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Novy God (Russian New Year)

Get ready to ring in the Russian New Year with traditional feasts, fireworks, and festivities - Novy God is a celebration you won't want to miss!

Thursday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 14

OBSERVED INRussia

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYCivics

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate Novy God, the Russian New Year, on January 14! This holiday has been celebrated in Russia since the 10th century and is a time for families to come together and honor their traditions. It's a joyous occasion filled with delicious food, colorful decorations, and joyful celebrations that last for several days. The most iconic symbol of Novy God is the "New Year's Tree", which is similar to a Christmas tree but decorated with traditional Russian ornaments. So let's raise our glasses and toast to new beginnings on this festive day!

TIMELINE

Novy God (Russian New Year) Timeline

New Year's Day Change

Czar Peter the Great changed the New Year’s celebration from September 1 to January 14 following the Julian calendar.

Julian to Gregorian Calendar

Communist Russia adopted the Gregorian calendar, moving many holidays including New Year's to be celebrated 13 days later.

New Year's Day to January 1

Influenced by the West, January 1 was established as New Year's Day leaving January 14 as the Old New Year (Novy God).

Introduction of Grandfather Frost

To replace the religious figure of Santa Claus, the secular character of Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) was introduced as a part of the New Year's celebration.

Post-Soviet Era Revival

Following the fall of the Soviet Union, many Russian people began celebrating Novy God as part of a revitalised interest in pre-Soviet traditions.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Novy God (Russian New Year)

Host a Russian feast

Invite friends and family over for a traditional Russian feast to celebrate Novy God. Serve dishes like borsch, pelmeni, and blini to ring in the new year with delicious food.

LEARN

Learn Russian traditions

Take the time to learn about traditional Russian customs and traditions surrounding Novy God. This can include activities like decorating a New Year's tree or participating in a fortune-telling ritual.

WATCH

Watch a Russian movie marathon

Gather some friends and watch popular Russian films to get into the spirit of Novy God. Some suggestions include "The Irony of Fate" or "Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears."

ATTEND

Attend a Russian New Year's party

Check local event listings for Russian New Year's parties in your area. This can be a great way to celebrate with other members of the Russian community and experience the holiday in a traditional setting.

MAKE

Make your own Russian-inspired decorations

Get creative and make your own decorations inspired by Russian culture and traditions. This can include hand-painted nesting dolls, paper snowflakes, or traditional ornaments.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Novy God (Russian New Year)

The food and drinks are delicious

Just like any other holiday, food plays a huge role in Novy God celebrations. Traditional dishes like Olivier salad, borscht, and blini are commonly served alongside champagne or vodka. It's a time to indulge in delicious food and drinks with loved ones!

It's a time for family and loved ones

Novy God is not just about ringing in the new year, it's also about spending quality time with your family and friends. In Russian culture, it is customary to gather together on New Year's Eve for a big feast, exchange gifts and watch the fireworks together.

There are fun traditions and customs

Russian New Year is full of unique traditions and customs that make this holiday so special. From decorating trees with lights and ornaments to placing coins under plates for good luck, there are plenty of fun activities to participate in during this festive time.

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