The solemn ceremony of handing over the symbol of the New Year's capital of Russia - 2027 took place in Ryazan (Ryazan was selected as the New Year capital for 2026). The symbol of the New Year's capital of Russia, a snowflake, was handed over to a delegation from Vologda led by mayor of Vologda City Sergey Zhestyannikov.
In December 2025 Vologda received the status of a laureate of the All-Russian competition "Cultural Capital of 2027". This is a special prize of the Ministry of Culture of Russia, which was established to encourage presentations of cities. So, in the year of its 880th anniversary in 2027, Vologda will become the New Year's capital of the country.
It is expected that Vologda will become a magnet for tourists from all over Russia, drawing attention to its traditions, sights and cultural events.
Vologda is to hold the title of New Year’s Capital of Russia for a second time. The city last hosted New Year celebrations in 2014. In 2012, the Russian Ministry of Culture launched the cultural and educational project titled The New Year’s Capital of Russia to promote inbound, domestic and event tourism in the country.