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It's That Time of Year! Red Square's Christmas Market

This year, the large New Year's tree has been decorated in the style of Russian avant-garde, with baubles inspired by painters such as Marc Chagall and Wassily Kandinsky. Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
On its spire, is a large red star — reminiscent of the Kremlin's red stars nearby. Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
What they call a Christmas tree in the West, serves a dual function for Russians. It is first decorated for the New Year and afterward kept until Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7. Valery Sharifulin / TASS
Owing to the thirteen-day difference between the Gregorian and Julian calendars, Orthodox Christmas takes place on Jan. 7 every year. Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
There is another celebration on Jan. 14 to commemorate the “Old” New Year. This is generally a quieter affair than the first New Year, with families gathering in their homes over large meals. Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
In the Soviet Union Christmas was banned along with other religious holidays. The government did not, however, ban decorating the "yolka," or Christmas tree, an old tradition stretching back to the 17th century. Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency
Today in Moscow old Soviet ornaments are sold alongside new ones. Sergei Fadeichev / TASS
In the weeks leading up to the New Year, expect the number of trees per square meter in Moscow to skyrocket! Alexander Avilov / Moskva News Agency

With around a month to go until the New Year, Moscow has put on its festive attire. 

Among the most popular Christmas markets in the capital is the annual market on Red Square, in front of the GUM department store. Open from Nov. 30 to Feb. 28, it includes 45 kiosks selling Christmas decorations, souvenirs and Russian delicacies. There is also a skating rink, with room for 450 people at once. 

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