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The Russian New Year celebrations are a grand spectacle of lights, music, and tradition. As the most anticipated holiday in Russia, it blends old customs with modern festivities. Moscow’s Red Square dazzles with fireworks, while St. Petersburg glows with festive markets. Families gather for lavish feasts, and Ded Moroz, the Russian Santa, brings joy to children. Ice skating, concerts, and all-night parties fill the streets. Ready to experience Russia’s most magical night? Here are the best places to celebrate the Russian New Year.
10 Places To Celebrate The Russian New Year
Experience a celebration unlike no other with our comprehensive list of the 10 best places to ring in the Russian New Year:
1. Enjoy The Fireworks At Red Square
Photo: Виктор Соломоник / Pexels
Red Square in Moscow is the epicenter of Russia’s New Year celebrations. As midnight approaches, crowds gather to witness a spectacular fireworks display against the backdrop of the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral. The atmosphere is electric, filled with music, lights, and joyous festivities. Visitors can also explore the GUM-Fair, a festive market offering traditional Russian crafts and delicacies. The nearby GUM Ice Rink provides a picturesque skating experience under the twinkling lights of the square.
Major Attractions: The Kremlin Clock’s chimes at midnight, signaling the start of the New Year
Nearest Airport: Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO)
Nearest Railway Station: Moscow Leningradsky Station
2. Shop At St. Petersburg’s Night Markets
Photo: ALEKSANDR EVSTAFEV / Pexels
St. Petersburg comes alive during the Russian New Year celebration with vibrant night markets. These markets offer a variety of local crafts, festive foods, and live entertainment, providing a delightful experience for visitors. The “Northern Light” Christmas Fair on M. Konyushennaya Street is particularly popular, featuring handmade gifts and traditional performances. Visitors can also enjoy ice skating at the nearby rink on Konyushennaya Square.
Major Attractions: Palace Square’s grand market, featuring ice sculptures and traditional performances.
Nearest Airport: Pulkovo Airport (LED)
Nearest Railway Station: Moskovsky Railway Station
3. Ice Skate At Gorky Park
Photo: SteveInLeighton’s Photos / Wikimedia Commons
Gorky Park in Moscow transforms into a winter wonderland during the New Year, featuring one of the city’s largest ice-skating rinks. Skate amidst festive decorations and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The park also hosts various cultural events, including live music and art installations. Skate rentals are available on-site, and the rink is typically open from December through February, with extended hours during the holiday season.
Major Attractions: Themed ice-skating events and light shows.
Nearest Airport: Vnukovo International Airport (VKO)
Nearest Railway Station: Moscow Paveletsky Station
4. Ski And Celebrate At Sochi
Sochi, known for its mild climate, offers excellent skiing opportunities in the nearby Caucasus Mountains. Celebrate the New Year with outdoor activities and resort festivities. Rosa Khutor Alpine Resort is a premier destination, providing slopes for all skill levels, night skiing, and New Year’s Eve events. The resort also features après-ski entertainment, including live music and gourmet dining. It’s advisable to book accommodations and ski passes in advance due to high demand during the holiday season.
Major Attractions: Rosa Khutor Alpine Resort, offering night skiing and New Year’s Eve events.
Nearest Airport: Sochi International Airport (AER)
Nearest Railway Station: Sochi Railway Station
5. Enjoy Local Snacks And Delicacies At Hermitage Garden
Photo: Florstein / Wikimedia Commons
Hermitage Garden in Moscow hosts festive events during the New Year, including food festivals where visitors can sample local snacks and delicacies. The garden is adorned with lights, creating a magical ambiance. In addition to food stalls, the garden often features open-air performances, ice sculptures, and art installations, making it a cultural hotspot during the festivities. Visitors can also participate in traditional Russian winter games and activities organized within the park.
Major Attractions: Food stalls offering traditional Russian pastries and hot beverages.
Nearest Airport: Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO)
Nearest Railway Station: Moscow Belorussky Station
6. Gala Dinner At Baltschug Kempinski Hotel
Photo: Gennady Grachev / Wikimedia Commons
The Hotel Baltschug Kempinski in Moscow offers an exquisite 6-course gala dinner on New Year’s Eve. Guests can enjoy gourmet dishes while overlooking the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral. The event features live music performances, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. Multiple dining venues within the hotel provide different ambiance, including the historic “Library” hall and the panoramic “Moscow” hall. The celebration often includes a midnight champagne toast on the open terrace, offering a prime view of the city’s fireworks.
Major Attractions: Live music performances accompanying the dinner.
Nearest Airport: Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO)
Nearest Railway Station: Moscow Kursky Station
7. Shop For Souvenirs At Rozhdestvenskaya Street
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
Rozhdestvenskaya Street in Nizhny Novgorod is a historic avenue renowned for its festive ambiance during the New Year. Lined with 18th-century stone buildings, it transforms into a vibrant hub with shops offering traditional Russian crafts and souvenirs. The street’s architecture and holiday decorations create a picturesque setting for strolls and shopping. Visitors can explore various boutiques selling handcrafted items, including matryoshka dolls, lacquer boxes, and local textiles.
Major Attractions: The Church of the Nativity, an exquisite example of Stroganov Baroque architecture, stands prominently on Rozhdestvenskaya Street.
Nearest Airport: Strigino International Airport (GOJ)
Nearest Railway Station: Nizhny Novgorod Moskovsky Station
8. Soak In The Dazzling Northern Lights In Murmansk
Photo: Dmitry Gornaev / Pexels
Murmansk, located above the Arctic Circle, offers a unique New Year experience with the mesmerizing Northern Lights. The city provides various tours to view this natural phenomenon, making it an unforgettable way to usher in the New Year. Optimal viewing times are typically from late September to mid-April, with clear, dark skies increasing the chances of witnessing the aurora borealis.
Major Attractions: Guided Northern Lights tours that take you to optimal viewing locations outside the city, enhancing the chances of witnessing the aurora borealis.
Nearest Airport: Murmansk Airport (MMK)
Nearest Railway Station: Murmansk Railway Station
9. Ice Sculptures In Lenin Square Ice Town
Photo: Siberiano / Wikimedia Commons
Lenin Square in Novosibirsk transforms into a winter wonderland during the New Year, featuring the Ice Town with intricate ice sculptures and installations. Visitors can admire and photograph these artistic creations, which are beautifully illuminated at night, adding to the festive atmosphere. The central ice rink, surrounded by sculptures, offers a picturesque skating experience. The square also hosts various cultural events, including concerts and performances, enhancing the celebratory mood.
Major Attractions: The central ice rink surrounded by sculptures, offering a picturesque skating experience.
Nearest Airport: Tolmachevo Airport (OVB)
Nearest Railway Station: Novosibirsk Railway Station
10. Enjoy Street Food On Vaynera Street
Photo: Nkdhima / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Vaynera Street in Yekaterinburg is a bustling pedestrian avenue, especially lively during the New Year celebrations. The street is lined with vendors offering a variety of street foods, allowing visitors to sample local delicacies while enjoying the festive decorations and street performances. The numerous street food stalls offer traditional Russian snacks like blini (pancakes), pirozhki (stuffed buns), and shashlik (grilled meat skewers).
Major Attractions: The numerous street food stalls offer traditional Russian snacks like blini (pancakes), pirozhki (stuffed buns), and shashlik (grilled meat skewers).
Nearest Airport: Koltsovo International Airport (SVX)
Nearest Railway Station: Yekaterinburg Railway Station
The Russian New Year is a magical time filled with dazzling lights, festive markets, and joyful celebrations. From the grand fireworks at Red Square to ice skating in Gorky Park, every corner of Russia comes alive with holiday cheer. The mix of tradition and modern festivities makes this celebration unforgettable. Plan your trip, embrace the festive spirit, and welcome the New Year in true Russian style. Experience a New Year celebration in Russia, book your trip with TripXL.
Cover Photo: ALEKSANDR EVSTAFEV / Pexels
