Winter is Coming: Moscow Prepares for New Year, Christmas Celebrations

Wreaths, Christmas trees and decorations are beginning to appear in Moscow ahead of the upcoming New Year celebrations. The city authorities and private companies stay true to the motto, "The Best Winter City."

1/8

© Sputnik / Evgeny Biyatov

A costumed stilt-walker march was held in the Moscow's Muzeon Park of Arts to celebrate the beginning of winter.

2/8

© Sputnik / Sergey Pyatakov

An ice skating rink will be opened on Red Square in front of the GUM department store.

3/8

© Sputnik / Sergey Pyatakov

The first Christmas trees will be put up in Moscow in early December.

4/8

© Sputnik / Sergey Pyatakov

The iconic GUM department store has already been adorned with Christmas decorations.

5/8

© Sputnik / Sergey Pyatakov

Candies, postcards, tangerines - the GUM department store was decorated in mid-20th century Russian style.

6/8

© Sputnik / Evgeny Biyatov

Visitors of the Muzeon Arts Park celebrating the beginning of winter.

7/8

© Sputnik / Sergey Pyatakov

"We decorated our store retro style this year because GUM, its history essence, is firmly rooted in the 1960s - a period that many of us feel nostalgic about," said the GUM PR service representative.

8/8

© Sputnik / Evgeny Biyatov

About 62 artificial Christmas trees adorned by almost 63,000 decorations will be installed throughout Moscow this winter.