Where to go for New Year 2026

Holiday weekends are a time not only to rewatch all parts of “Harry Potter” but also to recharge after a working year or rush to the sea and sun abroad. We will tell you about the most interesting options for where to go for New Year's holidays.

Where to go in Russia

Suzdal

“Oleg suggests I celebrate New Year in Suzdal, in a monastery!” – this idea from “The Irony of Fate” has remained relevant for several decades. Festive lights, traditional celebrations, all against the backdrop of snow-white cathedrals and churches. A tour of Suzdal's main attractions is a mandatory part of any visit to the city, and it remains on the agenda in winter too. Add to it fairs, tastings of mead and cucumber jam, as well as round dances and sleigh rides.

Moscow

The capital of Russia — is an excellent place to celebrate New Year brightly and with flair. It's no secret that this holiday in Moscow is always celebrated on a grand scale, which means you can see incredibly beautiful decorations throughout the city, New Year's fairs, free concerts, and the best fireworks in the country.

Of course, the festive atmosphere is best felt in Red Square. A festive fair unfolds here, and “GUM-Skating Rink” operates. 

If you do come to Moscow, you don't have to limit yourself to just the city — go see the Moscow region estates of Shakhmatovo or Grebnevo; there's a special vibe there in winter.

It's easy to fly to the capital, especially . We have affordable tickets for the route St. Petersburg — Moscow. 

St. Petersburg

In the Northern capital, New Year is also celebrated on a grand scale. If you want to find yourself in a real New Year's fairy tale from classic Russian literature, this is the place for you. Decorated fir trees “grow” here, many parks have ice rinks and slides, and fairs open on the main streets. One of the coolest is at Bolshaya Konyushennaya, 25. 

Locals also often relax at “Okhta Park” — there's not only an ice rink but also ski slopes. 

Planning holidays in the Northern capital? You'll always find cheap tickets to St. Petersburg. 

Nizhny Novgorod

For New Year, Nizhny opens the New Year's town “Zimovka na Rozhdestvenskoy”: there's an ice rink with rentals, slides, and winter fairs. The city also launches a New Year's tram, which you can ride to see the main attractions.

Locals say it's best to visit Nizhny in winter — that's when you can truly appreciate the grandeur and ancientness of the local Kremlin. Tourists should definitely see the frozen Volga, and also visit Strelka — the confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers. 

Ekaterinburg

For New Year, Ekaterinburg offers anything you could wish for — from cozy gatherings by the fireplace in intimate establishments to powerful techno parties. Among all the cities listed, Ekaterinburg is the most contrasting. If you enjoy outdoor recreation, there are tourist bases with New Year's programs outside the city. Rock concert fans can enjoy “metal” in almost every club, as Ekb is the second capital of Russian rock. And if you simply want to stroll around the city, be sure to visit 1905 Square — a charming ice town with a skating rink and other delights opens there in winter.

Sochi

If you strongly miss summer and dislike harsh frosts, then a trip to Sochi for the holidays will definitely appeal to you. In case of warm and pleasant weather, head to the Arboretum to see the local flora and unusual animals. This park is the city's calling card.

Is it gloomy, damp, and dreary outside? Then go get some positive emotions at the Sochi Discovery World Aquarium. Here you can walk through an underwater tunnel and even watch sharks being fed. 

Vologda

In 2014, Vologda was the New Year's Capital of Russia, but later became the “New Year's Capital of the Russian North.” Locals strive to maintain this status and constantly come up with new ideas. For example, they organized a festival of alternative Christmas trees, within which an entire alley of trees was built from unusual materials: rails, plastic pipes, hay, plates, and bath brooms. And this year, the traditional gingerbread festival with master classes and exhibitions will be held here. 

Kostroma

If in Veliky Ustyug you can see Ded Moroz's palace, then in Kostroma stands Snegurochka's legendary tower, where other fairy-tale characters live with the granddaughter of the main New Year's wizard: Domovoy, Domovikha, and the learned cat Bayun. Keep in mind that a tour of the tower is only possible by prior appointment. But it's worth it. 

Yaroslavl

And since we're on a tour of fairy-tale characters, visit Baba Yaga in Yaroslavl, or more precisely, in the village of Kukoboy. This place is famous for its hut on chicken legs, and also for delicious pies. But there's plenty to do in Yaroslavl itself: you can stroll along the embankment, feel the full power of the Volga, and visit the most popular landmark — the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery. There's also a very large zoo here, which will add to the mood and fairy-tale atmosphere. 

Kazan

In New Year's Kazan, there is not only a tall, fabulously decorated Christmas tree but also the longest ice rink in Europe on the Kremlin embankment. The most patriotic place for New Year — Khan's Court, where a Christmas tree is installed in the colors of the Tatarstan flag. Entry to the territory is free, you can skate and see a unique non-freezing fountain.

By the way, in Tatarstan, New Year is celebrated twice: first on December 31st, and then in March — Nauryz, the Turkic holiday of spring and the beginning of the new year. Which one to go to — is up to you. But you'll always find affordable flights to Kazan with us. 

Where to go with children

Veliky Ustyug

Visiting Russia's main New Year's city will be interesting for both children and adults. For example, here you can visit Ded Moroz's official residence, see his study and bedroom, view gifts from all over the world, and even enter the main Throne Room where the grandfather himself sits. 

After the residence tour, sleigh rides, reindeer feeding, and a visit to the ice sculpture exhibition are available. 

Golden Ring

This is one of the most popular tourist routes in the entire country. For New Year, it greets travelers with white-stone cathedrals, fluffy snowdrifts, and the atmosphere of a Russian winter with folk festivities. The route includes Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Suzdal, Vladimir. 

The route is perfect for children on holidays — they will be able to see important historical sites of Russia and learn what is rarely described in history textbooks. 

Altai

An excellent place for a New Year's holiday with the whole family. Children can go skiing and sledding, see the magnificent beauty of this region: frozen lakes and rivers, snow-capped mountains.

Here you can find a hotel for any budget. People usually come here to barbecue, ride “tubes,” enjoy a good banya (Russian bathhouse), and walk through the foothills, breathing in the fresh air.

Kaliningrad

Throughout its history, the city has been part of Poland, Germany, and Russia, so there's definitely something to see here. Kaliningrad has a mild climate, so if you decide to fly here for a holiday, be prepared for a New Year without snow. 

But in Russia's westernmost city, the mood is created not so much by snow as by the atmosphere of festive Europe. The local fairs held for New Year are in no way inferior to Christmas markets in Western Europe, and German architecture adds charm. After strolling along the pavilions, visit Kant Island or “Fish Village,” and when you crave the sea, take a short trip to Zelenogradsk or the Curonian Spit.

Where to go where it's warm

It's great to spend holidays not only at home. We tell you where you can go abroad for New Year.

UAE

New Year in Dubai is celebrated with colorful fireworks that break Guinness records. In addition, tourists and Russian-speaking locals often throw grand parties on skyscraper rooftops and yachts — if you like to live it up, then welcome. 

But even at this time, you can book a budget hotel and bask on the golden beaches by the magnificent warm sea. 

Thailand

Usually, Thailand celebrates three New Years: traditional, Thai, and Chinese. For the European New Year, Thais organize grand fireworks, concerts, and fairs. As a rule, the entertainment program is already included in hotel services and accommodation costs, so you'll be able to celebrate the holiday quite affordably. 

Vietnam

New Year in this Southeast Asian country is celebrated twice: on January 1st and according to the lunar calendar. For the European New Year, Vietnamese people organize beach parties, launch fireworks, and sing songs. The weather at the end of December depends on the location: in Nha Trang, it's changeable and rainy; in Phu Quoc, it's warm and dry. The water warms up to +30 degrees Celsius, so if you want to spend your January holidays lying on the beach, come here to relax.

Bali

Celebrating New Year in Bali is cheaper than in the Maldives and Seychelles, and the local locations are no less beautiful — you can swim, go on excursions, see volcanoes and rice fields. A Russian-speaking company of IT specialists who have flooded the local Wi-Fi spots is included. Just be careful, you really won't want to leave here and return to winter conditions. 

Ski resorts

Sheregesh

Skiers and snowboarders often come to celebrate New Year at this ski resort, which can be reached from Novokuznetsk, Kemerovo, or Novosibirsk. In December-January, the season is in full swing: there's already enough snow, and the weather pleases with moderate temperatures without severe frosts. Mass festivities are not held, but each hotel prepares its own program for the holiday, and the tour usually immediately includes accommodation, meals, and a New Year's banquet. 

Elbrus

Currently, “Elbrus” has only six lifts serving a single prepared track with branches totaling 13 kilometers. There's a large altitude difference of 1,500 meters, with the highest point at 3,847 meters. You can ski on “Elbrus” all year round, but keep an eye on the weather: winds can be quite strong, and blizzards sometimes occur. But on the other hand, it's one of the most authentic resorts for experienced thrill-seekers. 

Dombay

One of the most beautiful places in the Caucasus. Ski enthusiasts have been conquering the local slopes for over 50 years. There are 25 kilometers of trails served by nine lifts. If you want to feel the vibes of the Caucasus and celebrate New Year with a breeze, then this is the place for you.

Krasnaya Polyana

One of the most powerful and popular ski resorts among Russians. And, compared to other resorts, it offers relatively budget-friendly ski passes. Krasnaya Polyana has all the amenities: good slopes of various levels, 13 lifts, villages with large chain hotels and apartments. For New Year, you'll find cool parties here with a grand scale and interesting people.

Active New Year holidays

We understand that not everyone likes ski resorts. Fortunately, Russia offers several other types of active winter entertainment. 

Husky Village “Ruzskaya Alaska”, Moscow Region

Ever dreamed of riding in a dog sled? Now's the time to try! Russia has many dog farms, but one of the most popular is the husky village in Baranovka, Moscow Region. Here you'll get a tour, meet the sled dogs, be offered to slide down a hill on tubes, and most importantly — ride in a husky sled. 

The shortest tour is four kilometers; the dogs cover this distance in 25 minutes. Including excursions and instruction, the entire program will take a couple of hours. 

Ice fishing on Lake Baikal

Silence and frost — that's how you can describe ice fishing on Lake Baikal. This activity is perfect for those who love solitude and thrilling sensations at the same time. Imagine: you're standing on ice one and a half meters thick, and only it separates you from the abyss. If this appeals to you, then grab your fishing rod, auger, and go catch delicious Baikal fish! However, fishing is only allowed in specially designated areas.

Visa-free destinations

New Year — is a holiday that you really want to celebrate with friends and loved ones. If your dear ones have moved to neighboring countries, buy a ticket on Kupi.com and visit them. Here are the TOP cities where our compatriots most often fly and where no visa is needed if you're visiting for a short time: 

• Yerevan,
• Tbilisi,
• Istanbul,
• Almaty,
• Belgrade.

Where to go in Europe

Prague

It's magical here at any time of year, but it's especially during the holidays that Prague begins to sparkle anew. Starting in November, the city is decorated, and Christmas markets open, selling magnificent spiced mulled wine. Let us immediately remind you of one very important detail: excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health.

One of the unusual features of New Year's Prague is vats of carp right on the street. Yes, this is one of the main dishes of Czech feasts, and without it, the holiday wouldn't be the same at all. 

Paris

The Eiffel Tower instead of a New Year's tree is a romantic dream for many. New Year's in Paris is cool, but definitely not like in Russia: instead of crisp snow and cold winds, mid-autumn with rain prevails here. But that's unlikely to bother you if you're in the city of love.

The French love New Year very much and often organize costumed carnivals for the holidays. On the night of January 1st, there will be confetti, fireworks, parties, and very friendly French people everywhere — we'll be happy if you get to see it. 

Vilnius

The closest and easiest option to celebrate New Year like in Europe. Vilnius can be called the perfect combination of price and quality: it's a European city, but without European prices. 

The festive atmosphere in Vilnius is simply magical: the city often looks like a New Year's postcard. Lithuanians love to decorate their homes and then participate in competitions for the best decorations. 

Everyone decides for themselves how to celebrate New Year. We'll find cheap tickets on Kupi.com anyway. 

If you are seriously considering a winter holiday, then read our article on where to go in Russia in winter. We wish you great holidays!