Moscow is beautiful at any time of the year. Each season brings its own unique experience. In winter, it is especially elegant and beautiful thanks to the New Year's decoration, which always pleases with something new. What to see in Moscow in January? The choice is great, and it depends on personal preferences. If the weather is favorable, you should start with walks through the snow-covered streets and parks.
parks
Moscow is a green city with a huge number of parks, long forest parks and small squares. In January, Moscow parks will provide a variety of opportunities for winter entertainment – skiing, skating, sledding. New Year's programs and entertainment for children will continue, you can admire the festive decorations and Christmas trees.
Gorky Park, Sokolniki, Zaryadye, Ostankino, VDNKh, Izmailovsky Park continue New Year's events with Christmas trees, Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden. More space and opportunities for walking in the parks of Moscow and suburban estates – Tsaritsyno, Izmailovo, Kolomenskoye, Lyublino, Kuskovo, Arkhangelskoye.
It is especially interesting to take a walk in winter in special parks – botanical gardens. Almost in the center of Moscow, in Grokholsky Lane, there is a real green oasis – the Pharmaceutical Garden. After breathing in the fresh frosty air, go to the indoor greenhouse to admire exotic plants.
Main Botanical Garden. Tsitsina in the north-east of Moscow, which occupies a much larger area with forest areas, is perfect for a ski trip. There you can see a snow-covered Japanese garden, and there are also greenhouses with heat-loving plants.
rollers
In January, about 1,300 natural ice rinks and almost 200 artificial ice rinks will operate. Tickets for paid skating rinks are sold online. Let's talk about the most popular.
Already at the end of November, one of the largest skating rinks in Moscow began operating at VDNKh. It stretched along the main alley from the Central Pavilion to the Agriculture Pavilion. In the very center of the skating rink, a pedestrian bridge has been erected over the ice area, from which a picturesque panorama opens with the historical pavilions of the exhibition. There is a food court where it is nice to drink hot coffee and refresh yourself.
The Navigator ice rink in Gorky Park is traditionally popular. In the pavilions of the skating rink (“Start”, “Meridian”, “Zenith”, “Azimuth”) you can change clothes, sharpen and rent skates, warm up and have a snack. There is a children's skating rink “Farvater”.
The GUM Skating Rink on Red Square is celebrating its 15th anniversary and is especially colorful. Visitors will be greeted by the heroes of their favorite cartoons – Malysh and Carlson, the cat Matroskin, Cheburashka and Crocodile Gena. Music from your favorite movies will cheer you up.
In December, the skating rink at the Luzhniki Olympic Complex begins its work with ideal ice with an area of 16,000 square meters. Also popular are the skating rinks in the Hermitage Garden, in the Garden. Bauman, JAZZ artificial ice rink in Krasnaya Presnya Park, Rock rink with artificial turf with an area of 1000 sq. in Perovsky Park, Ice Skating Rink in Izmailovsky Park.
Museums
Prefer the classics? Not visiting the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow is about the same as walking past the Louvre in Paris. The Tretyakov Gallery in Lavrushinsky lane has the largest collection of Russian fine art, from ancient icons to modern avant-garde. It is worth at least touching it by choosing a limited number of rooms with paintings by your favorite artists, because no reproduction or online acquaintance can replace the originals, which have a special energy.
The exposition of the New Tretyakov Gallery on Krymsky Val mainly presents works by artists of the 20th-21st centuries, exhibitions are often held. Many people love the State Museum of Fine Arts. Pushkin on Volkhonka, where not only the main exposition is interesting, but also the very popular temporary exhibitions that are often held.
If you have the opportunity to visit the Diamond Fund with rare gems and masterpieces of jewelry art, the unique exposition of the Armory, you should not miss it. It will be interesting and informative to visit the State Historical Museum, the Museum of the History of Moscow in the former food warehouses on Zubovsky Boulevard, the Paleontological Museum.
Those who like to watch the stars will be fascinated by the collection of the Planetarium, someone will want to see the museum-apartments of the great writers and composers who left their mark on the history of the city. In addition to the traditional ones, the city has a sea of original museums – the Museum of Illusions, the Museum of Lubok and Naive Art, the Museum of Calligraphy, the B-396 Submarine Museum and even the Bunker-42 Cold War Museum.
Water parks
A visit to the water park is more associated with summer holidays in hot countries. Enjoying swimming in a pool very similar to the sea and riding water slides with the whole family in snowy January Moscow is an exotic pleasure. There are enough water parks in the city, and they are whole health and entertainment complexes, including bath complexes, spa centers, hairdressers, beauty parlors, fitness centers, cafes, restaurants.
The most popular are “Caribia” with a unique water purification system and a huge selection of slides, bowling and billiards; “Moreon” with a flexible system of tariffs, updated water attractions and excellent play areas for children; water park in the Palace of Water Sports in Luzhniki.
Interesting places
We confine ourselves to a short description of those sights that cannot be missed while in the capital.
the Red Square
The square on the top of the hill near the new brick walls of the Kremlin, erected on the site of the white stone ones, appeared at the end of the 15th century. Ivan III by decree forbade any construction at a distance of a cannon shot from the walls, and the square became a convenient place for trade. At the end of the 16th century, stone two-story shops were built on the square. At this time, they began to call her Krasnaya, i.e. beautiful. The name acquired official status after the decree of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich.
It began to be mentioned in all official documents from 1661. In 1804, the square acquired cobblestones. The current appearance of the square was formed over the centuries, it was changed by the events that took place in the country. In 1990, Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, which means that there should not be any significant changes in the appearance of these historical places.
the Moscow Kremlin
The Kremlin is the main historical and artistic complex of Moscow and the largest fortress in Europe, built on the high Borovitsky hill. The length of the fortress wall with twenty towers is 2235 m, the area of the Kremlin is more than 27 hectares. On the territory of the Kremlin there is Cathedral Square with temples of the 15th-16th centuries – Assumption, Arkhangelsk and Annunciation, as well as the bell tower of Ivan the Great.
The Kremlin museums, the most famous of which are the Armory and the Diamond Fund, contain real treasures. The Grand Kremlin Palace, built in the middle of the 19th century, is the official residence of the President of Russia.
Zaryadye Park
The unique cultural and entertainment project, embodied in the center of Moscow on the site of the dismantled Rossiya Hotel, appealed to both Muscovites and guests of the city. The park opened in September 1917. Here you can stroll through the corners of Russian nature skillfully recreated by landscape designers, and in winter it is especially pleasant to bask under the Glass Bark dome, where heat is maintained, air flows are regulated and heat-loving plants grow.
On an unusual bridge taking off over the Moscow River, excellent panoramic photos are obtained against the backdrop of the Kremlin and Stalin's skyscrapers. And there is also a multifunctional media center, an underground museum, an ice cave, a scientific and educational center and a concert hall with state-of-the-art equipment. You can have a bite to eat or seriously refresh yourself in a restaurant or a gastronomic center that offers dishes of different nations and delicacies for every taste.
Sparrow Hills
A natural reserve in the south-west of the center, a huge forested area, which at one time managed to avoid active development due to the nature of the landscape. Ashes, birches, maples, oaks grow here, and tame squirrels are found. From 1935 to 1999 they were called the Lenin Hills. A great place for winter walks, and if you're lucky with snow, you can go skiing perfectly. For lovers of skiing and snowboarding, slopes and lifts are equipped.
From the observation deck of the Sparrow Hills, where newlyweds like to come for photo shoots, a magnificent panorama of the city opens up. In 1918, a cable car connected the two banks of the Moskva River, and now you can get from Sparrow Hills to Luzhniki by riding over the water in a comfortable eight-seater cabin with media screens, an audio guide, and accessories for skis and bicycles.
VDNH
The Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy is an exhibition complex on an area of 240 hectares in the north-east of Moscow. A popular venue for thematic exhibitions, festivals, celebrations. In January, you will be able to meet with Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden and dance around the Christmas trees, or you can visit the Moskvarium – the center of oceanography and marine biology.
Exhibition pavilions in the Stalinist Empire style, many of which began to collapse and fall into disrepair, especially after their use as retail outlets in the past, have been restored in recent years and acquired their former gloss. The entire territory of the complex has undergone significant reconstruction, fountains, embankments of reservoirs, play and sports areas have been updated. There are many cafes, restaurants, recreation areas on the territory. VDNKh borders Ostankino Park and the Main Botanical Garden and forms a single territorial complex with them.
Gorky Park
Central Park of Culture and Leisure. M. Gorky – the main park of the country, one of the largest and most popular in Moscow. A favorite place for walks, entertainment and recreation. This is a whole complex, including not only the main park area, called the Parterre, but also the Muzeon art park, the romantic Neskuchny Garden, Vorobyovy Gory.
In winter, large ice rinks are traditionally organized in the park. In the 2020-20213 season, 3 ice zones are open – a skating rink for public skating, a children's skating rink and a hockey rink. Tickets are sold online. The rollers are equipped with artificial cooling and must work regardless of the weather. Ice skating is taught, there are rental shops and many cafes with hot snacks and drinks.
Ostankino tower
The television tower in Ostankino is one of the most striking sights of Moscow, giving an opportunity to look at the city from a bird's eye view. It has a tour desk, a concert venue, an interactive multimedia space and a restaurant complex consisting of a coffee house, a cafe and the legendary Seventh Heaven restaurant, opened in 1967. The rotating floors of the restaurant make a complete rotation in 40 minutes, and this allows visitors to admire the full panorama of the city.
Moscow City
The largest business, cultural and architectural center of international importance is located on Presnenskaya embankment. It includes multifunctional complexes for business, leisure and entertainment. The most controversial, expensive, scandalous and at the same time striking project in terms of architecture in recent years. From the embankment of the Moskva River, an interesting view of the complex of towers in a futuristic style opens up, and from the observation deck on the 89th floor of one of them, the Federation Tower, a magnificent view of Moscow.
Park Museum “Ethnomir”
If you feel tired from the metropolis and want to rest and recharge, go to the Ethnomir Park-Museum. Just 90 km from Moscow, on the territory of 140 hectares, the largest ethnographic park in Russia has been created. It consists of “ethnoyards”, a kind of cultural reserves dedicated to different countries. It organizes unique excursions, folklore, educational and cultural programs, master classes on mastering rare crafts.
You can book a room in one of the authentic hotels and stay for a few days, because. You can't see everything in one place. You can live in a hut, yurt, chum, hut, Himalayan and Nepalese houses, and even in an Indian palace. Along with educational programs, Etnomir offers a lot of entertainment, including an amusement park. The restaurants and cafes of the park serve dishes from different nations of the world.
Vacation with children
January is the time of children's winter holidays, which means an opportunity to have fun and usefully spend joint leisure time. Moscow offers a lot for this, and it will not be superfluous to plan your vacation well in order to have time to visit all the desired places. The program should include entertaining and educational activities, walks around the city fabulously decorated for the New Year, visiting New Year's performances, skiing and ice skating.
You can visit museums with children that organize children's exhibitions and are accessible for perception in accordance with the age of the child. It is interesting to visit the Moscow Planetarium, the Museum of Illusions at VDNKh and on the Arbat, the Experimentarium Museum of Entertaining Sciences, the Zoological and Biological Museums.
Children's New Year's holiday cannot do without a bright and interesting performance. In January, the festive shows that began on New Year's Eve will continue. It is worth worrying about tickets in advance so that the child is not left without a New Year's fairy tale. In the Hall of Church Councils of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, festive Christmas performances will be held, combining a fascinating fairy tale plot with enlightening Orthodox traditions.
A unique New Year's musical show with killer whales, dolphins, sea lions and walruses is offered by Moskvarium. Together with marine life, spectators will be entertained by trapeze artists, acrobats, singers, dancers, musicians, synchronized swimmers and figure skaters.
In the art gallery of the People's Artist of the USSR Alexander Shilov in the center of Moscow overlooking the Kremlin and the monument to Prince Vladimir – the Baptist of Russia, New Year's chamber events for children from 3 years old will continue in January in the best traditions of pre-revolutionary Christmas trees. The New Year's musical performance is held in the cozy 19th century Fireplace Hall with velvet ottomans, sparkling toys and a magical atmosphere.
It will be interesting for children to see the Moscow estate of Father Frost, which is located near the Kuzminki metro station. In this magical corner of the forest, children dance around the Christmas tree, make a New Year's gift with their own hands at Vasilisa's master class, take a walk with a guide through the manor houses, drink tea with delicious cheesecakes.
In Moscow parks, you can dedicate yourself to traditional winter fun – sledding, ice skating, snowball fights and snowman making.
Excursions
A good way to learn a lot of new things for yourself and interesting things about Moscow is to go on an excursion – informative, romantic, excursion – quest, individual or group. Experienced guides, who sincerely love their job, will take you not only to the most famous and must-see places, but also to the protected interesting corners of the city.
Historical walk around Moscow from antiquity to the present day
This historical tour of the city center will clearly reveal all the details of the formation of the Russian capital, from the 12th century to the present day.
History of Izmailovo from the 17th century to the 60s of the last century
An interesting walk through the main objects of Izmailovo goes according to the following plan:
Acquaintance with the history of the construction of the All-Union Stadium, the Izmailovskaya metro station, the laying of the beautiful Izmailovsky Park.
A walk along Izmailovsky Prospekt: ”wooden Moscow”, the Izmailovsky menagerie and its dachas, filming on the avenue; the history of the Lilac Garden, the local airfield, the Strokinsky fortification.
The main alley of Izmailovo Park is an acquaintance with the work of the famous Moscow sculptor Merkurov (fragments of interesting memories of E. Neizvestny).
Izmailovsky Island: a living history from the era of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich to the emergence of the Baumanovsky town.
Moscow Kremlin for children. Wonders of a fairytale fortress
The ancient fortress, soul and heart of Moscow – the Kremlin is familiar to everyone from early childhood through drawings and photos. You can see the familiar walls and towers with your own eyes, walk through its squares during the tour, the program of which is designed specifically for children (from 5 to 12 years old). It includes:
The time for an individual excursion is until 16.00. Book the date on the website.
Initiation into Muscovites – Red Square for children
The epigraph to the tour of the main square of Russia can be taken from the song that has become the anthem of Moscow: “I love you, Red Square and the Kremlin chimes!” It is the awakening of patriotic love for the capital in children from 5 to 12 years old that is the goal of the organizers of the tour of Red Square, the 2-hour program of which includes:
A short journey through Red and Manezhnaya squares and the Alexander Garden. A tribute to grateful memory – a moment of silence at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Acquaintance with the main sights – St. Basil's Cathedral, the Monument to Minin and Pozharsky, the Spasskaya Tower, the Kremlin chimes, the Mausoleum of V, I, Lenin, the Execution Ground.
An interesting story about the emergence of Moscow, about the transformations of Red Square, about the history of the emergence of the Alexander Garden near the Kremlin, about the heroic defenders of Russia.
At the end of the tour, the children will take part in the quiz “Young Muscovite”, which helps to consolidate the information received during the walk.
Big walk through little lanes
Probably, many people remember Polenov's famous painting “The Moscow Courtyard”, painted by him in 1878. From the window of his apartment in Trubnikovsky Lane, he saw this courtyard, which captivated him with its sweet simplicity.
An unusually interesting tour aims to show just such houses and courtyards, located just a stone's throw from the bustling center of the capital. Its participants will feel the nostalgic atmosphere of peace and quiet, learn exclusive details about the historical places of ancient Moscow.
The journey through the new “old Moscow” begins at the monument to Cyril and Methodius, from which the route leads to the Ivanovsky Monastery. Next comes Khitrovskaya Square, whose color brings everyone back to past centuries.
In the mysterious depths of the alleys, you can see the chambers of commerce of the 17th century (where you can still buy a unique exclusive): find out how the ancient “refrigerator” worked. There will be an opportunity to visit the location of the filming of Balabanov's film “Brother-2”.
During a fascinating walk (2.5 hours), everyone will feel the contrast between antiquity and modernity, the unaffordable luxury of modern nouveaux riches and the modest poverty of hereditary old-timers Muscovites. Everyone will “carry away” in their soul a piece of the charm of patriarchal Moscow.