Holiday cheer was palpable across Russia as December 2024 ushered in various festive events, combining winter fun with cultural traditions. From ice skating rinks to seasonal markets, the celebrations reflect the vibrant community spirit characteristic of this time of year.
One of the standout events took place on December 22, organized by the real estate company GК «КОРТРОС», at their residential complex "Равновесие" near Moscow. The day marked the opening of their skating rink, which quickly became the focal point for winter recreation. Families gathered, greeted by the beloved holiday character, the Nutcracker, whose energetic performances, including sports competitions and magic tricks, delighted children and adults alike.
“We are happy to see more smiling faces at our event each year,” said Alexander Veselov, marketing director at GК «КОРТРОС». The festive atmosphere was heightened with thematic photo zones, delicious catering with warming beverages, and unexpected gifts for everyone. The rink will remain open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM until the end of February 2025, with extended hours during the holidays. "This tradition has become important not only for the residents of ‘Равновесие’ but for our team as well,” Veselov added.
On December 25, another significant celebration took center stage with Christmas observances across the country. For many adherents of the Catholic denomination, this day holds more importance than New Year’s. People adorned their homes with lights and decorated trees, eagerly exchanging gifts. While Western nations might see this as primarily family time, for some Russian villages, traditions are still very much alive, as people engage in age-old customs like Kolyada, celebrating the Winter Solstice with rituals aimed at dispelling evil spirits.
Further highlighting the essence of the holiday was the New Year’s event, ‘Встретим Новый год по-динамовски’, held on December 24 at Kazan’s Dynamo sports complex. Bringing together over 200 children, including aspiring athletes and the offspring of famous local athletes, the event consisted of songs, dances, and engaging games around the Christmas tree. Salavat Gaisin, the first deputy chairman of the ‘Dynamo’ Society of the Republic of Tatarstan, was among the honorable guests who animatedly celebrated the arrival of the New Year with the budding talent.
Despite the festive fervor, local government initiatives have been focusing on encouraging tourism within the country. The unique ‘Зимний Любинский’ festival opened to much fanfare from December 19 to 22, themed around the Russian Ice Skilling Championship, and will run until January 26, 2025. The event, which has become the most celebrated location among Omsk residents, features interactive workshops, local artisan markets, and showcases artistic ice sculptures, including one depicting prominent figure skaters. “The festival is dedicated to Russian ice skating and is the most popular location among residents,” local officials mentioned.
Through these diverse holiday activities, Russians step away from everyday busyness to revel not just individually, but as community. Each festival highlights the warmth of the season through gathering, tradition, and the joy of shared experiences.
Bringing together ages and backgrounds, these events not only enrich the local culture and spirit but also support tourism initiatives backed by the national project titled ‘Tourism and Hospitality Industry’. This project aims to have domestic travel increase significantly by 2030, bringing to life Russia’s rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty.
Overall, December 2024 encapsulates the essence of joy and warmth, with each gathering fostering happiness and togetherness, signaling the arrival of one of the most cherished seasons.
