Where to go for the New Year? Where to go for the New Year at sea Where do they go for the New Year.

We advise where to spend the New Year holidays! We list the destinations where you can cheaply go on vacation during the holidays in 2020. We are considering flights abroad (European cities and holidays by the sea) and domestic flights.

In 2020, the New Year holidays will last from January 1 to January 8 - you can arrange a full-fledged trip! In this selection, we consider destinations where you can relatively inexpensively relax on holidays (after New Year's Eve, from January 1).

Tours are considered with a departure from Moscow. All prices for hotels and tours are current at the time of publication of the material.

New Year holidays in Russia - 2020

Winter is not a reason to refuse to travel around Russia. Check out the best cities to spend your New Year holidays in 2020.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is popular on New Year's holidays - people come to the city on their own and on a tour. Guests are attracted by folk festivals, fairs, vibrant shows and the opportunity to visit famous theaters and museums.

Prices for the New Year holidays - 2020 do not bite: you can book a hotel in the city center from 1800 rubles for a double standard. Read our.

Kazan

Spend the New Year holidays of 2020 in Kazan - why not? The city will delight guests with pleasant weather, excellent cuisine and interesting sights, as well as reasonable prices.

The cost of living in the center is from 1500 rubles for a double room in a hostel and from 3000 for a 3* hotel. You can also find accommodation in our selection. Tours cost from 50 thousand rubles.

(Photo: Epic Fireworks / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0)

Crimea

It is expensive to fly to rest in the Crimea only in the summer, and in the rest of the year you can go for mere pennies. In winter, in good weather, it is pleasant to walk, leisurely sightseeing and drinking wine.

New Year's tours cost from 37 thousand for two, the same amount - after January 1. After the New Year, housing prices go down - from 2000 rubles per day there is a double economy in Yalta. Cheap hotels - in small towns and cities, for example.

Sochi

About as cheap as in the Crimea, you can go on New Year's holidays to Sochi and Adler. Tours are inexpensive in 2020 - from 30 thousand rubles for two with the capture of the New Year and from 38 thousand after. Hotel accommodation costs from 3000 rubles in the city center and on the coast.

(Photo: Unsplash / pixabay.com)

Moscow

No less popular are tours for the New Year holidays to Moscow. In 2020, vouchers from Yekaterinburg - from 30 thousand, from Novosibirsk - from 33 thousand rubles. Prices for hotels in the center of Moscow on holidays start from 1,500 rubles for two. When traveling on your own, book hotels in advance.

Veliky Ustyug

You can spend the New Year holidays of 2020, fabulous in the truest sense of the word, in Veliky Ustyug, where the residence of Father Frost is located. From such a trip, both small children and adults will be delighted. We only recommend booking hotels a few months in advance, since Veliky Ustyug is an extremely popular destination during the New Year holidays among Russians. Now the cheapest number costs 4800 rubles.

Moscow region

Thailand

Traditionally, Russians spend their New Year holidays at sea in Thailand, despite the expensive flight and expensive tours. In 2020, tours to Phuket cost from 120 thousand for two, hotels near the beach can be found from $20 per day. Read .

(Photo: torbus / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

goa

Winter in Goa is high season. Prices are also high, but you can still meet the new year 2020 inexpensively here, especially if you go on your own. The weather is beautiful, there is more than enough entertainment. The holiday is held on a grand scale, so there are a lot of tourists - and this is the only minus of the state. You can rent a room in a guesthouse from $13 (Colva). The cost of tours - from 100 thousand rubles for two.

Vietnam

The south of Vietnam in winter is a great solution! . Sandy beaches, sea of ​​fruits, tasty and cheap food. In addition, you do not need to obtain a visa for vacations up to 15 days - beauty!

Here you can spend the New Year holidays of 2020 inexpensively: good hotels by the sea from $11 per day (compare with 49 euros per day in Helsinki!), food - from $1-2 per dish. Tours cost from 100 thousand for two. We celebrated the New Year in Vietnam three times.

This is an expensive, but extremely attractive destination - everyone will be seduced by ideal beaches. Weekly tours cost from 190 thousand rubles for two with a departure from Moscow. Rooms in 3-4 * hotels cost $40-70 per day.

(Photo: unsplash.com / @vorosbenisop)

First photo: unsplash.com / @guilhermestecanella.

New Year is a holiday full of magic, when dreams come true and all desires come true. And any traveler will say that this is also a unique opportunity to see the world, because in each country this date is celebrated in different ways.

And it does not matter that the New Year is considered a family holiday. We will just get ready for the trip with the whole family, because the list of countries where you can go with children is very long! You can go to the Mediterranean Sea or on an inexpensive tour of Europe - the choice is yours!

In this article, I will answer the following questions:

1. Where can you go to the New Year at sea?
2. What ski vacation is relevant during the New Year holidays in January?
3. Where can I have a cheap holiday for the New Year?
4. How can you celebrate the New Year in an unfamiliar place? The scenario of the New Year's evening of rest, adapted to a specific country.

So, as one of my acquaintances, a bearded old man in a red suit, says: “Ho-Ho-Ho! Go!"

Beach holidays in Turkey

New Year's holidays in Turkey are somewhat different from traditional beach holidays. Despite the fact that the winter on the southern coast is mild, not everyone can swim in the sea. However, this is the best option where you can inexpensively go to rest for the New Year holidays.

Traditional destinations for winter are Kemer, Antalya and Side, where it is still quite warm. In December - January, the main flow of tourists dries up, so most hotels close. But those that work all year round provide a truly excellent service even out of season.

If you are looking for where to go for the New Year with children, especially small ones, then Turkey is a great option here. All-inclusive meals, mini clubs, animation and heated pools solve the problem of what to do with a child. By the way, on the eve of the holiday, all hotels arrange a banquet and a colorful show.

Leisure benefits

1. Holidays in Turkey for the New Year in a 4-5 star hotel necessarily provide for a New Year's program. Usually this is a banquet with a show, which lasts from 20:00 to 02:00. After that, for the most persistent, a disco will begin. Separately, children will be entertained by Father Frost or Santa.
2. If you go on an all-inclusive holiday tour, food and alcohol will be in abundance. In fact, why else do Russian people go to Turkey for a holiday? 🙂
3. All hotels have a heated pool, so swimming remains in the holiday program no matter what.
4. Tour cost. Holidays in Turkey, even for the holidays, remain budgetary in comparison with other destinations.

Cons of rest

1. Weather. Tours to Turkey for the New Year holidays are rapidly losing value precisely because the rainy season begins here. The air and water temperature of 18°C ​​suggests that tanning and sea treatments are for the most daring!
2. Often the animation in hotels is rather weak. Those who are not used to celebrating the New Year with plentiful libations and feasts are frankly bored.
3. Unprestigious direction. Photos brought from the New Year in Turkey will not surprise anyone.

Prices for New Year tours

Winter holidays in Turkey can be spent on a very budget, if puzzled in advance. You can buy cheap tickets for the New Year in September-October under the early booking program. And, on the contrary, easy-going people will also be able to plan a vacation very, very inexpensively.

The price of a burning tour to Turkey for the New Year from Moscow starts from 17,000 rubles per person. If you buy tickets a little in advance, you will have to pay more.

The rest will have to shell out a tidy sum, since the usual purchase of a tour 2-3 weeks before departure implies that it will cost 2 or even 3 times more, depending on the hotel.

Weather in Turkey in the New Year

If we talk about where in Turkey to celebrate the New Year and swim in the sea, then we are talking about its southernmost regions.

Resorts to consider Fethiye, as well asSide, Alanya and Belek . Here The average air temperature is about 18 ° C, and the sea does not cool below 17 ° C.

If extreme swimming and sunbathing are not on your list of priorities, then you can stay in the cultural capital of Turkey - Istanbul. Judging by the reviews of tourists about the tour, a real holiday reigns in this city on New Year's Eve, and you certainly won't get bored here.

The weather at this time is quite acceptable for long walks. The main thing is not to forget to take an umbrella from the hotel, since December-January is still the rainy season in this area.

How to celebrate the New Year?

If you are wondering how the New Year is celebrated in Turkey, then almost nothing. There are no traditions regarding this holiday, since it is quite new for the local population and has been celebrated for less than 100 years. January 1 is considered a day off and this is quite enough for the indigenous people.

Another thing in hotels! Here, a special show with the participation of artists is being prepared for the guests. Be ready to fill your glasses three times - according to Turkish time, in 2 hours Moscow time and Central European time (that's when the president's address will be shown here, because Turkey relays Russian channels focused on Germany). By the way, in most cases, you need to book a table for a New Year's banquet immediately upon arrival. The procedure is similar to visiting an a la carte restaurant. You may have to pay extra for a banquet or alcohol, depending on the policy of the hotel.

Do not blow up firecrackers yourself, as this requires prior permission from local authorities.

Where can you cheaply go on an excursion during the New Year holidays? All regular destinations are available without restrictions except January 1st.

Do I need a visa for Turkey?

Looking for where to go for the New Year without a visa? Then you are here. As in most warm countries, in which tourism is on a grand scale, visa for Russians is not needed here .

Those who are going to Turkey for the New Year holidays should only remember that their passport must be valid for at least 4 more months from the date of entry into the country.

Beach holidays in Egypt

Egypt traditionally attracts our compatriots in the New Year with a beach holiday at sea. Where else can you relax abroad with a full-fledged New Year's program, round-the-clock care for children and an inexpensive flight? Yes, in this regard, tours to Turkey and Egypt are our everything. However, if we talk about the Christmas holidays, this “everything” is not so clear :)

Leisure benefits

1. A tour to Egypt is ideal for a New Year's holiday with children. A short flight, All meals and children's animation allow not only big tourists, but also small ones to relax.
2. If you buy a last-minute tour or go on an early booking, then this is also a relatively cheap beach holiday on New Year's Eve. There is another option to save money - this is to go on vacation with a package that ends on December 29-31. The price is one of the best!
3. The mild Egyptian winter will allow you to have a fun time on excursions. In any case, these are not at all severe snowstorms and the nasty slush of the domestic climate.
4. The presence of a New Year's banquet in the hotel. One way or another, there is an entertainment program everywhere and additional food and alcohol are provided in honor of the holiday. Although, most likely, you will need to pay extra for this.

Cons of rest

1. New Year's tour, which peaks exactly on the night of 31 to 1, will cost "horse" money. Even if you fly only for 3 days.
2. Most of our compatriots complain that the Egyptians celebrate the New Year frankly boring. Although this is even an advantage for mature couples and parents with small children :) If you and your friends are looking for where to relax in the New Year holidays with a big company, then most likely you are not afraid of the sour mines of the local natives!
3. A bottle of champagne in a hotel costs about $25-60. Depending on the level of the institution, you will get the lowest quality sparkling wine or a frank burda. Gourmets should grab a bottle from home.
4. Although the Egyptians consider this time to be acceptable for a beach holiday, swimming in the sea will only be possible during the day, because in December the sun sets faster.

Prices for New Year tours

Traditionally, the price of a tour to Egypt for the New Year from Moscow, and from other cities, is relatively high. On average from 38 000 rubles per person .

You can try to save money and look for a last-minute tour for the New Year holidays, but this option is not suitable for everyone.

To make it cheap and New Year's at the same time, you should fly a little earlier than the holiday and return the day before. These tours are really affordable.

Weather in Egypt in the New Year

Reviews about the weather in Egypt for the New Year are contradictory. It all depends on the specific forecast. Usually at this time the air temperature in Sheikh and Khurganda does not fall below 20 ° C in the afternoon, and the sea warms up to 23 ° C. Someone is comfortable in such a temperature range, and someone prefers hotter☺

How to celebrate the New Year?

The action unfolds approximately, as in Turkey. A festive banquet is usually served not in the main restaurant of the hotel, but on the beach or the banquet hall. Everything starts at 19:00 or 20:00. The New Year in ancient Egypt did not fall in December, so the enterprising Egyptians adopted the tradition of celebrating from the Europeans.

Glasses will be raised every hour, first in accordance with the Russian time zone, and then according to local time. By the way, there may not be enough alcohol in the restaurant for the entire duration of the banquet, so the most enterprising go to celebrate in the lobby, where the bar usually works longer (ideally around the clock). Remember, if the hotel policy does not include serving alcohol after 23:00, then you risk meeting the chimes of the children's Pina Colada (milk + pineapple syrup + whipped cream). If this is unacceptable, then maybe you should grab a bottle of something stronger from duty free?

Some hotels organize a New Year's Nile cruise with entertainment and a banquet for their guests.

Do I need a visa for Egypt?

Russians get a visa automatically at the airport upon arrival. The pleasure costs $25 and allows you to stay in the country for up to 30 days. So a tour for the New Year holidays in Egypt is available to everyone who has a valid passport.

Ski holidays in Bulgaria

If you are looking for an inexpensive place to relax on New Year's holidays in Europe, then you can go to Bulgaria. The ski resorts of the Balkan Mountains are bypassed by most of our compatriots, and undeservedly. Of course, it is difficult to surprise a country that has no shortage of snowy winters with the ski slopes of Bulgaria, but it is definitely worth a trip to this picturesque region at least once.

Leisure benefits

1. Availability. A visit to the ski resorts in Bulgaria will cost much less than a trip to Austria. You will be pleasantly surprised by the prices not only for the tour, but also within the country for everything, everything, everything. Compared to other ski resorts in Europe, you can save on everything - from food to ski lift tickets.
2. Delicious and inexpensive food. The Balkan menu is dominated by vegetables, fruits, juicy meats and, of course, local wine and brandy. You can try all this in mehans at a very reasonable price.
3. The traditions of New Year's Bulgaria are not much different from ours, however, the inhabitants of the Balkans bring a special flavor to them. In general, there is a chance to celebrate the New Year and Christmas as in childhood with my grandmother.
4. In addition to air transportation, bus tours to Europe are also very common. Even those who are afraid of flying will be able to get out to Bulgaria for the New Year holidays :)

Cons of rest

1. If you are looking for where to go with your children for the New Year holidays, then carefully collect information about the hotel where you plan to stay. Along with quite tolerable tour operators offer very dubious 2 * and 3 *, where it is clearly not worth taking children.
2. Real winter comes to Bulgaria only in the second half of December. There is a chance that there won't be enough snow. During the New Year holidays, they often “forget” to prepare the tracks, so skiing can be ruined.
3. Crowded. Not only residents of the fraternal republics come here for the winter holidays, but also Europeans who are used to counting every penny. There will be queues at the lifts.

Prices for New Year tours

The cost of a ski tour to Bulgaria depends on the transfer. The price of a burning air tour on New Year's holidays is approximately 39 000 rubles per person .

If you go on vacation by bus, it will come out cheaper, however, you will have to spend almost two days in a twisted state (from Moscow). After January 20, vouchers will begin to lose much in price.

Weather in Bulgaria in the New Year

Medium the air temperature in the main ski resorts - Pamporovo, Vitosha and Bansko - stays around zero. Frosts at night barely reach -10 ° C .

However, starting from the second half of December, the mountain slopes are covered with a luxurious snow cap, so the reviews of tourists about New Year's tours are generally positive.

How to celebrate the New Year?

Winter holidays here begin much earlier than ours - on December 6 (St. Nicholas Day). Then comes Kolyada (Christmas). Therefore, a festive atmosphere is in the air throughout December.

You can celebrate both in the hotel itself and in numerous huts and mehans. The menu will be hearty and tasty, and wines and brandy will flow like water.

Rakia is a type of local vodka, or rather a product of the distillation of fermented grapes. If you decide to buy a real “natural product” from the local population, then be prepared for the fact that its fortress can be 50 or even 60 °. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to drink hot brandy. For a more pleasant taste, it is insisted on dried fruits, spices and citruses.

Bulgarians prefer wines that are sweet, thick, viscous and often fortified.

Do I need a visa for Bulgaria?

Citizens of the Russian Federation need a tourist visa to Bulgaria , however, it is much easier to get it than Schengen. By the way, Schengen (as well as visas of Cyprus, Croatia and Romania) allows you to freely enter the territory of Bulgaria for a period not exceeding 90 days.

The price of the issue is approximately 60 euros. The term of receipt is 2-4 days.

Ski holidays in Georgia

The idea to spend New Year holidays in Georgia is not new. Ski resorts have been welcoming athletes since the Soviet era. The oldest of them - Bakuriani - is equipped with seven lifts, and the younger (1982) and modern - Gudauri - with four.

However, they go to Georgia for the winter holidays not only for nostalgic reasons, but also for new impressions. In addition to the ski slopes, tourists are attracted by colorful architecture, delicious cuisine, original culture and excellent alcohol.

Leisure benefits

1. Depending on the place of residence, you can get to Georgia not only by plane, but also by car (if you go on your own). In some areas, tour operators offer New Year tours to ski resorts in Tbilisi by bus.
2. Inexpensive. Prices for accommodation and meals are much lower than European ones. Holidays for the New Year in a hotel with a swimming pool, sauna, massage and a range of SPA services will cost about $100 per day.
3. There is no language barrier. In most hotels, Russian is perfectly understood and spoken.
4. There is always a lot of snow. There are guns with artificial.

Cons of rest

1. The outright cheapness of the tour can be deceiving. For example, getting from Moscow to Georgia for the New Year holidays by train is very tiring, and a 2 * hotel can even look like a cheap hostel from the inside.
2. If you are planning a trip on your own, then it is better to book accommodation already on the spot. Often, the photos displayed on the booking site look much better than the reality.
3. Low level of service, which, unfortunately, is typical for many countries of the former USSR. Often on New Year's Eve the ski lifts do not work, the tracks are not prepared, and all claims are answered with something in the spirit of "there are many of you, but I am alone."

Prices for New Year tours

Rest in Georgia, even during the winter holidays, is inexpensive. A ticket for one with a transfer will cost about 30 000 rubles per person .

If you are puzzled by an early booking of a tour for the New Year's holiday, you can save another 10%.

Weather in Georgia in the New Year

At the main ski resorts - Gudauri and Bakuriani The season is at the end of December. Winter here is cold, but not severe.

Medium temperature during the day does not fall below -9 ° C , lots of rainfall and bright winter sun. In general, riding is a pleasure!

How to celebrate the New Year?

Reviews about the celebration of the New Year in the ski resorts of Georgia are very restrained. In addition to skiing, snowboarding and hang gliding, there is nothing special to do. Although higher-class hotels have swimming pools, saunas, bowling alleys and tennis courts, which, of course, work on holidays.

Nightlife in Bakuriani is poorly represented, so you will most likely have to celebrate in the hotel restaurant, but with excellent homemade food and wine. By the way, it is better to book tables in restaurants in advance. And not only in the New Year.

There are several supermarkets in the towns, but the assortment in them is quite frail. It is better to grab delicacies for the festive table from Tbilisi, where there is an unparalleled choice, and prices are one and a half to two times lower. It takes only 2 hours by car from Gudauri to the capital, and about three hours from Bakuriani.

Do I need a visa to Georgia?

For visiting Georgia for up to 1 year no visa required . For adults, a passport is enough, which must be valid until the end of the trip.

However, there is one nuance, because of which a vacation in Georgia (and not only on New Year's Eve) may not take place. The passport should not contain marks about visiting Abkhazia and South Ossetia. You need to enter Georgia only through the official border with the Russian Federation!

Holidays in Finland

Without any doubt, the real and colorful New Year comes to the village of Joulupukki in Finland. Here lives the same Santa Claus, who on Christmas flies around the globe on a reindeer team. If the plan is to have a fun vacation with a child or a whole group of noisy kids, then Finland is perfect for this. You can rent a house or stay in a hotel - in any case, you will not be bored!

Despite the fact that it is generally quite cold here, in the northern part of the country the climate is dry, so the cold is not so burning. Although a lot of warm clothes to take will not hurt. If we are talking about an adult company, then you can get an adrenaline rush on an excursion in search of the northern lights, and many ski resorts in this country have good reviews.

Leisure benefits

1. Despite the fact that tours to Finland for the New Year traditionally rise in price by 15-30%, in general, the rest is characterized as inexpensive. Compared to ski resorts in Switzerland and Austria, you can save a lot here.
2. You can rent a cottage for the New Year in Finland not only through a tour operator, but also on your own. Many hotels have their own websites, which are even tolerably translated into Russian.
3. A visit to the Santa Claus Village is relevant for this particular calendar period. An unforgettable experience for children is guaranteed! There are separate New Year's Day tours with accommodation on the territory of Joulupukki, both from Helsinki and from other cities.
4. Great service! Let's not forget that this is Europe with all conceivable and unthinkable "après skis".

Cons of rest

1. Despite the fact that a trip to Finland for the New Year holidays is inexpensive, the real pumping of money begins in Joulupukki itself. There are so many bright, interesting and fabulous things here that there is simply no way to refuse a child!
2. Finns are not the most efficient people, so don't count on fast passport or customs control, as well as lightning-fast hotel service.
3. Finns are very meticulous. For this reason, it is rare to get a free early check-in anywhere. It is necessary to warn the staff about such a “little thing” in advance by contacting the owners of the cottage or hotel via the Internet. In winter, after flying with cold and hungry children, this can become a problem☹
4. For advanced skiers, the Finnish slopes may seem too easy.
5. You can rent a good and inexpensive house in Finland for the New Year only much in advance. Usually, for those who plan everything at the last moment, only housing is left in cities where it is not so interesting.

Prices for New Year tours

The price of a tour from Moscow to Lapland for the New Year is quite lifting 28 000 rubles per person .

However, this is without excursions and transfers within the country. As you get closer to places of worship, the price of rest will increase. As before, early booking is relevant, starting from September-October.

Weather in Finland on New Year's Eve

At this time of the year, usually the whole country is covered with snow. In the north, the air is a little drier than in the south, so the cold here is a little easier to bear.

Generally, daytime temperatures range from -5 to -9 ° C.

It gets dark here very early, around 15:00. And beyond the Arctic Circle, in general, the New Year falls on the polar night, which lasts about 50 days.

Despite the fact that a huge number of excursions to Lapland are dedicated to such a rare phenomenon as the northern lights, the reviews of tourists about a trip to Finland on New Year's Eve clearly state that it is almost impossible to see it.

How to celebrate the New Year?

The question of where to celebrate the New Year in Finland is not worth it for me personally. Of course, in Joulupukki! This is a village near Rovaniemi, where the real Santa lives. In addition to his house, there is an arctic zoo, an amusement park for children, a deer and a dog farm.

Nearby is the snowy village of Lainio, which houses the world-famous ice hotel and pub.

You can choose to relax and a small ski resort Levi, from where it is easy to go by car to visit Santa - it's not far!

Since the tradition of celebrating the New Year and Christmas is elevated to a cult here, you should not be afraid that it will be boring or uninteresting! There are legends about how the New Year is celebrated in Finland☺ By the way, the Finns themselves only stir up interest in them, mysteriously adding that their experience in the New Year holidays goes back many centuries.

Those who will celebrate the New Year in Helsinki and other big cities should book a table in a restaurant in advance. Most establishments are open a little longer than midnight, and the next day - January 1 - and they will be closed.

Do I need a visa for Finland?

Holidays in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is very popular with tourists at any time of the year. Despite the fact that the high season is from April to September, sightseeing tours for the New Year and Christmas fly like hot cakes just at space prices. In this colorful gothic atmosphere, the New Year's fairy tale takes on a special meaning with a touch of severe mystery from the Middle Ages.

You can celebrate both in Prague itself and in the ski resorts of Spindleruv Mlyn, Pec pod Snezkou or Harrachov. Separately, it is worth mentioning the health resorts of Karlovy Vary and others, where you can celebrate the New Year in a measured way in a warm company and enjoy plenty of luxurious nature.

Leisure benefits

1. If you are looking for where you can celebrate the New Year with children and certainly abroad, then Prague deserves attention in the first place. There are many bright entertainment events and just a huge number of shops with souvenirs and sweets. By the way, in Prague there is a luxurious museum of soft toys.
2. Colorful atmosphere. Even small towns are decorated with illuminations as if they came off Christmas cards.
3. Beer! Luxurious fresh beer brewed right in the pubs. Just keep in mind that you need to drink it immediately. If you want to bring a couple of bottles home, then be prepared to find a little sediment at the bottom at home. Fortunately, this little nuisance does not affect the taste of the drink in any way;)
4. In comparison with other European countries, holidays in the Czech Republic will be cheaper.

Cons of rest

1. Unfortunately, Russians are not very popular in the Czech Republic. However, this does not affect the quality of rest. By the way, many Czechs speak Russian much better than English.
2. At Christmas, cities seem to die out - shops and restaurants do not work, so food and drink should be puzzled the day before.
3. If you are going on a tour to Prague on your own, then you should deal with transport in advance. Tickets for the metro and trams are not sold everywhere, and the fines for travel are significant.
4. Czech cuisine is quite oily, which can be a disadvantage for some. Although, as for me, in winter it is rather a plus :)

Prices for New Year tours

The cost of a tour to the Czech Republic from Moscow for the New Year holidays starts from 33 000 rubles per person

New Year holidays in the Czech Republic are a series of endless atmospheric pubs and colorful street fairs. However, it is worth remembering that by the evening everything will be closed and crowds of idle people will pour out onto the streets of the city.

Everything will be as we used to! A little drunk, but very friendly Czechs (a little less than half, the rest are tourists from Germany and Russia) will drink beer, sing songs, congratulate each other and arrange fireworks.

Pickpockets are considered the most formidable representatives of the criminal world here, so on New Year's Eve (and on any other) you can safely walk even along the darkest alleys.

On January 1, everything will be traditionally closed. Rare drinking establishments will open their heavy oak doors for the afflicted only in the late afternoon.

If, in addition to meeting the New Year, a cultural program is also planned, then you can visit:

• National Museum, Prague;
• Karlovy Vary;
• Art Gallery in Prague Castle;
• Prague Zoo.

Listing colorful castles and pubs that are a must-see is simply pointless. There are about 2000 of the first in the Czech Republic, and even more of the second. And all of them are unique, with an indescribable atmosphere and a fascinating age-old history.

Do I need a visa for the Czech Republic?

Before planning a New Year's tour to Prague, you need to get Schengen visa . If you do it directly at the consulate, then it will cost 35 euros (urgent - 70 euros). Approximately 1000 rubles will be taken by an intermediary firm or agency.

So where to go on New Year's Eve?

So, we found out where you can relatively inexpensively relax on New Year's holidays:

• If the purpose of the trip is to change the climate and get some sun in the middle of winter, then Turkey and Egypt are two priority budget destinations.
• If you need a real Christmas fairy tale with "full immersion", then I recommend going to the Czech Republic or Finland. Children will simply be delighted with everything that happens around!
• For an active winter holiday, Bulgaria and Georgia are suitable, where ski tourism has recently again become a priority for the development of the industry.

To plan a New Year's holiday inexpensively and fun, be sure to pay attention to the details. Be puzzled by the availability and quality of the Internet in the hotel where you plan to stay. Download all kinds of applications on your phone that make life easier for a modern tourist, such as Booking and Uber, download maps of the area in Eway.

Ideally, even before the trip, it is worth putting on the map the nearest large store, with a dozen cafes and a medical center. Find out where you can buy holiday attributes that are obligatory for you and your family - champagne, Russian salad, crackers ... and you never know what else!

New Year for Russians is the most beloved and desired holiday. But in the middle of winter I so want to take it and fly away to where it is warm for the New Year, where the hot sun, gentle sea, palm trees and amazing sunsets. Realize your dream! For once in your life, leave the pre-holiday chores, drive away the winter blues, buy a plane ticket and go for new experiences.

Warm countries for the New Year

In this article, I have collected for you 11 warm countries where you can celebrate the New Year wonderfully. For ease of choice, under each country, the average prices for hotels, air flights or package tours at sea for the New Year are indicated. Note that it is not cheaper to fly to every country on your own than with a tour package. Prices are average for the market for December-January.

Maldives for New Year

© -lucam- / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

In the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Republic of Maldives is located in a picturesque chain of 20 atolls. This is a great option where you can spend a holiday at sea for the New Year 2018. It is summer on the islands all year round, and the change of year falls on the most favorable dry period, when the air is 27° and the water is 24°.

The Maldives is a real paradise oasis where you can feel like Robinson Crusoe, because some of the islands are still uninhabited. Tranquility, few people, white sand and clear turquoise water - what else is needed for complete relaxation?

Underwater caves and coral reefs will delight diving enthusiasts. There are no dangerous currents here, so even beginners can go under water. There are dozens of dive sites around the hotels.

On New Year's Eve, the hotel organizes a gala dinner and entertainment program until the morning.

There are no cheap hostels in the Maldives, and therefore the most economical accommodation option is 1600 rubles per night. for one person in a guesthouse, for two - from 2500 rubles.

Thailand for New Year

© mjpicsde / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

The Kingdom of Thailand is the most popular destination where you can go to the sea for the New Year. Therefore, book the hotel in advance.

The conditions for a beach holiday are ideal, the sea is warmed up to 28 °, in the air 30 °.

Thais love the holidays and know how to spend them fun and on a grand scale. In the New Year, guests will not be bored, wherever they are.

The most popular islands are Phuket and Pattaya. Tourists are waiting for comfortable hotels, and in combination with Thai exoticism, lush shady parks, azure sea water, holidays in the "Land of a Thousand Smiles" will be remembered for a lifetime.

In Thailand, prices are much lower than in the Maldives. Here you can find a bed in a hostel from 300 rubles per night, from 500 rubles per night. double room in a guest house. Average prices for popular hotels in the region of 1500 rubles.

Philippines for New Year

© travelourplanet / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Christmas and New Year in the Philippines - one huge fireworks display! Festivities begin in mid-December.

The highest prices on the island of Boracay. Locals meet the holiday noisily and cheerfully, with dances, songs, to the sound of bells and flashes of amusing lights.

Lovers of solitude will like Bantayan Island more. There are fewer tourists here, prices are lower, only the sound of the surf breaks the silence. And the sea is warm everywhere - up to 28 °, in the atmosphere 29 °. Imagine how nice it is to celebrate the New Year on the beach - just a paradise!

Let it be long and expensive to get to this paradise, it's worth it! But for the Russians there is a visa-free regime, and this is a definite plus.

The situation with hotels in the Philippines is the same as in Thailand. Those. there are cheap hostels, there are cheap guesthouses, there are luxury hotels. The bulk of tourists choose something in between for 1500 - 2000 rubles. for the number.

Vietnam for New Year

In terms of pricing for hotels, Vietnam is in the same category as Thailand and the Philippines.

Bali, Indonesia for New Year

© jedavillabali / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Bali or the "Island of the Gods" is located in the Indian Ocean and combines the jungle, waterfalls, extinct volcanoes, rice fields on mountain terraces and, of course, snow-white sandy beaches.

New Year among blooming nature, on the ocean will leave the most vivid impressions. A festive banquet for vacationers is organized in hotels, on the beach, in nightclubs.

The island has a subequatorial climate. In the water all year round 26-28 ° - this is where the warm sea is on New Year's Eve, and in the air up to 30 °.

Among the disadvantages of resting in Bali is an expensive and long flight, and even an undeveloped transport network. You can’t run into a taxi around the island, it’s far on foot, so it’s most convenient to rent a bike.

There are even cheaper accommodation options in Bali. Literally from 170 rubles. for a hostel bed. But the most popular hotels cost from 3000 rubles per night. In any case, everyone will find an option for themselves.

Dominican Republic for New Year

© dsumin / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

It is worth crossing the Atlantic Ocean to celebrate the New Year in the most popular country in the Caribbean. Even in winter, the temperature of the water in the sea does not fall below 27 °, and in the air up to 30 °.

Fantastic beauty of nature, the azure ocean, white fine sand that does not burn your feet, and the European level of service will turn your vacation into heavenly bliss.

On New Year's holidays, colorful fire shows, grandiose processions with incendiary Latin American dances are waiting for you.

Russians remain visa-free.

In the Dominican Republic, you can also relax cheaply, hostel prices from 140 rubles. For cheap hotels from 600 rubles. Lots of expensive and mid-range options.

New Year's tours at sea in the Dominican Republic also do not stand out in price from the middle segment.

India, Goa for New Year

© cblue98 / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Goa is another great option to spend the New Year holidays at sea. The resort occupies 100 km of magnificent beaches on the coast of the Arabian Sea. The average winter temperature here is 30°, in the water 28°.

Young people prefer to celebrate the New Year in North Goa with its noisy parties and dances under the moon. A more respectable public prefers South Goa with clean deserted beaches, luxurious hotels, old Hindu temples, where they can organize a colorful wedding ceremony for you.

It would seem that India is a poor country, and hotel prices start at 600 rubles. In popular hotels, rooms cost from 4000 rubles.

Cambodia for New Year

© strupler / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

The New Year holidays in Cambodia will be relatively inexpensive. The largest part of the cost is the flight. Domestic prices are quite democratic. And wonderful beaches, warm sea, outdoor activities make this option attractive for lovers of the exotic.

Cambodia is another super-cheap country with hostel accommodation from 140 rubles. Prices for popular hotels average 2000 rubles.

Sri Lanka for the New Year

© jeanlouispotier / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

"Blessed Land" is a great way to celebrate the New Year for active travelers. On the coast, despite 28-30 °, the heat is not felt, thanks to the fresh sea breeze. The ocean is 28° and conditions are ideal for surfing and diving.

In addition to traveling around the fabulous island, you can afford to fly to the Maldives for a few days. The price for the flight will pleasantly surprise you.

Night in a hostel in Sri Lanka from 230 rubles. Popular hotels cost in the region of 1500 - 2000 rubles.

Tours for the New Year at sea in Sri Lanka are not at all inexpensive.

UAE for New Year

Seychelles for the New Year

© jmhullot / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

A real earthly paradise on 115 islands, where it is warm on the NG, of which only 30 are inhabited, located in the Indian Ocean. To celebrate the New Year in one of the most beautiful places on earth is an expensive pleasure. But everything is redeemed by the incredible beauty of wildlife, excellent beaches with warm clear water and comfortable weather (29 °).

Rooms in popular hotels from 6,000 rubles, and the cheapest accommodation - from 3,000 rubles.

Intro image source: © jmhullot / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Where to go for the new year 2020? This year, the vacation will begin on December 28, which falls on Saturday, and will last until January 8, inclusive, and now is the time to think about where to go to spend the New Year holidays! And we are ready to help you by making a selection of 16 regions of Russia, where holidays will turn into something enchanting.

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1. Unique Kola Peninsula, Murmansk

We celebrate the New Year 2020 under the northern lights in Murmansk

We decided to open our TOP-16 rating from the Kola Peninsula (Murmansk region), which is located beyond the Arctic Circle, in the north of the European part of Russia. And now we will tell you why this region deserves such close attention.

The Murmansk region has been gaining great popularity among Russian tourists since the early 2010s. After the release of Zvyagintsev's film "Leviathan", there were many who wanted to visit the filming locations - the coast of the Arctic Ocean. There is the village of Teriberka, which is visited every day by tourists not only from Russia.

Tourists on the rocks of the Arctic Ocean (click on the photo to learn about New Year's tours in Murmansk)

If you are looking for where to spend your winter holidays in Russia, then Murmansk guarantees you big snowdrifts and a real winter atmosphere. You can see the northern lights, meet huskies and reindeer, visit the shores of the Arctic Ocean and much more.

December is considered one of the best months to get to know Murmansk. It is customary to take minus 10 degrees Celsius as the average air temperature. In December, the city is dark almost around the clock, because during this period the polar night begins, and the first ray of sunshine will peek out from behind the clouds only in spring.

Another feature of the holiday in this northern city is the gastronomic variety of seafood. Fish dishes are offered here in almost every cafe and restaurant. You can enjoy the freshest salmon, trout, roach and pike.

On New Year's Eve, most often the townspeople gather at the Five Corners Square. Here you can always ride deer and horses, and near the hotel "Azimut" the main Christmas tree of Murmansk is placed, around which all festive events take place. The New Year's performance will begin an hour and a half after midnight, and the long-awaited fireworks will be its apogee.

Husky sledding (click on the photo to learn about New Year's tours in Murmansk)

If you want to make your holiday in the New Year 2020 in Russia unforgettable, and Murmansk interested you, look at the section. Here you will find a wide selection of excursions throughout the Murmansk region. From the list, you will definitely be able to pick up something unusual and memorable for yourself:

• Hunting for the Northern Lights. Many people come to Murmansk to see the Northern Lights, and the New Year holidays are the best time to enjoy the spectacle of dancing magical heavenly lights.
• Tour to the Arctic Ocean. Often tourists think that its coast is sad because of its emptiness. However, they are wrong, an experienced guide will show you a ship graveyard, a waterfall, filming locations of the famous film Leviathan and much more.
• New Year's trip to the husky and deer kennel.
• Acquaintance with the culture of the indigenous population of the peninsula - the Saami, includes a mandatory meeting with a shaman.
• Travel on snowmobiles to the peaks of the majestic Khibiny mountains.

And this is not a complete list of excursions presented on the site. We are sure that after such a trip you will know exactly where to spend the New Year in Russia. Indeed, in one trip it is simply impossible to see everything that unique Murmansk can offer its guests.

2. Moscow: capital holidays

We celebrate the New Year 2020 in the capital of Russia

Among those who are thinking about where to go for the New Year in Russia, most opt ​​for our capital. Winter holidays in Moscow, of course, can hardly be called a budget option, but believe me, they are worth it. After all, since December the whole city turns into a real New Year's playground, where every day there are all kinds of events for every age, taste and budget, and the streets resemble fabulous caves shining with gems. It is simply impossible to forget such a holiday, and for a long time you will enthusiastically tell all your friends and acquaintances about it, who did not dare to leave home for a holiday for the New Year.

In Russia, there is, perhaps, no second such place as Moscow, where the holiday would be celebrated on such a scale. First of all, the capital pleases with the number of Christmas trees. In 2020, New Year's beauties will be installed in all districts of the city. But, of course, the main Christmas tree of the country is the Kremlin. It is installed on Red Square, where everyone gathers on a festive night. In the list of places where you can have fun celebrating the New Year in Russia, more than half of our compatriots would choose the main square of the country. This year the festival will begin at ten o'clock in the evening, but it is best to come here in advance. Keep in mind that in front of the square you will have to pass several police cordons, through which drinks, food and pyrotechnics are not allowed. And why should she, if exactly at midnight after the chiming clock, which will count the last minutes of the old life, all those present will see a festive fireworks display.

What else can you do while on vacation in the capital? Tourists have plenty to choose from:

• Shoppers will appreciate the colorful New Year's fairs in the Hermitage Garden, Central Department Store, VDNKh and Red Square.
• The kids will be interested in the aquarium. You can choose any of the three located at VDNKh, in Crocus City and the shopping center on Dmitrovka (the cost of an adult ticket on holidays ranges from 1600 rubles, for a child you will have to pay 900 rubles).
• Young theater-goers and their parents will be able to visit the most sensational performances during the holidays. By the way, discounts are often applied to tickets during this period (depending on the production, the price varies from 900 to 3500 rubles).
• You can have fun on the ice rinks, the most frequently visited of them are skating rinks near GUM, in Gorky Park and on Red Square.
• In the Kuzminki forest zone, everyone traditionally rides on dog sleds, and several snow slides will be located there.

If the question “where to go for the New Year in Russia” is asked by adults who dream of spending holidays together or with a cheerful group of friends, then Moscow is ready to give you a lot of nightly entertainment. With the onset of evening, the doors of the most famous clubs (Karaoke Quadrille, City Space), restaurants (Lepim and Varim, Dolcabar, Ugolek) and cafes (Bosco Café, Didu) open.

Therefore, do not even think about where to celebrate the New Year 2020 in Russia, but feel free to purchase tickets to Moscow and get ready for an enchanting holiday.

3. St. Petersburg: a holiday in the northern capital

We celebrate the New Year 2020 in the cultural center of Russia - St. Petersburg

Where to celebrate the New Year in Russia, if not in the city where the tradition of celebrating this holiday once appeared. The northern capital is reputed to be the cultural center of the country and gives the impression of a city dressed in classic and strict clothes. However, during the New Year holidays, Peter radically changes and shows tourists a completely different look, filled with light, fireworks, fun and laughter. Many of those who are thinking about where to relax for the New Year in Russia would like to see St. Petersburg in all its glory.

If in Moscow the main Christmas tree of the country is set up on Red Square, then in St. Petersburg the twenty-five-meter beauty will delight the townspeople on Palace Square. It is here that entertainment events and a magnificent laser show are planned on New Year's Eve. But the festive program does not end there, tourists are waiting for:

• Mass festivities near the Christmas trees near Gostiny Dvor and on Malaya Konyushennaya Street until four in the morning;
• Performances with the participation of Father Frost and the Snow Maiden in all districts of the city;
• New Year's fireworks, scheduled for three in the morning in the Neva (it is best to watch it from the side of the Peter and Paul Fortress).

On the first of January with a child, you can visit the numerous theaters of the city (the most popular production is “Once Upon a New Year's Eve”). However, keep in mind that ticket prices during the winter holidays will be three or even four times higher than usual.

The main feature of St. Petersburg in January is windy weather. Usually the air temperature does not drop below ten degrees Celsius, but strong winds and high humidity often make walking in the fresh air extremely unpleasant. However, if this does not scare you, then be sure to go to Peterhof, Tsarskoye Selo or Pavlovsk. Of course, all fountains, as well as sculptures, will be boarded up and hidden from the eyes of visitors, but photos taken against the backdrop of snow-covered palaces and gardens look even more unusual and fantastic than in summer.

Those for whom a holiday in the New Year 2020 in Russia is a festive program in a luxurious restaurant should take care of booking seats in the summer. For example, the Asteria Hotel offers its guests an unforgettable night in a restaurant overlooking the embankment (the average check per person does not exceed 6,000 rubles). Among the traditional New Year's dishes, there is also such as a leg of lamb in honey, which is in great demand among guests. You can have a great time in the establishments of the Angleterre and Radisson Sonya hotels.

We believe that of all the places in Russia where you can celebrate the New Year on a royal scale, St. Petersburg is the most suitable.

4. The unexpected capital of Tatarstan: Kazan

We celebrate the New Year 2020 in Tatarstan

Where to spend the New Year in Russia so as to move away from all the usual traditions and customs? Set off for the capital of Tatarstan, and we are sure that after this trip Kazan will become your favorite city, where you will definitely want to return. Here, Russian and Tatar traditions, the culture of both peoples, as well as antiquity and modernity, intersect and mix in the most amazing way. Kazan is famous for its ancient historical monuments, but in addition it surprises with an abundance of the most modern buildings, sports arenas and entertainment centers.

You can have a cheap New Year's holiday in Russia in many places, but only the capital of Tatarstan is ready to provide you with the widest range of positive emotions possible. First of all, tourists are pleased with the weather in the city, usually the winter here is quite comfortable, but frosts down to minus thirty degrees Celsius are not excluded. However, on a festive night, weather forecasters promise citizens and tourists a temperature of at least nine degrees.

Kazan offers to spend the main night of the year in the Millennium Park, where numerous festive events are planned, typical for New Year's festivities.

• Round dances around a fluffy beauty;
• Performances by local pop groups;
• Show with the participation of Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden;
• midnight fireworks;
• Disco and lots of other entertainment.

Not a single child will pass by a huge sparkling ice city built near the Eriyat puppet theater. Here the kids are waiting for winding slopes, figurines and houses where you can spend the whole day. And in case of an injury, you can always contact the medical center, deployed nearby especially for the winter holidays.

If outdoor walks are still not enough for you, then go to the skating rink near the Kazan Arena stadium. More than fifteen thousand square meters of sparkling ice await you in the open air. Nefis is the largest open-air ice arena in Russia (entry with your own skates will cost 50 rubles). In addition to it, you can go skating on Tasma (Gagarin Street) and Rocket (Derbyshki microdistrict).

You can have a great New Year's Eve and the next weekend in a rented cottage outside the city. In Kazan, such recreation centers as Blue, Lebyazhye and Sviyaga are popular. Here tourists are offered the following entertainment:

• skiing and skiing on well-equipped slopes;
• horse rides;
• real Russian bath.

For those who, after all this, still crave new experiences, we can recommend sightseeing in the city. Be sure to take a walk around the Kazan Kremlin, which includes several architectural complexes. This amazing monument is spread over almost one and a half thousand square meters, where, in addition to ancient buildings, museums are also located. Walk along the main metropolitan streets - the Kremlin and Bauman. On holidays they are decorated with multi-colored garlands and small Christmas trees. Numerous retail outlets, cafes and restaurants are also located here.

You can talk endlessly about Tatar cuisine! Therefore, if you want to move away in the New Year from Russian salad, herring under a fur coat and aspic, then Kazan will definitely become your gastronomic favorite. In such establishments as "Tratoria", "Pesto" and "Americano" you will be offered an incredibly wide range of national dishes. Be sure to try horse sausage, elesh - a Tatar pie with chicken, or a gubadia festive pie with a delicious filling of red cottage cheese, rice and raisins. In addition, increased salivation in hungry tourists can be caused by the aromas of kystybay, chak-chak and other delicacies. The main thing during such a tasting is to stop in time, otherwise after the holidays you will have to completely change your wardrobe.

5. Petrozavodsk (Karelia): holidays with the prefix "eco"

We celebrate the New Year 2020 in a real winter fairy tale - Karelia

It is very difficult to describe Karelia in a few words, this region has a simply unique energy, which is felt by everyone who enters the hospitable land of the Karelians. In the list of places where it is quite possible to celebrate the New Year in Russia inexpensively, Karelia is far from the last place. This region offers tourists a special vacation on the territory of numerous reserves, surrounded by sixty thousand lakes and majestic waterfalls. Therefore, here you can successfully combine an active pastime outside the city in an unusual setting with a comfortable stay in the capital of the republic - Petrozavodsk.

Tourists often perceive this city as an attachment to other sights of Karelia, but spending New Year's Eve here can be no less entertaining and interesting than at a camp site or in the mountains. As early as December 14, ten-meter-high fir trees will be installed in large residential areas of the city, but the main beauty of the year, eighteen meters high, will be waiting for the citizens on Kirov Square.

Be sure to dedicate the next day after the holiday to walking around Petrozavodsk. Here you will have something to see:

• Go down to the embankment. On the shores of Lake Onega, tourists can see just a magnificent sight. In addition, along the street there are sculptural compositions donated to the city by different countries of the world. In winter, under a layer of white caps framed by a mountain range, they look quite bizarre.
• Visit the National Museum of the Republic of Karelia and the Marine Museum of the Polar Odyssey Club.
• With the kids, go to the zoo complex and Tatyana Kalinina's Doll House. The talented artist managed to open a real art gallery with three exhibition halls and workshops for the citizens and guests of Petrozavodsk. For children, master classes on creating designer dolls are held here.

Going to Karelia for the New Year, do not spend all your holidays in the city center! After all, outside of Petrozavodsk you will find fabulous spaces and exciting excursion programs. A lot of enthusiasm causes a trip to the Arctic Circle. It includes accommodation at a modern recreation center on the shores of the White Sea, ice fishing, snowmobile and dog riding, visiting an ice town and even getting to know the local Santa Claus - Pakkaine.

Karelia borders on Finland, so you can observe some mixing of cultures here. It is very clearly seen in the residence "Talvi Ukko". So the locals also call Santa Claus. Little guests will be completely delighted with this trip. Tourists visit a deer farm, a dog kennel, ride a sled and even stop for picnics in the winter forest. Here everyone will be shown the principle of operation of the laboratory of nature and will be treated to wickets - mini-pies made from rye flour with various fillings.

For those who care about finding a place where they can celebrate the New Year in Russia right in nature, Karelian travel agents offer accommodation in European-style recreation centers. Popular with tourists are "Shishki", "Alekka", "Lopskiy Bereg" and "Susar". Here you will be offered to celebrate New Year's Eve in a snowy forest and immerse yourself in the fabulous atmosphere of the holiday. You will spend it in the traditions of the local population, get to know the culture of the Karelians, catch and smoke fish yourself and go skiing. Believe me, this is not the whole list of opportunities to have a fun Karelian vacation. Come and see for yourself!

6. Veliky Ustyug: a fairy tale for children and adults

We celebrate the New Year 2020 in the homeland of Santa Claus - in Veliky Ustyug

New Year 2020 will come very soon. Where to relax in Russia on vacation on a grand scale, many people think. Every year it becomes more and more popular to travel to the homeland of Santa Claus - Veliky Ustyug.

For the few in the know, Veliky Ustyug is an ancient city that has managed to preserve the flavor of the medieval Russian North to this day. Therefore, the cultural program of the winter holidays must include:

• Inspection of churches and merchant estates of the 17th-18th centuries. They amaze the imagination with skillful wooden carvings and bizarre architecture. The most popular among tourists is the Cathedral Yard, where there are not only household buildings, but also temple complexes. Its "pearl" is the Assumption Cathedral.
• Visit factories where they make magnificent jewelry from blackened silver, as well as linen and wood. For example, no one ever leaves the building of the Severnaya Chern plant without a purchase.
• A walk through the New Year's fairs, where all the products of local craftsmen are sold, including healing balms and herbal tinctures. Master classes are also held here, where everyone can learn how to bake bread or forge, for example.
• Trips to museums of New Year and Christmas toys, the history of Veliky Ustyug, as well as ancient Russian art. Children, for example, will be delighted with a visit to the New Year's Toy Museum, where exhibits are collected in three rooms, some of which are already seventy years old.

The most popular tourist route on the eve of the New Year and after it is a trip to Santa Claus. Keep in mind that the winter wizard has two residences. One is located right on the territory of the city on Sovetsky Avenue. Here you will be met by fairy-tale characters and will be led through the magical halls, talking about various magical items. Nearby is the Wizard's Fashion House, where children can make toys with their own hands. A little further - in Oktyabrsky Lane - there is the famous Father Frost Post Office. At least four hundred thousand letters from Russian children come here every year, and tourists will have the opportunity to send a message to their loved ones with the personal seal of the magician.

Despite all the sights of the city, most of the tourists tend to get to the country residence of Father Frost, located about ten kilometers from Veliky Ustyug. Here they will find a lot of entertainment:

• Passage along the Trail of fairy tales, accompanied by magical characters;
• contact zoo;
• Glacier with bizarre figurines of frozen water;
• Winter Garden;
• The territory of artisans;
• Meeting with Santa Claus himself.

On the territory of the estate there are about nine hotels made in the Russian style. On New Year's Eve, the main wizard receives guests until four o'clock in the afternoon, and then rests until eleven o'clock in the evening. It is at this time that a three-hour show begins with songs, contests and the same salute. Many people dream of celebrating the New Year 2020 in Russia this way. After the New Year's fairy tale in Veliky Ustyug, you will no longer have the desire to go anywhere else for the New Year!

7. Sochi and Krasnaya Polyana

We celebrate the New Year 2020 in the Olympic heart of Russia - in Sochi

Soon the New Year will come in Russia. Where to go cheap? This question worries many of our compatriots, and they carefully look through numerous sites with offers to spend the main night of the year in various places. Few Russians imagine how interesting it can be during the winter holidays in Sochi. This city is able to please the most fastidious tourist with various excursion offers.

First of all, Sochi, as a venue for celebrating the New Year, attracts those who dream of spending holidays in a warm climate on the sea coast without leaving their country. The resort usually welcomes guests with pleasant weather and lush greenery. Closer to the New Year, the streets take on a festive look framed by illuminations and fluffy fir trees.

This year the city administration has prepared a traditional festive program on the South Pier Square. It will last until two in the morning and will give vacationers a lot of entertainment typical of the New Year.

During the holidays, tourists will have something to do in Sochi. Here is a sample list of activities for the whole family:

• Aquapark Aqualoo. It is located some distance from the city and includes more than 3,000 square meters of slides, pools and attractions. A cozy restaurant is also equipped on the territory of the water park, where you can always have a bite to eat or order a full dinner. Aqualoo operates from ten in the morning to nine in the evening daily.
• "Sochi-Park". This theme park has already ranked first in the list of the best in the country twice. It has an area of ​​twenty-five hectares and can surprise you with twenty modern attractions for any age. The entrance ticket costs in the range from 1200 to 1500 rubles.
• Riviera Park (during all winter holidays, children's shows are held here with the distribution of gifts and round dances around the Christmas tree).
• Dolphinarium. It is located in Sochi Park, but tourists do not always have time to visit it. And it, by the way, is already included in the price of the entrance ticket.
• Oceanarium. Sochi has the largest oceanarium in Russia, where you can even go diving. Twenty-nine aquariums occupy 6,000 square meters. The ticket price does not exceed 600 rubles.
• Arboretum Park. You can come here for a tour or a simple walk. In any case, tourists will be pleased to walk along the alleys planted with unique plants.
• Walk in the Olympic Park. From 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., all facilities built for the 2014 Olympics are waiting for guests of the resort.

During the New Year holidays, theatrical processions, ice shows and concerts of pop stars are organized for city guests.

Should we consider Krasnaya Polyana as a place to celebrate New Year 2020 in Russia? If you just want to experience a modern ski resort and are not a big fan of skiing, then you should not go here on the main night of the year. But for those who cannot imagine their life without skiing, parties and adrenaline, the area of ​​the Rosa Khutor mountain park, where folk festivals take place, will seem like the best place in the world. Tourists are offered sleigh rides, skiing and snowboarding, winter picnics in the mountains and hiking tours. Particularly curious and active tourists can go to the Mountain Garden apiary and taste fragrant Krasnopolyansky honey, visit ancient dolmens and appreciate the surrounding beauty during a helicopter ride.

Of the delicious dishes of local cuisine, tourists are advised to definitely try hominy, matsoni, adjika and churek on New Year's Eve - a national cake stuffed with honey and nuts.

8. Baikal is a legendary place of power

We celebrate the New Year 2020 at the largest lake in the world - on Baikal

The deepest, cleanest and most mysterious lake in the world attracts tourists all year round. In winter, no less travelers come here than in summer. And this is not surprising, because even the ancient shamans who came here to perform rituals considered this lake and its coast to be nothing more than a place of power. Therefore, where to celebrate the New Year in Russia in such a way as to get a boost of energy for the next twelve months, you do not need to think long - go to Baikal.

The most important night of the year is best spent in Listvyanka. Siberian Anapa, as this village is often called, offers accommodation in luxury cottages and small economy class houses. On holidays, Listvyanka is completely transformed. The waters of the lake near the beach are shackled with transparent piercing blue ice, and the entire area around is decorated with garlands and colored ribbons. Folk festivals will take place in 2020 on the beach itself, however, you can spend the night with your family on the territory of the recreation center. For example, "Baikal" will invite you to celebrate the New Year in the style of the Wild West, and the base "Baikal Terema" will delight you with a holiday in the traditional Russian style.

During the holidays, guests of Listvyanka will never be bored, and both budget and wealthy tourists will find activities for themselves:

• Visit to the architectural and ethnographic museum "Taltsy". Here you can see how the indigenous peoples of the Baikal region lived three centuries ago. On holidays, mass festivities are organized on the territory of the museum with slides, herbal tea and taking a snow town.
• A trip to the ski resort on Mount Sobolinaya.
• Helicopter ride.
• Communication with cute seals in the nerpinarium. A seal that lives in fresh water always causes a lot of enthusiasm. Especially when he not only performs a lot of funny tricks, but also draws. For 500 rubles, an interesting performance will unfold before your eyes.
• Diving on a bathyscaphe to the bottom of the great lake. In fact, this dive to almost 2000 meters is virtual, but tourists create a complete illusion of underwater travel.

Avid fishermen will not be able to spend their holidays without a trip to the Small Sea. New Year's Eve here is also full of surprises. For example, the Khadarta camp site offers an enchanting program with fireworks, and Altan will delight you with a retro party. But the next day you can go ice fishing to catch omul, sturgeon, grayling and whitefish. Here you will organize a picnic and help you smoke a fresh catch.

It is worth coming to Arshan for a couple of days to swim in the healing hot springs. Locals call this water "living", because it can cure almost any ailment. In addition to all of the above, tourists can visit the most mysterious and mystical island of Lake Baikal - Olkhon, ride a boat, hovercraft and ride a dog sled.

Arriving at the lake for the holidays, be sure to taste the dishes of the national Buryat cuisine - juicy buuzy, stew with coarsely chopped vegetables and a huge piece of lamb (buhler), as well as an incomparable dried omul.

9. Kaliningrad: New Year in European style

We celebrate the New Year 2020 in a European way - in Kaliningrad

Many of our compatriots dream of going on winter holidays to Europe, but in recent years, such a trip is beyond the reach of most Russians. So they don’t know where to go for the New Year 2020. Russia offers avid tourists a great option to spend a holiday in a European style without leaving it. And this place is the westernmost point of the country - the city of Kaliningrad.

The main place on the festive night is Victory Square, it is here that a huge Christmas tree is set up, which every year pleases the townspeople and tourists with original illumination. In 2020, travelers will have an extensive holiday program.

The weather in Kaliningrad in December is perfect for celebrating the New Year on the street. Usually the air temperature does not fall below six degrees Celsius.

If you are not inspired by the crowds of people against the background of the red tiled roofs of houses, then choose one of the many places in the city for the main night of the city. Kaliningrad is distinguished by the fact that there are a huge number of restaurants, cafes and bars for every taste and budget. The most interesting and popular establishments are Tchaikovsky, Sir Francis Drake, Amsterdam and Parmesan. During the feast, pay tribute to fish dishes, especially smoked eel. Another delicacy is bed bugs, which resemble meatballs in a fragrant sauce.

During your vacation, allow yourself to travel outside the city. You should definitely visit Zelenogradsk and Svetlogorsk to walk along the wide beaches and enjoy their beauties. The Curonian Spit stands apart in this list of natural monuments. It stretches for almost a hundred meters and has no analogues in the world. Here you will see extraordinary dunes and amazingly yellow sand. In Kaliningrad itself, the following places are worthy of the attention of tourists:

• Amber Museum. Many people consider it to be a unique place, because not only products from the “sun stone” are collected here, but the whole history of its extraction is also told. During the winter holidays, the museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm.
• Museum of the World Ocean. Here are collected the most amazing specimens that reveal the history of the development of the ocean and help to understand its inhabitants.
• Cathedral. This place is considered the hallmark of the city. It was erected at the end of the 14th century and it was here that the great E. Kant was once buried.
• Church of the Holy Family. At the moment, the Philharmonic is located here, but the architecture of the Catholic Church and even its decoration have been completely preserved, as they are of great historical value.

Without visiting these attractions, your impressions of a vacation in Kaliningrad will be incomplete.

10. Vladimir: a holiday in Russian traditions

We celebrate the New Year 2020 in Russian traditions - in Vladimir

In recent decades, it is in Vladimir that it has become fashionable to relax on New Year's Eve in Russia. Among our compatriots, there was even a sign saying that the main night of the year spent in the ancient city promises good luck and happiness. The first mention of Vladimir in written sources dates back to the tenth century. Therefore, only here you can combine festive festivities with an exciting study of Russian history.

Since weather forecasters predict a rather warm New Year's Eve for the residents of Vladimir, tourists can count on meeting the holiday together with the townspeople on the main square of the city. The largest Christmas tree is installed on the Cathedral Square and it is here that the midnight fireworks will thunder. The festive program should begin at ten o'clock in the evening. According to a tradition that has been established for a long time, one should not expect that people will go home before four in the morning.

If it is important for you where to celebrate the New Year in Russia in such a way as to enjoy both comfortable conditions and an interesting program, then consider Vladimir restaurants as an option. Many of them are stylized in Russian traditions and are ready to please you with dishes of national cuisine. Many positive reviews are received by Karetny Dvor, Ovens-Lavochki and Tavern Coachman. On New Year's Eve, you will have roast pots, pies and pancakes with various fillings on your tables. And tourists are advised to drink all this with fragrant mead, this drink, prepared according to an original Russian recipe, is very popular on holidays.

Many travelers try to combine folk festivals with a cultural program. Therefore, they are happy to visit the sights of the city and its museums during the holidays:

• Assumption Cathedral with unique and priceless frescoes by Andrei Rublev and Daniil Cherny.
• Dmitrievsky Cathedral. This temple was built only by Russian craftsmen at the end of the 12th century. Throughout the history of its existence, it has experienced periods of plunder and has been completely burned down several times.
• Church of Nikita the Martyr. The temple is considered a unique building, as it looks more like a palace than a religious complex of the thirteenth century.
• An architectural marvel - the Golden Gate. At the beginning of the twelfth century, there were five such structures, and only one gate has survived to this day, symbolizing the power of Russia.
• Vladimir-Suzdal Museum-Reserve. This complex includes several architectural ensembles that deserve the attention of tourists. You can come here on your own or book a group tour.
• Museum complex "Chambers". Both adults and children are welcomed with open arms in Lipki Park. In the halls of the complex there are several different expositions, among which everyone will find something interesting for themselves.

Many tourists will enjoy the New Year at the Krasnaya Gorka ski base. Here you can stay in luxurious hotel rooms or in a budget house. In any case, an enchanting holiday awaits you with sleigh rides, a carnival procession and buffoons.

11. Kostroma: the residence of the granddaughter of Santa Claus

We celebrate the New Year 2020 at the granddaughter of Santa Claus - in Kostroma

When you are thinking about where you can celebrate the New Year in Russia with a child in an unusual and inexpensive way, then pay attention to Kostroma. This city, built in the twelfth century, has a truly magical attraction.

The greatest interest during the winter holidays is the Terem of the Snegurochka, standing on the very bank of the Volga. In it, all guests are met by the hostess of Berendeev Park herself, introducing them to her friends and hospitably showing everyone the chambers of her residence. Finally, according to ancient traditions, each tourist is sprinkled with salt for good luck.

The best place to get to know Kostroma better and feel what a real holiday for the New Year in Russia is is Susaninskaya Square. Here the main Christmas tree of the city is set up and festive events are held. Their distinguishing feature is the abundance of mummers and buffoons. Naturally, the New Year will not do without colorful fireworks, which is so pleasant to contemplate while eating hot pancakes with caviar and washing them down with ice-cold vodka, traditional for Russians.

The restaurants of the city are also waiting for tourists and invite them to the festive program on the main night of the year. The most popular establishments in Kostroma are Metelitsa, Slavyansky and Staraya Pier. The choice of dishes in them can amaze any gourmet and connoisseur of Russian cuisine: homemade meat delicacies, pies, pies, rich fragrant cabbage soup and pickles. Among alcoholic drinks in Kostroma, we recommend trying local mash or live beer brewed according to exclusive recipes in private breweries, of which there are a lot in the city.

After a stormy night, tourists will be pleased to walk along the snow-covered streets to the monument to Ivan Susanin and the old fire tower. The tower building was erected in the first quarter of the 19th century and is considered the most popular attraction, which now houses the firefighting museum. It will be interesting for tourists to go on an excursion to the Ipatiev Monastery, where at the beginning of the seventeenth century the first representative of the Romanov family was elected king, or to purchase tickets to the Kostroma State Drama Theater. Ostrovsky.

If you go to Kostroma, you will get not only the opportunity to have a fun holiday, but also to communicate with nature. During the winter holidays, everyone is hospitably greeted by the Sumarokovskaya moose farm. You need to come here from ten in the morning to two in the afternoon. Later you won't be able to see the moose as they go for a walk in the forest. Experienced tourists advise you to definitely try moose milk and buy a short film about the life of these animals, filmed on a farm. Also, trips through the snow-covered forest on a husky-drawn sleigh will be remembered for a long time.

12. Elbrus region: a New Year's gift for extreme sportsmen

We celebrate the New Year 2020 at the foot of the Elbrus region

How often do we take risks in everyday life? I'm sure it's extremely rare. Therefore, when you think about where to spend the New Year 2020 in Russia, then change all your usual schemes and give yourself a real winter adventure in the Elbrus region.

The tourism industry in the Elbrus region is very well developed. Local slopes are ideal for skiing beginners and professionals, and the organization of holidays in hotels is at the highest level. Therefore, every extreme without hesitation, even in the middle of the night, will answer the question “where to spend the New Year in Russia with a “spark””.

Winter mountains are always freedom, an excess of emotions, adrenaline and a fairy tale. Keep in mind that all hotels in the Elbrus region are located far from each other. This prevents vacationers from easily moving from one place to another. Therefore, carefully choose a recreation center for yourself, because it is here that you will have to spend the whole New Year's Eve.

The main skiing areas are located in the Baskan Valley and Cheget. The tracks are divided into colors according to difficulty: the easiest ones are green and blue, the professional ones are black and red. It's nice to ride any of them on a winter morning so that the wind whistles in your ears, and the blood beats in your temples!

If you are not a fan of skiing, but you still chose the Elbrus region as a place to celebrate the New Year in Russia, then there is also an interesting excursion program for you:

• Acquaintance with the gorges of Kabardino-Balkaria with a mandatory visit to the Narzan valley at an altitude of more than a thousand meters above sea level (the most interesting for tourists are the Baskan Gorge and Aushegir).
• Bathing in thermal springs. Most of the tourists come to Aushegir, where there is a lake with healing water. The source itself is located at a depth of four thousand meters and is able to cure skin, neurological and other diseases.
• Trekking to the blue lake Tserikkel. Until now, scientists have been studying this reservoir and cannot reveal all its secrets. Surprisingly, the lake has a high content of hydrogen sulfide and one level of water all year round, although it is not fed from any sources.
• Tour to the frozen waterfalls. Anyone who has not seen the Chegem waterfalls cannot claim that he got acquainted with the Elbrus region. They are especially amazing in winter, when they are shackled by transparent ice.

And after walking in the fresh air, you will definitely have an appetite and then delicious Kabardian cuisine will come to your aid. In the homes of local residents, you will be treated to delicious homemade bread, which is put on the table with homemade butter, cheese and a spicy sauce called "brine". In the restaurant, order national sausages and dried meat for the whole company, the listed dishes go well with khychin. This fragrant pie, filled with finely chopped potatoes and cheese, will be enjoyed by absolutely all guests. And if you're still hungry, try the traditional pancakes for dessert. They have never left anyone indifferent.

13. Yaroslavl: a unique metropolis framed by antiquity

We celebrate the New Year 2020 in the heart of Ancient Russia - in Yaroslavl

Among those places where you can still celebrate the New Year in Russia inexpensively, the cities of the Golden Ring are very popular. They allow tourists to feel the atmosphere of the holiday literally from the first minutes of being in the city. Yaroslavl is a prominent representative of this category, because it is not for nothing that it is called the “pearl of Russia”.

A distinctive feature of the winter holidays in Yaroslavl is their scope. After all, there are even four main New Year's venues in the city! Every year, the administration installs fluffy beauties in four large squares:

• Soviet;
• Youth;
• Red;
• Epiphany.

People can choose absolutely any place to celebrate the New Year and be sure that they will not be bored here. The performance with the participation of Father Frost and the Snow Maiden starts at ten o'clock in the evening, however, keep in mind that it will be impossible for people intoxicated to pass the police cordons on the outskirts of the squares. They simply won't be missed.

Yaroslavl is famous for its restaurants, so choosing the right place to celebrate the holiday is not difficult. Locals advise booking tables at Esquir's. This place always pleases guests with an unusual program, a unique design with a huge aquarium under the bar and luxurious dishes prepared by the chef himself. If you go to Yaroslavl for the holidays, be sure to pay tribute to the Volga The fish dishes here are prepared in such a way that it is impossible to leave the table without overeating! Delight causes ukha according to an old recipe, cold and hot smoked fish, as well as kulebyaka with the most delicate filling. You will remember such a festive table for a very long time.

What to do in Yaroslavl after New Year's Eve? It is best if you manage to combine entertainment, city walks and a cultural program. And here the choice is quite wide:

• Planetarium named after V. Tereshkova. This landmark of the city was opened about seven years ago and is ready to present several educational programs to the attention of tourists. In January, New Year's events are always held here, the approximate cost of a ticket is three hundred rubles.
• Theatrical performances for children and adults (for example, the Millennium Concert and Concert Center invites you to the game program "The Secret of the Magic Bag", the Yaroslavl State Puppet Theater is waiting for kids to see the play "Mrs. Metelitsa").
• Church of Elijah the Prophet (its green onions have become a symbol of the city). The temple was built in the 17th century and has survived to this day almost without the slightest change. The church is distinguished by luxurious and interior decoration, which can be viewed daily, except Sunday.
• Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery. This monastery in the 12th century was the cultural center of the city and owned a large amount of land. And it was also within its walls that archaeologists once found the "Lay of Igor's Campaign".
• Walk along the embankment (there is a beautiful view of the river Kotorosl, which flows into the Volga).

It will also be pleasant to walk along Pervomaisky Boulevard, which is considered the main street of Yaroslavl and decorated for the New Year with special love and invention.

14. Veliky Novgorod: not quite a modern holiday

We celebrate the New Year 2020 in Veliky Novgorod

Where to relax on New Year's Eve in Russia so that memories alone will take your breath away? Are you also asking this question? Then ancient Veliky Novgorod is exactly what you need. It is not without reason that it is respectfully called a "city-museum", because here, in a small area, a huge number of monuments of Ancient Russia have been collected, which several thousand people come to see every year.

In order to have a cheap New Year's holiday in Russia, Veliky Novgorod is the best. Here you will be offered such a variety of holiday excursion programs that your eyes will simply run wide. Here are just the most popular ones:

• A trip to the Museum of Folk Architecture "Vitoslavitsy". During the holidays, an exciting program "Fairytale New Year" is planned here with magical heroes, unusual quests and gifts.
• Tour to the factory of Christmas decorations. Such an excursion is always combined with a painting master class, after which you can take your creation home and every year, hanging it on the Christmas tree, you will remember the merry New Year in Veliky Novgorod.
• Excursion to the Novgorod Kremlin, considered one of the most striking monuments of Russian architecture of the 15th-17th centuries (the world-famous St. Sophia Cathedral with a chamber created by the best German and Russian masters is located on its territory).

If you like noisy parties and want to celebrate a holiday with friends in a luxurious establishment, then check out the Park Inn. In this fashionable hotel on New Year's Eve, two restaurants are waiting for guests - "On the Sun" and "Gallery". Everyone will be pleased with the program and three options for refreshments. Among the variety of Novgorod cuisine, guests will definitely like Ilmen-style pike perch, which has been considered a traditional dish of these places since ancient times. Be sure to appreciate the printed honey gingerbread, invented, according to the chronicle, by the people of Novgorod in the ninth century. And it is best to drink treats with kvass, in any institution of the city you will be offered at least forty-three types of this Russian drink. Many recipes for its preparation are already four hundred years old.

15. Vyborg (Leningrad region): revived the Middle Ages

We celebrate the New Year 2020 in Vyborg

As soon as they call this city - “an island of the European Middle Ages”, “a fragment of Sweden”, “the most Western European city in Russia”, but none of the names can convey that very special atmosphere and charm that Vyborg radiates. Founded more than seven centuries ago by Swedish knights, it is a unique fusion of Russian, Swedish and Finnish traditions with Scandinavian flavor, expressed primarily in the architectural style. Therefore, for those who crave new experiences and think about where to go for the New Year in Russia, the answer is always the same - of course, to Vyborg.

The holiday will come to the city on the twenty-third of December, when the New Year's Fair starts on the famous Market Square. The malls will be set up around a luxurious spruce, decorated with illuminations and balls. Until the New Year, entertainment events will take place here every hour, and you can warm yourself up with a mug of hot mulled wine, which is very popular here.

On the main night of the year, Red Square awaits citizens and tourists. Folk festivals with the participation of knights, heroes of Scandinavian legends and Russian fairy tales are organized on this site. This gives the holiday a special flavor, because tourists will not be able to see this anywhere else. At two in the morning, the square will turn into a huge open-air disco, which will last until four in the morning.

In the morning, be sure to go with the children to the Market Square to the ICC "Victoria". There will be a mini amusement park. The kids will be offered carousels, trains and other entertainment. By the way, the traditional New Year's Eve rides on reindeer and horses, which can even give adults a piece of carefree childhood, will not do.

After entertainment, it's time to go through the items on the list of the cultural program, which, by the way, is very unusual in the city. Since Vyborg was founded in the Middle Ages, its main attractions are associated with this period of history:

• Take an excursion to Zamkovy Island, where the Vyborg Castle stands, which became the founder of the city. Its observation tower offers a simply bewitching view of the surroundings.
• Walk to the Old Town Hall. This building was built around the middle of the seventeenth century and was intended to house the government. Throughout its history, the town hall was rebuilt, built on, and even once almost burned down. A museum worked here for a long time, but now this architectural monument has been turned into a residential building.
• See the Church of St. Hyacinth. This building is unique, since already in the fifteenth century a wooden building existed in its place. A little later, a stone monastery school was erected here, and after some time, a Catholic parish was formed in the Knight's House, as it is also called.
• Take a look at the house of the merchant guild of the Holy Spirit (by the way, it is the oldest stone building in Vyborg).
• Be sure to spend time on a trip to the Panzerlaks bastion, which once protected the city from enemies from the Gulf of Finland.

Not far from Vyborg, there is the historical and cultural center "Varangiy Dvor", during the winter holidays it is especially popular with tourists. In the Svargas estate, a real medieval city will come to life before the eyes of the guests, instantly captivating and immersing both children and adults in ancient times. Here you can get acquainted with the Scandinavian culture and even master several ancient crafts, including the manufacture of swords in a weapons workshop.

After all the adventures, it's time to appreciate the local delicacies; in restaurants and cafes of the city, the menu is often intertwined with the history of Vyborg. A typical medieval lunch will consist of custard bread with homemade spiced butter, fragrant chowder in an earthenware pot, and chicken meat topped with seasonal root vegetables. As a dessert, you should try the famous Vyborg pretzel with saffron, cardamom, mint, cloves and other spices. The recipe for this delicacy was invented long ago by the Franciscan monks. Oh, and don't forget the delicious local ale. Leaving Vyborg without trying it would be a real omission!

16. Sakhalin: New Year on the edge of the earth

We celebrate the New Year 2020 on Sakhalin

Where to celebrate the New Year 2020 in Russia for a person who has already seen a lot and is not constrained by funds? As it turned out, this is a rather serious problem that occupies the minds of a certain category of our compatriots. But only Sakhalin can solve it, because a trip to this island in the winter seems to many to be real madness.

Before you go on an adventure, you need to decide where exactly on Sakhalin you plan to go. The fact is that in the very capital of the island - the city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, there is practically nothing remarkable for tourists. Therefore, we recommend celebrating the New Year at the world-famous mountain air ski resort, and visiting the capital for just one day.

The ski resort is located on Mount Bolshevik at an altitude of 260 meters. It is well equipped, although it is considered developing. Fans of mountain skiing from all over Russia come here for the New Year. The complex itself offers guests accommodation in cozy cottages, and on a festive night, tourists will be served a generous Sakhalin table with an abundance of seafood cooked in different ways. The New Year's program is designed for three hours, after which the disco begins. But already in the morning, fourteen slopes will be available to tourists, to which the unique Doppelmayr cable car will deliver skiers very quickly. You can ski on the slopes until the evening, because the tracks are equipped with artificial lighting, which automatically turns on at dusk.

After a couple of days of skiing, you can move to a balneological resort at the foot of Dzhambul Mountain. The most popular sanatorium in this place is Sinegorsk Mineral Waters. During the winter holidays, it provides discounts for family holidays lasting more than three days. Here you can not only improve your health with unique mineral water, but also go on an excursion to the mountains. For tourists, several routes of varying difficulty have been developed.

If you want a change of scenery and get to know the island better, then use the following program:

• Sakhalin State Regional Museum of Local Lore. This place can be safely considered the oldest cultural and educational center of the island. The museum's expositions include more than 200,000 unique items, sometimes opening Sakhalin from the most unexpected side.
• Sakhalin Regional Art Museum. It is noteworthy that here you can see not only permanent exhibitions, but also exhibition works. The first floor of the museum works as a gallery.
• Excursion to ice fishing (it includes not only smelt and navaga fishing, but also a winter picnic).
• Visiting the Tikhaya Bay (the majestic Zhdanko Range is perfectly visible from here).
• Journey to the port city of Korsakovo (during the tour, tourists will see the monument to Japanese paratroopers, Mount Sadness, the Separated Families memorial and many other interesting places).

On the way, tourists will be taken to small local settlements, where it is worth buying boiled crabs, shrimp and red caviar. These delicacies will not only diversify your diet, but will also be a great New Year's gift for friends and family.

The celebration of the beloved New Year with traditional feasts with numerous salads, tangerines and champagne is becoming more and more a thing of the past. You can meet the arrival of the new year much more interesting, turning the holiday into a road trip to places of interest. Autobahns and highways are getting better, and if you properly prepare your car for an intercity run, then the trip will be a real pleasure.

If you have never been to the "constellation" of ancient Russian towns that are part of the historical and architectural pearl of Russia - the Golden Ring, then this New Year's tour will be an amazing discovery for you. Among the forests dressed in snow caps, truly Russian cities are located in different Russian regions, with ancient white-stone churches, monasteries and temples that make up the "golden ring" of Russia. They are especially beautiful against the background of the winter sky, surrounded by a white snow carpet - a real Russian fairy tale, in which it is doubly pleasant to celebrate the New Year.

In which of these cities: Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Yaroslavl, Suzdal, Vladimir or Kostroma - you will not find yourself on New Year's Eve - everywhere you will find a hospitable meeting at the hotel, a luxuriously laid table, a fun entertainment program, dancing until the morning. In Suzdal, you will be captivated by the beauty of the Kremlin, the Pokrovsky Monastery, the Borisoglebskaya Church. In Kostroma, the birthplace of the Snow Maiden, visit her Svetlitsa, the Ice Hall, where you can treat yourself to mead from glasses cast from ice. You will visit Susaninskaya Square, admire the Fire Tower, feel the spirit of Russian history in the Ipatiev Monastery.

Unforgettable impressions will remain from visiting the ancient city of Uglich, Yaroslavl region, if it becomes the object of your voyage. It is worth visiting here, where so much is connected with the history of the country. Everything is provided for travelers here: a generous New Year's table in the hotel restaurant, a show program, competitions, cozy rooms. Local temples and churches (Savior Transfiguration Cathedral, the Church of Tsarevich Dmitry) will amaze you with their incredible beauty and amazing history. New Year's tour by car along the Golden Ring and New Year's Eve in one of its cities will be the most wonderful event in the coming year.

To Santa Claus in Veliky Ustyug

If once Santa Claus was only an episodic New Year's or fairy-tale character, then since the 90s of the last century he has become a very real person living in his own residence, located in a mighty pine forest, 13 km from the glorious Vologda city of Veliky Ustyug. The creators of Father Frost's patrimony arranged everything here in such a way that the surrounding reality turned into a fairy tale, which every child dreams of being in. You will also feel like a child after visiting truly magical places. Fabulously beautiful, carved wooden tower of Moroz, the Throne Room, where New Year's gifts are presented; many other unusual rooms - will enchant your children. Here they will see the long-awaited meeting of Father Frost and his granddaughter Snegurochka.

Traveling along the Trail of fairy tales leading from the tower to the pine forest will give even more emotions from visiting the house of Lesovichka, the Wise Owl, grandmother Aushka, Mikhailo Potapych. You will meet there the Magic Well, and the "12 brothers-months", inviting you to warm yourself by a real fire. The admiration of the kids will be boundless after participating in interesting game programs, attractions, fun sledding of various types and even on the fabulous Emelya stove.

Healing pine air, a breathtakingly interesting walk will bring maximum benefit and positive, previously unexplored emotions. Give your kids this great opportunity! In Veliky Ustyug itself, where there are many ancient architectural masterpieces of Russian northern architecture, there is an official representation of Father Frost, where letters from children from all over the country come. Like any modern person, the "grandfather" has his own website (pochta-dm.ru) - you can also write to it.

To the Snow Maiden in Kostroma

No less exciting will be a visit to the charming companion of Santa Claus on New Year's Eve - the Snow Maiden in Kostroma, where she was settled, probably because it was in this city that the great playwright A. N. Ostrovsky wrote a touching story that became a classic of drama "The Snow Maiden". Also because Kostroma is near the patrimony of Santa Claus, so that the granddaughter does not have to travel far to him. Here, in the vicinity of Kostroma, the famous feature film about the Snow Maiden was filmed. Filming took place in the fake village of Berendeevka, which was later moved to the city, making it the basis of the park of the same name. In it (the park) they built a wonderful wooden house, with carved architraves, with openwork balconies and patterned porches - a real fairy-tale house "it's nice to look."

The house of the Snow Maiden is surrounded by a magical courtyard with a restaurant for guests "Metelitsa", a small belfry, a swing in the form of a Russian spoon, a huge boulder with a famous fairy tale saying, a wooden slide. How picturesque it all looks on a clear frosty day, against the backdrop of sparkling snow, how truly Russian style of buildings touches the soul. The hospitable Hostess will take you through the halls of the tower, tell you how miracles happen, introduce you to the myths and legends about the Snow Maiden, and show you the talented crafts of the Kostroma children. There will be no limit to the general delight in the Ice Room, stunning with its interior made entirely of ice: walls, floor, sculptures, dishes. For warming, children are served fruit juices in ice glasses, adults are served strong drinks in ice glasses.

The “blue-eyed” region, about which the lines about “eyelashes of fir trees” are composed over the “eyes of the lakes”, makes you fall in love at first sight with the unprecedented beauty of nature, the generosity of coniferous forests and countless lakes. A trip to meet the new year in Karelia will be the most romantic and unforgettable. Tea drinking in the Sami tent, meeting with the Karelian brother of Santa Claus - Grandfather Hull, the "school of elves" will give unusual impressions to children and adults.

If you choose Petrozavodsk, you will find an incendiary New Year's party at the hotel, with dancing, live music, and entertaining competitions. The next day, you can go to the Kivach flat waterfall, visit the Karelian Grandfather Hull, the Karelian birch arboretum, and the riding husky nursery. If you wish, you can ride with the breeze on a dog sled or on snowmobiles.

A trip to the "Northern Venice" of Russia on New Year's Eve by car is a truly festive journey. Although not everywhere the M10 highway is in perfect condition, the views on both sides are simply amazing: mixed and coniferous forests under a white cover, just like in Yesenin's poems or in the paintings of Russian painters.

Having settled in a hotel (you can book in advance in a good place with a magnificent view from the windows), having a rest from the road, go for a walk along Nevsky Prospekt, go out to Palace Square. There, together with a crowd of tourists, celebrate the New Year, and then return to the hotel and continue to celebrate. The next day is a fantastic trip to the world-famous places of the “great city of Petrov”. You can go to Gostiny Dvor and book a sightseeing tour there to get to know the main sights of the city more fully. But independent acquaintance with them will bring no less pleasure.

Coming out on the embankment, you will see the legendary Aurora, the Trinity Bridge, the Peter and Paul Fortress on Hare Island, where the changing of the guard takes place at noon. Passing along the Trinity Bridge, you need to throw a coin to the "bunny" installed under the bridge for good luck. Passing the fortress, pass the Field of Mars, visit the Russian Museum and go to Nevsky Prospekt.

If you go along the Palace Embankment, you can walk to the Winter Palace and the Hermitage. The latter should be devoted to the whole day, in order to at least briefly examine its main exhibits. Unforgettable impressions await you from St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Church of the Savior on Blood, the Triumphal Arch, the Alexander Column, the Kazan Cathedral and other magnificent architectural masterpieces. New Year's days spent in St. Petersburg will become emotionally and aesthetically rich, fill you with bright spirituality.

Sochi

Are you tired of winter cold, slush and snow, do you want to celebrate the New Year in an atmosphere of solar warmth among palm trees and other subtropical vegetation? Then meeting the New Year in the heavenly corners of Sochi is the most suitable option. Even if snow falls here at this time, it will only add magical exotic beauty. Today's Sochi is a world-class infrastructure, sports arenas, courts, tracks, ski slopes - everyone will find something to their liking.

High-class hotels, guest houses, boarding houses, hostels for tourists with any possibilities will provide comfortable accommodation and a wonderful New Year's Eve. The whole city and its surroundings will shine with New Year's illumination, blossom with decorated Christmas trees and at midnight will be lit up with a kaleidoscope of rainbow fireworks. In a stunning festive atmosphere, you will spend an unforgettable vacation, swim in warm pools with sea water, attend star concerts, art exhibitions, climb the cable car to the mountains. If you are "on you" with skis, the best ski slopes are at your service. New Year in Sochi is a wonderful time!

The pearl of the Black Sea - Crimea - is another great place for the New Year holidays. And although the unique bridge connecting the peninsula with the mainland is not ready for operation, there will be no problems with traveling by car. In winter, there are no queues for the ferry, and you do not have to languish for a long time waiting for the crossing. In all Crimean cities, they are thoroughly preparing for the New Year: in sanatoriums and hotels they carefully consider how to entertain guests so that the holiday becomes a fairy tale.

Various options are offered, in addition to traditional evenings and balls - you can go to the mountains, find yourself in one of the caves or even under water. But such adrenalin methods are not suitable for everyone. You can limit yourself to participation in folk festivals in the central squares, admire the fireworks, enjoy the night beauty of the southern cities. All the days of your stay in the Crimea are a real charm. By car, you can travel around the unique sights of the legendary peninsula.

In the beautiful Yalta you will see the famous Livadia and Vorontsov Palaces, the uniquely beautiful "Swallow's Nest" on Cape Ai-Todor, the Nikitsky Botanical Garden. In the vicinity of Sevastopol, visit Bakhchisarai, sung in Pushkin's poetry, be impressed by the ancient Chersonese, visit the Inkerman Monastery. Near Sudak, visit the authentic buildings of the Genoese fortress, walk along the picturesque Golitsyn trail. Enchanting landscapes will accompany you on all trips, causing relentless admiration.

A trip to Kazan for the New Year is an opportunity to see the celebration of the change of the year in a Muslim way in one of the most beautiful cities in Russia. It combines modern buildings in the style of Russian Art Nouveau with classical minarets and towers, ancient cultural and historical monuments. Here, Russian Orthodox traditions are intertwined with Muslim customs, so visiting Kazan on New Year's days is a special event.

The central meeting place for the New Year is the Millennium Park, where a luxurious fir tree is set up, a skating rink is arranged, souvenir kiosks are opened, and various contests and competitions are held. New Year's Eve is full of fun: music, dances and songs sound until the morning. In the following days, you can visit the Ice Town, created every year near the puppet theater. Everyone admires the art of sculptors working with ice - they create ice masterpieces.

Children are waiting for skating from ice slides, on skates on the Nefis roller skates at the Kazan Arena stadium and other venues. Acquaintance with the sights of Kazan (Kazan Kremlin, Kul-Sharif, Hermitage-Kazan, Black Lake, etc.) will give new impressions. Booking accommodation before the trip through the Internet service Hotellook.ru is not difficult - there are many recreation centers, country cottages, hotels and hotels.

If Kazan is a combination of Russian and Tatar mentality, then Kaliningrad is a city where Russian people live in a European atmosphere of cleanliness, comfort and well-groomedness. You can feel the atmosphere of European comfort by visiting Kaliningrad, the former German Koenigsberg, where the spirit of Kant hovers in medieval buildings, where German paving stones and a special gloss inherent in European cities have been preserved. You will not be disappointed with the New Year's days spent in this beautiful city, which has many restaurants, cafes, clubs preparing festive programs. You will also like the annual theatrical performance on the square. Victories at the Cathedral, the sincere hospitality of Kaliningraders.

Even just walking around the city will bring a lot of pleasure: wonderful house gardens, lawns, beautiful mansions with red tiled roofs will please the eye. In all city squares, in parks, funny shows are organized, concerts are organized (the mild Baltic climate will not spoil the fun). Vivid impressions will remain from visiting the museums of Amber and the World Ocean, from excursions to the suburbs, where beautiful objects of ancient German architecture have been preserved. You will like the desire of the Russian population to preserve and increase the elements of European luxury, comfortable service and other attributes of civilization.

Holiday houses in the Moscow region

You can have a good rest from the noise of the metropolis and have a great New Year holidays among the wonderful nature of the Moscow region, which inspired all Russian classics to create artistic masterpieces with its beauty. In the most enchanting places of the Moscow region, new rest houses and boarding houses continue to receive guests. Snow-covered mixed and coniferous forests, picturesque rivers, surrounding temples and monasteries create a unique backdrop for the holiday. Enchanting shows, funny animation, sparkling fireworks, various competitions, social balls and luxurious banquets are waiting for you in each institution.