Experience Europe’s Most Beautiful Holiday Light Show
If you’ve ever come across photos of Moscow’s snowy Red Square on Instagram, you know how breathtaking it can be. My first stop in Moscow was, of course, Red Square! Since Orthodox Christmas hadn’t officially arrived yet, visiting during New Year’s meant catching the freshly installed Christmas decorations.
The Christmas trees adorned with twinkling lights and ornaments, alongside enchanting carousels, were simply stunning—every corner exuded a fairytale-like charm. Here’s a pro tip: if you want to avoid crowds and capture dreamy solo photos, find a spot densely decorated with Christmas ornaments. Use the trees as foreground and background to cleverly block out other people and snap your perfect shot!
As the sun sets, the red-brick-and-silver-dome State Historical Museum glows under a warm, orange hue. Against the backdrop of the setting sun, it’s an unmissable sight.
Winter temperatures in Moscow hover around -10°C (14°F), and snowfall is frequent throughout the season. Visiting during the New Year period means you’ll enjoy stunning snowy landscapes, with Moscow’s already photogenic architecture looking even more magical under a blanket of snow—perfect for photography enthusiasts!
Where to Capture Snowy Scenes: Zaryadye Park
Located just steps away from Red Square, Zaryadye Park is the best spot for photos with iconic backdrops like St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin.
Snow Photography Tips in Zaryadye Park:
1. Wardrobe Suggestions: Wear bright-colored clothing to stand out against the predominantly white snow and red buildings. Matching your outfit’s color tones with the surroundings creates a clean, harmonious composition.
2. Composition Tips: Use large architectural landmarks as your backdrop. Both half-body and full-body shots work well—just balance your position relative to the background.
3. Exposure Settings: After a snowfall, the landscape is bright and reflective. When shooting portraits with a wide aperture, adjust your shutter speed and ISO to prevent overexposure and avoid a “washed-out” white effect.
Zaryadye Park is equally beautiful at night, offering dreamy blue-light scenery. From the park, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the illuminated buildings surrounding Red Square, which appear even more majestic after dusk.
Red Square at Night: A Fairy Tale Come to Life
Walking back to Red Square, the nighttime scenery becomes even more magical. During the Christmas and New Year period, the addition of light shows transforms Red Square into a wonderland.
For the ultimate night shots, don’t miss the onion-domed St. Basil’s Cathedral and the grand Christmas tree. These festive landmarks perfectly encapsulate Moscow’s holiday spirit.
The central Christmas tree, adorned with dazzling ornaments and surrounded by elaborate light displays, is the crown jewel of Red Square. Its grandeur even surpasses many German Christmas markets. With this tree as its centerpiece, the entire square is enveloped in a festive and celebratory atmosphere.
More Festivities on Tverskaya Street
After exploring Red Square, make sure to stroll down Tverskaya Street, Moscow’s most luxurious commercial avenue and one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets. The area is filled with lavish opera houses, museums, boutique stores, and vibrant nightlife—perfect for soaking up the city’s opulence.
A Spectacular Start to the New Year
At midnight on January 1, fireworks light up the sky over the Kremlin, marking the New Year with a kaleidoscope of colors that make Moscow’s night sky even more dazzling.
When it comes to Moscow’s nightscape, the Kremlin is a must-see. Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” it was once the residence of Russian tsars and now serves as the President’s office. Its stunning architecture immediately draws the eye, commanding admiration for both its grandeur and beauty.
The Kremlin is a complex of buildings, including fortified walls, bell towers, golden-domed churches, historic towers, and palaces, all perched majestically on the Borovitsky Hill by the Moscow River. These landmarks are perfect for nighttime photography, especially during the blue hour when the fading light accentuates their magnificence.
Why Spend the Holidays in Moscow?
If you’ve missed Christmas celebrations elsewhere, consider spending New Year’s in Moscow. The festive atmosphere, dazzling light displays, and stunning architecture make it an unforgettable experience!