politics
January 1, 2026
FACTBOX: Cities awarded Russia’s New Year’s capital title
TASS has prepared this factbox on the project dubbed The New Year’s Capital of Russia

TL;DR
- Ryazan launched its festive marathon for the 2026 New Year's Capital of Russia title on December 13, 2025.
- This is Ryazan's second time holding the title, previously in 2020.
- The 'New Year's Capital of Russia' project was launched in 2012 by the Russian Ministry of Culture to promote tourism.
- Cities are selected based on cultural infrastructure, event organization experience, and readiness to host tourists.
- The project's symbol is a snowflake passed from city to city.
- Kazan was the first New Year's Capital in 2013.
- Past New Year's Capitals include Vologda, Vladimir, Sortavala, Tambov, Khanty-Mansiysk, Tula, Ryazan, Kaluga, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Suzdal, and Kirov.
- Kirov was the New Year's Capital for 2025.
- Ryazan's 2026 celebrations will include a main New Year's tree, stage, fairs, art objects, workshops, and a skating rink.
- Around 700 events are planned, including festivals, a sports event with biathlon and cross-country skiing champions, theatrical performances, and street processions.
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