Russian avant-garde skating rink to open on Red Square on 29 November

The opening ceremony of the GUM skating rink and fair will take place on Red Square on 29 November. For the 10th year running, Muscovites are invited to enjoy skating and views of the Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral.

The ice rink will be open until 28 February. The main theme of this year’s rink and fair is Russian avant-garde. Twenty-eight chalets will be decorated in the style of Wasily Kandinsky’s and Marc Chagall’s paintings. For sale will be fir tree ornaments, felt boots, knitted mittens, Matryoska dolls, lacquer boxes, and Orenburg and Pavlovsky Posad kerchiefs, all featuring a thematic design.

Fans of Russian cuisine will be able to taste golden brown pancakes with caviar, tea, mead (a traditional drink made with honey and spices) and hot pies. Those who want to feel the Christmas atmosphere of Europe are welcome to enjoy mulled wine, Vienna waffles and roasted chestnuts.

A surprise awaits ice hockey fans. During weekends, free masterclasses will be given by world ice hockey champion Alexei Yashin. The famous athlete will share his professional secrets and demonstrate his signature moves. Registration on the gum.ru website is required to attend the event.

In the coming winter season, 187 artificial ice skating rinks will be open. The most popular ones will be on the premises of the National Exhibition of Economic Achievements (VDNKh), Gorky Park, Sokolniki Park and Poklonnaya Gora.