The annual Red Square New Year's Eve celebration takes place in Moscow.
Red Square is the historic central square of Moscow, beside the Kremlin and Saint Basil's Cathedral. On New Year's Eve, it has traditionally served as a prominent setting for public festivities, concerts and a midnight countdown, although access and event arrangements can vary by year.
The square's name does not mean that it was named for the color red. The Russian word krasnaya historically meant “beautiful” as well as “red,” and the name originally referred to the square's beauty. Red Square has also hosted military parades, state ceremonies and major public events.
The Kremlin's Spasskaya Tower clock is especially important to the Russian midnight tradition. Its chimes are broadcast nationally and are associated with the moment the new year begins. Red Square is therefore a location, while the clock chimes provide the most recognizable audio signal.