New Year Moscow: 5 ideas to plunge into the holiday atmosphere

New Year Moscow: 5 ideas to plunge into the holiday atmosphere

The vacations are just beginning, which means you can see the capital in all its glory!

President of Pro-Vision, author of the Vinogradov.story community

“Winter in Moscow means the chimes on the Spasskaya Tower, stunning views of the snow-covered city from observation decks, frozen rivers and canals, cheerful crowds on Nikolskaya Street and a succession of landmark exhibitions in museums. You definitely won’t get bored in the capital during the three winter months. In order not to be unsubstantiated, I have collected some evidence that will tell you how to spend an unforgettable cold season”.

Consider the New Year illumination

Holiday lights were first lit on the streets of Moscow in the mid-1950s. The country’s main Christmas tree, the Kremlin Christmas tree, was used as a model. To be more precise, its electric garlands and innovative light-dynamic constructions.

Today it is impossible to imagine the main streets, boulevards and avenues of the capital without generous illumination. As it is impossible to stay at home on a cozy winter evening, knowing that such beauty is going on outside the window. The best way to see the glittering Moscow is to refuse from the imposed routes and walk wherever you want. But if you have to start somewhere, let it be Red Square, Tverskaya, Old Arbat or the Boulevard Ring.

Skate in Gorky Park

The first skating rink in Gorky Park was poured under the legendary Betty Glan, who turned the space on the Moskva River embankment into an early Soviet “factory of happiness”. 100 years ago, up to 20 thousand people a day came to skate, which seems incredible even by modern standards.

Over time, the skating rink “took over” a huge part of the park and acquired the unofficial status of the epicenter of the New Year mood: it is customary to start the winter season on the ice of Gorky Park. However, you can continue there as well – the festive atmosphere reigns there not only during New Year vacations, but also during the grayest weekdays.

Take a walk in Arkhangelskoye

Every year Arkhangelskoye pleases its guests with fairy-tale decorations and preserved traditions of Christmas celebrations in the noble manor. Ice slides and snowballs, classical music concerts and master classes based on folk crafts, theater performances and etiquette classes – Arkhangelskoye definitely knows how to spend winter in a rich and interesting way.

However, no one can cancel long, measured walks in the park – all you have to do is to choose a frosty sunny day and go to crunch the white snow under your feet, sled or “vatrushki”.

Go to the opera or ballet

Even if you can’t get a ticket for the pre-New Year’s “Nutcracker” at the Bolshoi, you shouldn’t despair: Moscow theaters have a “high season” in winter, when dozens of different productions are performed on the same day at different venues. Both classics like “Queen of Spades” or “The Seagull”, and children’s “Christmas trees”, immersive performances and experimental readings.

However, it is better to think about tickets in advance. And if you still want to see The Nutcracker, you should go to the Leningradsky Railway Station: in St. Petersburg the ballet is performed on at least two stages, at the Mariinsky and Hermitage Theater.

Transport yourself to the fairytale worlds of Nicholas Roerich

For the winter season, the New Tretyakov Gallery has prepared a unique exposition of works by Nicholas Roerich – perhaps one of the most original and controversial Russian artists. Against the background of the monotonous Moscow winter, the play with light and shades, characteristic of Roerich’s paintings, looks especially impressive. The rich geography of the works allows you to travel the world together with the artist, observing the life and everyday life of Europe and Asia a hundred years ago.

It is a special pleasure to find and read deeply symbolic images left by the author. And then to reflect on the exhibition for a long time, walking around Museon or being alone with your thoughts in one of the cozy museum cafes.