Russian television is gearing up for the New Year holidays, promising viewers a blend of cherished Soviet-era films and high-production holiday entertainment. Following the traditional New Year`s address by President Vladimir Putin, audiences can look forward to spectacular prime-time galas, including the “New Year`s Night on Channel One” and the classic “Goluboy Ogonyok (Blue Light) – 2026” on Rossiya 1.
Across the federal channels, the festive programming heavily relies on beloved cinematic classics, complemented by several premieres and special holiday editions of popular shows.
Programming Highlights by Channel (December 31 – January 2)
Leading up to midnight on December 31st, Channel One will run a marathon of Soviet favorites, such as “Cinderella” (7:25), “Carnival Night” (8:45), and “Kidnapping, Caucasian Style” (10:15). A documentary, “The Nutcracker: Waiting for a Miracle,” premieres at 11:40. The main celebratory event is the “New Year`s Night on Channel One.” On January 1st, viewers will see the premiere of the film “Yolki 11.” The channel will also showcase the golden collection of “Soyuzmultfilm” animated classics, featuring cartoons like “Prostokvashino,” “Well, Just You Wait!,” and “Umka.”
Rossiya 1 will dedicate December 31st to iconic Soviet cinema, including “The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath!” (11:30), “Gentlemen of Fortune” (14:45), and “The Diamond Arm” (16:20). Modern family hits “Cheburashka” (18:00) and “Cheburashka: New Year” (19:50) follow. Before the President’s address, the “Songs from the Heart: Andrey Malakhov’s New Year Show” will air. Post-midnight, the channel hosts the traditional “Goluboy Ogonyok – 2026.”
Family films dominate the subsequent days: January 1st includes “Finist the Brave Falcon” (21:00) and “Serf 2” (23:00). January 2nd features morning Cheburashka episodes and evening blockbusters “The Magic Wishing Fish” (21:00) and “Serf: The Magnificent Century” (23:10).
NTV’s New Year`s Eve starts with the premiere show “New Year`s Housewarming.” At 10:00 PM, TV personality Leonid Kanevsky will host a special broadcast in the style of his “The Investigation Was Conducted…” series, focusing on the channel`s history. January 1st features the “Golden Gramophone” concert (17:00).
TNT offers a satirical lineup on December 31st, showing specials like “Once Upon a Time in Russia” (12:50), “Self-Irony of Fate!” (13:50), “Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Everything” (15:20), and “The Non-Diamond Arm” (17:50). A new take on “Shurik’s Incredible Adventures” premieres at 8:30 PM, culminating in a Comedy Club celebration at 11:00 PM. January 2nd is dedicated to fantasy and fairy tales, including “Baba Yaga Saves New Year” (15:00) and “The Musicians of Bremen” (21:50).
STS will premiere new episodes of the comedy show “Ural Dumplings” on December 31st. January 2nd offers a triple feature of the film “Manya,” while January 4th premieres “Magic Time Machine” (11:00). TV-3 will join the animation trend with a marathon of classic Soyuzmultfilm hits.
Other networks are also providing musical entertainment: Pyatnitsa channel will host the “Super Disco 90s” on New Year`s Eve, Channel Five will air the “Road Radio Stars” show after the presidential address, and REN TV will present the musical marathon “Legends of Retro FM.”
