In Irkutsks Oktyabrsky District, the New Year Gift contest starts on November 24. Children in kindergartens and schools will make souvenirs for veterans, home front workers and honorary citizens. The holiday program will run from December 1 to January 18 and include the opening of the main Christmas tree on Postyshev Boulevard, courtyard celebrations, concerts, and sports events, a mini hockey tournament and Christmas chess competitions. Special attention will be given to children from troubled families and elderly residents, for whom New Year shows and concerts will be prepared.

Starting on November 24, the district contest “New Year’s Gift” will begin in kindergartens and schools. A month later, the children will present gifts made with their own hands to WWII and labor veterans, home-front workers, and honorary citizens living in the Oktyabrsky District.
Festive events in the district will begin on December 1, 2014 and will run until January 18, 2015. The district’s main Christmas tree will traditionally be unveiled on Postyshev Boulevard. The program includes a theatrical performance, prize drawings, contests, quizzes, and a musical program.
New Year’s celebrations for residents, organized by deputies of the Irkutsk City Duma and local self-government activists, will take place in the neighborhoods. Libraries, educational institutions, and cultural centers will be waiting for children with New Year’s surprises and gifts.
Sports enthusiasts will have their own New Year’s celebration — the 14th open mini-hockey tournament among combined teams of collectives and organizations, as well as yard teams from Irkutsk. The competitions will traditionally be held on the rink of the “Yunost” children’s club of Secondary School No. 16. Another sporting event is the Christmas chess tournament among children and teenagers. The competitions are unique in that the youngest chess players, aged 4–5, take part in them.
Special attention in the days leading up to the New Year will be given to children in difficult life situations and those registered with the Juvenile Affairs Commission, as well as large, foster, and low-income families, and elderly people. New Year’s performances and concerts will be held for them at the district’s main cultural venues.
Based on materials from the press service of the Irkutsk city administration.