Red Square Closed on New Year’s Eve: Schedule and Celebration Alternatives

The Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for Moscow has announced a temporary restriction of access to Red Square on New Year’s Eve. The traditional celebration venue will be closed to visitors; however, the authorities have prepared alternative options for those wishing to welcome the New Year in the city center.

Access restriction schedule for Red Square

According to an official statement from the press service of the Moscow headquarters of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Red Square will be closed from 6:00 PM on December 31, 2025, until 10:00 AM on January 1, 2026. The restrictions are being introduced to ensure safety and public order during mass New Year festivities. The only exception will be the GUM Ice Rink, which will continue operating according to its standard schedule. The ice rink, covering an area of about 3,000 square meters, offers a special New Year’s session from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM for those who want to welcome the holiday on the ice. Tickets for the festive session are available only at the rink’s ticket offices, with prices starting from 12,000 rubles.

Where to celebrate the New Year near the Kremlin

Despite the closure of the country’s main square, Muscovites and visitors to the capital will be able to enjoy the festive atmosphere in the surrounding areas. Central streets of Moscow — Tverskaya, Nikolskaya, Ilyinka, Varvarka, Mokhovaya, and Teatralny Proyezd — will remain open for walks. From there, the chimes can be clearly heard, allowing people to feel part of the country’s main New Year event. New Year fairs will be set up at Revolution Square, Manezhnaya Square, and near the entrance to Red Square. Visitors can enjoy ice rinks, carousels, photo zones, souvenir stalls, and street food. Traditionally, the fairs operate until 10:00–11:00 PM, but the schedule for December 31 is recommended to be уточнять in advance.

The country’s main Christmas tree and other festive locations

The main New Year’s tree of Russia, standing 26 meters tall, has been installed on Cathedral Square in the Kremlin. The century-old tree from the Ruza district is decorated in the “Frosty Patterns” style, using pearlescent shades, 2,500 ornaments, and more than 2 kilometers of garlands. For the first time, glowing snowflakes with diameters of up to 115 centimeters have been used in the decoration. Visits are possible with tickets sold at the ticket offices near Alexander Garden. For those who wish to celebrate outside the city center, city parks are open: Gorky Park, Sokolniki, Izmailovsky Park, Krasnaya Presnya, Khodynka Field, and Hermitage Garden. Entertainment programs, concerts, and sports activities have been prepared there.

Transport accessibility on New Year’s Eve

Getting to the city center is possible via public transport, which will operate free of charge all night. The metro, the Moscow Central Circle, and ground transport will ensure round-the-clock service. Taxis and car sharing will also be available, though possible traffic restrictions in the city center should be taken into account. According to Yandex Go, peak demand for taxis in Moscow is expected from midnight to 1:00 AM, when residents head out for mass celebrations. Increased demand will continue until 5–6 AM, resulting in surge pricing. The VDNH complex will also open its doors to visitors with a festive program, millions of lights, and one of the largest ice rinks in the capital. Entry to the territory is free; tickets are required only for certain performances.