New Year in Belarus 2025: what to see in Minsk?

Once in a lifetime, a person had a desire to go to another country or city for the New Year holidays. People want to spend their holidays, celebrate the fabulous time in a different environment, away from household chores, when you don’t need to prepare gifts, a house and a whole table of treats. Some people go to warm countries, replacing frosts and snow with heat, sand and sea.

But there are those who, on the contrary, are looking for magical winter weather to feel the spirit of the holiday with greater force. Sometimes dreams are overwhelmed by worries related to knowledge of the local language, visa, ticket prices, etc. In such cases, a trip may be the solution for the new year in Minsk in 2025.

Weather in Minsk for New Year 2025

Before going on holiday abroad, you should carefully study the weather for the winter holidays. January is considered an excellent, most suitable month for a trip. Belarus on New Year 2025 with a small probability will meet its guests with a cold winter. In the capital, it is comfortable, without frost. The average temperature in the month is around -6 degrees Celsius. Sometimes there are years when the temperature can drop to -15 degrees.

Winter time in Minsk, as in many regions of Russia, can be unpredictable. Therefore, it is important to choose the right clothes for the New Year's weekend, counting on a European or Russian winter. In order to tour to Belarus for new year in 2025 passed successfully, you should have the following things in your wardrobe:

  • Warm sweater;
  • Trousers, jeans;
  • Lightweight sheepskin coat made of natural materials, fitted winter jacket;
  • Thermal underwear, tights, warm socks;
  • Gloves, mittens, hat, scarf;
  • Festive outfit.

How do they celebrate New Year holidays in Belarus?

Preparations for the main annual night begin in December. The capital is decorated with various garlands and New Year trees. Shopping centers are filled with gifts and New Year paraphernalia, and Christmas tree markets open on the streets.

Local residents will celebrate new year 2025 in Belarus according to the accepted local traditions, which are almost no different from Russian ones. Most families adhere to the saying "as you celebrate the New Year, so you will spend it". They have fun in the company of only close relatives and friends. On the festive night, it is customary to wear only the best new outfits, which will become a symbol of future well-being. Some women try to change their outfit several times on the festive night.

The main ritual of Belarusians is to raise a glass of champagne at 12 o'clock at night to the sound of the chimes, making a wish. Just like in Russia, some try to write a wish on a piece of paper, burn it, and put the ashes in a glass. In addition, there is a sign that on a January morning a person should wash himself from a dish where there are gold coins. This ritual should bring prosperity and luck in the coming year.

For the New Year's feast, housewives prepare 12 different dishes, symbolizing each month of the year. The most common treats include popular salads "Olivier", "herring under a fur coat", homemade sausages, cutlets, pickles, pancakes, various fish dishes, as well as the national treat tsibriki. Another New Year's, but exquisite dish is beaver meat, which is served with cranberry sauce and potato pancakes. For dessert, you can find various kissels, hot chocolate, "Leningrad" or "Kiev" cakes.

After the snacks have been eaten and the chimes have rung, younger residents head out with friends to celebrate the night in the main square, clubs, and restaurants. The older generation stays home to watch holiday programs on TV.

Where to Stay for New Year's in Minsk

Recently, Western European countries have been refusing to allow Russians to visit their resorts. As a result, the flow of tourists to Belarus has increased significantly. Various hotels, sanatoriums of Belarus for the new year 2024 are ready to welcome guests from all corners of Russia. The main thing to remember before planning a trip is that prices for hotels and private rentals can increase by 2 times.

Hotels

There are many hotels in Minsk, hotels of different price categories and comfort levels. One of the most popular options is the Europe Hotel, which offers its guests a New Year's banquet. It is located next to the main October Square. The hotel has a sauna, a swimming pool, and a bathhouse. For those wishing to spend more budget holiday in Belarus for new year 2024 a hotel called Minsk will do. It includes both budget double rooms and family rooms. It is located near the central square.

During the holidays, you can stay at the Polonez Hotel. It is located on the opposite side of the river from the square. Unlike other options, you can find the Bolshoi Theater and a beautiful park next to it. All the rooms in the hotel are made in light colors, spacious with new classic furniture. Another suitable option for meeting the winter celebration is the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The place is suitable for those who want to have a chic time. On New Year's Eve, guests are offered a banquet with contests, a host and a music DJ.

Sanatoriums

For family people who want to spend their holidays in Belarus with children, where everything is included, various sanatoriums are perfect. In these institutions, guests not only spend their holidays peacefully, but also have the opportunity to improve their health with the help of preventive procedures included in the price. The most popular sanatoriums for the new year 2025 in Belarus are:

  • Lakeside
  • Bermudia
  • Solar
  • Festival
  • Rudnya

What to see in winter in the capital of Belarus?

During the New Year winter holidays, Minsk is filled with a special fairy-tale atmosphere. Guests have the opportunity to meet New Year 2025 in Belarus with a rich entertainment program. Winter in the capital allows locals and visitors to enjoy the beauty of the city streets. Tourists can independently walk along the numerous streets with architecture of the 16th-18th centuries. Since Belarusians do not have long holidays and go to work on January 2, you should have time to visit the following places during the New Year's Eve and only 1 day:

  • The square next to the Sports Palace, where a Christmas fair is often held;
  • Oktyabrskaya Square – the main Christmas tree of the country is located here. The decoration of the place changes every year;
  • Freedom Square – guests can try delicious popcorn and hot mulled wine;
  • Dana Mall is a shopping center that attracts visitors with its festival featuring plush animals.

What to bring from Minsk?

After holidays in Belarus 2024, when it's time to return home, many tourists have difficulty choosing souvenirs and gifts to take with them. Correctly chosen gifts from Minsk for yourself or loved ones should bring joyful and warm emotions for a long time. The most popular souvenirs that should be purchased not only in winter, but also in other seasons are:

  • Traditional Belarusian embroidered shirt;
  • Products made from medicinal flax;
  • Belarusian chocolate and cranberries in sugar;
  • Locally produced cosmetics;
  • Lingerie and knitwear.