video_pipeline.models import VideoUploadsEnabledByDefault
 from openedx.core.lib.license import LicenseMixin
@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@ def table_of_contents(self):
             # see if we already fetched this
             if toc_url in _cached_toc:
                 (table_of_contents, timestamp) = _cached_toc[toc_url]
-                age = datetime.now(utc) - timestamp
+                age = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - timestamp
                 # expire every 10 minutes
                 if age.seconds < 600:
                     return table_of_contents
@@ -1463,7 +1463,7 @@ def forum_posts_allowed(self):
 
         blackouts = self.get_discussion_blackout_datetimes()
         posting_restrictions = self.discussions_settings.get('posting_restrictions', 'disabled')
-        now = datetime.now(utc)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
         if posting_restrictions == 'enabled':
             return False
@@ -1579,7 +1579,7 @@ def can_toggle_course_pacing(self):
         """
         if not self.start:
             return False
-        return datetime.now(utc) <= self.start
+        return datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) <= self.start
 
 
 class CourseSummary:
@@ -1652,5 +1652,5 @@ def has_ended(self):
                     course_id=str(self.id), end_date=self.end, err=e
                 )
             )
-            modified_end = self.end.replace(tzinfo=utc)
+            modified_end = self.end.replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             return course_metadata_utils.has_course_ended(modified_end)
diff --git a/xmodule/course_metadata_utils.py b/xmodule/course_metadata_utils.py
index d8cccb7248c9..4a28daa741be 100644
--- a/xmodule/course_metadata_utils.py
+++ b/xmodule/course_metadata_utils.py
@@ -12,9 +12,9 @@
 from math import exp
 
 import dateutil.parser
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
-DEFAULT_START_DATE = datetime(2030, 1, 1, tzinfo=utc)
+DEFAULT_START_DATE = datetime(2030, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
 """
 Default grading policy for a course run.
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ def has_course_started(start_date):
         start_date (datetime): The start datetime of the course in question.
     """
     # TODO: This will throw if start_date is None... consider changing this behavior?
-    return datetime.now(utc) > start_date
+    return datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) > start_date
 
 
 def has_course_ended(end_date):
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ def has_course_ended(end_date):
     Arguments:
         end_date (datetime): The end datetime of the course in question.
     """
-    return datetime.now(utc) > end_date if end_date is not None else False
+    return datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) > end_date if end_date is not None else False
 
 
 def is_enrollment_open(enrollment_start_date, enrollment_end_date):
@@ -118,9 +118,9 @@ def is_enrollment_open(enrollment_start_date, enrollment_end_date):
         enrollment_start_date (datetime): The enrollment start datetime of the course.
         enrollment_end_date (datetime): The enrollment end datetime of the course.
     """
-    now = datetime.now(utc)
-    enrollment_start_date = enrollment_start_date or datetime.min.replace(tzinfo=utc)
-    enrollment_end_date = enrollment_end_date or datetime.max.replace(tzinfo=utc)
+    now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
+    enrollment_start_date = enrollment_start_date or datetime.min.replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+    enrollment_end_date = enrollment_end_date or datetime.max.replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
     return enrollment_start_date < now < enrollment_end_date
 
 
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ def course_starts_within(start_date, look_ahead_days):
         start_date (datetime): The start datetime of the course in question.
         look_ahead_days (int): number of days to see in future for course start date.
     """
-    return datetime.now(utc) + timedelta(days=look_ahead_days) > start_date
+    return datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=look_ahead_days) > start_date
 
 
 def course_start_date_is_default(start, advertised_start):
@@ -179,10 +179,10 @@ def sorting_dates(start, advertised_start, announcement):
     try:
         start = dateutil.parser.parse(advertised_start)
         if start.tzinfo is None:
-            start = start.replace(tzinfo=utc)
+            start = start.replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
     except (TypeError, ValueError, AttributeError):
         start = start  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=self-assigning-variable
 
-    now = datetime.now(utc)
+    now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
     return announcement, start, now
diff --git a/xmodule/fields.py b/xmodule/fields.py
index 2e65304d4422..408f72146def 100644
--- a/xmodule/fields.py
+++ b/xmodule/fields.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 import time
 
 import dateutil.parser
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xblock.fields import JSONField, List
 from xblock.scorable import Score
 
@@ -18,9 +18,9 @@ class Date(JSONField):
     Date fields know how to parse and produce json (iso) compatible formats. Converts to tz aware datetimes.
     '''
     # See note below about not defaulting these
-    CURRENT_YEAR = datetime.datetime.now(UTC).year
-    PREVENT_DEFAULT_DAY_MON_SEED1 = datetime.datetime(CURRENT_YEAR, 1, 1, tzinfo=UTC)
-    PREVENT_DEFAULT_DAY_MON_SEED2 = datetime.datetime(CURRENT_YEAR, 2, 2, tzinfo=UTC)
+    CURRENT_YEAR = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()).year
+    PREVENT_DEFAULT_DAY_MON_SEED1 = datetime.datetime(CURRENT_YEAR, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+    PREVENT_DEFAULT_DAY_MON_SEED2 = datetime.datetime(CURRENT_YEAR, 2, 2, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
     MUTABLE = False
 
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ def _parse_date_wo_default_month_day(self, field):
             log.warning(f"Field {self.name} is missing month or day")
             return None
         if result.tzinfo is None:
-            result = result.replace(tzinfo=UTC)
+            result = result.replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         return result
 
     def from_json(self, field):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=arguments-differ
@@ -54,9 +54,9 @@ def from_json(self, field):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=arguments-differ
         elif isinstance(field, str):
             return self._parse_date_wo_default_month_day(field)
         elif isinstance(field, int) or isinstance(field, float):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=consider-merging-isinstance
-            return datetime.datetime.fromtimestamp(field / 1000, UTC)
+            return datetime.datetime.fromtimestamp(field / 1000, get_utc_timezone())
         elif isinstance(field, time.struct_time):
-            return datetime.datetime.fromtimestamp(time.mktime(field), UTC)
+            return datetime.datetime.fromtimestamp(time.mktime(field), get_utc_timezone())
         elif isinstance(field, datetime.datetime):
             return field
         else:
diff --git a/xmodule/graders.py b/xmodule/graders.py
index 5261b9f4479a..0e6169996114 100644
--- a/xmodule/graders.py
+++ b/xmodule/graders.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 from collections import OrderedDict
 from datetime import datetime
 
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.utils.translation import gettext_lazy as _
 
 from xmodule.util.misc import get_short_labeler
@@ -497,7 +497,7 @@ def correctness_available(cls, show_correctness='', due_date=None, has_staff_acc
         elif show_correctness == cls.PAST_DUE:
             # Is it now past the due date?
             return (due_date is None or
-                    due_date < datetime.now(UTC))
+                    due_date < datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()))
 
         # else: show_correctness == cls.ALWAYS
         return True
diff --git a/xmodule/lti_block.py b/xmodule/lti_block.py
index 803986013549..e26e21f0c140 100644
--- a/xmodule/lti_block.py
+++ b/xmodule/lti_block.py
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@
 from lxml import etree
 from oauthlib.oauth1.rfc5849 import signature
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from web_fragments.fragment import Fragment
 from webob import Response
 from xblock.core import List, Scope, String, XBlock
@@ -989,7 +989,7 @@ def is_past_due(self):
             close_date = due_date + self.graceperiod  # pylint: disable=no-member
         else:
             close_date = due_date
-        return close_date is not None and datetime.datetime.now(UTC) > close_date
+        return close_date is not None and datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) > close_date
 
 
 LTIBlock = (
diff --git a/xmodule/modulestore/__init__.py b/xmodule/modulestore/__init__.py
index f3aee2a58f24..02d0f51d9fd6 100644
--- a/xmodule/modulestore/__init__.py
+++ b/xmodule/modulestore/__init__.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import AssetKey, CourseKey
 from opaque_keys.edx.locations import Location  # For import backwards compatibility
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from sortedcontainers import SortedKeyList
 from xblock.core import XBlock
 from xblock.plugin import default_select
@@ -714,7 +714,7 @@ def _save_assets_by_type(self, course_key, asset_metadata_list, course_assets, u
                 ))
                 continue
             if not import_only:
-                asset_md.update({'edited_by': user_id, 'edited_on': datetime.datetime.now(UTC)})
+                asset_md.update({'edited_by': user_id, 'edited_on': datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())})
             asset_type = asset_md.asset_id.asset_type
             all_assets = assets_by_type[asset_type]
             all_assets.insert_or_update(asset_md)
@@ -857,7 +857,7 @@ def _block_matches(self, block, qualifiers):
         For substring matching:
             pass a regex object.
         For arbitrary function comparison such as date time comparison:
-            pass the function as in start=lambda x: x < datetime.datetime(2014, 1, 1, 0, tzinfo=pytz.UTC)
+            pass the function as in start=lambda x: x < datetime.datetime(2014, 1, 1, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
         Args:
             block (dict, XBlock, or BlockData): either the BlockData (transformed from the db) -or-
diff --git a/xmodule/modulestore/mongo/base.py b/xmodule/modulestore/mongo/base.py
index 2b9b3031fab8..f92753be4a10 100644
--- a/xmodule/modulestore/mongo/base.py
+++ b/xmodule/modulestore/mongo/base.py
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey, UsageKey
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import BlockUsageLocator, CourseLocator, LibraryLocator
 from path import Path as path
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xblock.exceptions import InvalidScopeError
 from xblock.fields import Reference, ReferenceList, ReferenceValueDict, Scope, ScopeIds
 from xblock.runtime import KvsFieldData
@@ -252,7 +252,7 @@ def load_item(self, location, for_parent=None):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable
                     if raw_metadata.get('published_date'):
                         block._edit_info['published_date'] = datetime(
                             *raw_metadata.get('published_date')[0:6]
-                        ).replace(tzinfo=UTC)
+                        ).replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
                     block._edit_info['published_by'] = raw_metadata.get('published_by')
 
                 for wrapper in self.modulestore.xblock_field_data_wrappers:
diff --git a/xmodule/modulestore/split_mongo/mongo_connection.py b/xmodule/modulestore/split_mongo/mongo_connection.py
index cb6cca612ebc..3480c38a139d 100644
--- a/xmodule/modulestore/split_mongo/mongo_connection.py
+++ b/xmodule/modulestore/split_mongo/mongo_connection.py
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 from django.core.cache import caches, InvalidCacheBackendError
 from django.db.transaction import TransactionManagementError
 import pymongo
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 # Import this just to export it
 from pymongo.errors import DuplicateKeyError  # pylint: disable=unused-import
 from edx_django_utils import monitoring
@@ -488,7 +488,7 @@ def insert_course_index(self, course_index, course_context=None):
         with TIMER.timer("insert_course_index", course_context):
             # Set last_update which is used to avoid collisions, unless a subclass already set it before calling super()
             if not self.with_mysql_subclass:
-                course_index['last_update'] = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+                course_index['last_update'] = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
             # Insert the new index:
             self.course_index.insert_one(course_index)
 
@@ -515,7 +515,7 @@ def update_course_index(self, course_index, from_index=None, course_context=None
                 }
             # Set last_update which is used to avoid collisions, unless a subclass already set it before calling super()
             if not self.with_mysql_subclass:
-                course_index['last_update'] = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+                course_index['last_update'] = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
             # Update the course index:
             result = self.course_index.replace_one(query, course_index, upsert=False,)
             if result.modified_count == 0:
@@ -729,7 +729,7 @@ def insert_course_index(self, course_index, course_context=None):  # pylint: dis
         # This is a relatively large hammer for the problem, but we mostly only use one course at a time.
         RequestCache(namespace="course_index_cache").clear()
 
-        course_index['last_update'] = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+        course_index['last_update'] = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         new_index = SplitModulestoreCourseIndex(**SplitModulestoreCourseIndex.fields_from_v1_schema(course_index))
         new_index.save()
         # Also write to MongoDB, so we can switch back to using it if this new MySQL version doesn't work well.
@@ -751,7 +751,7 @@ def update_course_index(self, course_index, from_index=None, course_context=None
         # This code is just copying the behavior of the existing MongoPersistenceBackend
         # See https://github.com/openedx/edx-platform/pull/5200 for context
         RequestCache(namespace="course_index_cache").clear()
-        course_index['last_update'] = datetime.datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+        course_index['last_update'] = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         # Find the SplitModulestoreCourseIndex entry that we'll be updating:
         index_obj = SplitModulestoreCourseIndex.objects.get(objectid=course_index["_id"])
 
diff --git a/xmodule/modulestore/split_mongo/split.py b/xmodule/modulestore/split_mongo/split.py
index b2124c4025ec..bd194c34d0c1 100644
--- a/xmodule/modulestore/split_mongo/split.py
+++ b/xmodule/modulestore/split_mongo/split.py
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@
     LocalId,
 )
 from path import Path as path
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xblock.core import XBlock
 from xblock.fields import Reference, ReferenceList, ReferenceValueDict, Scope
 
@@ -481,7 +481,7 @@ def version_structure(self, course_key, structure, user_id):
         new_structure['_id'] = ObjectId()
         new_structure['previous_version'] = structure['_id']
         new_structure['edited_by'] = user_id
-        new_structure['edited_on'] = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        new_structure['edited_on'] = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         new_structure['schema_version'] = self.SCHEMA_VERSION
 
         # If we're in a bulk write, update the structure used there, and mark it as dirty
@@ -499,7 +499,7 @@ def version_block(self, block_data, user_id, update_version):
 
         original_usage = block_data.edit_info.original_usage
         original_usage_version = block_data.edit_info.original_usage_version
-        block_data.edit_info.edited_on = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        block_data.edit_info.edited_on = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         block_data.edit_info.edited_by = user_id
         block_data.edit_info.previous_version = block_data.edit_info.update_version
         block_data.edit_info.update_version = update_version
@@ -1499,7 +1499,7 @@ def create_definition_from_data(self, course_key, new_def_data, category, user_i
             "fields": new_def_data,
             "edit_info": {
                 "edited_by": user_id,
-                "edited_on": datetime.datetime.now(UTC),
+                "edited_on": datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
                 "previous_version": None,
                 "original_version": new_id,
             },
@@ -1547,7 +1547,7 @@ def _update_definition_from_data(self, course_key, old_definition, new_def_data,
         new_definition['_id'] = ObjectId()
         new_definition['fields'] = new_def_data
         new_definition['edit_info']['edited_by'] = user_id
-        new_definition['edit_info']['edited_on'] = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        new_definition['edit_info']['edited_on'] = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         # previous version id
         new_definition['edit_info']['previous_version'] = old_definition['_id']
         new_definition['schema_version'] = self.SCHEMA_VERSION
@@ -1886,7 +1886,7 @@ def _create_courselike(  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=too-many-statements
                 new_fields.update(definition_fields)
                 definition_id = self._update_definition_from_data(locator, old_def, new_fields, user_id).definition_id
                 root_block.definition = definition_id
-                root_block.edit_info.edited_on = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+                root_block.edit_info.edited_on = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
                 root_block.edit_info.edited_by = user_id
                 root_block.edit_info.previous_version = root_block.edit_info.update_version
                 root_block.edit_info.update_version = new_id
@@ -1906,7 +1906,7 @@ def _create_courselike(  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=too-many-statements
                 'course': get_library_or_course_attribute(locator),
                 'run': locator.run,
                 'edited_by': user_id,
-                'edited_on': datetime.datetime.now(UTC),
+                'edited_on': datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
                 'versions': versions_dict,
                 'schema_version': self.SCHEMA_VERSION,
                 'search_targets': search_targets or {},
@@ -2414,7 +2414,7 @@ def copy_from_template(self, source_keys, dest_usage, user_id, head_validation=T
             dest_info.edit_info.previous_version = dest_info.edit_info.update_version
             dest_info.edit_info.update_version = old_dest_structure_version
             dest_info.edit_info.edited_by = user_id
-            dest_info.edit_info.edited_on = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+            dest_info.edit_info.edited_on = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
             orphans = orig_descendants - new_descendants
             for orphan in orphans:
@@ -2483,7 +2483,7 @@ def _copy_from_template(
             # from draft to published as part of publishing workflow.
             # Setting it to the source_block_info structure version here breaks split_draft's has_changes() method.
             new_block_info.edit_info.edited_by = user_id
-            new_block_info.edit_info.edited_on = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+            new_block_info.edit_info.edited_on = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
             new_block_info.edit_info.original_usage = str(usage_key.replace(branch=None, version_guid=None))
             new_block_info.edit_info.original_usage_version = source_block_info.edit_info.update_version
             dest_structure['blocks'][new_block_key] = new_block_info
@@ -2541,7 +2541,7 @@ def delete_item(self, usage_locator, user_id, force=False):  # lint-amnesty, pyl
             for parent_block_key in parent_block_keys:
                 parent_block = new_blocks[parent_block_key]
                 parent_block.fields['children'].remove(block_key)
-                parent_block.edit_info.edited_on = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+                parent_block.edit_info.edited_on = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
                 parent_block.edit_info.edited_by = user_id
                 parent_block.edit_info.previous_version = parent_block.edit_info.update_version
                 parent_block.edit_info.update_version = new_id
@@ -3056,7 +3056,7 @@ def _new_structure(self, user_id, root_block_key, block_fields=None, definition_
             'previous_version': None,
             'original_version': new_id,
             'edited_by': user_id,
-            'edited_on': datetime.datetime.now(UTC),
+            'edited_on': datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
             'blocks': blocks,
             'schema_version': self.SCHEMA_VERSION,
         }
@@ -3122,7 +3122,7 @@ def _copy_subdag(self, user_id, destination_version, block_key, source_blocks, d
             destination_block.edit_info.previous_version = previous_version
             destination_block.edit_info.update_version = destination_version
             destination_block.edit_info.edited_by = user_id
-            destination_block.edit_info.edited_on = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+            destination_block.edit_info.edited_on = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         else:
             destination_block = self._new_block(
                 user_id, new_block.block_type,
@@ -3196,7 +3196,7 @@ def _new_block(self, user_id, category, block_fields, definition_id, new_id, raw
             'fields': block_fields,
             'asides': asides,
             'edit_info': {
-                'edited_on': datetime.datetime.now(UTC),
+                'edited_on': datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
                 'edited_by': user_id,
                 'previous_version': None,
                 'update_version': new_id
diff --git a/xmodule/modulestore/tests/factories.py b/xmodule/modulestore/tests/factories.py
index 4467215fac4a..7df897ef0485 100644
--- a/xmodule/modulestore/tests/factories.py
+++ b/xmodule/modulestore/tests/factories.py
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 from unittest.mock import patch
 
 import pymongo.message
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from factory import Factory, Sequence, lazy_attribute, lazy_attribute_sequence
 from factory.errors import CyclicDefinitionError
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import UsageKey
@@ -207,7 +207,7 @@ def _create(cls, target_class, **kwargs):
             'graded': True,
             'discussion_topics': {"General": {"id": "i4x-edX-toy-course-2012_Fall"}},
             'graceperiod': datetime.timedelta(days=2, seconds=21599),
-            'start': datetime.datetime(2015, 7, 17, 12, tzinfo=pytz.utc),
+            'start': datetime.datetime(2015, 7, 17, 12, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             'xml_attributes': {"filename": ["course/2012_Fall.xml", "course/2012_Fall.xml"]},
             'pdf_textbooks': [
                 {
diff --git a/xmodule/modulestore/tests/test_assetstore.py b/xmodule/modulestore/tests/test_assetstore.py
index aaa3da3ed6e0..4f29ea4fec8c 100644
--- a/xmodule/modulestore/tests/test_assetstore.py
+++ b/xmodule/modulestore/tests/test_assetstore.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 import pytest
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from django.test import TestCase
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ class AssetStoreTestData:
     """
     Shared data for constructing test assets.
     """
-    now = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+    now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
     user_id = 144
     user_id_long = int(user_id)
 
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ def _make_asset_metadata(self, asset_loc):
         """
         Make a single test asset metadata.
         """
-        now = datetime.now(pytz.utc)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         return AssetMetadata(
             asset_loc, internal_name='EKMND332DDBK',
             pathname='pictures/historical', contenttype='image/jpeg',
@@ -322,13 +322,13 @@ def test_lock_unlock_assets(self, storebuilder):
         ('curr_version', 'v1.01'),
         ('prev_version', 'v1.0'),
         ('edited_by', 'Mork'),
-        ('edited_on', datetime(1969, 1, 1, tzinfo=pytz.utc)),
+        ('edited_on', datetime(1969, 1, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())),
     )
 
     DISALLOWED_ATTRS = (
         ('asset_id', 'IAmBogus'),
         ('created_by', 'Smith'),
-        ('created_on', datetime.now(pytz.utc)),
+        ('created_on', datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())),
     )
 
     UNKNOWN_ATTRS = (
diff --git a/xmodule/modulestore/tests/test_libraries.py b/xmodule/modulestore/tests/test_libraries.py
index 2a82db889b5f..5058fd191b95 100644
--- a/xmodule/modulestore/tests/test_libraries.py
+++ b/xmodule/modulestore/tests/test_libraries.py
@@ -32,12 +32,13 @@ def test_create_library(self):
 
         Expected MySQL calls in order:
         -> SELECT from SplitModulestoreCourseIndex case insensitive search for existing libraries
+        -> SELECT from waffle_switch for timezone toggle check
         -> SELECT from SplitModulestoreCourseIndex lookup library with that exact ID
         -> SELECT from XBlockConfiguration (?)
         -> INSERT into SplitModulestoreCourseIndex to save the new library
         -> INSERT a historical record of the SplitModulestoreCourseIndex
         """
-        with check_mongo_calls(0, 3), self.assertNumQueries(5):
+        with check_mongo_calls(0, 3), self.assertNumQueries(6):
             LibraryFactory.create(modulestore=self.store)
 
     def test_duplicate_library(self):
diff --git a/xmodule/modulestore/tests/test_mixed_modulestore.py b/xmodule/modulestore/tests/test_mixed_modulestore.py
index c7770beb0f3c..a9e5618c3a9c 100644
--- a/xmodule/modulestore/tests/test_mixed_modulestore.py
+++ b/xmodule/modulestore/tests/test_mixed_modulestore.py
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 from django.conf import settings
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import BlockUsageLocator, CourseLocator, LibraryLocator  # pylint: disable=unused-import
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from web_fragments.fragment import Fragment
 from xblock.core import XBlockAside
 from xblock.fields import Scope, ScopeIds, String
@@ -2034,7 +2034,7 @@ def test_create_item_populates_edited_info(self, default_ms):
             'problem'
         )
         assert self.user_id == block.edited_by
-        assert datetime.datetime.now(UTC) > block.edited_on
+        assert datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) > block.edited_on
 
     @ddt.data(ModuleStoreEnum.Type.split)
     def test_create_item_populates_subtree_edited_info(self, default_ms):
@@ -2045,7 +2045,7 @@ def test_create_item_populates_subtree_edited_info(self, default_ms):
             'problem'
         )
         assert self.user_id == block.subtree_edited_by
-        assert datetime.datetime.now(UTC) > block.subtree_edited_on
+        assert datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) > block.subtree_edited_on
 
     # Split: wildcard search of draft (find) and split (mysql)
     @ddt.data((ModuleStoreEnum.Type.split, 1, 1, 0))
@@ -2193,7 +2193,7 @@ def check_node(location_key, after, before, edited_by, subtree_after, subtree_be
                 block_id='test_html_no_change'
             )
 
-        after_create = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        after_create = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         # Verify that all nodes were last edited in the past by create_user
         for block in [component, child, sibling]:
             check_node(block.location, None, after_create, self.user_id, None, after_create, self.user_id)
@@ -2204,7 +2204,7 @@ def check_node(location_key, after, before, edited_by, subtree_after, subtree_be
         editing_user = self.user_id - 2
         with self.store.bulk_operations(test_course.id):  # TNL-764 bulk ops disabled ancestor updates
             component = self.store.update_item(component, editing_user)
-        after_edit = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        after_edit = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         check_node(component.location, after_create, after_edit, editing_user, after_create, after_edit, editing_user)
         # but child didn't change
         check_node(child.location, None, after_create, self.user_id, None, after_create, self.user_id)
@@ -2214,7 +2214,7 @@ def check_node(location_key, after, before, edited_by, subtree_after, subtree_be
         child.display_name = 'Changed Display Name'
         self.store.update_item(child, user_id=editing_user)
 
-        after_edit = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        after_edit = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
         # Verify that child was last edited between after_create and after_edit by edit_user
         check_node(child.location, after_create, after_edit, editing_user, after_create, after_edit, editing_user)
@@ -2274,7 +2274,7 @@ def test_update_published_info(self, default_ms):
         )
 
         # Store the current time, then publish
-        old_time = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        old_time = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.store.publish(component.location, publish_user)
         updated_component = self.store.get_item(component.location)
 
diff --git a/xmodule/seq_block.py b/xmodule/seq_block.py
index f06d3030f5e9..b697df5d1b8b 100644
--- a/xmodule/seq_block.py
+++ b/xmodule/seq_block.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 from edx_django_utils.monitoring import set_custom_attribute
 from lxml import etree
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import UsageKey
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from web_fragments.fragment import Fragment
 from xblock.completable import XBlockCompletionMode
 from xblock.core import XBlock
@@ -395,7 +395,7 @@ def verify_current_content_visibility(cls, date, hide_after_date):
         return (
             not date or
             not hide_after_date or
-            datetime.now(UTC) < date
+            datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) < date
         )
 
     def gate_entire_sequence_if_it_is_a_timed_exam_and_contains_content_type_gated_problems(self):
diff --git a/xmodule/tests/test_capa_block.py b/xmodule/tests/test_capa_block.py
index 21582e55eac3..5bdc88cde08e 100644
--- a/xmodule/tests/test_capa_block.py
+++ b/xmodule/tests/test_capa_block.py
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@
 from lms.djangoapps.courseware.user_state_client import XBlockUserState
 from lxml import etree
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import BlockUsageLocator, CourseLocator
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from webob.multidict import MultiDict
 from xblock.field_data import DictFieldData
 from xblock.fields import ScopeIds
@@ -195,7 +195,7 @@ class ProblemBlockTest(unittest.TestCase):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=miss
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
 
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         day_delta = datetime.timedelta(days=1)
         self.yesterday_str = str(now - day_delta)
         self.today_str = str(now)
@@ -661,11 +661,11 @@ def test_closed_for_archive(self, mock_course_end_date):
 
         # Utility to create a datetime object in the past
         def past_datetime(days):
-            return (datetime.datetime.now(UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=days))
+            return (datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=days))
 
         # Utility to create a datetime object in the future
         def future_datetime(days):
-            return (datetime.datetime.now(UTC) + datetime.timedelta(days=days))
+            return (datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + datetime.timedelta(days=days))
 
         block = CapaFactory.create(max_attempts="1", attempts="0")
 
@@ -1203,7 +1203,7 @@ def test_submit_problem_queued(self):
         )
         with multipatch as values:
             values['is_queued'].return_value = True
-            values['get_recentmost_queuetime'].return_value = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+            values['get_recentmost_queuetime'].return_value = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 
             get_request_dict = {CapaFactory.input_key(): '3.14'}
             result = block.submit_problem(get_request_dict)
diff --git a/xmodule/tests/test_course_block.py b/xmodule/tests/test_course_block.py
index f2956cca0d7e..b2ebc626cb4d 100644
--- a/xmodule/tests/test_course_block.py
+++ b/xmodule/tests/test_course_block.py
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 from fs.memoryfs import MemoryFS
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 import pytest
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xblock.runtime import DictKeyValueStore, KvsFieldData
 
 from openedx.core.lib.teams_config import TeamsConfig, DEFAULT_COURSE_RUN_MAX_TEAM_SIZE
@@ -27,9 +27,9 @@
 ORG = 'test_org'
 COURSE = 'test_course'
 
-NOW = datetime.strptime('2013-01-01T01:00:00', '%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:00').replace(tzinfo=utc)
+NOW = datetime.strptime('2013-01-01T01:00:00', '%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:00').replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
 
-_TODAY = datetime.now(utc)
+_TODAY = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 _LAST_WEEK = _TODAY - timedelta(days=7)
 _NEXT_WEEK = _TODAY + timedelta(days=7)
 
diff --git a/xmodule/tests/test_course_metadata_utils.py b/xmodule/tests/test_course_metadata_utils.py
index ab38490112e2..5744866716de 100644
--- a/xmodule/tests/test_course_metadata_utils.py
+++ b/xmodule/tests/test_course_metadata_utils.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 from unittest import TestCase
 
-from pytz import utc
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 import pytest
 from xmodule.block_metadata_utils import (
     display_name_with_default,
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@
     VersioningModulestoreBuilder
 )
 
-_TODAY = datetime.now(utc)
+_TODAY = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
 _LAST_WEEK = _TODAY - timedelta(days=7)
 _NEXT_WEEK = _TODAY + timedelta(days=7)
 
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ def noop_gettext(text):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=unused-variable
             """Dummy implementation of gettext, so we don't need Django."""
             return text
 
-        test_datetime = datetime(1945, 2, 6, 4, 20, 00, tzinfo=utc)
+        test_datetime = datetime(1945, 2, 6, 4, 20, 00, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         advertised_start_parsable = "2038-01-19 03:14:07"
 
         FunctionTest = namedtuple('FunctionTest', 'function scenarios')
diff --git a/xmodule/tests/test_delay_between_attempts.py b/xmodule/tests/test_delay_between_attempts.py
index 9b1c58d8aaf3..2a5fb41b1b02 100644
--- a/xmodule/tests/test_delay_between_attempts.py
+++ b/xmodule/tests/test_delay_between_attempts.py
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@
 
 import pytest
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import BlockUsageLocator, CourseLocator
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xblock.field_data import DictFieldData
 from xblock.fields import ScopeIds
 from xblock.scorable import Score
@@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ def test_no_wait_time(self):
         num_attempts = 1
         (block, result) = self.create_and_check(
             num_attempts=num_attempts,
-            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime.now(UTC),
+            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
             submission_wait_seconds=0
         )
         # Successfully submitted and answered
@@ -176,7 +176,7 @@ def test_submit_quiz_in_rapid_succession(self):
         num_attempts = 1
         (block, result) = self.create_and_check(
             num_attempts=num_attempts,
-            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime.now(UTC),
+            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()),
             submission_wait_seconds=123
         )
         # You should get a dialog that tells you to wait
@@ -189,9 +189,9 @@ def test_submit_quiz_too_soon(self):
         num_attempts = 1
         (block, result) = self.create_and_check(
             num_attempts=num_attempts,
-            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=UTC),
+            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             submission_wait_seconds=180,
-            considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 18, 36, tzinfo=UTC)
+            considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 18, 36, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         )
         # You should get a dialog that tells you to wait 2 minutes
         # Also, the number of attempts should not be incremented
@@ -203,9 +203,9 @@ def test_submit_quiz_1_second_too_soon(self):
         num_attempts = 1
         (block, result) = self.create_and_check(
             num_attempts=num_attempts,
-            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=UTC),
+            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             submission_wait_seconds=180,
-            considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 20, 35, tzinfo=UTC)
+            considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 20, 35, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         )
         # You should get a dialog that tells you to wait 2 minutes
         # Also, the number of attempts should not be incremented
@@ -217,9 +217,9 @@ def test_submit_quiz_as_soon_as_allowed(self):
         num_attempts = 1
         (block, result) = self.create_and_check(
             num_attempts=num_attempts,
-            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=UTC),
+            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             submission_wait_seconds=180,
-            considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 20, 36, tzinfo=UTC)
+            considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 20, 36, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         )
         # Successfully submitted and answered
         # Also, the number of attempts should increment by 1
@@ -231,9 +231,9 @@ def test_submit_quiz_after_delay_expired(self):
         num_attempts = 1
         (block, result) = self.create_and_check(
             num_attempts=num_attempts,
-            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=UTC),
+            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             submission_wait_seconds=180,
-            considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 24, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+            considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 24, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         )
         # Successfully submitted and answered
         # Also, the number of attempts should increment by 1
@@ -247,17 +247,17 @@ def test_still_cannot_submit_after_max_attempts(self):
         with pytest.raises(xmodule.exceptions.NotFoundError):
             (block, unused_result) = self.create_and_check(
                 num_attempts=num_attempts,
-                last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=UTC),
+                last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
                 submission_wait_seconds=180,
-                considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 24, 0, tzinfo=UTC)
+                considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 24, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
             )
 
         # Now try it without the submit_problem
         (block, unused_result) = self.create_and_check(
             num_attempts=num_attempts,
-            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=UTC),
+            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             submission_wait_seconds=180,
-            considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 24, 0, tzinfo=UTC),
+            considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 24, 0, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             skip_submit_problem=True
         )
         # Expect that number of attempts NOT incremented
@@ -268,9 +268,9 @@ def test_submit_quiz_with_long_delay(self):
         num_attempts = 1
         (block, result) = self.create_and_check(
             num_attempts=num_attempts,
-            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=UTC),
+            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             submission_wait_seconds=60 * 60 * 2,
-            considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 2, 15, 35, tzinfo=UTC)
+            considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 2, 15, 35, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         )
         # You should get a dialog that tells you to wait 2 minutes
         # Also, the number of attempts should not be incremented
@@ -282,9 +282,9 @@ def test_submit_quiz_with_involved_pretty_print(self):
         num_attempts = 1
         (block, result) = self.create_and_check(
             num_attempts=num_attempts,
-            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=UTC),
+            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             submission_wait_seconds=60 * 60 * 2 + 63,
-            considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 1, 15, 40, tzinfo=UTC)
+            considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 1, 15, 40, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         )
         # You should get a dialog that tells you to wait 2 minutes
         # Also, the number of attempts should not be incremented
@@ -296,9 +296,9 @@ def test_submit_quiz_with_nonplural_pretty_print(self):
         num_attempts = 1
         (block, result) = self.create_and_check(
             num_attempts=num_attempts,
-            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=UTC),
+            last_submission_time=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone()),
             submission_wait_seconds=60,
-            considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=UTC)
+            considered_now=datetime.datetime(2013, 12, 6, 0, 17, 36, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         )
         # You should get a dialog that tells you to wait 2 minutes
         # Also, the number of attempts should not be incremented
diff --git a/xmodule/tests/test_export.py b/xmodule/tests/test_export.py
index e4a5cbcdae4f..5b118ee97209 100644
--- a/xmodule/tests/test_export.py
+++ b/xmodule/tests/test_export.py
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 import pytest
 import ddt
 import lxml.etree
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.utils.translation import gettext_lazy
 from fs.osfs import OSFS
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import BlockUsageLocator, CourseLocator
@@ -196,7 +196,9 @@ def test_encode_naive_datetime(self):
         assert '2013-05-03T10:20:30' == self.encoder.default(datetime(2013, 5, 3, 10, 20, 30))
 
     def test_encode_utc_datetime(self):
-        assert '2013-05-03T10:20:30+00:00' == self.encoder.default(datetime(2013, 5, 3, 10, 20, 30, 0, pytz.UTC))
+        assert '2013-05-03T10:20:30+00:00' == self.encoder.default(
+            datetime(2013, 5, 3, 10, 20, 30, 0, get_utc_timezone())
+        )
 
         assert '2013-05-03T10:20:30+04:00' == self.encoder.default(datetime(2013, 5, 3, 10, 20, 30, 0, self.offset_tz))
 
diff --git a/xmodule/tests/test_fields.py b/xmodule/tests/test_fields.py
index 1e928fb1b3d8..3dbd8f5a836e 100644
--- a/xmodule/tests/test_fields.py
+++ b/xmodule/tests/test_fields.py
@@ -4,7 +4,8 @@
 import datetime
 import unittest
 import pytest
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
+from zoneinfo import ZoneInfo
 
 from xmodule.fields import Date, RelativeTime, Timedelta
 
@@ -52,10 +53,11 @@ def test_enforce_type(self):
         assert DateTest.date.enforce_type(None) is None
         assert DateTest.date.enforce_type('') is None
         assert DateTest.date.enforce_type('2012-12-31T23:00:01') ==\
-               datetime.datetime(2012, 12, 31, 23, 0, 1, tzinfo=UTC)
-        assert DateTest.date.enforce_type(1234567890000) == datetime.datetime(2009, 2, 13, 23, 31, 30, tzinfo=UTC)
-        assert DateTest.date.enforce_type(datetime.datetime(2014, 5, 9, 21, 1, 27, tzinfo=UTC)) ==\
-               datetime.datetime(2014, 5, 9, 21, 1, 27, tzinfo=UTC)
+               datetime.datetime(2012, 12, 31, 23, 0, 1, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        assert DateTest.date.enforce_type(1234567890000) == datetime.datetime(
+            2009, 2, 13, 23, 31, 30, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
+        assert DateTest.date.enforce_type(datetime.datetime(2014, 5, 9, 21, 1, 27, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())) ==\
+               datetime.datetime(2014, 5, 9, 21, 1, 27, tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
         with pytest.raises(TypeError):
             DateTest.date.enforce_type([1])
 
@@ -67,18 +69,20 @@ def test_return_None(self):
 
     def test_old_due_date_format(self):
         current = datetime.datetime.today()
-        assert datetime.datetime(current.year, 3, 12, 12, tzinfo=UTC) == DateTest.date.from_json('March 12 12:00')
-        assert datetime.datetime(current.year, 12, 4, 16, 30, tzinfo=UTC) == DateTest.date.from_json('December 4 16:30')
+        assert datetime.datetime(current.year, 3, 12, 12, tzinfo=ZoneInfo(
+            "UTC")) == DateTest.date.from_json('March 12 12:00')
+        assert datetime.datetime(current.year, 12, 4, 16, 30, tzinfo=ZoneInfo(
+            "UTC")) == DateTest.date.from_json('December 4 16:30')
         assert DateTest.date.from_json('12 12:00') is None
 
     def test_non_std_from_json(self):
         """
         Test the non-standard args being passed to from_json
         """
-        now = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
-        delta = now - datetime.datetime.fromtimestamp(0, UTC)
+        now = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
+        delta = now - datetime.datetime.fromtimestamp(0, get_utc_timezone())
         assert DateTest.date.from_json(delta.total_seconds() * 1000) == now
-        yesterday = datetime.datetime.now(UTC) - datetime.timedelta(days=-1)
+        yesterday = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) - datetime.timedelta(days=-1)
         assert DateTest.date.from_json(yesterday) == yesterday
 
     def test_to_json(self):
diff --git a/xmodule/tests/test_graders.py b/xmodule/tests/test_graders.py
index 5073052b1ba8..c55c6791498d 100644
--- a/xmodule/tests/test_graders.py
+++ b/xmodule/tests/test_graders.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 import pytest
 import ddt
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from lms.djangoapps.grades.scores import compute_percent
 from xmodule import graders
@@ -347,7 +347,7 @@ class ShowCorrectnessTest(unittest.TestCase):
     def setUp(self):
         super().setUp()
 
-        now = datetime.now(UTC)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         day_delta = timedelta(days=1)
         self.yesterday = now - day_delta
         self.today = now
diff --git a/xmodule/tests/test_import.py b/xmodule/tests/test_import.py
index 95feedeb9c76..c8eded7f9bcd 100644
--- a/xmodule/tests/test_import.py
+++ b/xmodule/tests/test_import.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 from lxml import etree
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import BlockUsageLocator, CourseLocator
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xblock.core import XBlock
 from xblock.fields import Integer, Scope, String
 from xblock.runtime import DictKeyValueStore, KvsFieldData
@@ -332,7 +332,7 @@ def course_block_no_inheritance_check(self, block):
         assert child.due is None
 
         # Check that the child hasn't started yet
-        assert datetime.datetime.now(UTC) <= child.start
+        assert datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) <= child.start
 
     def override_metadata_check(self, block, child, course_due, child_due):
         """
diff --git a/xmodule/tests/test_lti20_unit.py b/xmodule/tests/test_lti20_unit.py
index 3243c834f365..5c6e1828c8d4 100644
--- a/xmodule/tests/test_lti20_unit.py
+++ b/xmodule/tests/test_lti20_unit.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 import unittest
 from unittest.mock import Mock
 
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from xblock.field_data import DictFieldData
 
 from xmodule.lti_2_util import LTIError
@@ -380,7 +380,7 @@ def test_lti20_request_handler_grade_past_due(self):
         Test that we get a 404 when accept_grades_past_due is False and it is past due
         """
         self.setup_system_xblock_mocks_for_lti20_request_test()
-        self.xblock.due = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        self.xblock.due = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.xblock.accept_grades_past_due = False
         mock_request = self.get_signed_lti20_mock_request(self.GOOD_JSON_PUT)
         response = self.xblock.lti_2_0_result_rest_handler(mock_request, "user/abcd")
diff --git a/xmodule/tests/test_lti_unit.py b/xmodule/tests/test_lti_unit.py
index 99eb0a283456..6fab1a4278f4 100644
--- a/xmodule/tests/test_lti_unit.py
+++ b/xmodule/tests/test_lti_unit.py
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 from lxml import etree
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import BlockUsageLocator
-from pytz import UTC
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from webob.request import Request
 from xblock.field_data import DictFieldData
 from xblock.fields import ScopeIds
@@ -199,7 +199,7 @@ def test_grade_past_due(self):
         Should fail if we do not accept past due grades, and it is past due.
         """
         self.xblock.accept_grades_past_due = False
-        self.xblock.due = datetime.datetime.now(UTC)
+        self.xblock.due = datetime.datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.xblock.graceperiod = Timedelta().from_json("0 seconds")
         request = Request(self.environ)
         request.body = self.get_request_body()
diff --git a/xmodule/tests/test_vertical.py b/xmodule/tests/test_vertical.py
index a3c596d253ac..095452db758f 100644
--- a/xmodule/tests/test_vertical.py
+++ b/xmodule/tests/test_vertical.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 from unittest.mock import Mock, patch
 
 import ddt
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.contrib.auth.models import AnonymousUser
 from django.test import override_settings
 from fs.memoryfs import MemoryFS
@@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ def test_render_student_preview_view(self, context, view, completion_value, days
         Test the rendering of the student and public view.
         """
         self.course.runtime._services['bookmarks'] = Mock()
-        now = datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.vertical.due = now + timedelta(days=days)
         if view == STUDENT_VIEW:
             self.course.runtime._services['user'] = StubUserService(user=Mock(username=self.username))
@@ -253,7 +253,7 @@ def test_render_problem_without_score(self, has_score):
         self.course.runtime._services['user'] = StubUserService(user=Mock())
         self.course.runtime._services['completion'] = StubCompletionService(enabled=True, completion_value=0)
 
-        now = datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        now = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         self.vertical.due = now + timedelta(days=-1)
         self.problem_block.has_score = has_score
 
@@ -273,7 +273,7 @@ def test_render_access_denied_blocks(self, node_has_access_error, child_has_acce
         """ Tests access denied blocks are not rendered when hide_access_error_blocks is True """
         self.course.runtime._services['bookmarks'] = Mock()
         self.course.runtime._services['user'] = StubUserService(user=Mock())
-        self.vertical.due = datetime.now(pytz.UTC) + timedelta(days=-1)
+        self.vertical.due = datetime.now(get_utc_timezone()) + timedelta(days=-1)
         self.problem_block.has_access_error = node_has_access_error
         self.nested_problem_block.has_access_error = child_has_access_error
 
diff --git a/xmodule/vertical_block.py b/xmodule/vertical_block.py
index 150e6310853e..e0e48facec0c 100644
--- a/xmodule/vertical_block.py
+++ b/xmodule/vertical_block.py
@@ -8,13 +8,13 @@
 from datetime import datetime
 from functools import reduce
 
-import pytz
 from django.conf import settings
 from lxml import etree
 from openedx_filters.learning.filters import VerticalBlockChildRenderStarted, VerticalBlockRenderCompleted
 from web_fragments.fragment import Fragment
 from xblock.core import XBlock  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disable=wrong-import-order
 from xblock.fields import Boolean, Scope
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 
 from xmodule.mako_block import MakoTemplateBlockBase
 from xmodule.progress import Progress
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ def _student_or_public_view(self, context, view):  # lint-amnesty, pylint: disab
             })
 
         completed = self.is_block_complete_for_assignments(completion_service)
-        past_due = completed is False and self.due and self.due < datetime.now(pytz.UTC)
+        past_due = completed is False and self.due and self.due < datetime.now(get_utc_timezone())
         cta_service = self.runtime.service(self, 'call_to_action')
         vertical_banner_ctas = cta_service.get_ctas(self, 'vertical_banner', completed) if cta_service else []
 
diff --git a/xmodule/video_block/bumper_utils.py b/xmodule/video_block/bumper_utils.py
index 297e0b7fbf32..84a165300db6 100644
--- a/xmodule/video_block/bumper_utils.py
+++ b/xmodule/video_block/bumper_utils.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 from collections import OrderedDict
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 
-import pytz
+from openedx.core.lib.time_zone_utils import get_utc_timezone
 from django.conf import settings
 
 from .video_utils import set_query_parameter
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ def is_bumper_enabled(video):
          bool.
     """
     bumper_last_view_date = getattr(video, 'bumper_last_view_date', None)
-    utc_now = datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=pytz.utc)
+    utc_now = datetime.utcnow().replace(tzinfo=get_utc_timezone())
     periodicity = settings.FEATURES.get('SHOW_BUMPER_PERIODICITY', 0)
     has_viewed = any([
         video.bumper_do_not_show_again,