A look at how Muscovites celebrate Christmas

World
Europe

Preparations for the New Year and Christmas festivities are in its final stages in Moscow.

For Russia, the New Year comes before Christmas, which falls on January 7 this season. That’s because the Russian Orthodox Church still follows the Julian calendar, which has a 13-day difference with the widely-used Gregorian calendar.

Russia is home to some of the world's harshest winters, so these festivities are giving some color to the snowy white surroundings.

Ice skating in style

Europe’s largest ice skating ring is behind a shiny and glittering sign that says "VDNH." It's a Soviet-era park that has been given new life in modern Russia.

Thousands of Muscovites pay a hefty fee, ranging anywhere between 10 to 15 dollars per person, to enjoy the unique winter experience in beautiful surroundings.

CGTN Photo

While some skaters look like true professionals, others make their first insecure steps on the slippery ice. Falling down is a common sight, and everybody has had their first "steps" on the ice at one time or another.

In spite of the cold and snowy weather, others come to the ring to take selfies or to appreciate the beautiful surroundings.

Time for glass baubles

At Sokolniki Park, hundreds of children come every day to see the marvel of the Christmas tree decorations.

The special decorations are made by one small glass manufacturer, Christmas Tree Decorations Factory. For many at the factory, Christmas doesn't start in the winter, but much earlier, in the month of May.

Factory employee Svetlana Brashnikova told CGTN about the factory's guided excursions. "We talk to the children about the history of New Year’s celebrations, we show them what Santa Claus looks like in different countries, and then we show them how glass decorations are made and painted.”

An expert in making glass baubles, artist Igor Yaroslatsev talks to the children about the transformation from ordinary glass to the beautiful baubles that end up at Sokolniki Park.

CGTN Photo

The kids even get a chance to paint decorations with the help of experienced glass decorators, creating baubles like snowflakes or stars that reflect the holiday spirit.

Life Is sweeter with chocolate

One of Moscow's few fine chocolate manufacturers, "Zlata Rozman" makes chocolate Santa Clauses for the holidays.

According to company employee Masha Galovkina, the chocolate manufacturer holds one of the world’s best kept chocolate secrets: Proof that Russians invented chocolate eggs with children’s toy inside.

CGTN Photo

The "first eggs with toys were made in Russia, city of Moscow in 1908 in Dinga factory. They’ve made eggs like this one, in which a children’s toy is hidden. This is a true historic artifact, it has number on it and in [the] catalog we can find what kind of surprise was hidden inside.”