New Year’s Eve 2026 on Red Square: Access, Tickets, and Festivities

Celebrating the New Year in the heart of the capital is the dream of many Russians. The country’s main square traditionally becomes the epicenter of festive events, bringing together thousands of guests from all over Russia. Planning to ring in 2026 by the Kremlin walls? Here is how to get to Red Square, what to see, and how much it costs.

Access to Red Square on New Year’s Eve

Russia’s main square is closed to free entry from 18:00 on December 31 to 8:00 on January 1. You can get here only with special tickets. This security measure has been in place for several years in a row and will also apply in 2025–2026.

How to get access: two ways

Tickets for the GUM Ice Rink The most reliable way to end up on the square is to buy a ticket for a festive skating session. From 22:00 on December 31 to 02:00 on January 1, the rink hosts about 500 visitors. Tickets sell out very quickly, so you need to book them in advance on the official website. Free invitations Active users of the “Active Citizen” portal with Moscow registration can win a free invitation. Lotteries are held in December among participants who regularly vote on city issues.

Step-by-step guide: getting ready for the celebration

Step 1. Buying tickets

Keep track of when ticket sales open on the official GUM Ice Rink website. Tickets usually go on sale at the end of November. The price for the New Year’s session starts from 10,000 rubles per person.

Step 2. Planning your route

The best option is the metro. On New Year’s night all public transport in Moscow operates free of charge from 20:00 on December 31 to 06:00 on January 1. The nearest stations:

• “Okhotny Ryad”
• “Ploshchad Revolyutsii”
• “Teatralnaya”
• “Aleksandrovsky Sad”

Step 3. Booking accommodation

Guests from other regions are advised to book a hotel at least a month before the holiday. Rooms in the center of Moscow are taken especially quickly, and prices rise in the run-up to New Year’s.

Step 4. The right clothing

The Moscow winter is tricky. Even if the temperature seems mild, several hours outdoors will feel cold. You definitely need:

• Warm outerwear
• Waterproof footwear with a stable sole
• Hat, scarf and gloves
• Thermal underwear for long periods outside

Step 5. Food and drinks

Take a thermos with hot tea and some light snacks. There are food stalls on the square, but the queues will be long. Important: bringing alcohol onto the territory is strictly prohibited.

Step 6. What you must not bring with you

Metal detectors are installed at the entrance. The following are prohibited:

• Any kind of fireworks or pyrotechnics
• Strong alcoholic drinks
• Sharp and cutting objects
• Large-size bags

Festive program

GUM Ice Rink: the heart of the celebration

The legendary rink opens at the end of November and operates all winter until early March. Normal opening hours: from 09:00 to 23:00, sessions last one hour with half-hour breaks for ice resurfacing. Ticket prices (winter season 2025–2026):

• Adult — from 800 rubles
• Child (up to 12 years) — from 300 rubles
• Pensioner — from 300 rubles
• Skate rental — 400 rubles
• New Year’s session — from 10,000 rubles

The first four morning sessions are expected to be free of charge. A modern cooling system makes it possible to skate even at temperatures up to +10°C.

New Year’s market

From the end of November, an atmospheric market unfolds on Red Square between the GUM Ice Rink and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Opening hours: from 10:00 to 23:30 daily. What you can find there:

• Handmade Christmas tree decorations
• Souvenirs and gifts
• Traditional handicraft items
• Warm accessories: hats, mittens, scarves
• Street food: pancakes, doughnuts, trdelniks, sausages
• Hot drinks: mulled wine, sbiten, cocoa

Entrance to the market is free. A large Venetian carousel and other rides are available for children and adults.

Entertainment program

The festive program on the rink starts on December 31 at 22:00 and continues until 02:00. Traditionally, guests can enjoy:

• Performances by popular artists and dance groups
• Appearances by Father Frost and the Snow Maiden
• Fairy-tale characters and life-size mascot costumes
• Contests with prizes and gifts
• A disco after midnight with modern hits

Children’s activities

For young guests, the following are organized:

• Workshops on making New Year’s souvenirs
• Gingerbread cookie decorating
• Creating cards and ornaments
• Photo sessions with favorite cartoon characters
• Round dances around the Christmas tree

Fireworks: important information

Since 2022, the traditional New Year’s fireworks display on Red Square has not been held. However, residents and visitors of the capital can watch fireworks in other districts of the city. The best viewing points are the embankments of the Moskva River and viewing platforms.

Transport on New Year’s night

Metro: operates free of charge from 20:00 on December 31 to 06:00 on January 1. This is the most convenient way to get to the center and back home. Surface transport: buses and trolleybuses run all night free of charge. Parking: on-street parking spaces will be free of charge until January 9 inclusive. On Christmas night (from January 6 to 7) the metro operates until 02:00, and surface transport until 03:00. Around 15 night routes are launched for those attending church services.

Russia’s main Christmas tree

Many people mistakenly believe that the main New Year’s tree stands on Red Square. In fact, an artificial tree is installed there. The real tree — the symbol of the year — stands inside the Kremlin on Cathedral Square. Parameters of the Kremlin Christmas tree 2026:

• Height: 26 meters
• Age: about 100 years
• Origin: Ruza District, Moscow Region
• Span of the lower branches: 11 meters

You can admire the main tree when visiting the Kremlin museums. A ticket for a tour of Cathedral Square costs about 800 rubles. The tree is decorated at the end of November and remains in place until mid-January.

Festive decorations of the capital

When the city is decorated

Preparations begin in mid-October. By early December Red Square is already glowing with lights. The main decorative elements:

• Thousands of light garlands on buildings
• Decorative arches on the main streets
• Illuminated figures and installations
• The numbers “2026” for photo shoots
• Illumination of historic building facades

The most beautiful photo spots

1. GUM — decorated in the style of Dymkovo toys with bright painted figures
2. Nikolskaya Street — fairy-tale fir trees and birches with traditional ornaments
3. Tverskaya Square — a unique 8-meter tree made of miniature Moscow buildings
4. Kammerger Lane — a “gingerbread town” concept with little houses and figures
5. Stoleshnikov Lane — a pastel palette with “marshmallow-like” elements

Practical tips

Is it worth going: opinions of those who’ve been

Visitor reviews are mixed. Some are delighted with the festive atmosphere, the feeling of unity with thousands of people, the colorful decorations and unforgettable emotions. Others complain about the cold, the crowds and the lack of fireworks. Advantages:

• Unique festive atmosphere
• Beautiful decorations
• Rich entertainment program
• The chance to celebrate New Year in a historic place

Disadvantages:

• Large crowds of people
• Cold weather
• High ticket prices
• No traditional fireworks on the square

Alternative ways to celebrate

If you don’t manage to get onto Red Square, there are many other locations in Moscow:

• VDNKh with grand illuminations and an ice rink
• Gorky Park with a new ice skating area
• “Dream Island” with 450 New Year’s trees
• Poklonnaya Hill with a giant light-up sphere
• River cruises on the Moskva River

Frequently asked questions

Can you get onto Red Square without a ticket?

No, from 18:00 on December 31 to 8:00 on January 1 entry is only allowed with ice rink tickets or special invitations.

How much does a ticket for the New Year’s session cost?

From 10,000 rubles per person. The price depends on the chosen package of services.

Will there be fireworks on Red Square?

Most likely not. Since 2022, fireworks have not been launched here. You can see fireworks in other districts of the capital.

How does Red Square operate during the holidays?

From January 2 to 11 the square is open from 10:00 to 23:00. Entry is free, except during special events.

Where can I buy tickets?

On the official GUM Ice Rink website, which starts operating in early December. Tickets are also sold at the rink ticket offices and at terminals at the entrance.

Conclusion

Celebrating the New Year on Red Square is a unique experience that will stay with you for a long time. The main thing is to prepare thoroughly: buy tickets in advance, plan your route, dress for the weather and tune in to a festive mood. Moscow is transformed on New Year’s night, and even if you don’t make it onto the square itself, there are many other magical places in the capital to celebrate. Plan your trip in advance, follow announcements on official websites and don’t put off buying tickets until the last moment. May the New Year 2026 be truly special for you!