New Year's Eve in Krasnaya Polyana 2025-2026: A Guide to Festive Events

Nature itself creates the perfect fairytale setting: fluffy snow, a crisp frost, and a variety of hotels and restaurants to suit every taste.

Although the ski season in Sochi doesn't really pick up until mid-December, the festive spirit arrives with the first days of winter. By this time, the slopes of Rosa Khutor, Krasnaya Polyana, and Gazprom are already transformed: they're adorned with sparkling arches, fluffy fir trees, and whimsical installations of snowflakes, shells, and starfish, creating the unique atmosphere of a winter fairytale.

Ring in the new year in an atmosphere of exquisite burlesque and Parisian charm! Brunello Restaurant in Krasnaya Polyana invites you on December 31st to an evening of red velvet, shimmering sequins, and sophisticated choreography. Get your most stunning outfits ready—cocktail dresses, veiled hats, and lace gloves will be the perfect complement to this magical experience. A hypnotic show in the finest traditions of famous cabaret awaits you, where silk and feathers will float in the dim light, and the fiery rhythms of a cover band will highlight the night's unbridled energy.

The evening's culinary highlight will be a dinner by star chef Ilya Zakharov, combining French classics with Pan-Asian influences. An abundance of fresh seafood, gifts from our partners, and a refined atmosphere will make this night a true feast for the senses. Prices for the gala evening start at 45,000 rubles, with prices rising monthly. Guests will be arriving at 9:00 PM. Book your table now for an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration!

Mountain resorts are preparing to create a true winter fairytale, and each has its own recipe for magic. Choose your mood for 2025-2026.

Experience the spirit of true holidays in harmony with nature! Themed installations made from natural materials will create a unique atmosphere of warmth and comfort. The celebration won't be confined to a single square—it will fill all the resort's streets and hotels.

From December 31st to January 12th:

• daily entertainment starting at 10:00 AM;
• main show: costumed performance on the central promenade;</li>
• meet the artists: musicians and characters will be waiting for you at every height;</li>
• entertainment for everyone: contests, quests, winter fun, and a grand concert on the main square.

From an intimate family evening to a wild party, everyone will find the perfect celebration here.

For those who can't imagine a holiday without movement! The Father Frost and Snow Maiden Run starts on December 27th, where each participant will receive a real costume. Run along the Mzymta River embankment dressed as the main wizard – it's unforgettable!

Traditions are also held in high regard:

• Father Frost's Residence at the Radisson Hotel awaits guests throughout the holidays. You can also send a postcard from the winter resort here;
• The central square with a decorated Christmas tree, a Christmas fair, and giant crystals for photos;
• A rich holiday program: cover bands, disco Christmas trees, master classes, and live concerts;
• For show lovers: performances by Russian pop stars at Rosa Hall.

Here, the festivities begin earlier than anyone else—on December 1st, with the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Galaktika Shopping Center. But the crown jewel is the high-altitude Christmas tree at an altitude of 1,389 meters at the Polyana 1389 Hotel, one of the highest in Russia!

From December 29th to January 7th, the resort will explode with events:

• open-air shows: processions of fairytale characters, family discos, and a winter market;
• letter to Santa Claus: personal greetings from the wizard and special mail for your wishes;
• gastronomy and music: theme nights, tastings, and live performances at the hotels;
• main night: Stas Kostyushkin will headline the New Year's gala show at the Grand Hotel Polyana. The evening will continue with illusion shows and exciting DJ sets until the early hours.

Be sure to include iconic sites especially beloved by families on your itinerary. Here you'll find Father Frost's magical mountain residence, fun tubing rides, encounters with friendly huskies and reindeer, and numerous ice rinks and skating rinks. Immerse yourself in history and culture at the interactive museum and expansive architectural complex "My Russia."

Picturesque parks like "Green Glade," "Ice Age," and the fairytale "At Lukomorye" are ideal for leisurely strolls. A promenade along the snow-covered embankment of the Mzymta River will add a special romance and a sense of winter wonderland, where every corner seems made for beautiful photographs and peaceful relaxation.

A ski vacation can be marred by long waits, as kilometer-long queues often form at the lifts during the peak holiday season. As the expert notes, the peak tourist influx traditionally occurs during the New Year's period, with a brief lull observed towards the end of January. From early February, the rush resumes, and the type of vacationer also changes: those celebrating are replaced by experienced skiers. For those looking to avoid the crowds and save money, a visit in March or April is ideal—at this time, prices drop and the slopes are significantly less crowded.

The expert also revealed several secrets for a more comfortable and budget-friendly vacation. To avoid the morning crowds at the lower cable car stations, plan your skiing for the afternoon—after midday, the main flow of tourists has already spread out onto the slopes. Beginners are advised to consider the evening rate: at this time of day, there are fewer people, and the ski slopes retain their quality longer thanks to the cool night air, making training with an instructor or independent skiing especially productive. As for the financial side, it's more economical to rent equipment from rental shops near the resorts, and winter accommodations are cheapest on the coast. You can get to the slopes by shuttle from coastal hotels, car sharing, or public train.

The most convenient way to reach the Rosa Khutor resort is via Adler Airport. A comfortable Lastochka commuter train, which runs daily between Sochi Airport and Rosa Khutor and Adler and Rosa Khutor, will take you directly from the airport or city. The journey takes no more than 45 minutes, and a free shuttle service is available from Rosa Khutor station to your hotel.

For those who prefer bus travel, routes 105, 105e, and 135 run from Sochi and Adler, stopping at key transport hubs. The journey takes between one and a half and two hours. Convenient shuttles are also available: from the Imeretinskaya Lowland in just an hour (roundtrip fare is 400 rubles, or free with a walking ticket), and from Krasnaya Polyana there is a free shuttle to the ski lifts, which stops a 5-7-minute walk from the Olympia and Strela cable cars.