Nizhny Novgorod’s Handmade Christmas Tree Unites Communities in 2025
A unique New Year’s installation, the Nizhny Novgorod Oblast Christmas Tree, was unveiled on December 14, 2025, in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. The project, launched by Governor Gleb Nikitin in late 2023, brought together local communities to create a festive symbol rooted in regional traditions and social entrepreneurship.
The idea began in December 2023 when Governor Nikitin proposed a regional holiday tree to celebrate Nizhny Novgorod’s cultural heritage. Organised by the Nizhny Novgorod Tourism Development Center and tour operator Open World, the initiative involved municipalities, schools, craft studios, and families in designing handmade ornaments.
The Nizhny Novgorod Oblast Christmas Tree now stands as a testament to collective effort and cultural storytelling. Its interactive decorations and community-focused events reflect a growing trend of social entrepreneurship shaping local traditions. The project’s success may inspire similar initiatives in other regions seeking to strengthen cultural ties through shared creativity.