In Irkutsk, they are already preparing for New Year. In Kirov Square, they are assembling the citys main Christmas tree and building an ice town. This year the festive area will be designed in the Legends of Baikal style. Guests will find ice mazes, crystal bridges, figures of Baikal, Angara and Yenisei, as well as three slides. The main tree will open on December 25, with a theatrical show and entertainment for visitors.

There are only a few days left until the New Year. Preparations for the holiday are already in full swing. The city is selling Christmas tree ornaments, and store shelves are filled with gifts. And in Kirov Square, they have begun installing the city’s main Christmas tree and building an ice town.
This iron structure so far only resembles the New Year’s green beauty in outline. But in two days, the workers assure, the tree will be ready. Right now, the electricians are assembling the frame. After installation, the tree will be 25 meters high, with a diameter of 11 meters. When the structure is assembled, all that will remain is to secure the branches to it and decorate it.
Construction of an icy kingdom has begun around the tree. To build it, several dozen tons of ice will be needed. This year, the theme of the New Year’s town is "Legends of Baikal." Guests will be welcomed by the "Olkhon Gates." Here the winds are depicted: Sarma, Barguzin, Kultuk, which toss an omul barrel on the waves. Beyond that is a true fairy tale - ice labyrinths, crystal bridges, figures of Baikal, the Angara, and the Yenisei. Everything is in multicolored illumination. And of course, the favorite New Year’s children’s pastime - slides. There will be three of them in the square.
Kilometers of garlands, hundreds of New Year’s ornaments, dozens of Christmas trees. Irkutsk is taking on an increasingly festive look. In the main shopping squares, stalls with sparklers, serpentine streamers, and tinsel are everywhere. Many enterprises and shops have already decorated their premises and facades. During the New Year holidays, dozens of various events and public festivities will take place in the regional center. But the largest ones, as tradition dictates, will be held in Kirov Square.
To complete all the work in Kirov Square, the builders of the ice town have a little more than two weeks. On December 25, the opening of Irkutsk’s main Christmas tree will take place here. Anyone who wishes will be able not only to ride the slides, but also to attend a theatrical performance dedicated to Baikal.