While in most Western countries the main winter holiday is Christmas, in Russia it is New Year's Day that is celebrated on a large scale across the country.
In preparations for the most magical night of the year, Moscow has been turned into a winter wonderland with festive markets and fairs popping up on every corner and New Year decorations sparkling everywhere.
Tverskaya Street decorated for the New Year.
Christmas market on Petrovka Street.
© Sputnik / Alexander Vilf / Go to the mediabankNew Year illumination on the facade of TsUM department store in Moscow.
New Year illumination on the facade of TsUM department store in Moscow.
Young people on Tverskoy Boulevard.
New Year illumination on Tverskoy Boulevard.
© Sputnik / Alexander Vilf / Go to the mediabankPancakes sold on Tverskoy Boulevard. A traditional Russian samovar is seen here.
Pancakes sold on Tverskoy Boulevard. A traditional Russian samovar is seen here.
© Sputnik / Evgeny Biyatov / Go to the mediabankA girl is seen here during a test run of the "Musical Forest" New Year light installation on Pushkinskaya Square, Moscow.
A girl is seen here during a test run of the "Musical Forest" New Year light installation on Pushkinskaya Square, Moscow.
© Sputnik / Evgeny Biyatov / Go to the mediabankA test run of the "Musical Forest" New Year light installation on Pushkinskaya Square, Moscow.
A test run of the "Musical Forest" New Year light installation on Pushkinskaya Square, Moscow.
© Sputnik / Alexey Malgavko / Go to the mediabankChristmas tree vendors at the GUM Fair on Red Square in Moscow.
Christmas tree vendors at the GUM Fair on Red Square in Moscow.
© Sputnik / Alexey Malgavko / Go to the mediabankGirls pose for selfies at the GUM Fair on Red Square in Moscow.
Girls pose for selfies at the GUM Fair on Red Square in Moscow.
The GUM Fair in Red Square, Moscow.
© Sputnik / Vladimir Pesnya / Go to the mediabankGirls taking selfies near the Christmas tree at the GUM-Fair on Red Square in Moscow.
Girls taking selfies near the Christmas tree at the GUM-Fair on Red Square in Moscow.
© Sputnik / Evgeny Biyatov / Go to the mediabankFestive illumination and the Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin.
Festive illumination and the Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin.
© Sputnik / Vladimir Pesnya / Go to the mediabankChristmas tree decorations at the GUM-Fair on Red Square in Moscow.
Christmas tree decorations at the GUM-Fair on Red Square in Moscow.
New Year decorations on Red Square in Moscow.