The traditional Russian New Year tree is called a yolka. In Russian-speaking communities, the decorated evergreen is strongly associated with New Year celebrations and is often presented at children’s parties and public holiday events.
The custom became especially prominent during the Soviet period, when Christmas religious observances were restricted and many winter decorations were redirected toward the secular New Year holiday. The yolka consequently became a central seasonal symbol without being limited to Christmas.
A yolka may be decorated with ornaments, lights, and a star or other topper. It is often linked with Ded Moroz, the Russian gift-bringing figure, and his granddaughter Snegurochka. The word can refer both to the tree and, in some contexts, to a New Year celebration centered on a decorated tree.