Popular destinations for New Year's trips are named

Russian destinations remain the main choice of tourists for the New Year holidays of 2026-2027: they account for 73% of hotel and apartment bookings. This is evidenced by the data of the online booking service Ostrovok, which was reviewed on October 9 by Izvestia.

Vologda has become one of the leaders in demand growth: the number of bookings in the city has increased by 42% year on year. The interest in the direction may be related to the fact that this year Vologda received the status of the New Year's capital of Russia.

In Nizhny Novgorod, the demand for accommodation increased by 21%, and in Yaroslavl — by 4%. Overall, the top Russian destinations for the New Year holidays are St. Petersburg, Moscow, Kazan, Kaliningrad, Sochi, Nizhny Novgorod, Vologda, Yaroslavl, Esto-Sadok and Kislovodsk.

The average cost of a booked night in Russian hotels and apartments was 7.9 thousand rubles. Over the year, the figure increased by 4% — in 2025 it amounted to 7.6 thousand rubles.

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Where will they go abroad

Foreign destinations account for 27% of bookings for the New Year holidays. Their share increased by 1 percentage point over the year: in 2025 it was 26%.

Belarus, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Turkey and Abkhazia are among the most sought-after foreign destinations. The average cost of a booked night abroad is 11.7 thousand rubles against 11.6 thousand a year earlier.

In addition to popular destinations, Ostrovok has identified cities that are suitable for short trips for several days.

Kostroma

Kostroma is suitable for a relaxing New Year's holiday with walks through the historical center and festive events. Tourists can visit the Snow Maiden's tower and her residence, the Ipatievsky Monastery and museums, as well as stroll along the Volga embankment.

The main sights of the central part of the city can be viewed in one or two days. The average cost of a booked night in Kostroma hotels and apartments for the New Year holidays is 9.3 thousand rubles.

Vologda

Vologda has received the status of the New Year's capital of Russia this year, so an additional festive program will be held here during the winter holidays. Tourists will be able to walk around the historical center, get acquainted with traditional wooden architecture, attend fairs, exhibitions and workshops.

The program can also be supplemented with visits to museums and temples. The average cost of a booked night in Vologda is 5.7 thousand rubles.

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Tula

A New Year's trip to Tula can be devoted to walking around the Kremlin and the historical center, as well as visiting the Museum of Weapons and the Tula Samovars Museum. Another option would be a trip to Yasnaya Polyana— the Leo Tolstoy Museum estate.

During the holidays, holiday programs, workshops and excursions are organized for tourists. A separate part of the trip may be an introduction to local gastronomy, including Tula gingerbread and Russian cuisine. The average cost of a booked night in hotels and apartments in Tula is 6.3 thousand rubles.

Ryazan

In Ryazan, tourists can spend several days walking around the Ryazan Kremlin, historical streets and museums. For a longer trip, you can go to the Sergei Yesenin Konstantinovo Museum—Reserve, where winter events take place during the holidays.

The average cost of a booked night in hotels and apartments in Ryazan is 5.5 thousand rubles.

Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl is suitable for a busy New Year's weekend with walks around the historical center and the Volga embankment. The festive program can be complemented by a visit to an art museum, theaters or a planetarium.

The average cost of a booked night in hotels and apartments in the city for the New Year holidays is 9.3 thousand rubles.