New Year’s Eve is worldwide the biggest celebration of the year and each country has its own way to festively celebrate it.

However, New Year’s spent in Armenia is a different experience on so many levels. So, if you’re wondering where to travel this year during these joyful times, let me persuade you into booking that ticket headed to Armenia.

Capital Yerevan

The capital city of Armenia is exceptional! Whenever you visit Yerevan, the experience will definitely exceed your expectations. Imagine that, but with all the streets decorated using the latest Christmas lights and gadgets. Mainly all the museums in the city will be closed during this period, but you can always visit Cascade, Vernissage the flea market and Mother Armenia Monument. Northern Avenue will be designed beautifully and packed with tourists. A few weeks before New Year, they set up the magical Christmas market, where you can go and enjoy the ambiance.  A couple of days before Christmas, everyone gathers around the huge Christmas tree right in the middle of the Republic Square, to see the lighting of the immense tree. And on New Year’s Eve, kids and adults will be spending their night in the city. Many famous Armenian singers will perform special songs for the audience, and fireworks will light the place up as we welcome the New Year.

New Year’s Traditions

Armenians perceive New Year as a second opportunity, as a second chance to avoid mistakes and start new. They will be filled with hope and optimism while welcoming a new chapter of their lives. One of the most distinctive Armenian traditions is the guest-host tradition, where families visit each other during the next week after the New Year, to celebrate and congratulate this happy event with their loved ones. Usually, the visitations are done in chronological order, first parents, then brothers/sisters, then grandparents… and the list goes on for one week. This tradition is also alive with the Armenian diaspora. On December 31, minutes before midnight, Dzmer Pap (Santa Claus) visits every house. Kids and adults all gathered around the Christmas tree swapping gifts warms your heart.

New Year’s Cuisine

Your whole diet system will change during your stay in Armenia, because these people serve the healthiest food but in bulk quantities, and you will definitely overeat! You’ll have to taste from every single dish on the table and trust me, there will be a lot of dishes. The main traditional Armenian foods, that are a must-serve on New Year’s Eve, are Dolma, Ishli Kufta, Stalichni, Ghapama, Harissa. You will feel the genuine Armenian love on your holiday table. However, food should always be accompanied with either wine (local production) or vodka. The ambiance around the dining table is more interesting than the food. Armenians love to make toasts, and they say the sincerest wishes.

Sightseeing  

Of course, when you visit Armenia, a few days will not be enough to grasp all its beauty. Therefore, during the days, several sights are worth seeing and the roads can be accessed without difficulties. You can start with Armenia’s pagan temple, Garni, situated in Kotayk province, around 45 minutes away from the center Yerevan. The temple will be covered with a white blanket, such a beautiful thing to see! Near Garni, there’s Geghard, one of Armenia’s most beautiful medieval monasteries. Armenia is famous for its natural beauty, especially by its largest lake, Lake Sevan, which is lovely during all the seasons. During winter, the lake will be too tranquil and peaceful, such a picturesque thing to see. Your trip won’t be complete without a panoramic view of Mount Ararat on a clear sunny day. So, you should visit Khor Virap, a must-visit monastery, to witness Armenia’s national symbol.  

Fun Activities

On New Year’s Eve, 20Km away from Yerevan, The Pomegranate Blessing Ceremony takes place in Echmiadzin, the oldest church built in Armenia. Pomegranate is one of the national symbols of the country, so the ceremony is worthy to attend as a cultural activity. As a fun and outdoorsy activity, you can go ice skating on the Swan Lake ice-rink in the heart of Yerevan. The rink is open every day from 11:00 till 22:00. If you are a more professional ice skater, Yerevan will also meet your needs. You can head to Karen Demirtchian Sports/Concert Center for an advanced skating experience.  In Kanaker-Zeytun region of Yerevan, there is a fairytale-like winter park where your childhood fantasy about meeting Santa Claus and visiting the North Pole will come true.

New Year in the Mountains

If you prefer spending your holiday period in the quiet, then you should head to the snow-capped mountains. Starting with Armenia’s “Little Switzerland”, Tsaghkatsor is the country’s natural gem. It has it all: from tasty cafes and restaurants, ancient churches, to ski and snowboarding arena. Actually, ski lovers from the nearby countries frequent the slopes of Tsaghkatsor, for it has the best quality service around. Another option would be Jermuk, Armenia’s natural spa, and ski resort. Jermuk has hot springs that are absolutely relaxing during the cold weather. You will also find special New Year offers in the abovementioned regions.

This is a guaranteed fun-cultural-exciting experience for you and your family. And don’t worry about the cold, if you wear proper clothes then you will be ready to go. So, what are you still waiting for?