The New Year holiday is the most anticipated and celebrated holiday in Russia. While most cultures celebrate the New Year on January 1, in Russia the festivities extend from December 31 to January 10. As these are public holidays, many businesses close down for the duration, turning the period into a grand celebration. An integral mixture of Western Christmas and Soviet-era traditions makes this holiday unique.
The celebrations for the New Year holiday in Russia start on New Year’s Eve where Russians gather with their families and friends to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. The night is filled with food, fireworks, champagne toasts, and the ringing of bells signaling the start of the New Year. A traditional meal, the Russian Olivier salad, is a must-have at every festive table. Also, many Russians watch the president’s New Year speech which is broadcast right before midnight.
The New Year tree, known as 'Novogodnaya Yolka', is another fascinating feature of the Russian New Year Holiday. It's akin to a Christmas tree in many western countries and is traditionally decorated with sweets and other delights for children. The holiday celebrations continue until January 10th, involving plenty of other customs and traditions, including Troika rides, Ice Skating, Tubing, and attending theater performances. All these efforts amount to a festive period that stands as a testament to Russia's rich cultural heritage.