I think almost every city and town decorates itself for the winter holidays — New Year and Christmas. Moscow in this sense is no exception, it sets an example and a high, almost unattainable level for all cities in Russia (and maybe not only) in terms of the number and variety of street decorations.
There is already a lot of light in the city at night in any season: a huge number of buildings, especially in the city center, have beautiful lighting, some luminous decorations and structures. But during the winter holidays, Moscow becomes especially festive and bright.
It doesn't matter what the weather is outside - fog, snow, rain, we always know that even if it was gloomy on the streets during the day because of the weather and clouds, then with the onset of the evening we can go out and walk, enjoying the transformed streets. It is beautiful both on busy streets and in parks, large and small, of which there are a lot in the city.
The main thing is to dress appropriately for a walk. Winter in Moscow is unpredictable, the entire range from near-zero or even slightly above-zero temperatures to -20/-30 degrees Celsius is possible, although the latter, of course, happens less often. But even during the rain, which almost freezes on the fly, and with a piercing wind, you also need to dress warmly, and may be take an umbrella with you :)
In any case, walking in the evenings and nights in such an elegant, festive Moscow is incredibly pleasant. Dozens and even hundreds of festive trees are placed in various places in the city: this is a traditional and one of the most common city decorations. They are installed centrally from the city budget, they are installed by large sponsoring firms for their own money, they, only smaller in size, are placed by small firms, cafes and restaurants near their front entrances. A symbol of New Year and Christmas, what can we do with it:)
But Christmas trees, of course, are not the only city decorations. All kinds of light structures above the streets, on trees, on lampposts, on the ground, on walls, various objects — there are a lot in total, and something new is added every year.
On the squares, animators entertain people, there are scenes where artists perform, clowns walk, happy or sad, amuse children and adults, there are stalls and shops with food and drinks that can be eaten on the streets. This year, of course, there is much less of this — the government is trying to limit the mass gatherings of people.
I have lived in Moscow for about 16 years, and every year I watched how it becomes more beautiful. And I didn't just watch, I even put my own hands on it a little :) For several years I worked as a designer in a company that (one of many) decorated Moscow for various holidays. So I took part in creating the appearance of some of the festive trees and other lighting structures. And when they were placed I also went to photograph them for reporting. How I froze in those days :)
So I also practiced well in photography in the city. And in general, it was at work that I began to get involved in photography. Not to say that all the photos from that period immediately turned out to be very good, but I still like many of them now. And it's always nice to look at the beauty around. So, when the borders are open and the situation in the world is more or less adjusted, come see and walk around festive Moscow — you will not regret it! :)
In the meantime, do you want to walk a little along the streets of Moscow with me? Come on then! There will be photos from different years, and this year is not presented — since I now live not in Moscow itself and do not work for that company for quite some time, I go out to the city with a camera much less often. But I waked a couple of times in the evening this year — and pandemic didn't prevent the city from becoming as elegant as in previous years.
Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill.
Here is the Victory Museum, many memorials and monuments, local entertainment and small cafes and sellers of the street food, several churches, a mosque.
From here you can see the skyscrapers of the Moscow City business center, which is currently built larger and the look is even more beautiful.
We can't do without a tree here :)
And here is how these trees look from the inside :) An unexpected picture, isn't it?
Everyone loves to be photographed in these sphere. One of the best selfie designs :)
Manezhnaya Square. The very center of Moscow, the towers of the Moscow Kremlin are visible, a lot of people, cars, lights — perpetual motion!
View from the Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge to the Skyscraper on the Kotelnicheskaya Embankment. This is one of seven buildings — striking examples of such a trend in architecture as the Stalinist Empire style. There are 7 such high-rises in the city, some, like this building, are residential buildings, some are hotels and administrative buildings.
Moscow Zoo.
One of the buildings, most likely a business center, near the Olympic Sports Complex.
Christmas tree in Perovsky park.
Fili Park. Each park has a Christmas tree, or even more than one :)
Babushkinsky park.
I love to walk along such quiet park alleys, no less than through the forest.
Izmailovsky Park.
Inside the ball is written: Best city of winter. A bit boastful :)
Sokolniki Park.
These light figures are not too difficult to make, but at the same time they are very cute.
Hockey player on the fence of a small ice rink in the park.
Goncharovsky Park. Fairy girls were a great common theme in parks that year :)
Tverskaya Square. Such huge structures have been installed in recent years. It was a bit weird at first, but they're actually pretty.
Well, the beauty of traditional Christmas balls is not to be done anywhere :)
Shopping center Novinsky.
But how much electricity is spent on this illumination ... it's a little scary to think :)
The dome of the Moscow Planetarium in the background.
Pushkin Square. Of course, there is a monument to Pushkin on it.
Tverskaya street. Decorations on pillars in the form of glasses of champagne still stand in some places around the city.
Moscow City Hall building. There are two Christmas trees at once :)
Revolution square.
Here is a very small part of what you can see and where to walk in Moscow. I can't show everything, and I myself probably haven't seen everything yet. I like this city, I hope you enjoyed my little walk too.
It's better to watch the photos in high resolution.
Camera : OLYMPUS E-M5
You can also see my photos in my blog LJ and in my profile on NatGeo
