New Year's Eve in Russia is celebrated on December 31. This is a traditional family holiday, which is celebrated with family and friends. Young people prefer to spend New Year's Eve in clubs and at parties.
The tradition of celebrating the New Year in Russia began in 1700 by decree of Tsar Peter I. In tsarist times, the celebration lasted seven days, and fireworks and rockets were launched in front of the Kremlin. Modern traditions of celebrating the New Year originated in the USSR and include such attributes as the Olivier salad, the Kremlin chimes, Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden.
December 31 is the evening when people sum up the results of the outgoing year, forgive offenses and complete important tasks. At midnight, Russians drink champagne, listen to the president's New Year's address, and make wishes as the chimes strike.
Decorating a Christmas tree is an important part of the holiday. The fir tree is installed on the Cathedral Square of the Kremlin and decorated by a team of designers. Christmas trees are also installed in the houses, which are decorated with balloons, garlands and figures of Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden.
The festive table for the New Year in Russia is full of various dishes, such as Olivier salad, jelly, casseroles, pies and desserts. Tangerines are a must—have attribute of the New Year's table.